Greetings, fellow Rotarians, and a very happy new year! Amazingly enough, we are at the halfway mark of our Rotary year. Every year seems to go just a bit faster, but this year really is flying by. We have accomplished so much thus far and we still have a lot to do before the year ends on June 30.
We have accomplished so much January is Vocational Services Month. This is an excellent time to consider doing a classification study in your club to be sure you are representing all areas in your community. And then be sure to invite some prospective members in those areas to come see the great things your club is doing. Each occupation brings something different to the table that enhances our organization. It is also a good time to have club members give a talk on their occupation and how they live the four-way test through their work. January is also the time we start training and preparing for leadership roles for next year. There are opportunities to attend trainings at the district level for new club leaders. It is also a good time to be considering your club leadership for not only next year, but in subsequent years to assure continuity in planning and goals. Just a reminder that our District Conference is being held May 17 and 18 at the De Soto House in Galena. Registration is now open for those rooms. The blocks on the rooms will be lifted the end of March, so be sure to call the De Soto House and get registered at 815-777-0090. Registration will be active in the next month for the actual conference. You will receive a communication about this when that occurs. We are planning a good mix of programs and fun, so you will want to attend. I hope to get around the district in the coming months to revisit some clubs. If you have a function you want me to attend, let me know. If it works in my schedule, I will be there. Meanwhile I wish each of you a productive and peaceful 2019. Let’s keep the momentum going as we continue to Be the Inspiration! In Rotary service, DG Kathy Kwiat-Hess