District Governor's Visit
District Governor Rau Visits Putnam Rotary Club
By Ron P. Coderre
The Putnam Rotary Club received District Governor Eileen Rau at its weekly meeting on Tuesday, August 7 at J.D. Cooper’s Restaurant in Putnam.
Rau assumed her position as District Governor of Rotary District 7890 on July 1 and has begun annual visits to each club in the District. A member of the Rotary Club of West Hartford since 1997, Rau has been active on numerous committees in her club and in the District prior to beginning her stint as District Governor.
“I want to carry out the mission of Rotary International and our President Sakuji Tanaka during my year as District Governor. Our motto this year is ‘Peace Through Service’ and I’m encouraging all clubs and members to be more active in volunteering in their communities,” said Rau
Rau, a native of Pittsburgh and a Phi Beta Kappa graduate of the University of Pittsburgh, believes people remember more when they associate things and events with music. Referring to the song Peace Train, she brought out a handmade train engine, her Peace Train, which will accompany her as she travels throughout her District.
Among the items she stressed as her goals for the year were increasing and retaining club membership, continuing the fight to eradicate polio and supporting the Rotary Foundation in its effort in the battle against malaria in underserved countries.
“Through the Rotary Foundation we can do so much to help those countries where malaria is prevalent. Our effort will go a long way in saving lives,” said Rau.
She complimented the Putnam Rotary Club, its President Paul Pikora and members, on the spirit they’ve demonstrated in supporting District and Rotary International projects over the years. Specifically, she mention the work the club has done in purchasing shelter boxes for areas of the world --- such as Haiti and Japan. --- hard hit by natural disasters, “We are so pleased to have District Governor Rau visit our club early on in her term. This will help us in moving forward in concert with other clubs in being part of her team as she works on achieving her goals,” said Putnam Rotary Club President Pikora.
Prior to leaving Mrs. Rau encouraged members to participate in the offerings of Rotary such as the Rotary Leadership Institute and the District Conference, scheduled for April 24 through 26, 2013.
The Putnam Rotary Club has been in existence since 1923. Each year the club provides more than 12 scholarships to high school seniors from the towns of Putnam, Pomfret, Woodstock, Thompson and Eastford. The club also supports numerous area non-profit organizations as well as local food banks. They also work with the District in supporting projects on an international scale.
Download the website sponsorship guide