Posted by DG Sue Bellor on Jul 24, 2017
Dear Fellow Rotarians,
After one month on my journey as your District Governor, and having made several official club visits, I extend a “Thank you” for the warm welcomes, hospitality and your eagerness to work in partnership. I also had fun and laughter along the way too! I am inspired by all the projects and special events unique to each club. Let’s all share these with other clubs and be sure to send to Community Service Chair Mary Zovistoski at: mzovistoski@gmail.com. When you input them under your service tab at Rotary Central, many more clubs will have a chance to learn about your projects and may ask for your mentorship.
While I continue to fill my calendar with my official club visits, I want to remind Rotary Club Presidents to work with their officers and directors to plan for earning The Rotary Citation (containing 3 prioritized areas with goals); it actually is more flexible and attainable.
 
In just a few weeks we will be “Celebrating our Service” at our annual District Conference 2017 chaired by PDG Bonnie Black. Many Rotarians are involved to bring you an inspiring program that reflects our service, our membership, our foundation and our youth. It will be held at the Akwesasne Mohawk Casino Resort in Hogansburg, New York September 29-30 with Grants management October 1st. Register soon at the link on this website. (The first 125 registrants will receive a Limited Edition Theme Keepsake Memento). Thank you for your sponsorship ads and yes, let us know what your club plans to donate for the Silent Auction which supports the Rotary Foundation. You may contact Darcy Sharpe at: lovingpc2000@yahoo.com. You can also see more about the conference at our website; just click the DisCon17 logo on the top right of your screen.
 
I would like to add that while we try to avoid all major holidays for the 3 monotheistic religions in our District when scheduling districtwide events, whether they be celebrations or trainings, we are also constrained by other factors including availability of venue. We realize that this year’s District Conference includes the holiest of days in the Jewish year, and apologize to our Jewish Rotarians for excluding them from any participation at this year’s event.
 
Rotarians are still asking, “Can I still make a commitment and attend our District’s Legacy Million Dollar Dinner in Ottawa on November 4th?” “Yes, of course you can.” Just contact PDG Nabil Oudeh or myself or anyone on our team; or just click the coin on this website page and find out more. Thank you to all current attendees who have made commitments to The Rotary Foundation.
 
District Scholarship Chair Katie Burke is currently organizing a translation committee and seeking more help. In the pursuit to provide translations to French for all that we want to share, we do need some bilinguals to help us. We are a district of more than one language and want to respect this diversity with our French speaking fellow Rotarians and friends. Please contact Katie.
 
PDG Ariane Carriere needs an assistant to chaperone students for the annual Interact Trip to Guatemala. Please step up and help Ariane.
 
Our district is going to need your assistance with the organization and planning for the RYLA (Rotary Youth Leadership Awards) weekend. We thank the members of the Lake Placid Club for their work over several years and they do not plan to continue in this leadership role. If you want to be involved, just contact DGE Martha Weaver, DGND Gerry Lambert or me.
 
 
I want to remind you that District Governor Elect Martha Weaver along with District Governor Nominee/Leadership Training Chair Gerry Lambert and their team are actively planning for President Elect Training Seminar and District Training Assembly, and are open to your input.
 
Before closing this message, our District leadership continues now to seek another governor for 2020-2021; please see the application HERE. Interviews will be conducted October 28th, location to be determined. This new leader will be our District Governor Nominee Designate for 2017-2018 and begin their 3 year rotation into their year as our future district governor. Please consider this very important role to maintain continuity within our district. If you believe your club has this future leader of our district, please encourage them to apply.
 
Kind regards,
Sue Bellor
DG 2017-2018
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