Posted by Sue Bellor, District Governor
Dear Fellow Rotarians,
           
Since this is my last monthly message for 2017-2018, I want to express my deepest appreciation for all that you have done to make my journey memorable in “Making a Difference” through Rotary. When you reached out to shake my hand, or gave me a hug or just smiled and welcomed me at my visit to your club, I remember it fondly. When you called, emailed or chatted with me over the course of the year, I remember it fondly. When you shared with me your special projects, invited me to your special events, or shared your weekly bulletin with me, I remember it fondly. When you translated my message or presentation or materials into French, rode along together to club meetings or events, managed special district meetings and events, assisted me with research and tasks for Rotary International, or offered solicited advice, I remember it fondly.  We are all volunteers and I appreciate your dedication of time, and commitment. I have to also thank you for the fun, the laughter we shared and most important your kindness you showed me in District 7040.  Let the 4-Way Test continue to be our backbone and our best guide in working together for our clubs and for our district; truth, fairness, goodwill and friendship prove and enhance what is beneficial to all of us concerned about Service through Rotary.
There is still time to earn the prestigious Rotary Citation. Presidents please Input your goals at Rotary Club Central and be sure to update your service projects and volunteer hours; these are very important.  Please contact your area governor and / or me for any assistance. To date these clubs have earned it; congratulations to Cornwall Sunrise, D7040 Passport, E-Club Premier, Lake Placid, Massena, Orleans, Saranac Lake, South Nepean, Watertown and West Ottawa. There are also some clubs who are getting much closer, having achieved 3/4 categories and some other clubs who have achieved 2/4 categories. Let’s all earn it!
 
Please register for the following end of year events at our webpage: www.rotary7040.com
The last District Council meeting is Saturday morning June 2, 9:00-12:30.
The International Service Committee meeting is Saturday morning June 9, 9:00-12:00.
The Governors’ Council will meet on the afternoon of the ISC meeting June 9th, 1:00-2:00 pm .
 
DGE Martha Weaver is a member of E-club Premier and our district is planning to have the District Governors’ Changeover online this year at 10:30am – 11:30am on June 16th. The link for this meeting is: https://global.gotomeeting.com/meeting/join/644931421.
 
Are you one of the 30,000 who have registered for the Rotary International Convention in Toronto June 24-27? Go to rotary2018.org to register. This is the chance of a lifetime to attend a Rotary International Convention! It is exhilarating to network with Rotarians from all over the world!
Clubs are reminded to provide the DG with credential certificates and voting cards, if those clubs are not able to send a delegate to the convention. Having as many clubs as possible represented helps Rotary achieve the quorum we need to hold valid officer elections. You can learn more about the role of convention delegates in Article 9 of the Constitution and or Article 10 of the RI Bylaws. See you in Toronto!
 
Do you want to grow your membership in your club? RI has produced and broadcast three marvelous Rotary membership Development webinar programs for ALL Rotarians, clubs and districts. These programs focus on: How to Grow Your Rotary Club’s Membership (24 minutes), How to Quickly Create a Rotary Satellite Club (36 mins.), and Creating a Paradigm Shift for Rotary membership Growth (27 mins.) Recorded videos, PowerPoint slides and transcripts are available on the Rotary Zone 24/32 webpage at http://rotaryzones24-32.org/. Click on the Resources menu and then click Webinars. Additionally, check out this link to access 5 Ways to use the online toolkit: www.rotary.org/engaging-younger-professionals-toolkit.
 
PDG Katie Burke continues to seek and organize Rotarians in the district for help on the translation team, along with the need for a translation team coordinator. Can you provide some Rotary stewardship to help with this very important endeavor? 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 at brkcornwall@gmail.com before May 30th.
 
District Friendship Exchange Chair Fay Campbell is pleased to announce that 5 couples from District 3040 in Bhopal, India will be visiting Ottawa, Kemptville, Lake Placid and Cornwall. Our district will have the opportunity for a return visit between December to February 2019. Contact Fay with any questions: faycampbell21@gmail.com
 
Have you joined a RAG yet? Get involved with a Rotary Action Group which shares your interests. You can engage in meaningful service activities outside your own club or district or country. Check out the directory at: myrotary.org/rotarian-action-groups. You can visit their booths at the Toronto Convention; it is worth the time to stop by and chat.
 
 
“People Coming Together” is the theme of the 2018 Montreal Zone Conference September 20-22 with President – elect Barry Rassin, This event is open to ALL  Rotarians, Past Officers, Incoming Officers, current officers, AG’s, district Rotarians, club Rotarians; Everyone! Go to https://portal.clubrunner.ca/50077/sitepage/2018-montreal-conference/conference-schedule. Register today at www.zoneinstitute.net. The early bird discount ends June 1st. Join the Facebook Group at https://www.facebook.com/RotaryMontreal2018
 
My best wishes to you as we continue to:  Make a Difference in Rotary Service.
 
Kind regards,
Sue Bellor, HonDL, Hon.D.Phil
DG 2017-2018
7040