Now that the 2015-2016 Rotary year is over I wanted to take the opportunity to reflect on the year as a District Governor.
 
When the year first started, I was very nervous primarily because I did not want to let down any Rotarian in our District.  I wanted to be inspirational, be a testament to what Rotary can do for others, encourage Rotarians to be vibrant and engaged in their Clubs.
 

 
 
 I quickly found that fear was not founded, you (All the Rotarians in the District) welcomed Jeani and myself in to your Clubs and made us feel as if we have been lifetime members, THANK YOU!  Then to hear of all the good things you do in the name of Rotary in your communities is mind boggling.  I’m proud and humbled to have been selected to be the leader of such a diverse, good hearted and dedicated group of individuals, THANK YOU!  Those visits will live in the minds of Jeani and myself for the rest of our lives!
 
In being District Governor, you are looked at as the main focus of getting things done and receiving the recognition for the accomplishments of the Clubs and District.  I can tell you that although you try to have an impact, it is the support from the District Team that executes the plan.  That team is led by all the Past District Governors (PDG’s).  These are the Men and Women that have walked the walk and know the trials and tribulations you will face throughout the year.  I know I appreciated their insight and guidance, THANK YOU!  To Rod Brennan my Treasurer and Mike Pope my Secretary, all the Committee Chairs and Assistant Governors, you were the people behind the scenes that got things done without fan fair or an expectation of recognition, you did it because that is what you do, THANK YOU!  To All the Presidents for the Rotary Year 2015 – 2016 “Be a Gift to the World”, that is where the rubber hits the road in having an impact, your efforts changed lives and maybe lives that you do not even know, what a Gift to the World, THANK YOU!  To all the individual Rotarians that made an impact in the world, THANK YOU!  And finally to my WIFE, Jeani, I could not have done it without your support in the good times and more especially in the rough times.  You and I are one and I look forward to being involved in Rotary with you for years to come, THANK YOU!

Now it is time to focus on the upcoming Rotary Year!  I hope that you give DG Mary Ann McDuff the support you have shown Jeani and me and take our Clubs and District to higher levels of involvement in Rotary and more important be a part of “Rotary Serving Humanity”!
THANK YOU!