Past Governor 2009-10

WOW !!!!! What a year it has been in Rotary!  I can’t believe it is almost over!

I have enjoyed all of my Rotary life, but this 2009/10 Rotary YEAR has topped them all  because of you.  You gave me encouragement, enthusiasm, production, engagement, funding, donations, merriment, lifelong friendships, fellowship, 2 headaches, Food, Spirits (both liquid and Spiritual) but most of all you made this year

My Congratulations and Thank You to all the Clubs, Presidents, Members, District/Zone. Thanks also to the International Team and our valiant leader Rotary International President John Kenny. They had a great vision for us this year. They really made it easy for us to prepare, execute and move Rotary forward in the world.

Our accomplishments this year are too many to list, but you know what they are. Two deserve special mention - we raised over $26,000 for Rotaplast and over $36,000 for Haiti with no dedicated fund raising - just from your donations - donations from Rotarians and your Partners.  We are so proud of both of these accomplishments - be sure to let everyone know.

Now it is time to move forward, keeping this enthusiasm for Rotary going by supporting our incoming District Governor (DG) Karl Diekman.  Karl has been a great District Governor Elect (DGE),  working very hard to assure a smooth transition and keep the Rotary spirit alive.  I am very much looking forward to working with Karl to keep our status as the GREATEST DISTRICT in Rotary.  We will also have great support from our District Governor Nominee (DGN) Dave Dacus (2011/12) and our District Governor Nominee Designate (DGND) Laura Day (2012/13).

Look out Rotary World, this is a powerful group of leaders destined to take us to an even higher level in the coming years.  Make sure you sign up to be at the Recognition and Installation Dinner on July 10, 2010 in Corning to show your support for these great leaders as we celebrate the old and bring in the new.

My words cannot describe what this year has meant to me.  For those who know me well, you will understand when I say a simple Thank You. I know that you all will know and feel the true meaning of it.  My love for each and every one of you and for Rotary will never be forgotten or matched again. Please know that I am here for all of you in the future.

As is custom in the Fire Service, on June 30, 2010 at 23:59:59 I will send out a single ringing of the Rotary bell to signify the end of my shift as your District Governor.  Pop the cork on a bottle of wine and join me in a toast to a Great Rotary Year and a Great Rotary Future!

ROTARY, ROTARY, WE LOVE ROTARY !!!!!