Dear Rotarians,
I hope that 2024 has started off well for you! Right about now is when I’m told most people drop their New Year’s Resolutions. I must confess that I didn’t make any resolutions this year. Don’t worry, however: my family and friends gave me plenty of resolutions I should focus on!! (Joking…hopefully) Even though it’s February, I decided to adopt a resolution for Rotary. That resolution is to finish what we started with the strategic plan that was written last summer. I still see two goals we need to accomplish. First, we need to advertise for corporate membership. We spent much time changing our by-laws to allow corporate members and creating advertising materials. It’s now time to hit the road! Second, we need to identify several service project themes we want to pursue on an annual basis. I think we’ve got one theme in place: mental health awareness. I’ll be working with the Service Committee to develop more themes. We will build service projects, fundraisers, and guest speakers around the themes we choose.
As the weather turns colder, I often think about travel. As most of you know, I grew up in Florida and am not a fan of winter weather! I want to remind you of the amazing travel opportunities that are available through Rotary. I haven’t heard of a single Rotarian who has regretted traveling with Rotary. Steve, Ginger, and Larry traveled to Denmark, Sweden, and Australia for Friendship Exchanges. Gregg traveled to Tanzania to support Lidia, the student we sponsor at the School of St. Jude. Erich traveled to Romania to support Hope Haven. Finally, many Rotarians over the years (including myself) have traveled to District and International Conventions. Tiffany and I plan to travel to Singapore for the Rotary International Convention in May. Traveling with Rotary allows us to meet real people across the globe, serve others, and learn more about ourselves. Please consider taking advantage of one of the many opportunities available to travel with Rotary.
Yours in Rotary,
Michael Gonda