DISTRIBUTION: 24-25 Presidents, Assistant Governors, Deputy Governors, and District and Club Committee Chairs
Greetings from long-lost DG Sam!
I have missed working with you over the past couple of months. It has been a long and challenging road, but the outpouring of prayers and support from my Rotary family contributed more to my recovery than you can know. Thanks to each of you who offered up prayers, texted, called, visited, or sent cards and gifts. You are why I so strongly believe in our Team Rotary!
IPDG and Vice Governor Vicky will continue to serve in the official capacity of Governor through 2024 as I continue my path to recovery; however, I will be communicating with you about important upcoming 2025 events and news.
So, what is on my mind this week?
Announcements
Team Rotary Halftime Show (Midyear Checkup): I can’t wait to see you all at this popular annual event! The Halftime Show will feature each of our club presidents bragging about how your club embodies The Magic of Rotary. The event is open to ALL Rotarians, and I encourage you to bring as many of your club members as possible to support you, but also because this is a great learning experience. It has long been a favorite event because Rotarians hear about so many great project and fundraising ideas; this kind of knowledge exchange is invaluable. Presidents, you will have two minutes to tell us about your favorite service project, fundraiser, or club event. Assistant Governors, reports will be grouped by territory, and you will introduce each of your presidents. District leaders will also report on important initiatives, upcoming events, and opportunities for service. There is no cost to attend, and we will provide a light breakfast and delicious lunch. You received an invitation to the event last week, so please respond promptly so we can get a headcount for food. I really hope to see all of you there!
District Advisory Council and College of Governors meetings: Past District Governors, Deputy Governors, Assistant Governors, and other members of the DAC and COG, we will have our quarterly meeting immediately following the Team Rotary Halftime show at the Bay Waveland Yacht Club on January 11, 2024. Minutes and an agenda will be forwarded prior to the event. I look forward to seeing you there.
Club Visits: Before my extended medical leave, I had completed half of my club visits and was anxiously looking forward to visiting the rest of your clubs. I will be sending potential club visit dates to the Assistant Governors in the coming weeks, so please be prepared to schedule/reschedule as necessary to ensure we have a chance to meet and allow me to learn more about your Magical club!
Rise Against Hunger: As People of Service, District Conference is the perfect opportunity to come together and participate in a meaningful districtwide service project. I have chosen to host a Rise Against Hunger food packing event on Friday, June 6th, immediately before Food Fest. I am asking each club to recruit 5 volunteers (Rotarians, family members, Interact students, etc.) and donate $500 to support this project. Please don’t forget to budget for this project and to begin recruiting members. Registration for District Conference will open prior to Team Rotary Halftime Show, and more information will be provided at that time. If you would like to learn more about Rise Against Hunger, visit www.riseagainsthunger.org
Semi-annual RI Dues: The second semi-annual RI dues invoices will be mailed on January 1st. Remember that RI dues are based on your total membership as reported in the My Rotary database on January 1st, and unfortunately, RI does not permit invoice adjustments due to inaccurate information. Please review and update your membership roster prior to January 1st.
December—Disease Prevention and Treatment month: Now is the time to plan a speaker and/or project related to Disease Prevention and Treatment! While polio is our flagship project, we also vaccinate against many other diseases and coordinate projects to ensure the health and safety of citizens around the world. For example, our district Rotarians participate in several medical and dental missions around the world! What other impactful projects can we implement or assist with to support disease prevention and treatment in our communities and abroad?
Winning Points: I LOVE seeing the points add up! Keep watching the Thursday Touchdown Times to see where your territory stands. There are opportunities for clubs of all sizes and types to contribute to the success of your team. You still have a lot of time for your territory to take the lead!
Help us provide meaningful content in the Touchdown Times: What is your club’s next service project, fundraiser, or really interesting speaker? We want to know! Thanks to those who have already submitted information. Please email Ashley.mayley.5@gmail.com with the details at least 3 weeks in advance so we can help promote your event to other Rotarians in the district.
Upcoming District Events
January 11: Team Rotary Halftime Show
January 28: Mental Health Initiative Committee Meeting (virtual)
January 31: St. John the Baptist Parish (LaPlace) Anniversary (1976)
February 15: Poplarville anniversary (1926)
February 17: Long Beach anniversary (1986)
February 23: ROTARY’S ANNIVERSARY (1905)
February 23: New Orleans anniversary (1910)
February 23: Hammond Rotary Jazz Brunch
February 24: Picayune anniversary (1925)
February 27: Mid City New Orleans anniversary (2015)
Hope you have a great week and are blessed by your commitment to Service Above Self!
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