Fellowship is one of the main reasons that many of us choose to become and continue as Rotarians. We look forward to spending time with each other at meetings, to working on service projects together, doing good in our communities and the world, and just being together.

 

Another important fellowship opportunity that a lot of Rotarians don’t know about are the Rotary Fellowships. These are international groups whose members share a common passion. Being part of a Rotary fellowship is a fun way to make friends around the world, explore a hobby or profession and enhance your Rotary experience.

 

Fellowships are open to Rotarians, family members, and program participants and alumni. Each fellowship has its own rules and some have minimal dues to belong.

 

Currently there are about 90 approved fellowships in Rotary. Examples of these are Amateur Radio, Beer, Chess, Gourmet Cooking, Wine and Yoga.

 

For more information on Rotary Fellowships, visit https://www.rotary.org/en/our-programs/more-fellowships.

 

 

The District Business Meeting was originally scheduled to be held during the District Conference has been rescheduled for June 17, at 7 PM on zoom. A link will be sent out to all Presidents and Presidents-Elect and also to the general membership. Please take some time and join us for this important yearly meeting.

 

 

At Rotary, in District 7950 and we as Rotarians have no tolerance for racism. Promoting respect, celebrating diversity, demanding ethical leadership, and working tirelessly to advance peace are central tenets of our work.

 

We have more work to do to create more just, open and welcoming communities for all people.

 

We know there are no easy fixes and that challenging conversations and work lie before all of us. Rotary’s and our strengths have long been our ability and commitment to bringing people together. We will tap into that strength now as we stand with those who are working for peace and justice.

 

Rotary will do our part to listen, learn and take action to ensure that we continue to contribute to making positive change.

 

 

Each year Rotary makes a pledge to donate $50 million to the Polio Plus efforts. As of today, we are $15 million dollars short of that goal for the year ending on June 30. In addition, the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation matches our contributions 2 to 1. When you add the $30 million dollar match to our $15 million we wind up with a shortfall for the eradication efforts of $45 million. That’s enough money to purchase to the drops to vaccinate 75 million children. WE NEED YOUR HELP AND WE NEED YOUR CONTRIBUTIONS NOW.

 

I am asking all of the clubs and you, the Rotarians in our District 7950 to make a difference and make a contribution to Polio Plus during the week of June 8 – 12. Below is a flyer titled Take Out Polio. It is asking each and every one of us to contribute the money ($10 or more) from one meal that we might miss since we are not meeting in person. To donate:

Log in to http://www.endpolio.org/donate

 

 

If you can’t make a contribution between the 8^th and 12^th, you can still do it any time in the month of June.

 

Henry Atterbury is offering a great opportunity. Any club or Rotarian that donates $500 to Polio Plus by June 30 will be entered into a drawing to win a day of sailing for 6 aboard his 47 foot sailboat around Fishers Island. Mail your donation receipt to Steve Albright, 128 South Sea Ave, West Yarmouth, MA 02673 for a chance to win.

 

 

Like our District Conference, the Rotary International Convention had to be cancelled due to COVID-19. A virtual International Convention has been scheduled for June 20 – 26. This will allow so many Rotarians and Non-Rotarians to be a part of an International Convention without leaving their homes. More information is at https://www.riconvention.org/en

 

 

Meet Charlene Jarest – District Governor for 2020-2021 – and the rest of the district officers. On June 26 at 7:00 PM our district will hold the annual Installation of Officers via zoom. Another first of many during this pandemic era. Join in on the celebration as we welcome in the team of new district leaders for 2020-2021. A link will be sent out as we near the date.

 

 

Even though we ran into the COVID-19 Virus in mid-March and we all had to change our programs and plans for the last quarter, it has been a great year.

 

Jill and I had the opportunity to visit all 65 clubs in our District for the second year in a row. Over 10,000 miles each year but worth every mile of it. We made great friends, learned all about your clubs, your projects and the great things you are doing in your community and around the world. We couldn’t be prouder of you and your clubs. Keep up the great work. You are truly making a huge difference.

 

Our district has a great leadership team in place and we will be in great hands for years to come. Charlene Jarest, from the Rotary Club of Fall River, will be taking over as District Governor on July 1. She has put together a great team and will do amazing things in our district. It looks like she will be starting off her year in uncharted territory as the COVID-19 virus pandemic stays with us for a while. Following her will be Billy Roberts from the Rotary Club of Barnstable Sunrise and then David Sampson from the Rotary Club of Bourne Sandwich. Who might be next? Will it be you?

 

A special thank you to all the members of the leadership team of our district. They were always there for me and for you.

 

A huge special thank you goes to my wife Jill. She has always been there and supported me in everything that I chose to do. This adventure as district governor was no exception. She was a fantastic district administrator, a great partner all the way and a great passenger as we traveled all of those miles together. I could not have done this without her.

 

The rest of my gratitude will be reserved for our business meeting on June 17 as there are a number of people that I need to say thank you to.

 

Again, thank you from the bottom of my heart for all that you do as Rotarians. You truly exemplify Rotary and you definitely “Connected the World’ this past year.