Very best wishes for the holiday season, as Rotary families and friends gather to reflect on the many joys and challenges of this year, and become excited about goals and resolutions for 2025.  Guided by the core values of diversity, integrity, fellowship, leadership, and service, we can develop the Rotary Object of friendship and fellowship as we advance understanding, good will, and peace, all of which enable us to engage in service above self.

 

Many Rotarians merit special thanks for their selfless contributions to our District, as Club Presidents, AGs, Committee Members, and as providers of time and energy for projects and youth interaction. Three in particular are mentioned here as they have found it necessary to step back from their significant positions.  Gary Crissman, after directing the exceptional RYLA program for several years, and then co-chairing the Education Committee, is taking a well-deserved break, as is Bob McClenethan after his highly committed service on the Global Grants Committee, although he is remaining an AG.  Vlad Beaufils is doing likewise after having energized the DEI committee by contributing his personal passion to its unique role.  All will be missed, but all will also continue on as true Rotarians within our District.  Thanks go to Fred Gellert, Jane Conover, and Hagir Elsheikh for taking on those responsibilities during this time of transition.

 

Over the past two weeks, Paul Harris’s spirit and I had the honor to visit the Lancaster-Sunrise, Yellow Breeches, Elizabethtown, and York-North Clubs, where we met many dynamic Rotarians who are making a difference in countless ways.  Every Club culture and operation is different, yet very special, as Members nurture a tradition of rich history while adapting to changing times.  Clubs shared stories about their achievements over the years, and in the present, even as they formed exciting plans for the future.  It is particularly meaningful to see their involvement with the youth in each community.  For the first time we saw parents of students of the month speak movingly at their child’s recognition ceremony (Hummelstown), and then witnessed an emotional farewell for a deceased Rotarian by a table place-setting in his name one final time (Carlisle).  We will be paying honor to all our dearly departed Rotarians during the Multi-District Conference in April.

 

A reminder that, along with meeting Santa’s schedule, comes the reality of tax considerations for any end of year donations to the Foundation and other great Rotary causes.  And, In your seasonal giving mode, please remember that tickets to the Multi-District Conference in April make great stocking stuffers. 

 

The District Conference is really taking shape with a lineup of very profound speakers, a dynamic House of Friendship, and lots of free time to interact with hundreds of Rotarians.  You can participate in all that without traveling thousands of miles, so please sign up to attend on April 4-6.

 

A final note of seasonal intrigue, as we unwrap the magic of Rotary, is to look for a soon-to-be announced event taking place on January 1^st.

 

Until then, very best wishes to one and all!

 

DG Paul Thompson