Students of the Month, Happy Dollars, Paul Harris Fellows, Succession, PolioPlus, and Peace!
It was my good fortune this week to make three more forays to experience solid Club Cultures and Operations, and experience the good will exhibited by very engaged Rotarians in our amazing District. Rotarians not already immersed in essential Club Leadership and Fellowship opportunities should look for ways to become so. Numerous Club and District activities offer committee roles as well as service projects where great satisfaction is to be discovered as well as the prospect of finding new Members.
It is inspirational to participate in welcoming Paul Harris Fellows and recognizing those at higher levels. And, it is always moving to witness the process of sharing Happy Dollars, testimonials that clearly achieve the objective that Paul Harris had in mind when he conceived the rotation aspect of Rotary, thereby choosing the organization’s name. Each endearing, compassionate statement becomes a snapshot of that person’s interests, as Club members hear about the cares and concerns of the speaker, leading to greater friendship, and fellowship.
Students of the Month enjoyed a meal and a chance to dress up and share their accomplishments and aspirations, while connecting Clubs to the future of Rotary and Community.
While at the Keystone Club, Hector Ortiz, our Positive Peace Activator, handed over the Peacemaker in our Midst Award, recently presented to our District by the World Affairs Council of Harrisburg. It is an honor to be recognized by the World Affairs Council and to now plan future community peace events with its members.
In his new Peace Activator role, Hector will be conducting an introductory workshop on Positive Peace at the District Learning Assembly on October 26. Please attend that Assembly to learn about many important aspects of Rotary, especially at the Club level. District Governor Elect Mary Brunski, District Governor Nominee Rebecca Zalit, Immediate Past District Governor Fred Gellert, and I will be there to meet with you concerning District Strategic Priorities of Club and Community Outreach, Impact, Member Engagement and Adaptability, along with anything else Rotary on your mind!
Remember that October is Polioplus Month, and World Polio Day is October 24, so be sure to have a Pint, more or less, or figure out a way to participate in winning the battle against polio. Another option is to join the 4th Annual Ride to Eradicate Polio on October 20. Whatever you do, it is a very satisfying path to victory, and every Rotarian should take great pride and satisfaction in participating in the campaign.
Best wishes to all,
DG Paul Thompson
Mechanicsburg-North (Pictured L-R): DG Paul Thompson, President Myra Badorf, Past President David Blain, John Robinson
York-East President Greg Kern & DG Paul Thompson
Lancaster-South