During Memorial Day Observances, engaged as flag flyers and parade participants to honor veterans of the community, including many members of our own Clubs, Rotarians took solemn note of the sacrifices from conflict, while contemplating the need for greater international understanding, good will, and peace. 

 

That led to the follow-on symbolic convening of a traditional ‘Institute of Understanding’ in the form of a Positive Peace Workshop on Saturday, May 31, for Rotary Members and local community non-Rotarians, to discuss positive peace, and the changes in attitudes, institutions, and societal structures, that will lead to the resolution of conflict through addressing the Pillars of Peace.  Led by District Peace Activator, Hector Ortiz, the mega workshop was thought-provoking and inspiring, leading to follow-on gatherings to be announced.  In every respect it resembled an Institute of Understanding in the most profound and historical sense of that term, a gathering of caring and reflective humans to share realistic goals.  Rotarians have steadfastly contributed to peace for a century through their many service projects and contributions via the areas of global focus.

That led to a reminder that the Rotary Foundation makes all of the above possible and is the glue that holds it all together.  No amount is too little or too much, and the choices are there to to enable the achievement of dreams and goals only Rotarians can imagine, so be sure to give a buck at:  https://portal.clubrunner.ca/2346/documents/en-ca/60a4c1b1-5fa4-4e2c-ad3d-94a544ee8d1b/1

 

That led to the hopeful path for a bright future by way of a Youth Exchange Celebration of their imminent departure, soon to be followed by the Rotary Youth Leadership Awards session, with over 80 local high school juniors sponsored by dozens of our Clubs, immersed in a five-day ordeal of unlimited friendship, fellowship, festivity, fun and fulfillment—just like true Rotarians that someday they will hopefully become, as the universe of Rotary opens up for them.

 

That leads to the somber announcement that a true Rotarian in our midst, Juliet Altenburg, is combating a life-changing challenge of her own and is able to share that beautifully in her own words in the moving passages just below.  Juliet embodies all that Paul Harris ever envisioned, and more.  We are all enriched by her ongoing presence which has no limits!

 

That leads to a compelling mention of an upcoming book of poems by our fellow Rotarian and peace advocate, Dr. Hagir Elsheikh, describing the trail she followed from tortured youth protester to global sovereign citizen.  The title: Dreamer in Chains: Poems of Exile and Resilience should inspire the immediate purchase of it from Amazon (https://a.co/d/iLDNopi) for World Refugee Day, June 20, or the days thereafter.

 

That leads to a grand announcement that on June 28, at 4 pm, there will be the installation of new District and Club leadership at the Carlisle History Society, preceded by the opportunity to view Society exhibits inside, and the Carlisle’s annual SummerFair outside. Come welcome our new District Governor Mary Brunski, District Governor Elect, Rebecca Zalit, and District Governor Aaron Jacobs, and greet the incoming Club Presidents!  Don’t miss it.  Don’t even be late. 

 

In sum, this note leads to the mentioning of the Rotary International Convention taking place in the Wild West of Calgary, Canada, during the last week of June, where I will likely be off the grid for a long while, so this note is taking the form of concluding a year of amazing revelations by remarkable Club Presidents and true Rotarians, at every turn doing meaningful things, a joy to behold up close or at a distance, leading to my bidding farewell to all that—and to each of you.

 

Best wishes,

 

Paul Thompson

As we approach a new Rotary year filled with new district and club leaders it is a natural time to reflect on the year behind us with gratitude and the year ahead with hope for the future.  And so it is with me.  My journey in Rotary to date has been nothing short of adventurous, fulfilling and deeply meaningful.  From my time as a club member to club president then District Governor in 2022-2023 to the last two years leading district membership and public image efforts, it has been a time of meaningful service, deep personal growth, and connection.  When I retired January 1 of this year, I was filled with hope for the next adventure exploring how to live life anew and “give back” in other unexplored ways.   

 

Life threw me a curve ball on April 18th when after a routine mammogram I was diagnosed with invasive ductal carcinoma of my right breast.  It was of sufficient size to require immediate chemotherapy with surgery planned for late September and more chemo after that.  I know some of you can relate to how such a diagnosis flips your world.  There are so many different decisions to make along with the emotional and physical aspects of the journey ahead, not just for yourself, but for family and friends.  Having been in a district position for a while now I consider the members of every club in this district to be my family.  You welcomed me with open arms on visits and during countless events and meetings.  This is the reason I feel called to reveal my diagnosis not just to my own club but to all District clubs through this newsletter.  I also want in some way for my journey to help others either cope with their own cancer diagnosis or those of a loved one.  Although this journey can be daunting, maintaining the right mental attitude is the key to success, which also means growing a village of supporters.  Some of those supporters appear totally unexpected from the shadows which is quite overwhelming!  It keeps my spirit alive and grateful.  In my own club of 65 members we now have FIVE of us impacted by breast cancer.  The statistic is that breast cancer affects one in eight people.  Knowing this statistic I suspect there are women and men (they are affected too) in your clubs currently battling the disease or deemed as “survivors”.   If you are among them and would welcome a chat with me, I am happy to have you as a member of “my village” and in turn be part of yours.  Reach out at juliet@qrpc.com.   

 

I also want to alert you about a change in leadership of the District Membership Committee for the 2025-2026 Rotary Year.  Aaron Jacobs, who will be our District Governor Nominee on July 1 will be the new Chair of the District Membership Committee.  

 

 

Aaron is the past president of the York Rotary Club and not only has a passion for growing membership but a skill for doing that in his own club.  If you are interested in being part of the District Membership Committee please contact him at ajacobs@scorecardsales.com.

 

In closing, thank you for being a role model to me of service and kindness.  Being part of Rotary is an incredible gift to me and I look forward to giving back in new ways as I navigate the road ahead.

 

With gratitude, PDG Juliet

 

 

This quote encourages respectful coexistence and collaboration despite differences—a message likely meant to inspire immediate, inclusive community engagement. It fits well in settings focused on peacebuilding, community service, or conflict resolution.

 

These points emphasize foundational behaviors for fostering peace and cooperation: self-respect, harm reduction, and empathetic communication. It’s a great guide for individuals looking to make an immediate, positive impact in their communities or relationships.