Another Special Week to be a RotarianWhile visiting clubs from Gettysburg to Perry County, it was a pleasure to see Rotarians benefiting from fellowship and conviction, while planning meaningful projects to better their communities and themselves. It is, indeed, a phenomenon that such special gatherings occur, and that one does not have to look far within the District to find welcoming clubs. 
Perry County (L-R): Paul Thompson, Jairee Counterman, Mark Keller, Bill Lyons, Rebecca Myers, Tom O'Connell, Ed Barben, Genna Brownback, Larry Brodisch, Jamie Steffen, Frank Campbell, Aaron Hoke Other activities included the convening of the District Executive Board for a monthly meeting with all major committee chairs, four AGs and the District leadership in attendance. The Executive Board was recently created by the amended bylaws of July 1, 2024, to serve as an advisory panel, enabling participants to become current with and to evaluate District activities. In another venue, Past District Governors Paul Burkhart, Alden Cunningham, Dennis Zubler, Hector Ortiz, Connie Spark, and Juliet Altenburg were hosted by Immediate PDG Fred Gellert and his wife, Donna. The District has indeed been well served over the last decades by such luminaries, who have exemplified the spirit, compassion, and vision of Paul Harris. On Saturday, the District Learning Assembly brought together several highly motivated Rotarians to engage in the Rotary ritual of life-long learning, in this case sharing valuable experiences about membership, service projects, and fundraising. Learning Committee Co-Czars Gary Crissman and Fred Gellert assembled an all-star faculty to provide insights based on their own club experiences.  During the event, PDG Hector Ortiz launched the District Positive Peace Initiative and inspired all Rotarians to become individual advocates through taking the peacebuilder course at https://www.positivepeace.academy/rotary and participating in community peace events. Hector is available to speak on the topic to clubs and attend club peace pole dedications.
The week ended with a flavorful, festive, 7 course, chili cook-off competition Polio fundraiser, served up by Palmyra Rotarian Eric Spangler, while Club member District Governor Nominee Rebecca Zalit presided over a Rotary trivia contest. I did well on the Chili consumption part, but am still learning about Rotary. Hope to see you on November 9 at the Hotel Gettysburg for the Foundation Dinner. Join special guest speaker Celeste Herbert from Rotary International Headquarters and our inbound youth exchange students for a fun evening. Best wishes, DG Paul |
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