A deer in the headlights. I’m sure that was exactly the impression I gave at my first couple of club events a year ago, but, I was greeted by so many friendly faces that I quickly began looking forward to every trip. Did you know that every club in our District has its own unique personality? Some of y’all are quirky; some, all business; and most are just going to have fun at everything you do.My primary goal as District Governor was to celebrate all of these unique, original traits and the wonderful works you do. All of your clubs have one thing in common- how hard you work to serve your community, and you rarely have time to notice the amazing good that you’ve done. So, I carried pom poms to the clubs, and I got some strange looks when I whipped them out. But, a wonderful thing happened-- Some of you got emotional when you talked about your club’s impact and what Rotary has meant to you personally. You shared stories of life-changing events and years of service and unforgettable memories. You laughed, you clapped, you danced, and one Rotarian even did a cheerleader split-jump! District 5830 is so blessed to have 42 clubs of passionate Rotarians making a difference in our communities and beyond.
You have changed me forever, too. As I studied about each club before my visits, I was awed by the creativity and dedication and back-breaking work you do. Every club has found special needs in their town and an equally special way to meet those needs. Bravo to every single club and Rotarian!
I hope I delivered the message clearly that it’s OK to be unique, and that the District leadership is here to support your hard work, not “grade your paper” and demand quotas be met. Rotary started out with four friends wanting to make a difference in Chicago. So, as you work hard, celebrate often and share your love for Rotary beyond your club members. Bring as many as possible into your celebration of serving your community!
My time as your District Governor has come to an end, but not the relationships and new friends I have made, and I cherish every one of you. I hope to visit “unofficially” in the future and celebrate your accomplishments over and over! Thank you for being Rotarians!
I couldn’t have done any of it without the wonderful District Administrator Shirley Pinnix-Evans, the ever-patient PDG and my Vice-Governor John Jetter, all of the nine Assistant Governors and the amazing PDGs and 2023-24 District Officers and Chairs, and the G-Line of Jeff Johnston, Damon Donnell and Diane Kavanaugh. Thank you for a wonderful year, and Yes, I would do it all over again!
Karen Maines IPDG
Rotary International District 5830
You have changed me forever, too. As I studied about each club before my visits, I was awed by the creativity and dedication and back-breaking work you do. Every club has found special needs in their town and an equally special way to meet those needs. Bravo to every single club and Rotarian!
I hope I delivered the message clearly that it’s OK to be unique, and that the District leadership is here to support your hard work, not “grade your paper” and demand quotas be met. Rotary started out with four friends wanting to make a difference in Chicago. So, as you work hard, celebrate often and share your love for Rotary beyond your club members. Bring as many as possible into your celebration of serving your community!
My time as your District Governor has come to an end, but not the relationships and new friends I have made, and I cherish every one of you. I hope to visit “unofficially” in the future and celebrate your accomplishments over and over! Thank you for being Rotarians!
I couldn’t have done any of it without the wonderful District Administrator Shirley Pinnix-Evans, the ever-patient PDG and my Vice-Governor John Jetter, all of the nine Assistant Governors and the amazing PDGs and 2023-24 District Officers and Chairs, and the G-Line of Jeff Johnston, Damon Donnell and Diane Kavanaugh. Thank you for a wonderful year, and Yes, I would do it all over again!
Karen Maines IPDG
Rotary International District 5830
