Can you believe it's October already? I'm officially one-quarter of the way through my year as District Governor, and I can't believe how quickly the time is flying by! With 26 official club visits completed, I can honestly say that I'm more excited about Rotary than ever. I've loved reconnecting with so many old friends while also meeting incredible Rotarians I hadn't had the pleasure of knowing before.
Every visit and every event, including wonderful celebrations like the recent 25th anniversary festivities for the Neponset Valley Sunrise Rotary Club, reminds me why I love this organization and the people who make it so special.
This week, I'm especially excited to welcome our friends from England as part of the Bandey Heffler Friendship Exchange. Along with my fellow club member, Mary Foerster, I'll be taking our guests to the beautiful Mount Washington Valley, where they'll enjoy a ride on the historic Cog Railway and a visit to the North Conway Rotary Club among many other activities.
Did you know that our District has been participating in this exchange for more than 50 years? Think about the friendships that have been formed, the experiences that have been shared, and the connections that have lasted across generations and across the ocean!
At a time when our world needs more understanding, kindness, and connection, Rotary Friendship Exchanges remind us of the incredible power of friendship to build bridges. These exchanges are about so much more than travel. They're about experiencing different cultures, discovering how much we have in common, and building relationships that transcend borders.
If you've ever thought about participating in a Friendship Exchange, I encourage you to give it a try! Reach out to me or PDG Cliff Rober, our District Friendship Exchange Chair, to learn more about future opportunities.
Mark Your Calendars — There's So Much Happening!
We have some wonderful District events coming up, and I hope you'll join us!
- October 22 — Pints for Polio
Pints for Polio is back! This is a great opportunity to come together, enjoy some fellowship, and support Rotary's ongoing efforts to eradicate polio. I'll send out a District-wide email as soon as our plans are finalized. Stay tuned! - November 18 — District Foundation Dinner
Join us on Wednesday, November 18, at Great Wolf Lodge in Fitchburg for an evening of fellowship, celebration, and inspiration. We'll come together to celebrate the incredible impact of The Rotary Foundation and the life-changing work that Rotarians make possible around the world.
Registration is now open! You can find the registration link on the District website calendar. I hope to see you there! - December 17 — District Holiday Party
We're heading back to the Boxborough Regency for our District Holiday Party! If you remember how much fun we had last year, you know this is an event you won't want to miss. It's a wonderful opportunity to celebrate the season, reconnect with friends from across the District, and simply enjoy being together. Registration will open soon!
Peace Is Possible — Have You Ordered Your Peace Pole?
Don't forget to order your club's Peace Pole! I'm thrilled that so many clubs are embracing this opportunity to make a visible commitment to peace in their communities. If you need the ordering or reimbursement information again, please don't hesitate to reach out.
In just a few weeks, I'll have the honor of attending the dedication of the Westborough Rotary Club's Peace Pole, and I couldn't be more excited!
Imagine the impact of Peace Poles appearing in communities throughout our District, each one serving as a reminder that peace begins with us. Every Peace Pole is an opportunity to start a conversation, inspire understanding, and demonstrate Rotary's commitment to creating a more peaceful world.
As I look back on these first three months, one thing stands out above everything else: Rotary is about people. It's about the friendships we build, the communities we strengthen, the bridges we create, and the lives we change along the way.
Thank you for the warm welcomes, the inspiring club visits, and the incredible work you do every day. I can't wait to see what the next nine months bring!
Together, we are stronger. Together, Peace Is Possible. And together, we will Create Lasting Impact!