DG REG'S MESSAGE

It’s hard to believe but we are almost in the final quarter of the Rotary year and as a district, 7090 has certainly been ‘Making a Difference!’  We’ve taken giant strides in making up lost ground with membership. I’m so grateful to all the clubs who have made a positive contribution, including our membership committees led by PDG Kevin Crosby and our new Rotary E-club of Social Innovators (RESI). We’ve recovered much of the ground we lost over the last couple of years but there is still a long way to go.  We all need to ask our ourselves as Rotarians,  “When did I last ASK someone to a club function or tell them about Rotary?”  Part of our role as Rotarians is to do that!
 
We do know that come year-end, a significant number of terminations will occur. They will affect not only the financial health of our clubs but that of the district, our zone and Rotary International!  We do need to grow: to have more hands to do the wonderful work in our communities and the world, to lessen the load on many of our over-burdened members and to lead to lower club, district and RI dues.  Yes, there is strength in numbers and each of us, by doing our part, can make our clubs a better and more fulfilling part of our Rotary lives.
A second focus for the final quarter of 2017-2018 is to ensure that the contributions to The Rotary Foundation and the Annual or Share Fund are adequate enough to provide significant funds for our district activities three years from now.  Remember: half of what we as clubs and individuals contribute to this fund come back to our district to allow us to continuing “Doing Good!”  Once June 30th arrives, our total contribution, divided by two, is what our District Foundation will have to allocate three years from now.
 
My final challenge is to remind clubs to be up to date on Rotary Club Central with their goals and accomplishments.  You should also be cognizant of the Brand Center and Rotary Showcase to ensure your club’s ability to earn the Rotary Citation, the district Lighthouse Award and the Governor’s Trophy.
 
As I write this we are enjoying the last few days of our break from the cold winter weather of southern Ontario and western New York.  It is always so nice to get away, yet there is no place like home and we are anxious to get back.  Our trip began with a wonderful visit with Lucinda and Wayne General in Phoenix. As many of you recall, Lucinda was Ian Risely’s representative at our district conference in October.  It was great to see them and enjoy their southern hospitality.
 
We then spent a week in beautiful Sedona and in spite of snowfall on two of the days, enjoyed the splendor of the rock formations and learned so much about the area of the red rock!  We spent time in Sun Lakes with long-time friends before our sojourn to Tucson and more Rotary friends.  Rotary is an incredible organization and no matter where you go you have the opportunity to make new friends and lasting relationships.
 
There are a number of important decisions and discussions that will take place at our District Council meeting on April 7th at the Best Western Hotel & Conference Center in St. Catharines. I’m hopeful that we have great attendance from the district leadership team.  I remind everyone that these meetings are open to all district Rotarians.  Thank you for all you do in Making a Difference in your communities and in the world!
 
Reg