It seems like only yesterday we were all looking ahead to our year together – “Rotary Connects the World”. But to quote Jeffry Cadorette, RI Director 2018-2020, this is “Not an ending…. [but] new beginnings”.
As your now Immediate Past District Governor, I have come to appreciate just how strong and dynamic our District truly is – from our District Governor string, executive, District Advisory Council (DAC) (which I like to refer to as our District Leadership Team) through to our clubs (Rotary, Rotaract, Interact).
Rotary International (RI) President Mark Maloney’s theme for the year was “Rotary Connects The World” which was a very fitting for me on a personal level. I have always been a strong advocate for our district and clubs connecting – to work in partnership on service projects at home and around the world, to collaborate on fundraising initiatives, to attend special functions or participate in fellowship events. Rotary is built on connections and our ability to connect us remains unique – and unrivalled.
In keeping with this theme, I changed up the format from one of traditional official club visits to what I called “club connections” – with the focus on “getting my hands dirty” by participating in projects (11), fundraisers (13), formal functions/special events (10) and social events (3). There were still those connections made through presenting at club meetings, but on topics as selected by the club (19, 16 of which were virtual).
 |  |  |
 |  |  |
Check out my slide show to view many of the connections I was pleased to have made over the course of the year.
For those clubs I was able to connect with – a big thank you for allowing me to spend time with your club, and to consider myself as a member in the process. It was truly a rewarding, enjoyable and FUN experience!
For those clubs I was unable to connect with in person over the remaining 4 months of our year, due to the cancellation or postponed of your functions (I had 13 on my calendar), please know I plan on making this happen when they are back on.
Who could have predicted just how much our year would end up changing over the final 4 months. As the COVID-19 pandemic spread uncertainty and hardship around the world, Rotary members and participants were innovating, caring for those affected, and showing that even at a distance, there were ways to help. And this certainly became evident across our District as clubs and members rose to the challenge and took steps to support the greatest needs in their communities – and will continue to do so as long as it takes to see this through to the end. Rotarians, Rotaractors and Interactors are indeed people of action.
It was also encouraging to see just how many clubs (and District committees) quickly adapted to stay connected in the virtual world, going with non-traditional meeting formats, virtual socials, and above all making them FUN. Rotary Weekend and our Annual General Meeting moved forward online and by all accounts were very successful.
We know we will continue to face challenges during the first 6 months (at a minimum) of the new Rotary year, such as continuing to stay connected and engaged in the virtual world and carrying out service projects both locally and globally. However, our biggest challenge will be around fundraising and the need to “think outside the box” and come up with new and innovative ways to raise funds to support our many projects. I have heard and read about successes on that front and please know the District is working on doing what it can to share best bets with clubs.
I would be remise not to mention a few other highlights, starting with our District Conference 2019 – “It’s What We Do!” with our great speakers, service projects, international guests and of course the return of the Hub Crawl! Then there was Rotary Friendship Exchange, albeit due to some visa challenges, with only one representative from District 9210, but the good news is our team of 20 are set to head to Zambia in April (just a year later than planned). And the chartering of 2 new Rotaract clubs – Hearst and Haliburton; and the induction of the Huntsville Evening Satellite Club.
I would like to extend my sincerest thanks to all the members of DAC, who I had the privilege and pleasure of serving with over the past year. We have such a strong and committed council, always ready to provide advice and assistance to the clubs. (District Organization 2020-2021)
And a very special thank you to those members who’s terms on DAC ended in-year or on June 30th – Helen Robinson, Secretary; Scott Brumwell, Treasurer; Assistant Governors Bruce McMullan [Area 1] and Brett Tucker [Area 3]; Marlene Musclow, Insurance Liaison; DGE Steve Meadley, Finance Chair; Joyce Campbell, Administration; Natalie MacDougall, Interact Chair; Katina Connolly, Rotaract Representative; PDG Lise Dutrisac, Membership Director; Shelly Duben, Service Projects Director; Louise Thomson, Family of Rotary; Don Watkins, Indigenous Focus; DG Lynne Chant, Training Director; PDG Margaret Walton, Club Strategic Planning; Kim Giffen, District Grants; Elizabeth de Groote, Public Image Director; PG Brian Menton, Council On Legislation Representative and finally PDG Susan Davidson, who served on the 2019-2020 District Executive as Immediate PDG.
Finally, I am looking forward to hearing from the clubs about what they did over the 2019-2020 year towards “Moving the Needle” for their club. Let’s celebrate what your club is proud of having achieved this past year.
In closing, I want to personally thank each and every one of you for your dedication and commitment Rotary and your friendship. It was truly an honour and privilege to serve as your District Governor.
Until we cross paths again, I remain…Yours in Rotary,
Bill Hagborg
IPDG District Governor 2019-2020
Rotary International District 7010
Rotary Club of North Bay
