Fellow Rotarians!
My year as District Governor is rapidly coming to an end. It has been a wonderful experience and as was predicted, probably the best year of my life. The last week of May was spent in Melbourne, Australia at the Rotary International Convention. PDG Ed Jacobson, said in his club visit that every Rotarian should attend a District Conference every 5 years. I now say that every Rotarian should attend an International Convention sometime in their life. I found that after meeting members from all over the world, Rotarians are the same all over the world, all being friendly and all wanting to live life with “Service Above Self”. The general sessions are full of inspiring speakers telling great stories of the great work that Rotary does or the great things that Rotary has done to change their own life. There are also dozens of breakout sessions covering all aspects of Rotary. And do not forget the opportunities of sightseeing and exploring the region.
June’s Rotary theme is “Rotary Fellowships”. Rotarians that share a passion, join in a fellowship on an international basis. It is a great way to make friends around the world and share and explore your passion with other Rotarians of the world. A list of fellowships is available on the Rotary website or Google Rotary Fellowship. I have joined the Railroad fellowship and am interested in the Motorcycling and Flying fellowships.
Speaking of fellowship, I have been looking forward to talking about fellowship in my final article. When Rotarians are surveyed about why they join or stay in Rotary, they say that is because of fellowship. In my 38 years of membership, it has certainly been the highlight. Of course, there is the fellowship in our local club, the weekly meetings and working together with service projects and fundraisers. There is another level of fellowship if you attend PETS or the District Conference and become involved on the district level. I have gained many friends across the district from Iowa, Minnesota, and across South Dakota. As district governor, I also have great friends across our Zone and a few around the world.
As I sign off, I want to thank all Rotarians for the respect and cooperation that you have given me throughout the year. When Rich Burns takes over in a couple weeks, I am sure you will treat him the same. And now, the first lady of 5610, my wife and aid Carol would like to add a message.
I have written this message a million times in my head over the past year! However, there are not enough words to describe the rich experiences we have had as John served as District 5610 Governor. From our first club visit to Mapleton, IA to our last in Sioux City, IA we were warmly welcomed and you listened intently to the message and goals John shared. Thank you all for your kindness. Thank you for all you do in your community in the name of Rotary. Most of us take our Rotary membership for granted but in many parts of the world having membership in Rotary is one of the highest goals a person might wish to achieve. I like to say that someone thought enough of you to invite you to join Rotary, so can you find someone you want to see have a Rotary story of their own? Invite them to a meeting soon! Just “Imagine” how Rotary could impact District 5610 with that kind of membership growth! Best wishes to Rich and Kelly Burns on their upcoming year!
Yours in Rotary,
John & Carol Schneider