Greetings 6040 Rotarians and other Friends of Rotary. 

 

It is my great pleasure to serve as your District Governor for 2020-21. When the calendar turned to 2020, we had no idea that a pandemic was a few weeks away. In fact, in January two of my life’s great events happened. All 528 incoming District Governors from around the world gathered in San Diego for a week of training. It was never clearer to me how incredible Rotary International’s global footprint is. Six weeks later, nearly all of the 203 Countries with Rotary Clubs were impacted by the Coronavirus. The second great event was the Kansas City Chiefs kept winning and won the Super Bowl for the first time since I was in University. Obviously, it has been a unique and challenging year so far. I know many of our Club’s, their events and our Rotarians personal lives have been disrupted since March.

 

However, while there is still uncertainty, we have the opportunity to make it a great year. When incoming RI President Holger Knaack revealed his theme for ’20-’21, he chose “Rotary Opens Opportunities”. Given what has happened, it is more appropriate than ever. Take a few minutes to consider all the Opportunities Rotary has Opened for you. Then, take a few more minutes and consider all the possible opportunities open through our Clubs, our District and Rotary International. Rotarians are often known for their leadership in our communities. This year, we have the opportunity to expand our impact on our communities and the world through Rotary. We are part of the World’s Greatest Service Organization. The Possibilities are Endless!

 

For the past twelve years, I have been a member of the Rotary Club of St Joseph #32. My wife Karen and I have 3 wonderful children who live in Oklahoma, Colorado, and Arizona: along with our beautiful grandchildren. There aren't enough superlatives in the dictionary to describe how we feel about our grandchildren. Having been around them for several days recently, it also makes me realize how many children around the world are suffering today because of their circumstances. Once again, Rotary offers opportunity after opportunity to support children, mothers, literacy, clean water, and many more.

 

I am pleased to serve with a great group of Rotarians on the Executive Council this year. The Council consists of Immediate Past District Governor Marc Horner, DGE David McCaughey, DGN Kent Shelman, DGND Randy Steinman, Treasure Shelly Hulet, Secretary Ruth Bowers and PDG Kim LeSage who now serves as our District Foundation Chair. This is a dedicated group of individuals representing District Clubs across Northern Missouri. Our executive secretary, Jonah Terbovic will continue with us. We are well-positioned for leadership over the next several years with this outstanding group.

 

District 6040 leadership also includes 13 Assistant Governors and numerous Program Chairs and their committees. We are also fortunate to have 56 hard-working Club Presidents leading their Clubs daily.  All these leaders, join a long list who have served our District over the years, including Past RI President’s, RI Directors and Past District Governors. All these truly represent “Service Above Self”.

 

Despite our current challenges, let’s make it a great year! One of my favorite writers is CS Lewis. He once said “You can’t go back and change the beginning, but you can start where you are and change the ending.” We are truly fortunate to have Past RI President Ray Klinginsmith living in District 6040 and a member of the Rotary Club of Kirksville.  10 years ago, when he was the International President, Ray wrote in the Rotarian magazine “Rotary has changed the world, and Rotarians will continue to change it in a positive way. The formula is simple. For us to succeed, all we need to do is to focus our best efforts on doing what Rotarians are passionate about and what Rotarians are the best in the world doing, which is Building Communities – Bridging Continents”. Thank you for all you are doing and will do for Rotary this year.