Dear fellow Rotarians:

When Bill and I started this journey with you in July, we could not have imagined the unbelievable experiences and amazing memories that we have had with you, our Rotary family. This Rotary year is only half way through and there is still lots to do. In the Rotary Calendar, December is a time to focus on Disease Prevention and Treatment. In the past, it was celebrated as the Family of Rotary month. I would like to share with you thoughts about both in this message.

The eradication of polio is Rotary’s “number one” priority in the area of Disease Prevention and Treatment. It is important that we remain vigilant in supporting the End Polio Now campaign- we really are “this close.” However, Rotarians all over support many programs and projects to fight many diseases. Even here in North America, disease prevention and treatment is certainly a priority and we have all seen the effects that disease can have on a family, a workforce and on a country’s economy. Bill and I have been proud to learn about some of the work that Club’s do in our District- such as providing potable water, installing sanitation infrastructure as well as providing assistance to health care systems, providing medical equipment, giving training, and holding community health clinics. We also support many feeding programs geared towards ending malnutrition and hunger both here in our own communities and around the world. These projects and programs all play a part in eliminating disease, supporting maternal and child health and creating a sustainable environment for our communities.

The work we do is significant. We cannot do it alone. It requires our dedication and effort as a Rotary family. Who is our family? Our family includes relatives, friends, our Club members and the many arms of Rotary like Rotaract and Interact- as well as many community partners. Our family includes those whose lives we touch as we demonstrate “Service above Self.” December is often the time for reflection on what worked and what we still want to do. This month, lets us remember that by sticking together and working through all the twists and turns, we become better people. When we work through the challenges in life and in service, we better understand each other, we grow and experience the joy and fulfillment that we could not achieve by ourselves. What we do together “serving humanity” is truly amazing!

Simple joys, little pleasures,

Laughter and smiles in big measures,

Friends, family, togetherness, love…

Peace, prosperity and happiness too…

All these and more are my Holiday wishes for you!