November has been a dynamic month for District 9800, filled with inspiring events, impactful initiatives, and moments of connection. Each visit, event, and conversation reinforces the passion and dedication that define our district. Nina, Alex, and I are grateful for the warm welcomes we’ve received during club visits, and I’m continually inspired by the energy and creativity of Rotarians across our community.Here are some of the key activities and updates this month:
Multi-District Impact Summit: Registration for our Multi-District Impact Summit is now live! This is a fantastic opportunity to come together, share ideas, and amplify our impact across communities. Be sure to register and encourage fellow Rotarians to join what promises to be a transformative event.
Rotary Walk With Us Campaign: A huge thank you to everyone who contributed to the Rotary Walk With Us campaign! Your enthusiasm and dedication have been phenomenal. A special shoutout goes to all the individuals and teams who participated and to everyone who sponsored our walkers. Your support is helping us get closer to a polio-free world.
Zone Conference and Institute: This month, I had the privilege of joining Governors Elect and Nominees at the Zone Conference and Institute. We had the honor of meeting Rotary International President Elect Mario Cesar Martins de Camargo, who shared his vision and objectives for the coming year. A highlight of the event was the presentation of two Inaugural Royce Abbey Awards to Bill and Lorna Boyd in New Zealand. This recognition celebrates their extraordinary contributions to Rotary and embodies the values that Royce Abbey championed throughout his life.
Foundation Month and the Paul Harris Breakfast: November is Foundation Month, and I was delighted to join Rotary Central Melbourne for their 32nd Annual Paul Harris Breakfast. This gathering exemplified the power of the Rotary Foundation to drive meaningful change and demonstrated the collective commitment of Rotarians to creating lasting impact.
Youth Programs: The district’s youth programs are thriving, with tremendous engagement across RYPEN Camp, Youth Exchange blazer presentations, RYLA, and Interact. Interact clubs have been particularly active this month, showcasing the leadership and service spirit of our younger members. These programs are critical to building the next generation of Rotary leaders and fostering a strong connection to Rotary values.
Celebrating Milestones – RC Rochester's 60th Anniversary: Last week, I had the privilege of joining the Rotary Club of Rochester for their 60th anniversary celebration. It was a joyous occasion to honor the club's incredible history and contributions. I was honored to induct four new members into the club, witness Heather Watson being awarded Lifetime Membership, and celebrate two other members who received Honorary Membership. These moments highlight the deep sense of belonging and commitment that Rotary fosters.
Club Visits and New Member Inductions: I’ve continued to visit clubs across the district, and every visit has been filled with enthusiasm and energy. Clubs are thriving, attracting new members, and creating an irresistible membership experience. I’ve been fortunate to witness numerous new member inductions and extend a heartfelt welcome to all the new Rotarians. Congratulations to the clubs for building a culture of belonging and inclusivity that resonates with so many.
In addition to these highlights, I encourage everyone to stay informed by visiting the District website. It’s a hub of information, featuring updates on club activities, upcoming events, and resources like the Regional Council newsletters. The Council has been actively supporting clubs with Growth Plans and helping strengthen connections across our district.
Thank you for another inspiring month. Let’s keep building on this momentum and working together to create meaningful change through the Magic of Rotary.