President's Message

Throughout our community, children and adults alike look forward to celebrating Valentine’s Day on February 14th. Who remembers glitter, glue, and paper lace all over the kitchen table as we crafted special Valentine’s greetings? Or, like me, did you pick through the conversation heart candy to find the best one to give to a special friend?

Whether Valentine’s Day makes us think of special friends, family members, or our heart’s desire, it’s a day to celebrate love. And what better day to celebrate, as Rotarians, our commitment to opening our hearts to everyone.

We need only to glance at the news or social media to recognize that we are living in tumultuous times, when Valentine’s Day notions of togetherness seem overshadowed by division. The attack on our Capitol on January 6th was one more event in a series of power struggles our nation has witnessed in the past several months. As Rotarians, we cannot turn away from this division. We are not merely witnesses to our nation’s history - we are part of it. Not bystanders, we must be compelled to act.

As Rotarians, we stand for respect, for diversity and inclusion: “As a global network that strives to build a world where people unite and take action to create lasting change, Rotary values diversity and celebrates the contributions of people of all backgrounds, regardless of their age, ethnicity, race, color, abilities, religion, socioeconomic status, culture, sex, sexual orientation, and gender identity.” (Source: Rotary Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion)

On Valentine’s Day 2021, let’s celebrate with our loved ones. And let’s celebrate our membership in Rotary by celebrating diversity and standing up for equity.

Philomena

At our March 2nd meeting, we will take a look at the positive difference our donations to Rotary International are making throughout our global community. We will be honoring our members who have recently earned a new Paul Harris pin. There is still time for everyone to be part of the celebration.

Remember that we are offering up to $400 in matching contributions to help members attain their Paul Harris recognition! We are counting on each of our members to contribute some amount so that we can earn the Every Rotarian Every Year honor that shows our commitment to helping individuals in our global community.

Please contact George Wineinger with any questions about the Rotarian Foundation.

• February 18 -- Zoom to Learn - Youth Services, Part 2 via Zoom
• February 23 -- Happy Hour with DG Gregg via Zoom
• March 5 - 7 -- Far West PETS (President-Elect Training Seminar) via Zoom

Check out the latest & register for Zoom events by clicking on the link below.