As we bring our calendar year to a close, I thought it appropriate to reflect on the year behind us. It was an interesting year, to say the least.
We got to see ourselves emerge from the isolated days of Covid-19 and finally come back together in person, as it should be for Rotarians. Now, as we bring the year to a close, we see that Covid may be sticking around for 2022 as well. Though I am certain we will see a spike in cases in early 2022, I feel confident that through vaccinations and proper precautions we will end our new year healthier than ever.
If there is one thing that sticks out to me as a big win for Rotarians in 2021, it’s our success in our endeavor to eradicate polio once and for all. In total, worldwide, there were only four new cases of wild poliovirus this year and it continued to be limited to Pakistan and Afghanistan. This is compared to 140 cases worldwide in 2020. This is significant progress, and we all should be very proud as Rotarians, leading the charge in this effort. It looks as though we will soon see an end. What a very exciting time to be a Rotarian!
Overall, our district is once again growing. We’ve turned the tide, and most of our clubs are back in a growth mode. As we round the bend of 2022 and into the second part of our Rotary year, I foresee membership only increasing. We are very fortunate to not only have grown in membership but to have grown with new clubs and satellite clubs. These new clubs provide more Rotarians with an opportunity to serve in a time, place, and manner that suits their needs. This is also an opportunity to provide service to communities and areas that are most in need of a Rotary club.
As we enter into the new year, I am sad for all of our friends that we have lost. Yet, at the same time, I am happy to know I will be able to share the new year with all of my friends still with us and all of the new friendships that 2022 is sure to bring.
Happy New Year, Everybody. Looking forward to a fantastic 2022.
Service Above Self,
Coop