Maureen and I hope that you and your family celebrated a safe and Happy New Year. As for us, we are in Airth, Scotland celebrating two dear friends—Cole and Cameron Leininger–getting married. For the record, this was not a Rotary trip although we are about 20 miles from the home of Rotary International President-Elect Gordon McInally.
We shared the wedding with the groom’s parents, two members of our club—Mark Leininger and Kendra Pressley, and yes, when in Scotland you must wear a kilt. Mark’s is his clan. However, if you look closely, you will note that my clan is Rotary. Thanks, Past District Governor Rich Cooper for the loan of the kilt. So, with four of us here, I am guessing that our club secretary will count this as a makeup.
With the first ever Membership Summit at Daytona State College in Palm Coast around the corner, have you signed up? Unless you are comfortable with putting membership on autopilot, someone from your club needs to attend this event. How will you adapt your membership plan for the remainder of the year? The summit is 9am-12:30pm (Continental Breakfast and fellowship begins at 8am) on Saturday January 28. Cost is $25 and speakers will include Past Rotary International Director Jeffry Cadorette; Aide to Rotary International President Nominee Stephanie Urchick, Tom Gump; and Zone 33/34 Regional Membership Officer, Audley Knight. Seating will be limited so sign up now. This is your club’s opportunity to examine recruitment and engagement.
RYLA 2023 has a new format. We are hoping that every club will sponsor 2 students. Has your club completed the pledge form? The effort is being led by the District Youth Services Committee, Chaired by Lt. Governor Michael Bruce. Cost will be $150 per participant and will include:
- Act I—Saturday March 25 in person 8am-4:30pm, Keynote Speaker Jade Gordon (including a food packing event with Rotarians). Beachside HS, St. Augustine.
- Act II—Saturday April 15 Zoom 9-1pm.
- Act III—Saturday May 13 in person 8-4:30pm, Keynote Speaker Orion Jean (this will be running parallel to our District Conference and will separate presentations from District Conference speakers).