The message brought to us this week was from District 5300 Governor, Tom Novotny. In Tom’s address to Arcadia Rotary, he stressed that in today’s economy and world, we shouldn’t be thinking outside of the box, but “outside of the wheel”. And by that he means, that we as Rotarians are the ones who will answer the critical questions facing Rotary today and tomorrow. We need to be innovative in ways to stimulate new members, addressing problem areas, and doing things differently than before.

Tom and Roger Schulte, District Governor Elect for 2010-2011 visited Arcadia Rotary, and met with Club officers to review the activities of the club. Afterwards, Tom said he wished he could clone Arcadia Rotary, because of the members’ involvement in the club, its organization, activities and commitment to service.

As a part of his visit, he presented eight new Paul Harris Fellows to those new recipients. In a separate article, you will find these new members referenced.

In Tom’s remarks, he asked all of us to mark our calendars for next June, 2010 for the District Conference in Las Vegas, actually Henderson, but who’s counting? He said it will be exciting, informative and distinct from past district conferences.

Tom relayed a couple stories related to how Rotary influences and can affect our lives. He talked about “generational clubs”, which will involve people who can’t attend breakfasts, or luncheons and will cost less to join and stay on. Polio is close to being eradicated and he mentioned the contribution that Bill Gates and his wife had made to Rotary to help wipe out polio, but the work is not done. The Rotary Club of Arcadia  presented Tom with a check for $250 for the foundation to fight polio and a bottle of Arcadia Rotary Wine. 

Tom said, you never know how it will happen, but being a Rotarian can result in a life changing great experience.