Our own Rotary Superstar Ray Bushnell introduced the 2015/16 District Governor Randy Pote.  Randy introduced his assistant Richard Reed from the North Las Vegas Rotary Club.  DG Randy noted that his father authored a book of invocations used by rotary clubs.  Randy began his rotary life in Inglewood, moving to North Las Vegas, Centennial Rotary in Colorado where he served as President in 2010/11 and now back to California.

Vocationally, Randy has started several fundraising businesses, R&M Fundraising, Fundraising by Randy, as will as involvement in sales and management.

Randy noted that this years rotary theme, as coined by RI President Ravi Ravindran, is “Be a Gift to the World”.  Encouraged by the RI President to continue moving forward even when its 2 steps forward and 1 backward.  While there are challenges facing Rotary today, it is critically important to get the word out about what good work Rotarians are doing in our communities and around the world.  Randy encouraged all Rotarians to be a gift to the world, our community and to our local clubs.

Randy left us with 2 quotes, authors unknown; The sun comes out every day and while there may be clouds it is our choice to fly in the clouds or above the clouds where the sun shines.  A second quote given at a commencement speech was “I regret most when facing suffering that I responded with sensibility, reserve and caution”.

Randy noted that the Arcadia Rotary Club has always made him feel welcome.  Randy noted 3 important opportunities; District Conference August 16, RI Presidents visit January 2, and a May 2016 local conference opportunity, all very helpful for Rotarians.  Randy highlighted the new 36 word “Rotary Elevator Speech” essentially as Rotary as a Leadership Organization made up of local professionals meeting regularly as friends improving their communities while having fun.

Randy thanked the Arcadia club for the wonderful greeting, respect and noted that Mike Hoey is beginning a great year for the club.  Randy complemented the club for preparing and showing leadership.  Randy was presented a engraved magnum of wine and then recognized Ray Bushnell and Mike Real with the District 5300 Superstar Recognition pins.