Bob Artis, DG - June 2020

Dear Rotary and Rotaract family,

 

May I have a heart to heart chat for just a paragraph, please?

 

My wife, Corine, and I think of you as part of our extended family. During these past few months, we’ve been shut down, closed down, and hunkered down in our homes, too afraid to venture outside in fear of contracting this nasty, infectious, insidious, silent virus with a code name of COVID -19. Every day Corine and I reached out to folks in our sphere of influence or circle of friends, relatives, and long-forgotten friends to ask, how are you? This was an act of kindness and an expression of care, concern, and compassion. What an amazing thing to have an authentic conversation with someone you were least likely to call. As we reminisced how our paths crossed or reflected on the past, we would often shed a tear or two. It’s just nice to be nice   

 

Remember a few newsletters ago I said “there were three phases of a storm?” Oh yeah, my dear late mother-in-law would often say “It’s a mighty bad storm that never changes”. Well, my friends, we’re just about out of this storm and I often wondered if we would make it. We made it because we refused to let COVID – 19 take us down. Together we are strong!

 

In the Rotary world, there are about 33,000 clubs +/- and few which means about 33,000 presidents. I am soooo proud to have the very best clubs and presidents in the Rotary world. You all are fantabulous, with an exclamation point!

 

In our district, we lived through this pandemic together. I believe we’ve done all we could do in taking good care of our health, safety, and wellbeing and then did all we could do to help others. Like they say in an aircraft emergency, first put on your own mask. Then help your companion. These have been the days that our clubs have demonstrated this day after day and again and again to meet the needs of their communities. The magnitude of this crisis assumes special importance, especially in densely populated communities. But in every part of our two countries, separated only by a body of water but not in soul and spirit, we are one District! Our two governments, medical professionals, first responders, and law enforcement officers - all our frontline workers have been very busy helping others despite the risk to themselves (one of our granddaughters is an RN). Their service is triumphant and admirable. Let’s give thanks and gratitude to all those who continue to risk their lives every day while helping others through this coronavirus outbreak.

Please join me in welcoming our newest member on the District Governor’s chain, DGND Lisa Bishop, from the Rotary Club of Delhi, Ontario. Lisa, welcome aboard and I’m confident you’ll make us proud.

 

On 1 July, our district will have a new leader. District Governor Frank Adamson and First Lady, Judy. Corine and I extend our best and warmest wish for a successful 2020 – 2021 where “Rotary Open Doors of Opportunities.”  

 

My Rotary and Rotaract family, This has been a remarkable year serving as your DG and my wife, Corine, as your First Lady. We thank you for giving us this opportunity and may The Almighty shower his choicest blessings on each of you.   

 

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