2010 - 2011 District Governor Penny Offer monthly messages

As Penny's Posse gets ready to ride into the Sunset on June 30th we can look back with great satisfaction over the past year. Much has been accomplished by clubs and the district as we followed the lead of President Ray Klinginsmith Building Communities and Bridging Continents. We have built on the foundation developed by many other Rotarians who came before us. We have built Bigger, Better and Bolder Rotary Clubs in District 5040.

We have added two new clubs to the district - Powell River Sunrise and Bowen Island for a total of 51 clubs as we end the year. Welcome to the new clubs and their total of 49 members.

We have given generously to our Rotary Foundation to both the Annual programs Fund and Polio Plus. Currently we stand at $196,025 to the Polio Campaign, $252,802 to The Annual Programs fund or per capita giving of $157.31 and total giving in the District of $547,909 to the Foundation. All the clubs have given something to the Annual Programs fund this Rotary year. WOW! Thank you for your generosity to our Foundation that supports our work around the world to improve the lives of others.

We have embraced the Future Vision Plan as one of 100 pilot districts. We have our first Global Grant Scholar studying in London England. We have clubs doing Global Grants and District Grants. Thank you to PDG Kevin Conway and the Foundation Committee for all their efforts in this first year of the pilot with its challenges as we all learn a new system. We have been able to recognize many Rotarians and clubs with special awards from Rotary International and The Rotary Foundation, for literacy projects and in the Media Hall of Fame. Check out the district website and my final Newsletter with the Top 10 highlights of this year for more information on these awards.

None of us as Rotary leaders will really ride off into the sunset even though our term is up as Club President, Assistant Governor, District Committee Chair or District Governor. Each of us has much to offer to the new leaders in our clubs and district and to our continued Rotary service. I believe that we have an obligation to continue in active service to our clubs, district and our local and international communities. We should not sit back and rest on our laurels - there is much to be accomplished, so much more that we can do with our experience and leadership skills to make our world a better place helping those less fortunate locally and internationally.

Thank you all for everything you have done this year in Rotary service and being part of Penny's Posse. Thank you for Building Communities and Bridging Continents. Thank you for building Bigger, Better and Bolder Rotary Clubs. As we ride into the sunset lets Reach Within to Embrace Humanity as the new Rotary Year begins under the District leadership of DG Hans.

Thank you all. So long!
Almost PDG Penny