July 1, 2018

 

Dear fellow Rotarians:

    It was truly a transformative day in my life when I joined the Rotary family as a member of this club in 2005. Now that I lead this club as its President, I feel humbled by the opportunity and the task at hand to help serve the needy and the underprivileged of the Human Family.
    I chose the word “Human Family” deliberately. Rotary does its work in the spirit of “service above self” in 200 plus countries across the globe, through its 1.2 million members in over thirty three thousand clubs. Rotary does so willingly, with passion and expertise and without prejudice. Rotary members are service oriented philanthropy inclined individuals, experts in their field of trade or service who are willing to serve their local communities and partake in major service projects across the globe in areas of need as perceived by Rotary International. There is never a consideration of anyone’s ethnicity, creed or religious persuasion. Every human is part of this big “Rotarian Family”. From its role in the concept of United Nations to its on-hand effort in eradicating polio, Rotary organization has shown the path towards peace, prosperity and the well being of the Human Family.
    Right here at home, we currently have the challenges of homelessness, drug addiction and extreme poverty among others. As we face these challenges, my special emphasis will be to strengthen the organizational structure of the club and connect it to its District and International counterparts. With unity, will and determination, I am hopeful that we will be able to succeed.

 

Mary Jane O'Connel
2019-2020