According to Keith:
Rotary International adopted a new Vision Statement last year that states, “Together, we can see a world where people unite and take action to create lasting change – across the globe, in our communities and in ourselves.”
At Ohio PETS this statement spoke to me when I first heard it. Rotary means many different things to everyone in our club here in Steubenville. I believe that all of us, however, will agree that it takes everyone to be successful, thus the “Together”. Rotary has always been a force of change in the world. The Polio Plus campaign is a prime example. Last year only three cases of polio were reported across the globe. This success is due to all of our efforts.
Our community has benefitted by our club presence. Our donations to a multitude of agencies and fund raisers have had lasting effect on the lives of our fellow residents and will continue to do so. Our volunteerism has completed more projects than can be counted. Our pride in this community has been a guiding light since we were founded and I hope and pray we will continue to be so.
Since I joined Rotary, I have experienced lasting changes in my life and outlook. I often think about the friends I have made and cannot imagine my life without Rotary and each of you. For that; I thank each and every one of you.
I have several plans for the upcoming year. Firstly, I would like to start a Rotaract club at EGCC. Our RI President, Barry Rassin has challenged all clubs to start a Rotaract club in their respective locales and I believe we could be successful in this endeavor.
Secondly, I would like to raise more funds to assist with local projects. I hope each of you will participate in these efforts.
Lastly, I plan to increase our club’s reputation as a group of community-minded individuals, so all residents of the Greater Steubenville area recognize our club’s importance. Once again, I hope I can count on your support.
As I start my term as president I am also going through a life changing event in retirement from Trinity Health System. I have served for forty years in local healthcare and am looking forward to my next life. I am also looking forward to being your president and would appreciate any ideas or comments that will make our club one that more people would like to join.
God Bless each of you and I sincerely appreciate your confidence in my abilities.
