Governor's Message
Rotary is starting
another year. With a wonderful theme like "Lend a Hand", we are going to
be very successful and have a great deal of fun. Let me first thank
Larry Ninerell for a job well done. I am sure I will be turning to him
throughout the year for guidance. He has now added a new letter to his
name, P as in PDG Larry Ninerell.
I started out, prior to July first, attending eight installations. I got
to meet many talented Rotarians and to see just how much fun Rotary
really is.
In Asbury Park, the stand up comedians were very good at the funeral
director and golfing skits, while Brick Township had a visit from a
member of NYPD Blue and a group of cheerleaders. Toms River Sunrise took
a cruise down the river and since I don’t do boats, I was a little green
and it wasn’t nerves. We also had a couple of animals participate. In
Great Bay, you were asked to put your " buck in their duck" and in
Forked River you could take a ride on a horse named, Lend a Hand.
Lakewood holds to a more traditional installation with music and dancing
unless, you are lucky enough to be a Paul Harris Fellow and then you
need to go through their greeting line. All in all, a good time was had
by everyone. Fun is often forgotten about in Rotary as we spend so much
time raising money and thinking of others, we forget about ourselves.
Service Above Self is important but lets have fun doing it.. Be sure to
include one pleasurable thing in amongst all your fund raising and try
to include your family of Rotary as often as possible.
On a more serious note, Rotary International President Jonathan
Majiyagbe is asking us to go forward and Lend a Hand. Lend a Hand in
your club by making all members feel that they are a part of the group
and that you have concern for their well-being. Lend a Hand in your
community by promoting literacy. Seek to provide food, clothing and
shelter were there is a need. Lend a Hand in your vocation by upholding
high ethical standards and sharing your skills and talents to assist
people in need. Lend a Hand in the world by reaching out to people of
all races, religions and cultures and by working to alleviate poverty
that so often obstructs our path to peace. Since July is Literacy Month
let us start out in our communities by volunteering in a Library,
reading to the blind or bed ridden or donating books to hospitals,
nursing homes or pre-schools. Also, Ceil Collins, wife of Rotary
International Vice President Frank Collins, is going to be collecting
books at our Zone Institute in Burlington , Vermont, the last week in
August. They will be donated to day care and youth centers in the memory
of Jonathan’s wife, Ada Majiyagbe who passed away this past June.
Another thing I would like to mention is the 19th Annual Phillies and
Rotary, Strike out Hunger Baseball game. It will be held on July 29,
2003 at 7:00pm at Veterans Stadium in Philadelphia. They will be playing
the Los Angeles Dodgers. The contribution to the Foundation, which
represents part of the ticket sales, will go towards the eradication of
Polio. The food stuffs, brought to the game by the spectators , will be
given to the South Jersey and Greater Philadelphia Food Banks. I would
like us to be very well represented since RI President Jonathan
Majiyagbe will be the special guest. Tickets run in price from
$10.00-$28.00. Anyone needing tickets please get in touch with PDG Jeff
Donoghue at 732-566-4249 or PDG Neil Garber at 215-635-6576. Think of
how your club can participate. If your club is not interested in going
yourselves perhaps you could sponsor your local little league team or
donate the tickets to someone less fortunate. Put your best foot forward
and Lend a Hand to this project.
As we start our new year I want to congratulate all the Presidents for
2003-2004 and thank them for all the support they have given me. We are
going to have a great year.
Yours in Rotary
Pam Maguire
Governor 2003-2004 |
July
