We had no guest speaker scheduled for our last meeting on October 1 and we instead took the opportunity to address some club business.  Our Board of Directors convened a meeting during our regular Tuesday luncheon, giving all Rotarians in attendance an opportunity to participate.  One of the important topics covered involved the appointment of an official Nominating Committee for our upcoming elections later this year.  The Nominating Committee consists of President Bill Orr, Immediate Past President Brian Pellis, and Secretary Lindsey Cobaugh.  Bill, Brian, and Lindsey are eager to speak with anyone in the Club who may have an interest in serving as a member of the Board of Directors for Rotary year 2025-2026, which begins July 1.  They are also interested to hear from any Rotarian who would like to nominate a fellow Rotarian for one of the open positions.  If you would like to nominate someone for an position, please be sure to check with them first and confirm that they are interested in and willing to take on the role.  See below for additional information on this important subject and let us know if you have any questions.

World Polio Day

One of Rotary’s greatest and most important causes is the drive to eradicate polio worldwide.  Rotary has been working on this mission for over 35 years and is a founding partner of the Global Polio Eradication Initiative.  Every year on October 24, we observe World Polio Day to raise awareness of the importance of polio vaccinations to protect every child from this devastating disease, and to celebrate the many Rotarians, volunteers, parents, and professionals whose contributions make polio eradication achievable.  Although much progress has been made, polio persists and this important work must continue.  Please consider making a donation to Rotary’s Polio Plus campaign by visiting: https://www.rotary.org/en/our-causes/ending-polio. 

Guest Speakers Needed

We are looking for a guest speaker for our regular Rotary meeting to be held Tuesday, December 3.  Of course, we would also love to start preparing our guest speaker lineup for 2025!  Some of our best guest speakers are referrals from club members.  Please take some time to think about people in your business or personal life or someone you’ve heard great things about who might make a good guest speaker for our club.  Darcy McNaboe has done a fantastic job lining up guest speakers for us for quite a long time, but finding guest speakers is a responsibility shared by us all.  If you have any thoughts, ideas, or recommendations, please let Bill, Brad, or Darcy know.  If the person you recommend is a personal or business acquaintance, you will be asked to help make the arrangements for their appearance and secure a brief bio and photo for the Orange Peal.  When we work together, great things happen!

Foundation Dinner – November 2

The District 5330 Rotary Foundation Dinner will be held Saturday, November 2 at March Air Field Museum.  Held annually, this event recognizes YOU as a very important donor to the Rotary Foundation, and will feature delicious food, great entertainment, and wonderful fellowship among Rotarians from throughout the District.  Tickets are $175 and proceeds benefit the Rotary Foundation, so you are helping a great cause while enjoying an amazing experience.  Please note that tickets will not be sold at the door.  For more information and to register, visit: https://www.district5330.org/gala-landing/.

Board of Director Positions Open for 2025-2026

In the coming months, elections will be held for the following Club Board positions: President, Secretary, Treasurer, and Director (two positions).  All club members should consider taking on a role on the Board of Directors as a great way to place Service Above Self.  Please give some thought to your Rotary service and determine whether you can serve in an official capacity as a member of the Board.  As noted above, this year’s Nominating Committee includes Bill Orr, Brian Pellis, and Lindsey Cobaugh.  They are your first points of contact for this process.  You may also learn more about club roles on the Rotary International website by visiting: https://my.rotary.org/en/learning-reference/learn-role/club-roles. 

Rotary Friendship Exchange

We are thrilled to have our very own Larry Asmus and Ladd Seekins serve as presenters during our upcoming meeting this Tuesday.   Larry and Ladd will be speaking about one of their overseas adventures as part of the Rotary Friendship Exchange.  The Friendship Exchange is an international program for Rotary members and friends that allows participants to take turns hosting one another in their homes and clubs.  Participants enjoy the opportunity to experience new cultures, learn about other societies and ways of life, enjoy local cuisine, build new friendships, and facilitate a foundation for peace and service.  For more information, visit the Rotary Friendship Exchange programs.

Happy Halloween!

Hope your Halloween is a real scream this year!  District Governor Judy Zulfiqar is highlighting and honoring Rotary Heroes all year long.  Even if you don’t dress the part as this proud blue and gold Rotarian has done, every Rotarian is a true Rotary hero all year long.  Best wishes for a fun and enjoyable Halloween filled with joy, laughter, a bit of spookiness, and lots of sweet treats!