I am incredibly glad for the amazing district committee members and their chairs for all the good results we have achieved so far. Membership is growing, and in a couple of weeks, new clubs are coming! Donations to PolioPlus have soared, and a campaign to increase the number of Paul Harris Fellows in the district will be launched next week. Interact clubs are being reorganized, and new ones are being chartered. The Youth Exchange program and RYLA are back.

Don't think for a moment that I did this. I didn't do a thing! This happened because of each one of you. You are the ones who keep this district rolling! You are the ones who Create Hope in The World! Thank you for this!"

We need to continue our mission of creating hope in the world. With four months remaining until the official commencement of the new Rotary year, we need to keep our commitment to maximizing our impact during this transition period. We need to work even harder now to deliver a good and well-functional District to DGE Jula Babbit and her team to deliver The Magic of Rotary! We are a family, and we work as a team.

I understand the importance of continuity and maintaining the momentum we've worked so hard to build. It's essential that we do not allow this interim period to become a period of inertia. Instead, let us view it as an opportunity to further advance our district's goals and initiatives.

In the next four months, I challenge each and every one of you to redouble your efforts in service to our communities. Let us leverage the resources, partnerships, and momentum we've cultivated thus far to make an even greater impact. Whether it's through ongoing projects, innovative initiatives, or collaborative endeavors with fellow Rotarians, let us continue to embody the spirit of Rotary in all that we do.

We are here to support you every step of the way. Together, let us harness the power of our collective passion and dedication to effect positive change. Let us leverage our positions of leadership and influence to inspire others and drive meaningful progress in our district and beyond.

As we look ahead to the challenges and opportunities that lie before us, I am confident in our ability to rise to the occasion and continue to CREATE HOPE in THE WORLD. Together, let us reaffirm our commitment to Rotary's mission and leave a lasting legacy of service, compassion, and positive change.

No lame duck in District 6930!

Love you all,

3. Boosting Engagement:

Big shout-out to everyone for fostering an atmosphere of trust and engagement. Leading by example, we're keeping the Rotary spirit alive, encouraging active participation and shared commitment.

4. Rolling with the Punches:

Kudos to our adaptability! Personal responsibility and a hunger for learning have fortified us against the unexpected. Let's keep that resilience strong as we face whatever comes our way.

5. Love and Solidarity:

In true Rotary fashion, let's acknowledge the love and solidarity binding us together. Our collective strength has been a game-changer, helping us navigate challenges with grace.

As we navigate the next leg of our Rotary journey, share your stories, triumphs, and challenges. Your experiences shape our collective narrative, making each day in Rotary unique.

Let's make these upcoming months count. Our actions, no matter how small, contribute to the larger story of Rotary service. Together, let's leave a lasting impact on the communities we serve.

Thank you for being the heartbeat of our Rotary spirit. Keep sharing your passion to Create Hope in The World .

Please let me know. How am I doing so far?

Our accomplishments have been significant: implemented committees, revitalized the Interact and the Youth Exchange Program, and completed training seminars according to the international Rotary agenda. We are one Rotary family, from north to south, east to west, working together with dedication and hope.

This new year presents us with the opportunity to welcome for the first time in our district the President of Rotary International, Gordon McInally, a historic milestone that we will celebrate at the Rotary Foundation lunch on January 14.

We are starting the second stage of the Rotary year with positive membership growth and a full schedule of events!

In January, we will begin video conferences to address questions about Membership and Public Image, in addition to continuing official visits to clubs. In April, we will visit the One Rotary Center in Evanston to learn even more from them. In June, the District Conference, and at the end of June, the Zone 34 Team Training in Jacksonville.

We have many things yet to accomplish, and the certainty that many of these things will only be completed with time. Such are the changes. Often, people expect to see changes immediately, but the most significant changes, in attitude and vision, require time to be effective.

We are relearning to dream and have passion for Rotary.

May we continue to Create Hope in the World by making changes in the lives of those we help, both in our community and around the world.

I wish everyone a 2024 full of achievements, prosperity, and solidarity. Let's work together to make a difference and build an even more inspiring future for Rotary.

Share Your Passion!

Growing Together

My Dear Rotary family

I know this month's newsletter is arriving a little later than usual. It's usually sent out on the 5th, and for that, I take full responsibility. While we have the best newsletter editor in Zone 33/34 – a big thank you to Joann Meacker for her dedication! – this month, we had some incredibly important news to share, which required me to delay publication slightly.

Our District is growing, but we need to keep our foot on the gas to maintain momentum. November saw our lowest growth of the year, adding 15 members and losing 9, resulting in a net gain of 6. While any positive growth is welcome, this number falls short of our potential.

Year-to-date, we've added 114 new members against 72 losses, giving us a net gain of 42. This is a commendable achievement, but it's not enough to lift us from our position as the smallest district in Zone 34. We need to push harder and work smarter.

While I appreciate the efforts of all our clubs, it's concerning that some haven't added a single member this year. Rotary is inherently designed for growth. We thrive on welcoming new members and expanding our impact. Let's work together to understand the challenges these clubs face and find ways to support their growth initiatives.

Fortunately, we have several shining examples of clubs achieving remarkable growth, some exceeding 30%. Their success demonstrates what's possible with focused effort and commitment. Let's learn from their best practices and translate their strategies into our own club activities.

Looking ahead, we have exciting developments on the horizon. Four new clubs are in the pipeline, with Boynton Beach leading the charge. Our Interact program continues to flourish, welcoming new clubs and revitalizing existing ones. Additionally, RYLA registrations are now open, offering a valuable leadership development opportunity for the next generation of Rotarians.

Another highlight is the arrival of the Peace Poles, which will be dedicated by the Roraty International Pesident Gordon McInally. Don't forget to secure your tickets for President Gordon's visit! The best deal is to purchase a table for $120 per person, creating a memorable experience and fostering a sense of community.

Finally, let's rally behind the PolioPlus Society. Our ambitious goal is to recruit 500 new members by May 2024. All new members will be recognized at the Foundation Dinner by President Gordon himself. This is an incredible opportunity to be a part of something bigger and contribute to the global eradication of polio.

Together, we can achieve remarkable things. Let's work hand-in-hand, share best practices, and support each other in our quest for growth. Remember, "the world needs Rotary more than ever before," and it's our responsibility to make it stronger, bigger, and more impactful than ever before.

As we approach the end of the year, Dini and I want to express our heartfelt gratitude for all your accomplishments. You have made this year truly remarkable. Happy holidays to all, and for those celebrating, Happy Hanukkah and Merry Christmas!

Let’s Create Hope in The World!

Local Compassion: A Call to Action for a Better Tomorrow

This month, November, marks Rotary Foundation Month, providing the perfect opportunity to contribute and make a difference.

In the midst of our comfortable lives, it's easy to turn a blind eye to the suffering around us. However, recent experiences have brought to light the harsh reality within our own community.

I found myself in Chicago, surrounded by the stark contrast of wealth and poverty. Tents of the homeless and refugees stood in the shadows of million-dollar apartments. This unsettling scene prompted introspection: How could we, as neighbors, ignore the plea for dignity right outside our doors?

In Boynton Beach West, a once agricultural haven, I stumbled upon a makeshift shelter for a veteran. The juxtaposition of prosperity and poverty in our blessed country is disheartening. The question resonates: How can we allow such disparity to persist?

While global issues may seem distant, our interconnected world demands attention. Diseases like polio, although eradicated, can resurface in unexpected places; traces of this virus have been found in Manhattan sewers. Dengue and Chikungunya, once confined to distant regions, now threaten us in our tropical climate like Florida.

The responsibility to act lies with each of us. Joining the PolioPlus Society for as little as $100 per year, or $25 per quarter can ensure a safe future for our community by eradicating Polio worldwide.

Turning our gaze to immigrants and the homeless, many in our region seek refuge in hidden conditions. As responsible members of the community, we must empathize and extend our help. The Rotary Foundation Global Grants program provides a beacon of hope for a good life, allowing dreams of security, health, education, and employment to flourish.

We can create or support projects globally or even here in our region focused on the Rotary International area of Focus that is: peacebuilding and conflict prevention; disease prevention and treatment; water, sanitation, and hygiene; maternal and child health; basic education and literacy; and community economic development.

Contributing to the Rotary Foundation leaves a lasting legacy, saving lives and offering hope to those who need it most.

Today, I challenge you to commit to change. Become a Permanent Donor to the Foundation; with just US$100 per year, you become a sustainable member and join EREY, Every Rotarian Every Year. Let's be a community that cares, takes action, and leaves a positive impact on the world.

To motivate you even more to participate in these two initiatives, I want to give you the opportunity to become a Paul Harris Fellow.

Let me explain how: there will be two opportunities. If you join the Polio Plus Society and/or become an EREY member by December 15, that is, in the next 30 days, you will be entered into a draw that will take place on January 14, 2024, during the Rotary Foundation lunch, attended by RIP Gordon McInally.

You will receive your Paul Harris pin directly from the hands of our President in front of the entire District. This is an expression of gratitude for your efforts.

Don't waste time; take on this commitment and let me know by sending an email directly to me. I will forward it to our End Polio Coordinator JoAnn Meaker and our TRF Chair PDG Pam Russell, indicating your commitment to a Better Tomorrow for our communities.

Let’s continue to Create Hope in the World!

What's a Peace Pole? A Peace Pole is a powerful symbol of unity and hope. It carries a message of peace in multiple languages, serving as a constant reminder of our shared commitment to a harmonious world. It's a visible statement that speaks to all who see it.

Why Does It Matter? Peace is something we all long for, and this project is our way of making a difference. Each Peace Pole will be strategically placed in locations of significance, amplifying its message and fostering a culture of understanding.

How Can You Get Involved? This project is open to everyone. Rotary clubs in our district can lead the way in creating these Peace Poles, and grants are available to support them. It's on a "first come, first served" basis, so act now to bring peace to your community.

Save the Date In January 2024, we'll come together to dedicate all eight Peace Poles during the visit of RIP Gordon McInally, making history and spreading peace.

Join us in this transformative initiative. let's create a more peaceful world, one Peace Pole at a time. Your action today can shape a more peaceful tomorrow. Together, let's make it happen!

I first met Michele when our club gave the toys we gathered through the donations of Hillary’s customers.  Thanks to all who donated to the Rotary Elf Box!  You made many kids with cancer happy. 
 

Rotary International's future President for 2024/2025, Stephanie Urchick, visited Boca Raton on January 26 and was welcomed by the Rotary Club of Boca Raton West and their members for dinner at the Pavilion Grille. Many presidents and Rotary dignitaries, including RC Past Director Robert Meconni, were present, making it a memorable and special occasion.

The visit of a Rotary International President 2024/2025 to District 6930 was part of a Training Seminar that District 6930 Governor 2023/2024 Douglas Heizer promoted on the weekend. The last time a RI President came to our city was 20 years ago, so this was a significant and exciting event for all involved.

Stephanie Urchick used the dinner to discuss the need for Rotary growth, and her words were inspiring to the almost 100 people in attendance. The Mayor of Boca Raton, Scott Singer, welcomed the Rotary International President and proclaimed in her honor. District 6930 Governor-Elect Douglas Heizer also extended a warm welcome on behalf of the district.

During the dinner, the Rotary Club of Boca Raton West president Luciana Beucke inducted two new members, Elizabeth Alderete and Luciane Becker. This was a significant moment for the club.

The audience was filled with many Rotary club members from the surrounding areas and from Titusville to Boca Raton.Several District 6930 Past District Governor was at the dinner. Michael Walstrom, Betsy Owen, Phil Lustig, and Steeve Laine were present. The Rotary Club Delray Beach president Nick Basiana and members of their club, the Rotary Club of Downtown Boca Raton president Jeff Weber, and several club members were in attendance. The Rotary Club Boca Raton Sunrise president Gail Lustig and their members were also present; the District 6930 Governor Nominee Vanessa Hagner and the members of The Rotary Club of Boca Raton as were District 6990 and their Governor Michael Kesti with his wife Maria Kesti, District 6990 Governor 2023/2024 Barbara Gobbi, District 6990 Governor Nominee Dennis Caltagironi, and Membership Chair Antonio Pinheiro.

Overall, the visit of Stephanie Urchick to Boca Raton was a success and a memorable occasion for all involved. 

The dinner at the Pavilion Grille was an excellent opportunity for Rotary clubs to unite and build new relationships. The Rotary Club of Boca Raton West was honored to host Stephanie Urchick and is committed to working with her to advance Rotary's mission. The club looks forward to engaging with Rotary International and other organizations to bring about positive change in the world.

See more pictures of the dinner here : https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=oa.942444567125041&type=3