District Governor Blog: December 19, 2010

Holiday letter 2010

Rotarian,

Thank you for your service this Rotary year. Your effort, heart, and passion to serve your club, your district, and the world has been truly inspiring. Your work has facilitated great progress in our district, and no better result has been the installation of over 125 new Rotarians since July first. My peer in Dallas told me she was in the low 90’s and my peer in Houston just over 100 new Rotarians installed. Take a look at the population centers they have to draw from and you can see that the ‘tool kit’ we put in place is working. We are doing great, but can always do better. Please review the July newsletter and let’s finish this Rotary year STRONG!

May you and your family have a blessed holiday season and I look forward to serving you the second half of this Rotary year.

Key Reminders:

· Governor’s Challenge begins Jan 1 (review rotary5520.org)

· Who in your club can donate to the incentives of the Governor’s Club?

· Get folks to the District Convention in April. Registration opens first week Jan.

· Club donations for District Convention need to be sent to Loren ASAP (and thank you for the help, $100-$500 is what we are asking each club to put in (if possible). If you have a club member who would like to sponsor, we can accommodate at various levels and exposure, just let me KNOW! As you remember, the DCon is not in the district budget, has to be self supporting, and all financial arrangements are a personal liability to the Governor).

· Get folks to the International Convention in May. Registration at www.rotary.org

· February 28^th deadline to have Presidential Citation application to me (the application on http://rotary5520.org/districtadministration/2010-11_leadership/1011PresidentialCitation.pdf says March 31^st, I say February 28^th for your club to be eligible. Let’s get them to me to sign.

Keep keeping track of community service hours worked this Rotary year, estimation of last year’s hours, as well as fundraising money this year, and guestimation of last years fundraising. We will be disclosing the district totals at Convention. I need your YTD data by March 31^st via email (tparker5520@yahoo.com)

O.V. #55 - RC of Ft. Sumner 12-15-10

President Lyssy and I have been friends since we both served as AG's many years ago. Although small in size, this club makes up for it in spunk. No greater spunk than the infamous Flea Wood, who has been a member in Rotary almost 56 years. This club is extremely hospitable and the food was great (home made like Melrose). This club has a ton of potential, they just need to beat the streets and keep spreading the word. I was very encouraged after visiting this club and am thankful for their friendship.

Also, if you are every traveling the world, or even from the community you are reading this from, please send a post card addressed to: Pulga 88119 that's it, Pulga is FLEA in spanish, and he has been in the community so long, he doesn't even need an official address! He would be encouraged to receive the communicae.

DG TP and the infamous FLEA

DG TP and President Jim

Visitation of Governor Peer from Texas 12-14-10

One of the neat things about serving as Governor is the national and international network it provides, specifically the special bond with the 520 something other Governors from around the world that are serving this year.

On her way through Roswell to Ruidoso to celebrate the completion of her club visits, District Governor of D5810 Linda Elliott with Partnaaa David Crist met up with me at the local DQ. D5810 was the district I was a member at before D5520, having served the infamous Preston Center Rotary Club as Sgt. at Arms prior to moving here.

DG Classmates Linda Elliott and TP

and yes, that is David's smiley face!

RC of Roswell Sunrise Christmas Party 12-14-10

My home clubs Christmas party, hosted by Megan Lydia Billeaudeaux-Rhodes office, Classic Expressions (owned by Rotarian Sandi Davis). Great place for smaller events.

Past, Present, and Future Sunrise Presidents: l to r Kurt Gass, PE, Brett Leach, PP, John Naylor, PP, and Jared Hembree, President 2010-11

RC of Hobbs Christmas Party 12-9-10

What a great time, great hosts, and thanks for the invite. RC Hobbs held their Christmas Party at the Hobbs Country Club and I have captioned some of the events below. Shared some great laughs and made new friends..... Patty, Janna, Judy, Jo, and David, you've got a good thing going there, keep it up! Chris, thanks for the ride, Lindsay, the picture.