Message from Outgoing DG Mark Brown

I have always been proud to be a Rotarian, but the gifts this experience has given to me over the past twelve months has reinforced that pride and left me humble.  I have been proud to serve as your District Governor and to represent all of the Rotarians in this District in so many events during my term which now draws to an end.   Memories will abound long into the future and friendships made will last a lifetime.  For those gifts I offer my first thank you. 

I am heartened at how some clubs have taken my suggestions and worked hard to improve their club.  At the end of the day, we represent the Four Avenues of Service in a way that makes all of us proud to wear the Rotary pin and spread the word about the work of our clubs and members.

To everyone who was so supportive and helpful to me during my tenure as District Governor, I can only offer my heartfelt thanks.    What an amazing, fabulous experience this has been.   To hear about the wonderful work being done by your clubs has been both inspiring and humbling.  I enjoyed meeting your boards and discussing the progress your clubs are making in your communities and around the world.  It is clear to me that Rotary is in a very good place here in our small corner of the world.  Your leaders are committed to making a difference - whether your focus is in your community, supporting others working in their vocations or towards those people around the world who need small improvements to make life just a little better for their families.

I cannot say enough about the committees who worked hard on the challenges presented to them this year.  I also would be remiss if I did not say how lucky we are to have a fabulous group of Assistant Governors.  The Assistant Governor role is the continuity that supports knowledge transfer and structure year over year – they are the tangible and concrete support that strengthens and allows the role of the District Governor to be as effective as it can be.  They are so committed to working with you and offering support and advice.  But even more - they are a great source of information.

Our conference this year offered fabulous speakers and your feedback shows that you were moved by what they had to say and returned to your clubs with a keen interest in fulfilling the aims and objectives of Rotary.

As we begin a new Rotary year, I want to offer my support and commitment to incoming Governor Bob Moffatt and ask that you too give him all the support possible as he makes his rounds and talks to you about your club and offers his thoughts on ways you can become - Bigger, Bolder and Better.

I am thrilled to be a Rotarian and this past year has been an experience of a lifetime.  I wish all your clubs the very best as you begin the new Rotary year.    Again, a huge thank you to everyone for your support, encouragement, friendship, ideas, willingness to discuss and debate, enthusiasm and most of all, for being such wonderful volunteers in your communities. 

Mark