What a great year this will be as we all get back together in person to do the work of Rotary!  I am very proud to be your new District Governor for 5840, as I start this very important and "Change Maker" Rotary Year.  
Thanks to Xavier Toson, DG in 2020-2021 who kept "pivoting" throughout his year to stay one step ahead of the COVID 19 virus.  Thanks also to all the Club Presidents who held their clubs together and utilized virtual platforms to continue to meet and conduct club business.  This meant that goals set could be met and members of clubs would continue to feel connected.
 
My biggest thanks goes to all the Rotarians who "stayed the course" and continued to put their hearts and talent into making Rotary the greatest service organization in the world.  Planned Service Projects were completed and new, necessary, critical projects were created to meet the needs of all our communities and neighbors who desperately needed extra help due to COVID.   Fundraisers were reimagined so that scholarships and service projects were funded, in spite of not being able to hold in-person events.  As I have traveled throughout the District these past several months, I am continually amazed by all that has been accomplished this past year.
 
So, it is the start of a new Rotary year!  A time to celebrate and a time to grow.  How appropriate it is that July is "Bring a Friend to Rotary" Month!  We can start following our RI President, Shekhar Mehta's call to "Each One, Bring One" and even as important "Lose None" of our current members.  Both of these initiatives will help us to increase our membership and "Grow More to Do More."  Let this year be a time when we have more Rotarians to complete our goals and not forget to HAVE FUN doing it!
 
I have been blessed in working with volunteers for my entire career, and I know that together we will #ServeToChangeLives.  Rotarians, by following the Four Way Test, have said that they are the cream of the crop with the "Service Above Self" motto.  I truly believe that one of those lives that you will change, through service, will be your own!  See you soon during my District Governor Visits - I can't wait!
 
Kris