I want to start this message by saying “THANK YOU!”  to everyone who has sent their well wishes and positive thoughts my way over the past few weeks. Your support and prayers have inspired me greatly. I continue to be in a very good place.

 

Needless to say, I didn’t plan on starting my DG year this way, but I feel so blessed to be surrounded by my caring Rotary family and friends. By the time you read this, I will be home resting after a short and action packed 6 days at the Hotel Sierra Vista (hospital). Things are going well! 

 

I’m particularly excited about the seven club visits (and several socials) I was able to make before taking a “surgery vacation.”  I visited the Rotary Clubs of Morro Bay (go Home Team!); Lompoc (can anyone say “evening wine”?); Morro Bay Sunset (with my daughter as President, so special!); Ojai (Smiling projects!); Fillmore (ever meet in a Corvette Showroom? – WOW!); Ventura (large club with a small club feel!); and Pismo-Five Cities (they do so many projects they budget $1,000 to help other clubs that need a little boost).  All the clubs were so welcoming and fun! 

 

My wife Christine joined me for 6 of my first 7 club visits (unfortunately the one visit she missed was unavoidable). For us, it was a wonderful opportunity to spend time together traveling, visiting, and having a truly grand time!  We brought our grandson Jack to one of the socials, the night before my surgery. The social had tri-tip- and every great food you can imagine. I brought what I could eat: green Jell-O. Guess what Jack wanted? Green Jell-O like Grandpa! Everyone had a blast!

 

I’m so impressed with the great work being done by all the dedicated members in each club, and I was thrilled to be able to recognize some of them during my club visits. If these seven clubs are any indication, I know it is going to be a fantastic year!  I also want to thank all the clubs that had to reschedule my visits at the last minute. I can’t tell you how much I appreciate your flexibility and support. 

 

Important reminder:  Registration is now open for our 2017 District Conference in Ventura October 6-8, 2017, so be sure to go online and register and make your hotel reservation (there is a flyer in this newsletter). We’re going to have a blast!  And for me, it will be a very special time for me to Celebrate Rotary with all of you, and to thank you in person for your support. 

 

August is MEMBERSHIP MONTH and you will receive some exciting news about some membership innovations taking place right now. Passport and Sunset clubs, polling, district growth and retention, and monthly webinars taking place between Club and District Membership leaders. It is a great time to be alive, a Rotarian and to Celebrate Making a Difference!

 

I look forward to resuming my club visits as soon as I am able. Christine will join me whenever she can. Together, we look forward to seeing all of you real soon!  In the meantime, continue Making a Difference in the world!

 

Yours in Service, 
John Weiss