Tag Archives: Citation for Meritorious Service

Lingering glow from District Conference

04 Tuesday Oct 2016

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From District Conference to Foundation Awards Banquet … the glow continues

Excitement is growing about the Foundation Awards Banquet as it has already been announced that District 7600 achieved two record breaking giving milestones in the 2015-16 year.  The generosity of its clubs and members put District 7600 at #23 in giving out of all of the Districts in the world. Congratulations and thank you to all Rotarians in 7600.

The successful giving year means that there will be a robust Foundation Awards ceremony at the 2016-foundation-awards-banquet on November 10 at the Colonial Heritage Golf Club in Williamsburg.  The District Foundation Committee will be notifying clubs and individuals of their awards shortly and inviting them to participate in the awards ceremony.  By the way you can register NOW for the District Foundation Awards Banquet at the calendar  tab on dacdb.com.

Looping back to the District Conference … India

There were so many amazing, riveting presentations at the District Conference.  One colleen-and-cora-nid-indiabreakout that this writer particularly enjoyed was the Engaging Humanity in India – National Immunization Day (NID)  presented by Colleen Bonadonna (New Kent) and Cora Huitt (Bon Air).  The breakout was a sensual visit to a typical NID in India.  From soft lights, incense, tea, bindis, and actual photographs from NIDs in which Colleen and Cora had participated, the session was a sampling of the adventures volunteers experience on NIDs.  These two 7600 Rotarians demonstrated that it is not only our donations, but the time volunteered by Rotarians by which we Embrace Humanity.

Back at the Conference … Citation for Meritorious Service

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Lynn & Jim Probsdorfer & Past Rotary International Director Sam Orowi

Each year each District nominate a deserving Rotarian to the Trustees of The Rotary to recognize outstanding service of a to The Rotary Foundation by awarding the Citation for Meritorious Service to that exemplary individual.  Only one such citation may be awarded each year in the District.  This year  James A. Probsdorfer (Warwick) was the recipient of the Citation for Meritorious Service.  Jim or Probs, as many call him, richly deserves this special recognition. This Past District Governor and immediate Past District Rotary Foundation Chair steered the District through ‘Future Vision’ (remember that?) into the emerging and now solidified grant and grant management model.  Change can be hard, especially for Rotarians. Probs helped make it happen with grace. Each year during his chairmanship the district broke at least one or two giving records.  Yes, #23 in the world. Congratulations, Probs.

 

We’ll get by with a little help from our friends

05 Monday Oct 2015

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Picture of CitationAfter drying my tears, catching my breath, and finding my abandoned  eye glasses, the enormity really hit me of having been awarded The Rotary Foundation Citation for Meritorious Service by Rotary International General Secretary John Hewko in front of 300 or so of my closest friends.  As I left the dais many Rotarians, more deserving of the recogniton than I, hugged and congratulated me. In acceptance of this award I am at once humbled and empowered … humbled because there are so many hardworking, generous Rotarians who support their clubs and humanity every day and who are worthy of recognition and gratitude for their efforts to support the mission of The Rotary Foundation … empowered because I know that Rotarians, and particularly District 7600 Rotarians, are a supportive community who will not quit until we eradicate Polio and who will never cease ‘doing good in the world.’

So thank you all for being part of my posse.  Thank you to District Governor Gary Chenault who formally nominated me. Thanks to the 64 Club Foundation Chairs and  to the 17 Foundation Advocates who have boots or high heels on the ground making The Rotary Foundation a living, breathing part of every Rotarian’s life. Thanks to my District Rotary Foundation Committee colleagues who inform and bolster me, and especially to our Chair, Jim Probsdorfer, who somehow manages to keep all of the moving parts from colliding and moving us towards accomplishing our District goals.  Thank you to the District leadership, past and present, who provide the inspiration, structure, and support which allows the District Foundation Committee to reach into and support the clubs. Thanks most of all to the 3000 District Rotarians who personally raise and donate funds, sell peanuts and other sundries, distribute dictionaries, paint purple pinkies, build bridges, refurbish charitable facilities, and just keep the day-in and day-out commitment to The Rotary Foundation.

Finally and most importantly,  thank you to the spouses and families who share your loved ones with the cause and who often roll your own sleeves up and join in the effort. Your support and encouragement makes it all possible.

Now, let’s all meet at The Rotary Foundation Banquet on November 12, in Williamsburg and celebrate together!