Rotary has had a strong presence in North Bay for almost one hundred years and there are three clubs in the city today because of the belief in so many that it is important to give back to the community you live in – both on a local level and all around the world.

 

Our Club’s main focus has been around improving the lives of children in many ways since 1923 and we continue to do so.

 

With the lifting of most Covid-19 restrictions, our meetings are virtual/in-person, with members not able to attend joining us via Zoom. This also enables us to have a very wide range of speakers from all around the world to share their knowledge and update us on events globally.

 

Rotary itself has been undergoing a transition over the past few years. There are many people who still think of Rotary as something that only people who are retired can do because of the amount of time Rotary Clubs demand of their members. This is definitely not the case. Rotary has always been a “volunteer” service organization and each of our members bring their own unique skills which are so appreciated. You can do your part in helping locally or globally in so many ways and with donating as much of your time as YOU are able to commit to.

 

I am fairly new to the North Bay area but have been a Rotarian for many years. I genuinely believe in the Rotary moto of Service Above Self and hope to have a year of carrying out as much good for the local and international community as possible.

 

I meet people often that say they have no idea of what Rotary is – they may have heard of it but do not know what it is all about. With the help of our members, we hope to let others know of how much Rotary engages in making this world a better, safer, healthier place. If you want to find out all the areas Rotary has touched, you only need to go to the Rotary International website to see the incredible work Rotary is involved in.

 

I look forward to my year as President of the North Bay Club and know that with the help of the incredible people that make up the board and our membership, we can do so much.

 

Rotary International President Jennifer Jones’ announced the theme for this year is IMAGINE. In President Jones’ speech, she says “Imagine a world without polio. Imagine a world with clean water for everyone.

Imagine a world free of disease.  A world where every child learns to read.

Imagine kindness and hope and love and peace.”

 

We can help to make this happen!