 AG Rhonda introduced our special speaker today – our new District Governor Traci Sincock. She has been a member of the Northville Rotary Club since 1990 and is a past president. Both she and her husband, Past DG Paul, have been deeply involved in the Youth Exchange Program through Rotary for many years. They have both been involved in various international service projects. Traci has enjoyed a successful career in parks and recreation, She is currently the supervisor of the 944 acre Mayberry State Park in Northville. She and Paul have been married 26 years and live in Plymouth. Traci is received the Council of Governor’s Award from District 6400. They are both major donors of the RI Foundation. Traci began by mentioning that prior to today’s meeting, she had a very nice meeting with our officers and directors. She said that DGs are the direct liaison’s between the RI President and the local club. One of her duties is to pay personal visits where possible to all clubs in the district before November which now total 52 two of which only meet virtually (Nigeria). This visit, she said, was her fourth. DG’s are also responsible for motivating members to participate in service activities, she said, and that it was refreshing to see that our club has had no trouble in doing that. It is also her job to listen to clubs speak about their goals, learn about their communities, and help offer district resources to help clubs “be the best they can be and achieve their goals”. Traci said that this was an especially important year since the RI President is Jennifer Jones, the first female president in the past 117 years and from District 6400 herself. She was also our DG about 15 years ago! Her theme is: Imagine the Possibilities while Traci’s is “Imagine the Impact”! Traci said that the district theme had an important purpose and that was to encourage clubs to think about all they do and reflect on their accomplishments and what they are doing for their communities because “without impact and thinking through what we do, it’s not as powerful as it could be. You should all celebrate the work you’ve done this year.” Traci said that this is a year of embracing “change” which might include new club models as well as new ways of thinking things through. DG Traci said that RI President Jennifer has asked all DG’s to form at least two new clubs in their respective districts. That might be accomplished, she said, considering possible “cause-based” clubs who want to promote pace, a focus on the environment, etc. They could be “innovative” clubs that don’t fit a model that doesn’t exist today. “All club members”, she said, “should feel fully welcomed and engaged and included in everything that they do, then they will love their club want to bring more members into the fold.” The District goals, Traci said, include Encouraging work collaboration between clubs; Promote club projects on social media and the District Newsletter and even try video/Facetime, etc. She said that membership retention throughout the district has been a challenge for a variety of reasons but that this year they are hoping to grow it by about 2%. That might involve creating new clubs that once existed in areas but don’t any longer. Traci mentioned a big district event on Saturday, September 17 – Day of Service whereby every club in 6400 creates some type of service project that day. We. of course, will be holding our 6th Annual Bike Tour. A group from the district will be traveling to every club and shooting video of their project – ON THE SAME DAY!! It also happens to be Traci’s birthday! The very next day is the Annual Governor’s Golf Outing at one location this year. Visit www.rotary6400.org for more information – Kingsville Golf & Country Club. Proceeds will go to the World Community Service Grant. Traci said that the district has embarked on training future leaders – from PE’s to others generally between January and May of each year. A District Leadership Training Team is being formed for the purpose of training members year-round! PDG and former Adrian Morning Rotary Club member is on the team! The district’s Youth Exchange Program, Traci said, was back on track after a rather long pause due to COVID. This year there will be two inbound and six outbound. Polio Plus is yet another district program. Traci mentioned what other clubs have been planning to help eradicate this disease that still exists in only two countries. A district Holiday Party is being planned for December 1 in Plymouth in what used to be a former Henry Ford factory! Mark your calendars now! Next year’s District Conference, Traci said, will be May 5th through the 7th in Windsor – Jennifer Jones’ hometown. She will even be there! On Sunday of the conference, Mitch Albom. Renowned author, columnist for the Detroit Free Press and WJR Radio personality will be the keynote speaker! Thank you, Traci, for honoring our club with your official visit! |
Guest today were:
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