Hello my fellow Rotarians,
This is a great time to be a Rotarian! It has been nearly 8 years since I served as your Club President. Many changes have taken place since that time. The CV-19 pandemic severely impacted our lives. Last year’s President’s mantra was “Let’s get back to the way we were”. Realistically we can never go back to the way we were but we were able to free our club of the restrictions that kept us from meeting in person, adapting to current times and performing the fundraising activities allowing our club to support the many causes that we serve. Let us embrace our future together.
As we look to the future, it is important to focus on the road ahead not behind us! It is always good to reflect on the past and to appreciate the strong, 23 year history that we earned as a leading Club in our Rotary District 6630.
Each Rotary year, the incoming President of Rotary International chooses a new theme for that year. This year the theme is: “Create Hope in the World”. I am asking for your ideas, your support, and your vision to become an even stronger and more vibrant Club. Your time is precious, and we do appreciate that. But so are the lives of those that we serve. Let’s Create Hope in the World by continuing to eradicate Polio, providing food and clothing to those in need, supporting Students of the Month and providing scholarships and school supplies to students in need, help build housing for those who are less fortunate and provide support and financial aid to those impacted by climate change and the resulting natural disasters that occur on an increasing frequency.
Many of you know that I am “Old School” and so I ask for your help, to catch up. I also ask you what is your legacy going to be? We have some amazing members in our club. Look around you. These are people who were invited to join Rotary because they are people of substance and strong character and moral fiber. We are good friends, working together with the same goals.
I have loved being an active Rotarian for 44 years, because of all that Rotarians have done, locally, nationally and internationally. Be proud to be a Rotarian. Our actions speak louder than our words. Let’s Create Hope in the World together! I am anxious to get started! I hope you are too!
Yours in Service Above Self- George
The Rotary Club of Aurora held it's 2023-2024 Annual Installment and Awards Dinner at The Cabin Restaurant in Aurora on June 28th. We also celebrated 23 years of Service Above Self as our Club was founded in 2000. Attendees included 10 past Presidents, 3 past District Governors Board of Director members and many current members. The 2023/2024 Board of Directors was installed, (above from left, Youth Protection Officer Hanna Cajan, Treasurer, Ron Echelberry, Pres. Elect Vic Baerman, President George Schumacher, Foundation President Karen Bordonaro, Secretary Pat Costanza and 2 year Director Charlie Fink. Club awards included the Unsung Hero Award given to Melissa Foster, (first below), for her great work with Interact Students and their involvement in our Club, two Paul Harris Award recipients, Paul Kostansek,(2nd below), and George Schumacher, (4th below). The Life Time Achievement Award was given to Al Connors, (third below), who has been a member of Rotary for 60 years!
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A word from George Schumacher our 2023-2024 President-