Dear Rotary family,
 
Welcome to October! As we enter the fourth month of our Rotary year, I believe we do so with a renewed excitement.  The leaves are changing, the weather is starting to cool, and I think we are all hopeful that this pandemic will subdue and 2021 will bring us into a year where we can reconnect fully.  I am excited to see you all, and I miss you!
 
Did you know that October is ‘End Polio Now’ Month, and World Polio Day is October 24th? What are you and your club doing to celebrate our Polio eradication efforts?  We are so close!  Our Zone is starting a new initiative for Polio – the PolioPlus Society.  You can read more about it in the newsletter. Which club will be 100% PolioPlus Society first?
 
Club visits are going well. I have had three official hybrid meetings.  It was so wonderful to be, whether in person or virtual, with so many great Rotarians.  I would like to thank Superstition Mountain Rotary, Prescott-Frontier, and Wickenburg Rotary for their absolutely wonderful hospitality.  If your club is needing help ‘going virtual’, club president Harvey Clark (Superstition Mountain) has been an absolute champion for helping all of us!  Please reach out to him for his best practices.  I look forward to getting together with more clubs in October.
 
 
Next weekend, we are having our very first Virtual RYLA.  Thank you to Colton Cagle (past District Governor of the 5495 Interact District Council) for being our District Committee Chair.  Also, a big thanks to your team!  They have planned a wonderful event.  So far, we have over 50 high schoolers registered!  
 
I would also like to mention our Mexican-American Friendship Conference, usually held in late October, has been moved to February 2021.  I hope to see you all in Mexico!
 
I can’t express how wonderful you all are.  Every day I get to hear of the wonderful work Rotary clubs are doing all over our state and world.  I hope you’re reading the Monday emails, and seeing the project spotlights and opportunities the clubs are offering.  It is so inspiring week by week – I wish I could list them all! September brought us all an amazing Pursuing Peace Conference. Over 140 community leaders came together to discuss how we can be more intentional in our efforts – it was amazing. Thank you PDG, Chuck Fitzgerald, for your vision and talent in bringing that together.  Next year’s event won’t come soon enough!
 
Thought for October: District 5495 – you are ALL People of Action.  You prove Rotary’s vision every day.  Instead of becoming paralyzed in fear and frustration, COVID-19 has caused you to ‘Move into Action’. There is so much need in our communities: our local food banks, shelters, unemployed neighbors, and so much more.  I know you are bringing your best efforts to show up for those that need your help.  I am so proud to be part of this amazing group because of all of you!
 
Let me know if there is anything I can do to support you.  I thank you all for your friendship and most of all – for who you are!
 
Blessings this October,
 
 
 
 
Elizabeth
District Governor (2020-2021)