Summary: George Hays, new district governor for Rotary International, visited the Millersburg Rotary Club, sharing local and global visions for Rotarians.
Each year, the new district governor for Rotary International visits the clubs in his or her territory, to spread the annual vision of the club, and this year, the new leader inspired like no other. On July 1, George Hays of Salem became the district governor (DG) of the 6650 district. His July 20 visit to the Millersburg Rotary Club came with a message of hope and hard work in the next 12 months. After nearly dying 10 years ago, Hays said his second chance at life came with ?deeper obligations? to service with Rotary. Service was the cornerstone of his message.
"Service is the basis of Rotary and a key attribute that separates us from other organizations," Hays explained. He added that it is important for each member to "reach within themselves to embrace humanity," and serve others.
The top project of the service organization is to eradicate polio. Worldwide, Rotary has more than 1.2 million members, and the once-aging club profile is changing, with more than 2,552 new clubs chartered, in addition to more than 30,000 other clubs in 200 countries. However, while the numbers show growth, Hays reminded those in attendance at the Millersburg club that overall, only 10 percent have sponsored a new member to join Rotary International.
For the district, which encompasses parts of north central Ohio, Hays would like to see a focus on clean water in developing countries and literacy campaigns at home and abroad. Many Rotary clubs partner with clubs in the Third World, to build schools, drill and maintain wells, provide medical care, low-interest loans, and grants to better living conditions.
Hays noted that in order to accomplish the district and international goals, it will take time, commitment and energy. He also added that time and money are the key ingredients to success, to fund the projects and to make them sustainable and successful.
As Rotary clubs contribute to the international foundation, Hays pointed out the Millersburg club contributed $3,013 last year to the foundation, and encouraged the club to continue its support. Many clubs hold fundraisers to raise money for projects. The Millersburg club hosts a chicken barbecue during the Holmes County Antique Festival in October and a spaghetti supper during a West Holmes basketball game in the winter. Club members have also been selling Green Mountain Coffee to help with Rotary water purification projects around the globe.
Hays, a librarian, said his own commitment to Rotary changed in November 2001, when he was walking back to work after attending a weekly Rotary meeting. Struck by a car and sustaining serious head injuries, doctors held out little hope for any recovery or even that he would live. After intensive surgery at the Cleveland Clinic, Hays said his doctors believed his complete recovery was "a medical miracle," and he recalled the devotion and volunteer efforts provide to his wife and son by fellow Rotarians during his time of recuperation.
Hays said he will honor clubs in his district whose efforts better the lives of others, locally and globally. Recognizing Effective Active Clubs Helping Humanity, or REACHH, is an award he will present to clubs who strive to meet Rotary?s motto of Service Above Self.
Also in attendance at the Millersburg club?s meeting was Phil Mariola of the Wooster Rotary Club. Mariola is an assistant district governor for Hays. Millersburg club president Craig Miller presented Hays with box of Holmes County products at the end of the meeting.
