Here we are and it’s June already.  That means July 1 is just around the corner and the Rotary year will be over as well as my term as your District Governor.  In approximately 30 days DGE Peter Sullivan will begin his year as our new District Governor.  I’d like to thank the members of the District Executive Board along with our committee chairs, assistant governors and all Rotarians for the hard work they have all done this year. Without our team, all the great things we do in Rotary could not be done.
 
As I’m writing this, I am in northern Australia in the city of Cairns near Australia’s Great Barrier Reef.  Just yesterday I was in Melbourne at the closing ceremony of this year’s International Convention.  I’ve been in Melbourne for the last five days attending sessions and hearing  wonderful speakers and some of the great partnerships Rotary has with other Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs).
Last month, on May 20  (and some clubs on May 21 due to weather), many of our District’s clubs participated in Rotary Day of Service. The great projects, in and around our communities, helped to show our neighbors and the general public just what a force Rotary, and our clubs are. Let’s keep the momentum up.
 
I'd also like to send a huge shout-out to all those members that organized, attended and brought potential new members to or regional meet-ups. Great work membership chair Tony Marmo, and all the AGs that assisted.  Thank you.
 
June is Rotary fellowships month. Whatever your interest is, there is probably a Rotary Fellowship for you.  Whether it is beer, or music, or a specific sport, most interests can be found on MyRotary at  http://rotary.org/fellowships .
 
Lastly, June 29, 2023 is our District End of Year Celebration at Robibero Winery in New Paltz. That evening we will be celebrating our accomplishments along with awarding our newly created District Awards.  Please register on our District Website at https://www.crsadmin.com/eventportal/Registrations/PublicFill/EventPublicFill.aspx?evtid=8969495d-0ea8-4acb-a28d-8b8de1c5478a.  Hope to see you there.
 
I've also included a photo of sunrise in northeast Australia -  just beautiful.
 
Yours in Rotary,
 
DG Larry Palant