Happy New Year! Here’s a quote from a holiday greeting card I received… Well, That Was Crazy!

My hope for Rotary and the world is that 2021 will be the start of things getting back to normal. I realize it’s not going to happen over night but I hope by mid-year.

I commend all of you for your compassion and diligence in helping others through the challenges of 2020. The plan is to continue our efforts to be of service to our communities and the world.

I look forward to clubs coming back together this year by meeting in-person or by resuming hybrid meetings. The human interaction is essential for our emotional well-being and growth in Rotary.

The last week in December I launched a multi-district food drive to engage all our members and to assist in the critical problem of food insecurity in our area. The virtual food drive will continue until the end of January, so please join the effort and contribute what you can to make this an outstanding district wide project. If you are not comfortable donating online, please send your check to Food Bank of the Heartland,10525 J Street, Omaha, Nebraska 68127-1021. Be sure to write on the memo line this is for the Rotary Food Drive and add your club name. All donations received for the Lincoln Food Bank service area will be forwarded to them.

Here is the link: Virtual Food Drive

There is a survey being conducted by Club 14 on the COVID-19 vaccine. The Club asks Rotarians who have had the vaccine to answer a few questions. The purpose is to encourage Rotarians and our communities to get the vaccine when it is available to them. Please take a few minutes to take the survey.  Here's a link:   https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/D3VMYVD

As Rotarians we have a long history of helping mobilize projects, in particular Polio immunizations. Rotary International recommends our clubs help get our citizens immunized. This can be done with a public image campaign, by helping at immunization clinics, and by transporting people to get vaccinated.  Safety is of the utmost concern, so analyze what is logical for your club and please do what you can.

In conclusion, I look forward to a wonderful productive year in our district. You all are amazing. Keep up the good work and stay in touch with your fellow club members. Remember Rotary Opens Opportunities…truly we are people of action.

Warm regards
Roxy Orr, District Governor