District Governor Carole Bernhard newsletter

 

Greetings!  The 2023-2024 Rotary Year begins and I am excited to ‘Create Hope in the World’ with my fellow Rotarians in District 5970. I am District Governor (DG) Carole Bernhard from the Bancroft Area Rotary Club, Bancroft, Iowa.  I look forward to visiting each and every club, getting to know how you serve your community, the world and how you the Rotarian are doing.  Really. 

 

Our Rotary president, Gordon McAnally speaks about continuity of purpose and plans to maintain Rotary’s focus on ending polio, empowering girls, and he supports the continued emphasis on diversity, equity, and inclusion in Rotary.  President Gordon is also advocating for a greater focus on peace initiatives and he brings forward a new initiative this year—ending the stigma of talking about mental health.  This new focus is personal for him, but Gordon is not alone, mental health issues can affect everyone and being able to speak about it, seek and find quality help, and receive support without judgement is important.  Rotarians can help create hope for those whose lives are touched in this way and I am eager to see how our clubs embrace this new initiative. 

 

Thank you to those who were able to attend my installation last month. Your company and presence meant the world to me. Our indoor picnic hosted by S&B Farms Distillery was fun and the burgers grilled by Bancroft’s American Legion Post 377 were delicious. I know a few folks enjoyed the whisky and bourbon tasting!  Sara and Brian Winkelman and their crew were gracious throughout.  Thank you, Jeff, for stepping in for Don to pass on the District Governor’s pin. A special thanks to my husband, Tim. I could not do this without his support as my spouse and partner and I know his year as Club President and my year as District Governor will pass quicker than we realize.

 

We have some new faces on the district team and some leadership opportunities for you to explore.  Shannon Duncan is now District Governor Elect (DGE) and Ward Budweg is District Governor Nominee (DGN). We have had some changes to our Area Assistant Governors—here is an overview:

 

 

Additionally, I want to introduce Annie Vander Werff, Waterloo our District Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Chair, and co-District Trainers, Helen Beneke, Pocahontas and Cynthia Adams, Iowa Great Lakes.  We also have new co-Rotary Youth Exchange Chairs, Maripili Hassman, Cedar Falls and Shari Stoll, Linn County, who are working diligently with clubs, students, parents, schools, and country representatives to have another great RYE year!  More information on all the district team members soon! 

 

We do have some leadership opportunities.  District 5970 is seeking a Membership Chairperson, or co-Chair. This is a 3-year term and the position description is accessible on the website banner, or you can reach out to Suellen, Executive Secretary at  des@district5970.org for a copy.  We are also looking for a Public Image Chairperson or co-Chair.  This is a 1-year term and the position description is also accessible on the website banner, or you can reach out to the above email for a copy.  If you are interested in either of these positions, you may also reach out to me at carolebernhard50517@gmail.com to set up a zoom, or in-person meeting to discuss the position. 

 

I look forward to serving as DG, visiting your clubs, and building lasting friendships throughout our district and beyond this year!  Let’s Create Hope in the World together! 

 

Sincerely,

Carole L. Bernhard

District Governor 2023-2024