July, 2020 A Note from Your (new) District Governor Greetings, fellow Rotarians. I'm Lowell Stoolman, the new District Governor for District 5970. I've been an active Rotary member for 31 years in Rockwell City, along with my wife, Peg, who has been a member for 17 years. I’ve served as Assistant District Governor for District 5970 under 18 different Governors. I served on the Rockwell City Police Department for 18 years, and I was the Chief from 1986 to 1994. Then, I served as the city’s Utility Superintendent until my retirement in 2015. I also served more than 30 years on Rockwell City’s fire department. Service is in my blood, and the spirit and togetherness in serving our communities is why I am dedicated to our District. As your District Governor for 2020 - 2021, I plan to continue and grow the good works set in motion by Michelle Bell, previous district governor. For example, expanding and diversifying our clubs, applying for grants, and encouraging the next generation of Rotarians to start getting involved.
Over the next year, I’ll do everything I can to ensure your clubs have support and guidance to achieve your goals. Look for tips and insights from me each month in my newsletters along with our regular correspondence. It’s going to be a productive year, and we will achieve great things together. Take Advantage of the Great Outdoors Here in the Midwest, we’re cautiously taking back to the streets and resuming life as normal — albeit while wearing face masks. As more civic organizations begin to meet in person again, many are opening opportunities to take their meetings outside. For example, members report that they’re meeting in members’ backyards or meeting at local restaurants with patio service. No matter your chosen meeting place, consider continuing to provide a virtual option for members who are at higher risk for COVID-19 infection or who simply aren’t ready for group gatherings yet. If Zoom or Skype is challenging, there’s always speaker phone! Staying connected that way is better than having members feel unsafe or excluded. Groups are beginning to warm up to the idea of volunteering in person as well. If you help out at a community organization, make sure you are following social distancing, wearing masks, and washing your hands frequently (or using hand sanitizer). This way of life looks to be our new normal, so let’s make the most of it safely. No matter how you meet, take care of yourselves. Our communities deserve a healthy, happy Rotary! Get more guidance from Rotary Zones 25B-29. | 