As of March 1, there are 132,480 minutes left until July 1, 2023 - but who's counting?
 
March is upon us, and we are 2/3 of the way through the Rotary year. Current club presidents are starting to wind-down while Presidents-Elect (PE) have been preparing for our Multi-District President Elect Training Seminar (PETS) on March 23-25 in Whippany, New Jersey. At PETS, incoming Presidents in addition to Assistant Governors will have the opportunity to hear from 2023-2024 Rotary International President Gordan McNally and our own Rotary International Director Drew Kessler along with a myriad of speakers. Topics such as membership, The Rotary Foundation, and public image are among the subjects that will be discussed.  Additionally, PEs will have the opportunity to mingle with and speak to Rotarians from five other districts and share ideas for operation of their own clubs.
 
At the end of April (April 29 to be exact) will be our District Training Assembly at SUNY New Paltz.  All District members, but in particular, club leadership (officers and committee chairpersons), are invited to the event.  Watch for additional information from DGE Peter Sullivan as we get closer to April 29.
 
 
March 22, 2023 is World Water day.  Because of this date, March is Rotary Water, Sanitation and Hygiene month During this month, Rotary clubs around the world come together to raise awareness about water, sanitation, and hygiene issues. Rotary works with water professionals from around the globe to build sustainable water and sanitation projects in local communities. Several of our District clubs have participated in these programs through Global Grants in conjunction with Our Rotary Foundation. Through these efforts, Rotarians are making a direct impact on water security for families who do not have access to safe drinking water or basic sanitation facilities.
 
The focus of Water, Sanitation and Hygiene month is twofold: clubs promoting water-saving strategies and encouraging clean water practices within our communities. Clubs should encourage Interact clubs and local schools to emphasize education in schools on the importance of water conservation in addition to highlighting simple changes people can make to save water.  Clubs could also advocate for public policy changes that support water-saving initiatives and reduce water pollution at a larger scale.
 
Additionally, Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene month is an opportunity to learn more about the water cycle and how our everyday actions can help reduce water wastage. It is only through collective action from communities around the world that we can ensure clean water access is available for everyone. By joining together, we raise awareness of ongoing water-related issues and show our commitment to taking care of this most precious resource!
 
Have a happy March and IMAGINE how fortunate each of us are to belong this great organization.
 
DG Larry Palant