Greetings Fellow Rotarians!
 
Two months of this new Rotary year have gone by in a blink! It's amazing that you all have gotten into the new swing of Rotary, whether still by Zoom, meeting outside/inside or a hybrid of both zoom and face to face. Rotarians are tough and we are built to serve and find a way we will! Many of our clubs are doing great things despite the challenges of the pandemic.
 
I am so impressed by the energy and enthusiasm that I have received in my 13 club visits so far. Our focus and discussion has been on GROWING ROTARY and your individual effort in making that happen. It also happens when club has a membership strategy and the leadership that is willing to keep that subject front and center in all meetings! D7210 has increased total members by 5 since July 1, and I know we have more new members in the pipeline. I witnessed the induction of 3 new members in my Governor visits alone in the past few weeks! Congratulations to those clubs, Pawling and Peral River!
 
The RI Theme for September is Basic Education and Literacy. Due to the uncertainty of school openings, there is a need for our clubs to step up their efforts, NOW MORE THAN EVER! Some clubs already have established school and literacy related projects. Don't let the unorthodox school year deter your efforts! Reach out to the schools and literacy organizations and see how we can assist them. We are PEOPLE of ACTION!
 
Also, September 12 is our first District Service Day and we are asking that our clubs do a COVID related project, and there are so many ways you can assist people in need during the pandemic. Something as simple as friendly phone calls to people that are shut in, or as elaborate as Operation Feed, which has been ongoing for the last 2 months sponsored by the Liberty and Monticello clubs in Region 5. Whatever you do, please get some publicity for your club and Rotary, and perhaps you can recruit some new members along the way!
 
Finally, I want to thank all of you for pulling together during these difficult times. That thanks starts with our District Executive Board, our entire District Leadership team- the AG's and the Committee Chairs, the Presidents who are leading their clubs and each and everyone of you for being a Rotarian and serving others. Give the gift of Rotary to a new member...it changed your life, it will change theirs!
 
Much Rotary Love!
DG Tony