Dear Rotarians and Community Members - "The Future of Rotary is in Your Hands". This is our theme and our challenge for the Rotary 2009-10 handed down to us from our incoming President John Kenny to ensure the future of Rotary through the development of our younger Rotarians and embracing our next generation of Rotarians.  Being in Rotary is more than thinking of one's self; it is the ability to make a difference through the effort of many selfless individuals working as a team; it is the ability to support many of our individual charitable passions with the help and financial support of others.  We have done it, we are doing it, and we will do it again. 

I want to thank all Rotarians for the hard work and dedication that they have put forth for our Club over and over again.  Whether it be cooking on the grill at Alpenfest, answering the phones at the Radio Auction, or freezing while handing out candy canes to the children at the Santa Claus & Reindeer Event, you have all done an outstanding job and for that we are grateful. 

This year we will focus our efforts on two important items this Rotary year.  The first is in regards to the underprivileged children of Gaylord.  We have allocated funds and will focus our humanitarian efforts to not so much change the lives of the underprivileged children of Gaylord, but to help give them a fighting chance at their futures.  Whether it be as simple as providing a coat to a child in need, having a food drive to stock the Otsego County Food Pantry, or making sure that all children in our community have a shelf full of books so they can have the tools to help them read, these are just a few examples of what we can do to make a difference today. 

The second is fellowship amongst our membership.   With so many members coming from all walks of life, everyone can benefit and learn so much from each other.  As your President, I want to make sure we have many opportunities to enjoy each others fellowship and share that with our friends and family.  This year we will have a family fun night at the bowling, host a Rotary Ride for Polio and maybe even go for a bike ride along our newly renovated bike trail, in addition to many more fellowship opportunities.

I am proud of the Rotary Club of Gaylord and each one of its members and proud to be a Rotarian.  I want to thank all of you for the opportunity to serve you, it is truly an honor.

Sincerely,

David M. Delaney, President, Rotary Club of Gaylord