President Laurie rang the bell at 1234 bringing the meeting to order. She introduced District Governor Kenny (James) of THE Rotary Club of Richmond. By way of beginning his remarks, he thanked Past District John Padgett for coming to a District training session on his anniversary. (Typically, folks comment on PDG John’s attire at these meetings so most present were surprised that there was a compliment given!) DG Kenny also warned us that he would be coming back in the future.
After reminding those present that THE Rotary Club of Richmond started our Club (we are Club 114 in Rotary-speak and didn’t make the magic top 100 Clubs along with Richmond during Rotary’s Centennial in the 2004-2005 Rotary Year.) Indeed, the Richmond Club started our Club and many more, and each of those started many Clubs. It would be interesting to know how many Clubs Richmond really started.
It was during his early years in the Richmond Club that DG Kenny realized what being a Rotarian meant. His Club buys backpacks for needy school children and he was assigned a young student who he helped purchase school items at the local Target. Except that what the student needed was essential clothes including shoes. Admitting that his experience buying school clothes was very limited, he was a little terrified, especially since he couldn’t spend more than $100. After buying even the dreaded underwear, he and his student presented themselves at the cashier and found that the bill was $101 - which the cashier ignored, fortunately for DG Kenny!
What he learned that day was what he did in the DASH was what was important. What is DASH, you ask? It’s the years listed on your memorial at the cemetery: You know, born in 1950 and passed in 2032. What you did between birth and death is what counts. Were you a good Rotarian in those years? Did you really contribute to your community and the world? We all should be thinking about what we do in our DASH: were we really good Rotarians? His message was that we all need to continue to grow, imagine Rotary giving back, and especially living our DASH in the best Rotary way!
Along the way, DG Kenny found time to invite us all to the District 7600 Conference on October 14-16 in the Short Pump Area and to pass a gift on to Rotarian Lauren Kiger who is membership chair this year (Lauren also got her Blue Badge so she had a double recognition at the meeting.) And after questions, DG Kenny finished the meeting early at 1:15.
Noteworthy happenings:
- Lauren Kiger received her Blue Badge
- The Club Golf Tournament was announced. Stay tuned for more information
- John Padgett, Sally Hartman, DG Kenny, and Chip Vogan all donated happy bucks
Meeting ID: 832 7607 7016. Passcode: 774539
