D.G. Doug Byers started by thanking assistant D.G. Bohdan Buczkofor past and future help and reminded the club to call upon him too.

Doug recounted how he first learned about Rotary. A former student’s parent invited him to attend a club meeting when he was a new Principal at a Whitby school. The club’s unofficial motto at the time was “get your ask in gear.” To get new members, just ask and they may well chose to join. He encouraged us as Rotarians to believe and lead by example.

As president of his club, he traveled to Consuelo, Dominican Republic and learned about the programs that his club was supporting there. He also learned more about local conditions and needs.

As assistant D.G. he has learned how each club is different and in their own unique fashion, have contributed to the character of Rotary International.

Doug reminded us that this year’s Rotary International  motto is “the future of Rotary is in your hands,” and described several objectives for the year:

• Polio eradication (with a renewed emphasis)
• Clean sustainable water access
• Health and hunger
• Literacy

District Governor Doug also described his goals for the 2009-2010 District 7070 year:

• HIV/AIDS – The continuation of a 5 year program
• Micro Finance – a hands up not a hand out approach
• Rotary at Work – get Rotarians talking about their vocation

Doug highly recommends attending both district and international conferences. This year’s 7070 District Conference is at Blue Mountain Resort from October 16 to 18. The 2010 International Conference is in Montreal from June 20 to 23 2010.

And in closing, Doug reminded us that the future of Rotary is youth. We should consider starting a Rotoract or Interact chapter in East York.