The annual tradition of a visit from the District Governor continued at Rotary today, as our newly installed DG Martin Parnell, of the Rotary Club of Cochrane, joined us by ZOOM.  Martin was introduced by Assistant Governor Dan Kammerer, who was "pitch hitting" for AG Keith Walker.

AG Dan introduced Martin Parnell, a long term Rotarian from the RC of Cochrane, married to Sue, with 3 children and the 3 "best" grandchildren.  Martin left the mining industry after 25 years, but he certainly didn't "retire".  He has had a long term personal project in terms of a "Quest for Kids", and has run a number of overseas marathons, completed a 250 marathon in one year task and has raised over $1.3 Million dollars for the organization "Right To Play".

 

Martin is an author, with his latest book coming out this year, and has been a long service Rotarian.

 

Martin began his talk with a land acknowledgement for District 5360, and spoke about the transition from a "virtual" world to the "new normal", which might not look quite like the normal we left 18 months ago.  He stressed that we need to be flexible and adaptable in Rotary, especially this year as we move back to "in person" meetings.

Martin talked about an African proverb, " if you want to go fast, go alone...and if you want to go far, go together".  He liked that image, because as Rotarians when we are together we can go a long way.

 

Martin spoke about his focus on the Strategic Plan of the District, the "Family of Rotary" and his three special initatives.  He mentioned "Move for Polio", and reminded everyone that donations to the campaign are matched 2:1 by the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation.  He spoke about Wed March 2, 2022 which will be Rotary Day of Service, with an emphasis on empowering and supporting girls and women.  His third special promotion was the 2022 District Conference, a one day event in Cochrane on Saturday May 14, 2022.  They are hoping for 400 participants, and the charity partner that day will be Shelterbox.

 

He asked some questions of the club and answered a few questions from the group.  We look forward to an exciting year Martin, thanks for visit!!