Hello, fellow District 5810 Rotarians. As we read this on October 1, I hope we’re seeing the first signs that summer is finally behind us—and perhaps some rain in the forecast.
Zone Training Institute Highlights
In mid-September, 12 District 5810 Rotarians attended the Zone Training Institute in Cancun. Our governor line was represented by PDG Mary Bedosky, me, DGE Dawn Gulley, and DGN Michael Pugh. Congratulations to Dawn on completing her two years of Zone Institute training.
Our district was also well represented by Rotary Foundation Chair PDG Larry Webb and Membership Chair Susan Plonka. The contributions of Rotarians across the district were recognized when PDG Mary and PDG Larry received two awards for Foundation Endowment and Foundation Giving in 2025–2026.
Be Better Than Your Best
I’m now more than halfway through my district governor visits, with 33 of 63 completed. During these visits, I’m encouraging club presidents to embrace the challenge issued by RI President Yinka Babalola: “Be Better Than Your Best.” I challenge every club officer to apply that same principle to their own role.
Look back over the past five to seven years and aim to surpass your predecessor’s strongest year:
- If your club’s best membership year added five members, develop a plan to add six.
- If your best annual PolioPlus contribution was $1,000, set a goal of $1,200 this year.
Club Leadership Exchange
I also encourage you to attend the Club Leadership Exchange, held on the second Saturday of every month. In September, Susan Plonka and her guests led an excellent membership session. If you are a club president or membership chair and could not attend in person or online, please request the Zoom recording to catch up on what you missed.
Our next topic will focus on youth activities and projects. Club presidents and youth chairs are encouraged to attend for updates on:
- RYLA
- Youth Exchange
- Four-Way Speech Contest
- Interact
The exchange is also a valuable opportunity to meet other Rotarians and learn what fellow clubs are doing.
Next CLE Meeting
Rotary is a big world, and our clubs and district are only a small part of it. Please join us for the next Club Leadership Exchange:
- Date: Saturday, October 10, 2026
- Time: 9:30 a.m.–noon
- Location: Dallas campus of East Texas A&M, 8750 Northpark Central
Yours in Rotary,
Mike