PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE

Dear Fellow Rotarians,

Every day the world surprises us!  There is so much change around us globally, in our nation, in Ann Arbor and in our homes.  And the Rotary Club of Ann Arbor is no exception to the rule:  change is the only constant.

Our Club experienced several major changes even before the coronavirus pandemic turned our world upside down:

• We returned to our historical home at the Michigan Union on February 5, 2020 after 21 months of luncheon meetings at Weber’s Restaurant and Hotel
• We migrated digitally to the use of Clubrunner, to an enhanced online Harpoon and other social media
• We experienced a reduction in membership numbers and revenue
• And then there was the coronavirus pandemic! COVID 19 changed us and the way we serve the community forever.
• Our last weekly face-to-face luncheon meeting was March 11, 2020 and we rapidly converted to online virtual Zoom meetings.
• Our Committees worked at a distance and reconfigured to respond to the unfolding physical and economic disaster in our community.

Rotarians are resilient and anchored in their values.  They respond to the call for Service Above Self despite the unsettling change all around us.  They help kids succeed, help veterans, help with global projects and help our community become a better place through volunteer hands on projects and significant financial contributions to community activities.  Although social distancing and the need to stay home interfered with the easy fellowship that the group enjoys, the Club and its members are still a strong, vibrant caring force.

And that is why, I can say unequivocally:  It has been a good year to be a Rotarian! It has been an honor to serve as your President.

Yes, change is constant – and Rotary’s resilience is boundless!

Yours in service,

Rosemarie Rowney
President 2019-20