Notes from your District Governor
Evan Kurtz
June 2022
Dear fellow Rotarians,

Well, this is the last message from me... and I’ve found it is difficult to come up with just a single topic each month. Good luck, Rocky! My usual fall back was to provide reminders and review events hoping to engage more of you in the broader world of Rotary.
The percent of Rotarians opening the newsletter email has steadily risen since last July and is approaching 50%, so some success! I attribute this to Chris’ hard work and some level of increased engagement by Rotarians. Hopefully you are seeing the benefits of engaging at the District level and will continue to submit event announcements, project reviews, and other
items of interest to folks in our District.
items of interest to folks in our District.
During the year I have learned that folks reach out to the Governor for help with items ranging from the most mundane (“can you get me so-and-so’s email?” Yes, I will help but ANY 7170 Rotarian can log into our District web site and look up mails and phone numbers...) to some very serious legal issues. (Some clubs used to, and some do still, sponsor Boy Scout Troops and were touched by the lawsuit). For Rocky’s sake, when you have
questions, please try on-line resources, or reach out to your Assistant Governor first!
In the run up to the Conference I heard from one Rotarian, I assumed with regard to the Conference focus and the DEI session, that “if Rotary is going ‘woke’ I will look elsewhere.” I know this is very much a minority attitude, but it is a reminder that some in Rotary do not, will not, accept the reality of achanging world and that Rotary must change with it.
Be that as it may, the rest of us are heading into a future where I feel we must engage more deeply. In my experience Rotary is great at addressing symptoms but not necessarily the root cause of issues in our world. Root causes—climate change, poverty, systemic racism, over population, corporate greed, government indifference—are too often labeled ‘political’ and therefore off limits. I realize we cannot likely fix those root causes, but we must speak to them, address them in some manner, as we do what we can to mitigate the damage they cause our fellow human.
In October I wrote about not attending the Rotary International Conference in Houston due to legislation and ac-
tions in Texas that I believe are contrary to Rotary’s core tenets. Recent events in TX have certainly affirmed my
tions in Texas that I believe are contrary to Rotary’s core tenets. Recent events in TX have certainly affirmed my
decision! Though my action had little direct effect, perhaps my telling others of why I was compelled not to go
will plant some seeds and, as we consider future issues, we may look deeper at the root causes and how we may
address them.
will plant some seeds and, as we consider future issues, we may look deeper at the root causes and how we may
address them.
The last 11 months certainly have been enlightening and fun. I had opportunities to engage with many folks and
hope to continue to do so as we move forward and “Serve to Change Lives.”
Comments on our Conference...
The feedback from many attendees and the speakers was that 7170’s Annual District Conference was an excellent
opportunity to hear new and important information regarding environmental issues and what we, as Rotarians,
can do. Many folks appreciated that it was not the usual rehash of Rotary topics which was my intent though we
did have a great keynote talk on Foundation from RI Major Gifts Officer Kevin Kelley.
We started the weekend in the big tent with the Rotary flag flying in front of the Woodcliff Hotel. After an enjoy-
able dinner, Elvis kicked off Friday evening’s entertainment. I was floored by how quickly Rotarians and students
able dinner, Elvis kicked off Friday evening’s entertainment. I was floored by how quickly Rotarians and students
hit the dance floor and sang karaoke, loudly if not well!
Saturday morning, I spoke to the gathering about why focusing on our environment is so important and then it
was off to hear from folks who really knew what they were talking about. There was great synergy between engaged Rotarians and knowledgeable presenters.
Emcee Geoff Dunn kept us all engaged with short environmental quizzes at each meal, and committee and club
displays in the lobby helped folks learn what has been going on with other clubs around the area.
Sunday morning, we had a lovely memorial service, led by Heidi Goldstein, for those Rotarians who passed in
21-22 after which we wrapped up the weekend with a bit of District business.
displays in the lobby helped folks learn what has been going on with other clubs around the area.
Sunday morning, we had a lovely memorial service, led by Heidi Goldstein, for those Rotarians who passed in
21-22 after which we wrapped up the weekend with a bit of District business.
Our annual District Conference is a learning experience and a celebration of Rotary which, sadly, too many people pass on. Connections, ideas, and inspiration from the Conference can only make your Rotary experience better.
01 June, TODAY!
You should have received an email regarding this, so consider this a reminder!
You should have received an email regarding this, so consider this a reminder!
Please join us tonight for an interactive session featuring Denise DiNoto, DGE (D7190). Her talk, "Disability -
the Other "D" in DEI", will offer tips for clubs on how to build a club experience that is inclusive for all abilities. Denise's history as a Rotarian and her lived experience with disability provide her with unique insight into
creating accessible Rotary opportunities. Bring your questions, including all those you always wanted to ask but
didn't want to "be rude," and be prepared to laugh and learn.
didn't want to "be rude," and be prepared to laugh and learn.
05 June - An Interactive Sustainability Session on Zoom
This is an opportunity to hear a brief update on Rotary and our environment and then to engage in some fun
This is an opportunity to hear a brief update on Rotary and our environment and then to engage in some fun
brainstorming with other 7170 Rotarians on what you can do in your life right now to start to minimize your neg-
ative impact on our world.
ative impact on our world.
Zoom 7:00 PM – 8:30 PM
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/86998239181?pwd=UGFLRkdEbjJNUWJzdkxUOU1DVk9ndz09
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/86998239181?pwd=UGFLRkdEbjJNUWJzdkxUOU1DVk9ndz09
Also, June 5 is World Environment Day, and the 3rd edition of our District's Environmental Sustainability Plan
will be released.
will be released.
21 June - District Pass the Gavel
Join your fellow District 7170 Rotarians as we acknowledge 21-22 with DG Evan and welcome 22-23 with DG
Rocky.
Join your fellow District 7170 Rotarians as we acknowledge 21-22 with DG Evan and welcome 22-23 with DG
Rocky.
5:00 to 9:00 p.m. “Traditions at the Glen”, live music, cash bar, dinner buffet, and minimal speeches!
Go to our District home page for more details on registration.
Yours in Rotary Service,
DG Evan