From sunny, far off Fort Meyers Florida, President-elect Terry Partis took the stage and spoke about his journey into the role of President that begins in July 2021.
 
 
He started by thanking everyone in the club for the honor of servicing as Club President, and for trusting him with the responsibility.  He noted how he originally thought of himself as "a 20 year Rotarian but not an ideal member", but after listening to the incoming RI President Shekhar Mehta, Rotary Club of Calcutta-Mahanger, West Bengal, India he changed that description to "a member for 20 years but not an ideal Rotarian".  He showed the introduction of the theme for Shekhar's year at the helm of Rotary International, and the logo of "Serve to Change Lives".
 
His speech is on YouTube, the link is https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tUEdRqyuJU4 
 
Terry has enjoyed the Leadership Training, although in-person training is always preferred, the use of breakout rooms and great speakers has really helped the learning stay interesting.  Terry spoke about the opportunity our current District Governor Mary Turner mentioned at her last visit, that COVID has allowed us the chance to review what we do, to change what needs to be changed and come back to in-person meetings with a fresh approach.
 
Terry also spoke about several of the quotations in the Shekhar's speech, and how "Service is the rent we pay for the space we occupy on this earth" was a meaningful expression of Rotary ways.
 
Terry thanked two Rotarians especially for helping get his year started on a positive note.  He thanked Terry Cooper for taking on the International Service Director role, and for organizing some joint projects with other clubs which will help us get restarted in International Projects.  He also mentioned new Rotarian Brent Secondiak, for helping him understand some of the Youth Advocacy Center issues and what may be a wonderful local project for Rotary..
 
He finished by reminding all of us of the challenges to all of us, "Bring One Member", "Empowering Girls" and the need for "Inclusion, Diversity and Equity".