“The Path Forward”
 
My friends. I want to welcome all of you to a new year of Rotary service for 2021-2022.  Most importantly, we owe a great amount of appreciation for the leadership exemplified by past District Governor Linda Henderson. Linda’s dedication and devotion kept District 6650 progressing, despite the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic and its effects on all our Rotary Club activities.  I consider our district very fortunate to have had Linda’s selfless service to hold us together through such trying times. Thank you, Linda.
 
I think we all can agree that we have undergone a multitude of experiences, emotions, life challenges, and sacrifices in responding to the effects of COVID-19. Our journey together has been long and exhausting. We truly are living through a historic time for the world, country, state, city, and our families. The vaccines have arrived and are being allocated as supplies are delivered to our health departments, hospitals, clinics, and pharmacies. This is great news, as they are all considered effective in combating the coronavirus. 
 
As we look forward to 2021, our thinking does not have to be limited to the end of this year. I am also thinking about what we will be doing in 2022 ,2023, 2024, and beyond. We cannot see the future, but we can steer ourselves where we want to go. I think it is important that our clubs have plans to rebuild, reflect, revitalize, and reinforce for the present and the future. There is a popular adage often attributed to Benjamin Franklin, the father of time management: "failing to plan is planning to fail." Planning is essential to achieving success in all areas of life, including our government, businesses, educational communities, for our residents, and especially for Rotary as our clubs strive to become better.
 
Let us work together and chart a path forward with a vision of optimism—a path that leads to healing and hopefulness, to reconnecting with each other, and to the anticipation of brighter days ahead. Please join your District Administration for a Welcome Back 6650 event on Sunday, August 29, 2021 from 1:00 PM-5:00 PM at the MAPS Air Museum, located at 2260 International Pkwy, North Canton, OH 44720. This event includes free admission and a complimentary meal, which will be served from 1:00 PM-3:00 PM. Register your club and the number of people attending with the District office by Friday, August 13, 2021. I hope to see you there.
 
Steve Wilder