Past District Governor Niecy Dillon-Tyrovolas was the emcee and the District Governor Team hosted our annual District Governor Changeover Ceremony and Awards Presentations for the 80 Rotarians and Rotaractors and their spouses from all over District 7070, on June 25, 2026 at the Viva Whitby Shores Retirement Community in Whitby . We are pleased to present Niecy's year-end closing remarks to everyone in District 7070.
Here are the highlights of Past District Governor Niecy Dillon-Tyrovolas' address to the Rotarians at the District Governor Changeover Ceremony.....
District Governor Niecy Dillon-Tyrovolas' OPENING REMARKS:
Helllloooo Rotarians, Spouses, Guests, Family and Friends
…. Wow... just look around this room.
I cannot tell you how happy I am to see the energy, the laughter, the friendships, and the excitement that fill this space tonight. This evening is all about celebrating an incredible year, celebrating Rotary, and most importantly, celebrating all of you.
We are going to begin our evening with O Canada. I know we have some amazing singers in this room, so let's hear those voices and sing with pride!
I would like to invite our District Governor Nominee — and very soon District Governor Elect — Tina Martin to come forward and share a Land Acknowledgement.
Thank you, Tina.
Next, I would like to invite my husband, Chris, to come forward and offer this evening's toast.
Before we begin dinner, just a few housekeeping notes:
The washrooms are located out these doors, to your right.
You are welcome to take your drinks out to the giant chessboard area and onto the balconies.
These areas are fully licensed for our event.
Most importantly, relax, enjoy yourselves, reconnect with friends, make new ones, and have some fun!
The agenda will go a little like this…dinner and chatting until 7:30pm. At 7:30pm we will begin our District Award Presentation and open the zoom for those who couldn’t be with us tonight.
District Governor Niecy Dillon-Tyrovolas' YEAR END SPEECH:
I have spent an entire year standing behind podiums, holding microphones, visiting clubs, attending events, hugging Rotarians, wearing flip flops, occasionally showing up in a onesie, and somehow convincing all of you that "Sweet Caroline" belongs at all Rotary events.
And yet tonight feels different. Tonight is emotional. Tonight is a celebration. Tonight is a thank you. And tonight, for the very first time in a year, I can officially say these words:
We did it.
One year ago, I stood before you as your District Governor Elect, I was excited, nervous, hopeful, and maybe just a little bit crazy.
I knew the responsibility was enormous.
Over the course of this year, I (and Chris) attended 396 meetings and events, travelled more than 6,200 kilometres, and had the privilege of being part of District Assemblies, PETS, RYLS, our District Conference, the Polio Plunge, EPIC Day of Service, Walk With The Earth, club anniversaries, new member inductions, major donor presentations, fundraisers, and countless celebrations of Rotary in action. What I didn't know was how much this year would change me. I didn't know how many incredible people I would meet. I didn't know how many hugs I would receive. I didn't know how many friendships would be strengthened. And I certainly didn't know how many kilometres I would put on my car.
But what I learned very quickly was this:
District 7070 isn't defined by geography. It is defined by people. Amazing people. People who show up, who care, who give, who serve, who lead. People who make a difference every single day. And tonight I want to thank those people.
So we are going to do a little exercise….
Please stand if you are a Past District Governor of District 7070
Tonight, I want to recognize the people who walked this path before me. Our Past District Governors. People who understood this journey before I ever took my first step. To all of our Past District Governors. Thank you for your guidance, your wisdom and your support. On July 1st, I am incredibly proud to join your ranks. I officially become one of you, A Past District Governor. And somehow that sounds both exciting and terrifying at the same time.
Please stand if you served as an Assistant Governor this year,
Our 15 Assistant Governors. If there is one group of people who deserve medals, spa weekends, and perhaps a lifetime supply of wine, it is our Assistant Governors. You answered phone calls, attended meetings, solved problems before they became problems. You supported presidents, supported clubs. And most importantly, you supported me. You were my eyes. My ears. My sounding board. My reality check. Thank you for your leadership. Thank you for your friendship. Thank you for making this year better than I could have imagined.
Please stand if you are on The District Leadership Team,
To my District Leadership Team, Linda, Lynda (with a Y), Iosif, Ron, Bob, Terry, Virginia, Liz, Tina, Mark, Dave, Joan, Richard… What a team. When people congratulate the District Governor, I always smile and say the same thing. “Nobody does this alone. Every success we celebrate tonight belongs to a team.” A team that worked hours behind the scenes. A team that gave their time, expertise, creativity, and passion. And sorry Liz…. I am taking Linda Raney and Mark Chipman with me…as they end their 3 years on the District Leadership Team. But don’t worry, they are not going anywhere, just moving their focus to other things in Rotary. DLT, You made the impossible possible. You made me look far better than I deserved. And I will forever be grateful.
Please stand if you were on my District Conference Committee this year
To my incredible District Conference Committee…where do I even begin? Thank you for believing in a vision that, at times, may have sounded a little crazy, a little unconventional, and very much "Niecy." Thank you for embracing the out-of-the-box ideas, the onesies, the flipflops, the campfires, the laughter, the surprises, and every little detail that made our conference so special. You took a simple dream of creating an experience where people felt connected, inspired, welcomed, and valued, and you turned it into a reality that so many Rotarians are still talking about today. Your countless hours, creative minds, patience, dedication, and willingness to say, "Okay Niecy, let's make it happen," created a conference that captured the very heart of Rotary. A very special thank you to Mark Chipman for leading this incredible team with wisdom, humour, calmness, and unwavering commitment. Mark, you took every wild idea I threw your way and somehow transformed it into something even better than I imagined. To every member of this committee, thank you for not just helping plan a conference, but for creating memories, friendships, and moments that will stay with us for years to come.
Please stand if you were a Club President this year,
To our 55 Club Presidents. Can we give them a huge round of applause? You have been extraordinary. I often say that being a club president is one of the hardest jobs in Rotary. You're expected to be a leader. A motivator. A recruiter. A fundraiser. A referee. A cheerleader. A therapist. And occasionally a miracle worker. This year, I watched each of you lead in your own unique way. I watched you embrace Rotary International's message of Unite for Good. I watched you create meaningful experiences. I watched you welcome new members. I watched you navigate challenges. I watched you support one another. And I watched you bring people together. You are the reason our clubs continue to thrive. Thank you for your leadership. Thank you for your commitment. And thank you for trusting me to walk beside you this year, I will cherish all the friendships I have made with you.
Please stand if you are a Rotarian, Rotaractor, InterActor or EarlyActor
I want to thank every member of our Rotary family. More than 1,600 individuals who choose service above self. Think about that for a moment. Over 1,600 people who could spend their evenings somewhere else. Who could spend their weekends somewhere else, their talents somewhere else. But instead, they choose Rotary. They choose community, kindness, service and hope. Because of you, food banks are supported. Youth are mentored. Families are helped. Communities are strengthened. Lives are changed. You may not always see the impact. You may never know every person you helped. But I promise you, your work matters. You matter. And serving as your District Governor has been one of the greatest honours of my life. Thank you.
Please stand if you are a Spouse or Partner of a Rotarian or Rotaractor
To all the spouses, partners, families, and loved ones of our Rotarians — thank you from the bottom of my heart for sharing your special person with Rotary this year. While we see the service projects, meetings, events, and countless volunteer hours, we know that behind every Rotarian is someone at home who supports, encourages, understands, and sometimes patiently waits while Rotary calls. Your love, sacrifices, and unwavering support make the work we do possible. Thank you for cheering them on, sharing them with our Rotary family, and being part of the magic behind every success. Please know that this District Governor sees you, appreciates you, and is sending each of you the biggest Niecy-style hug.
Please stand if you were a part of the District Governor team this year,
To my incredible District Governor Team — Past District Governor Virginia, District Governor Elect Liz, District Governor Nominee Tina, and District Governor Nominee Designate Terry — thank you. There are simply not enough words to express how grateful I am for each of you. Those Friday morning 7:45 a.m. calls became so much more than meetings; they became a place of friendship, laughter, support, encouragement, and sometimes the reassurance I needed to keep moving forward. Every challenge felt lighter because I knew I wasn't carrying it alone. Every success was sweeter because I had all of you beside me to celebrate it.
This year may have had my name on the District Governor badge, but it was never a journey I took by myself. I leaned on each of you more than you will ever know, and I truly could not have accomplished everything we did without your unwavering support, wisdom, honesty, and love. You were my sounding board, my cheerleaders, my trusted advisors, and my friends. The bond we have built is one of the greatest gifts of this Rotary year.
And don't think you're getting rid of me just yet—I fully intend to keep showing up for those Friday morning calls for one more year!
Please stand if you are a Whitby Sunriser,
To my home club, the Rotary Club of Whitby Sunrise... where do I even begin? You have been my safe place, my biggest cheerleaders, my loudest supporters, and my Rotary family from the very beginning. You saw something in me long before I saw it in myself. You encouraged me to dream bigger, pushed me to take chances, celebrated every success, and picked me up whenever I stumbled.
This year, while I was out visiting 55 clubs, crossing the district, singing Sweet Caroline, giving hugs, wearing flip-flops, and trying to bring people together, I always knew exactly where home was. Every time I walked back into Whitby Sunrise, I felt the love, support, and friendship that has carried me through this entire journey. Thank you for sharing me with District 7070 this year. I know there were meetings I missed, events I couldn't attend, and moments when Rotary pulled me in a hundred different directions. Yet not once did I ever feel anything but your support.
The truth is, this year may have been one of the greatest honours of my life, but none of it would have been possible without my home club standing behind me every step of the way. Thank you for believing in me. Thank you for laughing with me. Thank you for being patient with me. Thank you for loving me exactly as I am. Most importantly, thank you for always being home—a place where I belong, where I am supported, and where I am loved. I am so incredibly proud to call myself a member of the Rotary Club of Whitby Sunrise.
Please stand if you are my employer
Andrew, thank you for your patience, understanding, and support throughout this incredible Rotary year. There were countless times when listing appointments, showings, and office commitments had to be worked around Rotary. I know you will probably be thrilled to never again hear me say, "I can't come into the office today... I have a Rotary event!" Thank you for always supporting me.
Please stand if I am married to you or You call me Mom.
There is one final group of people I need to thank. And if I'm being honest, this may be the most emotional thank you of all. Because while all of you saw the District Governor...
Chris, Jessica, Brianna, Alexa, Wynnzlow, Mike and Parker saw the woman behind the title. The woman who was trying her best to balance Rotary, family, work, friendships, and life.
To my husband, Chris. Where do I even begin? Chris, you didn't just support my Rotary year—you lived it with me. You listened to every story. You celebrated every success. You talked me through every challenge. You watched me leave early in the morning and come home late at night. You shared me with 55 clubs, over 1,600 members, and countless events across District 7070. You never complained when the phone rang during dinner. You never complained when weekends disappeared. You never complained when yet another Rotary event appeared on our calendar.
There were times this year when I was exhausted. Times when I questioned myself. Times when I worried whether I was doing enough. And every single time, you reminded me why I started this journey in the first place. Chris, this year belongs to you as much as it belongs to me.
You always supported me. You have been there from the beginning to cheer me on and you have been my safe place. Thank you for loving me through every mile, every meeting, every late-night phone call, and every crazy Rotary adventure.
To my 3 daughters, Jessica, Brianna, Alexa and my 2 son-in-laws, Wynnzlow and Mike and our adorable grandson, Parker…
You have always been my greatest accomplishment long before Rotary titles. Long before awards. Long before leadership positions. Being your mom has always been the role I am most proud of. This year you shared your mom with Rotary. You understood when I couldn't always be there. You understood when I had another meeting, another event, another club visit. You understood when Rotary called. And you never once made me feel guilty for following this dream. Instead, you encouraged me. You celebrated with me. You cheered me on. And you reminded me every day why building stronger communities matters. Because I wanted to leave a better world for you and for future generations. Thank you for believing in me. Thank you for making me proud every single day. And ladies, thank you for being the incredible women you have become.
As I close tonight, I want to leave you with one final thought. People often ask me what I will remember most about being District Governor. Will it be the events? The conferences? The travel? The awards? The club visits? The celebrations? The answer is no. What I will remember most is the people. The conversations. The laughter. The friendships. The hugs. The moments when someone felt seen. The moments when someone felt valued. The moments when Rotary brought people together. Because that has always been my message. And it always will be.
From the bottom of my heart, thank you for allowing me the privilege of serving as your District Governor. Thank you for trusting me. Thank you for believing in me. Thank you for walking this journey with me. I may be becoming a Past District Governor tonight... ...but I am not going anywhere.
District 7070, Thank you.
And for one last time...
SO GOOD! SO GOOD! SO GOOD!
Editor's Note: Congratulations to Past District Governor Niecy Dillon-Tyrovolas, for an outstanding year as District Governor. She has encouraged and challenged us to "Unite For Good" in our clubs and in our communities, locally and globally. A job well done