Past District Governor Virginia O'Reilly was the emcee and the District Governor Team hosted our annual District Governor Changeover Ceremony and Awards Presentations for more than 80 Rotarians and Rotaractors and their spouses from all over District 7070, on June 19, 2025 at the Royal Canadian legion in Whitby . We are pleased to present Virginia's year-end closing remarks to everyone in District 7070.
Here are the highlights of Past District Governor Virginia O'Reilly's address to the Rotarians at the District Governor Changeover Ceremony.....
District Governor Virginia O'Reilly 's Thoughts for End of Year!!!
We have had a Magical Year!! The Magic of ROTARY theme as introduced by President Stephanie Urchick generated lots of energy and support among our D7070 Rotarians.
As District Governor, Visiting Clubs across the District has been a highlight for me, either as an official visit or to be part of special Projects or Club Fundraisers. I’ve reconnected with Rotarians I hadn’t seen in the past few years and made many new Rotarian friends.
Some Clubs appear to be quiet as you first arrive, and then blossom when nudged about their ‘Magic of Rotary’ Projects. The ‘Magic of Rotary’ has been an excellent way for Clubs to share their projects with me AND for members to share their MAGIC stories with each other. This often meant Club stories that seemed to be well kept secrets – not on purpose, but not often shared with members. This turns out to be an excellent way to engage everyone in the Club especially newer members.
I suggest Clubs have a story meeting from time to time…stories about the Club, from more seasoned members to share, and stories from new members so members get to know one another, their interests and history. Celebrate!!
In my travels, I have noticed Clubs doing three things that I believe will help all of us grow and flourish!!
Clubs are Adapting –
Many Clubs have made changes in the way they do things.
Changes in how Clubs meet,
Changes in where Clubs meet,
Changes in how Clubs run their meetings,
Changes in how often Clubs run ‘regular’ meetings.
Changes make us more accessible to potential new members, of all ages and interests!!
And often give the Club some new lifeblood!
Second, Collaboration –
Clubs are collaborating with each other… collaborating on projects, collaborating on fundraisers such as Golf tournaments, Tree of Remembrance, Ribfests, annual calendars
Together we generate more excitement, we get more done, we make an even larger impact in our communities and raise awareness for Rotary!
Third, Community Interaction –
Rotary Clubs are working with community organizations and increasing our collective impact.
Clubs are getting involved with Community fairs, Community concerts, Farmer markets, working with Business Improvement Associations or BIAs, Santa Claus Parades, the Salvation Army Toy Drive, and Bingo to name a few.
With Community Interaction, we renew friendships, make new friends AND raise our profile in our communities!!
And I need to mention our Rotary Foundation
– Magic extended to the Foundation with ‘The Magic of Millions’. We introduced this at the District Conference in October. The worldwide target is to build the Foundation to $2.025 billion dollars in 2025. Some Districts have hit their own $1 million target in time for the Calgary Convention. Our District 7070 target is to hit $1 million for the Foundation by the end of 2025 and have our own Million Dollar Celebration.
I may be stepping out of the DG shoes/sandals but we are not stopping!!
Some special thank yous...
I owe a debt of gratitude to the District Leadership Team. This group of Rotarians do a lot of work to keep our District and the DG humming along and moving forward. Thank you! Thank you!! Thank you!!
Special thanks to David Andrews, PDG Bob Wallace, Linda Raney and Treasurer Larry Whatmore for their organizational skills. Very much appreciated!
All of this Magic is the spirit of Rotary!!!
We make Magic with the great projects we do and the resulting impact.
Let’s keep the Magic of Rotary going as we Unite for Good!!
Editor's Note: Congratulations to Past District Governor Virginia O'Reilly, for an outstanding year as District Governor. She has encouraged and challenged us to be "The Magic of Rotary" in our clubs and in our communities, locally and globally. A job well done