Co-President of Lynnfield Rotary, Christine Travers welcomed Lori Karas the new Rotary 7930 District Governor to the recent Thursday member luncheon meeting. After her introduction, Lori outlined her plans for the Rotary 2023-2024 year. She echoed the theme of RI President Gordon R. McInally, which is Create Hope in the World. This year Lori’s focus will be on Mental Health and Well Being. Lori stated: “Lending an ear to friends” can be more than superficial. One concrete example that she hopes will encourage dialogue is having local Rotary organizations sponsor “Let’s Chat Benches or Buddy Benches” that will be placed in public areas. The aim of the benches is to reduce isolation by fostering safe areas for friendly one on one conversation. She is asking that local area clubs engage in a partnership to help meet the challenge of Mental Health and Well Being.
She went on to invite member participation in District events that will highlight how Rotary can participate in Mental Health and Well-Being activities. She ended her remarks by briefly summarizing a calendar of events that will feature Rotary’s continued commitment to ending Polio and Rotary’s ever-present interest in fostering world peace.
After making her presentation, the new District Governor was particularly interested in hearing about Lynnfield Rotary’s plans for the current year. Co-President Christine welcomed the opportunity, highlighting community events that are planned through this Rotary year, such as Concerts on the Common, the Rotary Golf Tournament, the Turkey Trot and Build-a-Bed that have become staple activities for Lynnfield Rotary while also being fundraising successes. DG Lori also provided new project ideas that have yet to be implemented.
Co-President Christine thanked Lori for coming and she said that Lynnfield Rotary looked forward to working with her towards achieving her goals.