The Republic of Korea is home to 50 million people, half of whom live in and around Seoul, the world’s second most populous city.

From May 28 - June 1, this mega city was home to about 50,000 Rotarians attending the Rotary International Convention. Our General Secretary, Hewko said: “Seoul is a perfect place to hold a Rotary Convention. Why? Because, among other things, Korea represents innovation. And innovation is what we need today at Rotary if we are to realize our full potential - in membership, Foundation giving, humanitarian service, public image, and attracting new generations.”

Does Rotary need to follow Samsung’s steps as Samsung struggled to reinvent itself from selling groceries in 1938 to currently being the top manufacturer of TVs, mobile phones and kitchen appliances?

Well, yes! And Rotary is indeed doing that. Many scintillating conversations at the convention centered around its ability to adapt our services to a rapidly changing world. After listening to outstanding speakers, including Ban Ki-moon, General Secretary of the United Nations and attending the many breakout sessions ranging from Strengthening Membership to Service and Projects, one had to recharge. But where do you find that cup of coffee that will provide the lift to sustain the attention needed for late afternoon sessions? Coffee? Can you find coffee in Seoul? Oh, yes. Korea runs on coffee. Seoul is home to more Starbucks than any other city in the world.

Seoul, and Korea in general, is home to friendly people and rich cultural traditions. It's also an economic powerhouse. As more wonderful discoveries, more important than the presence of coffee, kept surfacing, Seoul revealed itself as one of those cities where a return visit is a must.

"Tanque Verde Guest Ranch and Rotary friends in western wear took us nostalgically back. What a great way to start our next Rotary year with President Ellie."

Drew Vactor.

"Great food and fellowship at the 'ranch'." Marianne Freitas

"Always the best of times to be with Rotary friends and celebrating a year of service." Scott Vaughan

"It was a great evening..... Great venue, great food and great fellowship." Patty Carnovale

It was indeed a contagiously enthusiastic event as we kicked up our heels, showed off our western attire with boots, hats, and jewelry, and shared stories from our varied experiences as Rotarians. We reined in Phil and kept him from riding off into the sunset. We do need this cowboy around for a good long time - twenty seven years just aren't enough.

And now, as I eagerly climb into the saddle to become your President, I'm reminded of a quote by Dale Evans : "It's the way you ride the trail that counts."

The trail will be exhilarating as you and I ride together to make this another tremendous year for the Rotary Club of Tucson.  There will be obstacles, maybe a few boulders, but we'll maneuver around and through as we stay focused on the Rotary International theme - Rotary Serving Humanity.  I think our RI President, John F. Germ, was describing our club when he wrote about the need for more willing hands, caring hearts and bright minds to move the work of Rotary forward. We have demonstrated these qualities in the past and will continue our commitment to be gracious Rotarians serving humanity. We’ll “Stay on, ride hard and give it all we’ve got” –the Cowboy way and the Rotary way.

District 5500 Newsletter