Message from our President PRESIDENT'S MESSAGE BUILDING COMMUNITIES ….….. BRIDGING CONTINENTS

The Rotary theme for 2010-2011 seems especially appropriate for our Club as Galveston Island continues on its path to recovery from IKE, and as we think of the cultural diversity of Texas and the Island. There are lots of opportunities to build both community and bridges as we seek the "new normal" for Galveston that we know is there but which we have yet to discover.

Commitment to the philosophy of Service Above Self is central to the Rotary experience. Our weekly meetings keep us in fellowship with each other and activities that build community and bridges cannot move forward without fellowship. Rotary is not intended to be "experienced" in isolation from others. Not being in relationship to other Rotarians in Galveston and in the wider Rotary movement, would probably prevent us from understanding the Four Way Test and its importance to our lives. The Four Way Test is based on our relationship to others.

President Neil and the 2009-2010 Club and Foundation Boards have left us on a firm footing following IKE. The Club is well placed to continue its historic relationship to the Island and to expand its service projects.

Moving forward towards our Centennial Year - 2013 - we should take every opportunity that we can to reflect on what a century of service has meant to Galveston and how that spirit can carry us forward to a deeper relationship and sense of commitment to Service Above Self. I hope you will all take this opportunity to re-commit to Rotary, to support your Officers and Board and to increase our membership. Remember that new members bring new ideas, helping hands and increased vitality to us all.

Thank you in advance for your commitment to the opportunity at hand to build communities and to bridge continents.

Bill McMullen
President