Dear Fellow Rotarians,

As we embark on a new Rotary year, it is fitting to remember Rotary International President’s Kalyan Banerjee’s theme of “reaching within to embrace humanity”. In this time of economic difficulty, international turmoil, globalization and uncertainty, it is good to know that Rotary International stands for service above self. And the world needs us more than ever.

Rotarians make multi-million dollar contributions every year to huge projects such as the eradication of polio worldwide, and are welcome because of their unselfish and apolitical approach top resolving those problems. On a smaller scale, and at the local level, our club continues to support multiple local agencies through its grant program, funding literacy projects, services to the indigent and homeless as well as to abused children and programs for the elderly. Over the past two years, in conjunction with the Norman Sooner and the Crosstimber Rotary Clubs, it has funded significant capital improvements at the Thunderbird Club House. For the year 2011-12, our clubs have elected to support Food and Shelter for Friends as they embark on the construction of a small short term housing facility for homeless families.

Our club will also support one or more international projects focusing mostly on water projects, and will continue its active involvement in sponsoring and hosting youths through Rotary’s Youth Exchange Program, After hosting a Group Study Exchange from Australia, our district will be sponsoring a local team to visit New South Wales in Australia.

The Norman Rotary Club has a strong presence in the community. It not only provides its members with opportunities top serve, but also is a place to get together weekly, share information, enjoy fellowship and enjoy the outstanding speakers who enrich our knowledge on a wide range of topics.

I urge you, my fellow Rotarians to attend our meetings, get involved in the many active committees, and through fellowship and a common purpose, enrich our community. 

Sincerely,

Yves Badaroux
President 2011-2012