April, 2006 My Fellow Rotarians - Rotary's Global History Fellowship

District 6440 Histories 2005
"Celebrating At Home" was the theme for the District Conference as the District Governor again
returned to the Lincolnshire Marriott Resort in Lincolnshire, Illinois. Past General Secretary of Rotary
International Herbert A. Pigman keynoted the Paul Harris Luncheon. Illinois Secretary of State Jesse
White and the Jesse White Tumblers headlined the Saturday night Gala Dinner. It was a rocking
evening. The following morning Thomas McDermott and his Dixieland Band sounded for the
ecumenical service followed by a very inspirational message by Rotarian Dr. Paris Donehoo. It truly
was a wonderful weekend.
The District added one club on the final day of the Rotary year June 30, 2004. The Lake in the Hills
Rotary Club was chartered with Gerald Sagona as President. We lost one club during the year as Glen
Lo Park returned its charter. Its eight members joined other Rotary clubs in the District. The
membership during the year increased to about 2850 from 2800.
This was a very unusual year but a very active one with great spirit. Members stepped up big time. The
Northbrook Club, of which Bob Friedman was a member, worked through their disappointment and
grief and led the District in Rotary Foundation Annual Giving.
The District came together in a way that can only happen when there is a loss. The spirit was great,
cooperation reached a new level, and many records were set both by the District and the clubs within
District 6440.
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2004 - 05 – Don Redmond, District Governor - Rotary’s Centennial Year “Celebrate Rotary”
T
he beginning of this Rotary year July 1, 2004 brought very mixed feelings for many people the new
District Governor included. My year as District Governor can best be described as a roller coaster
ride – rich with thrills, excitement, ups and downs. I personally experienced the true spirit of Rotarians
worldwide during a year that can only be described as incredible.
Major medical events that I experienced throughout 2004-2005 brought forth a level of fellowship and
dedication from other Rotarians that literally changed my life. The odyssey began in June of 2004 when
I was hospitalized, and underwent heart bypass surgery. My installation as Governor was delayed while
I recovered from the surgery, but the district leadership never skipped a beat With the support of my
home club, Schaumburg/Hoffman Estates, Assistant Governors and indeed, the entire district, were a
major source of strength for my family and me. Rotarians stepping up, displaying service above self
was not a slogan, but part of my life. I have always been proud to be a Rotarian, but this personal
experience brought the pride to a whole new level. And it kept getting better!
Although I had several more weeks before my complete recovery, I was discharged from the hospital on
July 1. I had a very special function to attend. My daughter Sheri, who had grown up deeply involved in
our family’s Rotary life, was about to become the Centennial Charter President of a new Rotary club in
Yorkville, Illinois, District 6420. As the new Centennial District Governor, I had the honor to help
present the new club charter to Sheri and her club. It was an unforgettable night, and proof positive that
my heart was strong and ready to take on the rigors of District Governor. July 19,2004 brought a
celebration and recognition of two of our founding fathers, Paul Harris and Sylvester Scheile, both of
whom are buried next to each other in the south of Chicago. The Centennial Rotary International
President Glen Estess and the two Centennial Governors from D6440 and D6450 did this recognition.
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