Our DG has a 40-year career as a chartered accountant. He's been active in voluntary work in Calgary at the Stampede, president of Calgary Rotary Club, director of Calgary Foundation, Calgary Zoological Society, Scouts Canada and in 2006 was honoured as Calgary's citizen of the year.

DG Steve met with our board in November, but, because of a conflict in scheduling, was unable to meet with our members until today. Ours is his last club meeting in the District and Steve's presentation was obviously well rehearsed.

He spoke of some of his experiences in Rotary. Why did we become Rotarians? Because someone asked us! He regarded it as an honour and privilege to be invited.

He quickly learned that expectations of business contacts quickly went to the back burner in favour of opportunities to be of service along with fellowship.

Attendance was a real challenge, but rewarding, if the effort is made. There is a sense of energy in every Rotary meeting. There is a diversity among members with different backgrounds of business, professional and not for profits. Women in Rotary have made a huge impact on the clubs' energy.

The power of Rotary is amazing: 1.25 million Rotarians meet each week throughout the world. Our values bring us together: values of hospitality, commitment to community and commitment to integrity.

The values of Rotary are best illustrated by the Four-Way Test. Nowhere is there a better statement of ethical conduct. Rotarians throughout the world are comfortable with each other because of these values.

The Four-Way Test and these shared values are even more important today than when the test was developed in 1933.

We have very good reason to have pride in Rotary. Polio Plus and its objective to eradicate polio throughout the world, is recognized by Gates Foundation which is providing $350 million in addition to the $250 million given by Rotary.

The Rotary Foundation is rated 2nd in the world for its focus on water, health and hunger and literacy. Our club, Calgary West, has many "incredible" projects in Guatemala and Ensenada.

DG Steve concluded by appealing to members to reach out to other people with similar values to join Rotary to continue the great work so that Rotary will survive and thrive.

Ted Valentine thanked DG Steve for an "outstanding" job and stated that all Rotarians in the District are indebted to him for his leadership.

reported by Bill Tapuska