RI District 7550 former District Governors: Front row, left to right, are Bob Carpenter (1980-81), Mary Keely (DG Nominee), Charlie Cobb (82-83), and Jack Ewart (94-95). Standing are Vinnie Kudva (03-04), Keith Blankenship (05-06), Bud Newbrough (87-88) and Tom Greenstreet (07-08).

December 2, 2008

You might expect high tension and strict protocol when the big brass come to visit, but Putnam Rotary was cordial and relaxed as seven former district governors joined the weekly luncheon meeting at Scarlet Oaks today.

Perhaps they wanted to show support for Putnam's own Mary Keely who will take the reins one day herself as district governor, the first DG from the local organization.

Or perhaps, in the manner of Rotarians everywhere, the former district governors just wanted to share ideas and fellowship through a visit to another club.

Keith Blankenship (2005-06) noted that 1.2 million Rotarians in local clubs are grouped into 529 districts. District 7550 includes the 28 clubs in southern West Virginia. Districts, in turn, are grouped into seventeen zones. Each zone names a director to the governing board of Rotary International.

Charlie Cobb (1982-93) spoke to the importance of family and local club support. He was ill during several weeks of his term as district governor. Eight members of his local club were in his home every day assisting with his duties as a leader.

Bud Newbrough (1987-88), governor when women were first admitted to Rotary membership. "Your club will benefit," he said, "with a governor from your club. The governor will being ideas and experience into the group."

Tom Greenstreet (2007-08), said the benefit needs to go both ways. A district governor is good for the local club, but the club needs to support the leader from their own ranks. Membership in his own Lewisburg club includes four living district governors, he said.

Jack Ewart (1994-95) acknowledged provisions in place to support the district governor. "However, there will always be out-of-pocket and incidental expenses," he said. "The local club can help with these."

Club members acknowledged Bob Carpenter (1980-81) for the pivotal role he played in establishment of the Putnam club in 1995.

Vinnie Kudva (2003-04) informed local clubs in the district on funding through the Rotary Foundation, and assisted with several projects which brought matching funds into the area.

"Cousin Vinnie," as he is affectionatedly called in the Putnam club, introduced Bob and Mary Keely to district responsibilities. "Before that," said spouse-nominee Bob Keely, "we really didn't know too much about Rotary. If Mary doesn't do a good job, it will be Cousin Vinnie's fault."

But there's no problem there. Local club members and leaders across the district will see to it.