As I start my new year and get ready to lead the way, I look back.
I first joined Rotary in 1983 in Hyde Park New York. It was a small club that met in the old Eleanor Roosevelt tea room.
In 1985, with membership on the verge of one million in its eightieth year, Rotary launches PolioPlus, a program to protect children worldwide. Rotarians have raised hundreds of millions to cure the disease by 2006.
In 1986 the first woman in the United States joined Rotary.
In 2001 Rotarians in Pakistan supported by Rotary clubs around the world provided relief aid and assistance to refugees from Afghanistan. Also in 2001, Rotary chartered its 30,000th club.
In 2002 Europe is declared polio free. The first world peace scholarships were award for International Studies in peace and conflict resolution.
In 2004 RI hosts its largest convention over in Osaka, Japan with a record crowd of 45,595 participants from 112 countries.
In 2005 Rotary celebrates its 100th anniversary in Chicago.
As I lead the way in 2006 and 2007 with a great board of directors, and a great membership, I look forward to great fund-raising year. I will be working hard with your help in our community and on our project in South Africa. Let's make sure we make every member feel welcomed to our club, keep our membership strong, and be there to help members when they need help.
In closing, starting the second time as a club president, I hope I can be a good leader and have your support and look forward to my next 30 plus years of helping people all over the world.
Frank J. Sosta Jr.
President
Vero Beach Rotary Sunrise
2006-2007
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