What a year this has been as your District Governor.  One of my goals was to attend a club meeting of every club in the Holland District.  I did that and I attended many clubs more than one time.  I have met many people in my travels. The hospitality and warm welcomes will always be treasured.

I appreciate what you do for Ruritan.  I appreciate what your club does for Ruritan.  The theme for the year was "We are growing and it is showing."  Ruritan, which was once an all male group, now includes woman, young people, families, and associate members.  More clubs are seeing the need and benefits of having a diversified membership.

We are here today to show our appreciation to you for the many community service projects, which your clubs carried out.  We can share in each other's achievements and learn together what successful clubs are doing.  The fellowship, goodwill, and community service demonstrated by hundreds of Ruritans has made many communities smile with pride.

On the District level I am proud of the progress we have made with the diversity of membership.  The Ruritan Forever program has been a success.  We made 6 past National Presidents "Ruritan Forever." We will continue to work on the project next year.  We have made amazing progress with our website. As a club you now have the ability to input information about your club.  I would be remiss if I didn't comment on the nice newsletter and this wonderful yearbook.

I close by saying I have enjoyed your District Governor and look forward to working with many of you for many years to come.

Remember Mark Twain's saying,

"If you always do what you've always done, then you'll always get what you've always got."

Mills March, Governor
Holland District Ruritan