It’s a little scary at this point. The passing of the gavel was just this morning. Sandy dropped off a stack of files at lunch. It’s mid-afternoon and I feel like I’ve just started a long trip, without packing my suitcase.

But I know we’ve got a great club and plenty of smart people to lean on. In the coming year, here are some things I hope we can accomplish.

Membership. We have received a Rotary International Presidential Citation for several years running. Requirements are set by each incoming RI president. This year, President Wilf Wilkenson has included in his goals a challenge to every president to bring in one new member and every club to increase its net membership by one. I think we can do even better than that. The energy of some of our newest members will help.

Every Rotarian Every Year. We will maintain our Sustaining Club status again this year by asking every member to contribute $100 annually toward the Paul Harris fund.

Club projects and events. Things to continue this year include Teacher Recognition Month, “Adopt-A-Family” for the holidays, Emergency Residence Project meals, Mortensen Road cleanup and Stash the Trash, Rotaract sponsorship and leadership, books for six-month checkups at McFarland Clinic, participation in the Ames Rotary Scholarship Fund, our Valentine’s Day fellowship and Ag Recognition Day. I’d like to explore how we can be even more effective at community service, particularly through work at the Emergency Residence Project.

Club Leadership Plan. This is a preferred form for club organization and communication that will help align our club with District and International structure and improve our internal operations. It means a bylaws change and a change in committee structure. Bylaws changes will be presented to the membership in July. Committee chairs will be chosen under the new structure. Part of the change will mean establishing periodic club assemblies, using the podium and the web site to increase transparency of club business.

Involvement. Our new “New Member” orientation seems to be working great. One part of that is establishing a new member project aimed at getting new people engaged immediately. I’d also like to find ways to engage all club members -- new and old -- in at least one project or initiative this year.

Public image. Last year, under Sandy Horton’s leadership and with the help of a District PR grant, we launched the “Caught in the Act” reading promotion campaign. We have a chance to build on that this year.

Literacy. At the end of the year, the board voted to supply all books used by McFarland Clinic for children receiving their six-month checkup. And Carolyn Jons has been tapped to spread the literacy gospel throughout Rotary in the Midwest. We’ll do more this year to build Ames Morning Rotary’s reputation for success through literacy.

International. Lastly, it’s time to start thinking about how we can give back to our world through an international project. We have the beginnings of some ties to Uganda through others in our community. South America also might present some options. Rotary District priorities for service projects include providing clean water, improving health, reducing hunger, increasing literacy, and building the family of Rotary.

I’m looking forward to a great year. Thanks for this chance.