May is coming in like a LION as April left us with incredible fun and friendships!
 
Thank you to all who participated in and contributed to the success of the 2022-23 District Conference last month. The weather was amazing for the golf tournament and Food Fest. I was excited to see new faces at this event and hope each of you found new friends and new ideas for making our Rotary Clubs more vibrant and successful.
 May be an image of 4 people May be an image of 8 people 
 
 
I had the honor of presenting the Rotary International Service Above Self award to Sharron Newton. This award is given to fewer than 150 Rotarians each year to recognize their commitment to helping others by volunteering their time and talents. Sharron is a member of the Slidell Northshore Club and serves as District Deputy Governor for Service.
 
 
 
Rob Young, a member of the Hattiesburg Sunrise Club, was the recipient of another prestigious award from The Rotary Foundation, The Citation for Meritorious Service, for his outstanding service and commitment to The Rotary Foundation.
 
 
 
I was excited to present Mike Sigler, District Chair of RYLA and member of the Metairie Sunrise Club, my Governor’s Award for his many years of commitment to RYLA.
 
 
One more major award: With much gratitude, I presented Emily Leitzinger, Deputy Governor of Club Administration and member of the Mid City New Orleans Club, the District’s Rotarian of the Year award!
 
 
Special thanks to Mark Killingsworth, Ryan Kelly, and the other members of our District Conference Committee for the long hours they dedicated to making the Conference a success. And, if I can get the recipe for the pork dish the McComb Club served at Food Fest, I promise to share.
 
 
A few reminders:
2. Deadline for applications for District grants for 2023-24 is May 31, 2023.
3. Last call for those wanting to attend RI Convention in Melbourne, Australia.
4. Please make your donations to The Rotary Foundation by the end of May 2023.
5. Please check with your club officers about completing and updating the club’s goals in Rotary Club Central so your club may qualify for the Rotary Citation for 2022-23. The deadline is June 30, 2023.
 
As your club looks forward to a new Rotary year with new board members and new ideas, please remember to thank your officers and members for their valuable leadership, friendship, and Service Above Self.
 
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In Memory:
 
Past District Governor, Dr. James “Jerry” Fortino of District 6840, Louisiana, on April 18, 2023.

Born and educated in Michigan, Jerry relocated to the New Orleans area after completing medical school. He and his spouse, Carolyn, opened Children's Clinic in Gretna, LA where he practiced pediatrics for over fifty years.

A long-time Rotarian and member of the Rotary Club of Algiers, he served as Governor of District 6840 from 2006-2007. After Hurricane Katrina, Jerry launched the restoration of the New Orleans City Park's main entrance and grounds, and he reached out to clubs and districts worldwide to help with this rebuild of a historic part of New Orleans. He was a recipient of Rotary International’s Service Above Self award and The Rotary Foundation’s Citation for Meritorious Service.

PDG Jerry's obituary may be viewed here.  
Dr.  James Michael "Jerry" Fortino M.D. obituary
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Check out what is happening in our Clubs!
 
 
What a great success the Rotary Walk 2023 was!
A huge thank you to all our sponsors and walkers.
At the final count, 34 walkers completed a combined 70 miles and $6,500.00 was raised for the upcoming session of St. Peter's by-the-Sea Casting our Nets program.
 
 
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The Rotary Club of Slidell was privileged to host alumni from Friends Forever International at a luncheon at Pinewood Country Club on Friday, April 14, 2023. 
 
 
 
Friendship Exchange happened with a group of Rotarians from France (April 1 -6, 2023) followed by an assembly of past alumni of Friends Forever (April 4-16, 2023) This year, we are thrilled to welcome seven exceptional alumni of Friends Forever from Palestine, Israel, Cyprus, Uganda, and Northern Ireland. These remarkable leaders were carefully selected for their dedication to community action, professional networking, and using their leadership skills to create lasting positive impacts. FFI is honored to have them as our ambassadors. Our District is honored we have been chosen to host. 
 
 
WOW! What a month!! So excited for all to come in June and beyond.  Thank you for helping to Imagine Rotary with me!
 
In Service,
DG Regina