Our guest was District 7490 Governor, Nikki Mederos.  Prior to our general meeting, Gov. Nikki met with Paramus Rotary Club President Diane Vasile-Falcone and the club’s Board of Directors.

 

 

       President Diane shared information on a number of topics – current and prospective membership, major club events and programs, scholarships, Career Day, Shop Rite Food Drive, Gift of Life and San Salvador missions, Myanmar Clean Water Project, and other fundraising efforts. A significant amount of conversation revolved around the issue of Rotary being one of the “best kept secrets” and how to educate members of the community about all the great works of Rotarians.

       After meeting with President Diane and the members of the club’s Board of Directors, Gov. Nikki was introduced to all our attending members.  After a delicious Seasons lunch, Gov. Nikki spoke to all in attendance.

 

 

       Gov. Nikki shared much of her conversation with President Diane and our board members. Gov. Nikki shared that it was the Rotary Gift of Life program that attracted her to Rotary.  She was very impressed with our long array of service projects, especially the over-220 Gift of Life children the club has sponsored, our support of the Heart Scan screening of Paramus High School incoming freshman, and our Career Day and Scholarship programs in support of Paramus students.

       Gov. Nikki was most impressed with how we engage our members and welcome and involve our newest members – example, having a greeter as members and guests arrive – providing new members with a new member badge so that all our member could seek them out and help mentor them into all that is the Paramus Rotary Club.

       On the larger District level, Gov. Nikki spoke about stemming the decline in the district’s membership and the need for a focused approach on attracting new members into Rotary, and working on marketing and corporate development activities.  Gov. Nikki is going to bring together past District Governors to aid her in this endeavor.  The ending of Human Trafficking is also high on the list of Rotary objectives.

       Gov. Nikki announced the next District Conference will be held in Gettysburg PA from May 2-5.  Lastly, Club President Diane and Gov Nikki exchanged Paramus Rotary Club and District 7490 Governor’s banners.