Assistant District Governor Shirley Ross introduced Dr. Elizabeth Anne Selby, District 7070 Governor for 2019-2020. Beth became a Rotarian in 2004 when she joined the Rotary Club of Belleville. Upon retirement in July 2008, she transferred to The Rotary Club of Cobourg. She was President in 2015-2016 and is finishing six consecutive years on the Club’s Board of Directors. She was the Assistant District Governor supporting the Rotary Clubs of Bowmanville, Oshawa, and Oshawa-Parkwood, before becoming District Governor Elect. She was the co-recipient of the 2016 Les Faludy Leadership Award. Although relatively new to Rotary, her involvement began in 1993 when she and her husband were Counselors to an Inbound Youth Exchange student from Mexico. She refers to this experience as her ’Rotary Moment’.........
Beth has almost thirty years’ experience in public education. She was a secondary school teacher, program consultant, secondary school vice-principal and principal, and superintendent of education. She received her undergraduate degree from the University of Guelph and completed her three degrees in education at the University of Toronto. Her Doctor of Education degree was conferred in 2005. She was a Faculty Advisor with Nipissing University supervising Teacher Candidates in both the Concurrent and Consecutive Bachelor of Education programs, and has also been a Supervisor of Teacher Interns with the University of New Brunswick.
Beth is very involved in her community of Cobourg, Ontario. In addition to being the immediate Past President of The Rotary Club of Cobourg, she is First Vice-Chair of the Northumberland Hills Hospital Board of Directors, and a member of the Northumberland YMCA Board of Directors.
Beth and her husband, Rotarian Barry Vail, live in Baltimore just north of Cobourg with their Miniature French Poodle, Clicquot. Sons, Jason and his three children live in St. Catharines, and Matthew, his wife and their daughter live in Whitby.
Beth started off by saying it was heartwarming to see familiar faces in the room and thanked Tracy Bray for inviting her here today. Rotary International President Mark Maloney’s theme for the 2019-2020 Rotary year is ‘Rotary Connects The World’ and Beth can’t think of a better program to connect the world than Rotary Youth Exchange. Her and her husband have been involved, starting in 1993 when they hosted a female student from Mexico, in the Rotary Youth Exchange program. Their first student had trouble settling in, but by the time she left, she gave the best farewell speech ever and has returned as a mature student. Beth and Barry have established a close relationship with her family as well and they continue to be host families to students from all over the world, their most recent being from Denmark.
District 7070’s involvement in Rotary Youth Exchange dates back to the early 1970’s. Since 2001, the District has exchanged with 21 different countries, and supported approximately 235 Inbound and 235 Outbound Students. That’s a total of 470 students impacted by this incredible Rotary program.
Rotary Youth Exchange Students experience a new culture, perhaps learn a new language, are hosted by a Rotary Club, guided by a Rotary Club Counselor, live with Host Families, and build lasting friendships with other Youth Exchange Students from around the world.
Students in the program unlock their potential and become global citizens. They travel, explore, discover, grow, learn, and have fun. Just ask any one of our students about their experience and the significance of the pins on their jackets!
One of Beth's goals this year as District Governor is to support the Rotary Youth Exchange Committee of District 7070 to realize its goal of 20 in 2020 - 20 Outbound and 20 Inbound Students in the 2020 Rotary year. Other goals include growing Rotary, involving families, building a viable path to Rotary leadership and heightening Rotary's public image. DG Beth wants to make Rotary Clubs irresistible, getting members engaged through social activities and service projects. Every club should examine their membership demographics and reach out to people in the community to see who might be interested in joining Rotary. Succession planning within the Club is a positive step to ensure future leaders are developed and that the roles are doable. Every Rotarian has a responsibility to bring in new members, to be engaged in the Club and to take on leadership roles. The focus should include the broad Rotary family, Earlyact, Interact, Rotaract and Rotary and clubs should participate in the Rotary Leadership Institute and District Assemblies. Training for District and Global grants is now available on-line. Rotarians are encouraged to take the course. Polio and Foundation goals include eradicating polio with an emphasis on clubs being involved in the support of this and other Rotary Foundation initiatives. Michael Bell will be the District leader for the Rotary Foundation. Clubs are encouraged to identify a minimum of one relevant, sustainable project each year in their community. Host a community appreciation event, at no cost, just a thank you for their support. Publicize the good work of Rotarians at the local level.
And last, but not least Beth mentioned the 2019 District Conference to be held October 25 - 27 at the JW Marriott The Rosseau Muskoka Resort and Spa, an amazing resort with outstanding speakers. The room rate is $135!!! Unbeatable. President Doug thanked Beth for coming today and connecting with our Club.