I am thankful for the opportunity to serve alongside each of my fellow Rotarians this year. Throughout my career, Rotary has been a place of growth and enrichment. Rotary has challenged me to continually put "Service Above Self," and has inspired me to follow the incredible examples of my fellow Rotarians.  

 

I once heard someone share that at its core Rotary is about two primary things: Fellowship & Service. These are the two foundational pillars that I want to focus on during my year as President.     

 

- Regular Meetings: Each week, the Lima Rotary Club meets in person and we welcome guests to join us at our Monday meetings from noon - 1pm at the Veterans Memorial Civic and Convention Center in downtown Lima. 

- Rotary Fellowships: In addition to regular meetings, Rotary is a million-plus members organization that has numerous opportunities to connect to individuals who share a common interest in recreational activities, sports, hobbies, or professions.  

- Rotary Socials: One of the favorite activities of Rotarians is connecting outside of the office and our regular meeting times through social activities.  

 

2. Service
- The Lima Rotary Club is filled with leaders who are always looking to the future to make the Limaland community, this country and the world a better place. Since the club was founded in 1915 we have been a part of incredible projects that have made this community better for its citizens. For example, this year we are excited to host the grand opening of the Greater Lima Region Park and Amphitheater project in downtown Lima. This will be a destination point for this region and multiple states for decades to come!! 
 
The club is also involved in multiple other projects that include:
- Fall & spring blood clinics
- The Rotary Riverwalk
- Jay Begg Reverse Raffle
- Rex Perry Memorial Golf Outing to fund scholarships
- Salvation Army bell ringing
- Dictionary distribution to local schools
 
This club has also been successful in obtaining global grants to better the lives of residents in underdeveloped countries by improving their water supply and upgrading their facilities.
 
I look forward to working with all of my fellow Rotarians as we continue to make our community, county, and ultimately world a better place to live.  

Blessings,
 
Derek Stemen
Lima Rotary President