You can now call me Governor Mom!
On June 26, 2020, Linda Sappington - aka Mom or Best Grandma Ever (BGE) was inducted / installed / “crowned” Governor of Utah Rotary District 5420. My biggest concern, during my year as Governor-nominee as well as in my year as Governor-elect, was whether I had anything to offer the 45 Rotary clubs in my district.
But when the moment came, I felt the mantle fall on my shoulders and in my first two weeks as DG, there has already been some really magical moments, including how quickly this year is going by. As of this writing I am nearly two months into my year.
In this 1-year assignment during RY2020-21, I will meet (by Zoom or in-person) with 45 clubs around the district, develop some “bigger, better, bolder service projects which change lives”; answer hundreds of “what’s Rotary” questions from those outside of our amazing organization as well as some of our longtime members; and, do a fair amount of problem solving on the district level and for struggling clubs.
In short, it is shaping up to be a fulltime job until June 30, 2021 - but certainly it will be the most unique year ever due to the COVID pandemic! At the end of my year, I will write my DG history and post it to my blog. I hope it will be a rich history – despite the coronavirus – filled with amazing and fun experiences. I could not understand how I had ended up in this position … but since I’m here now I am excited to see what difference I can make in my district and the world!
Some (unedited) comments by friends and fellow Rotarians:
* I left last night feeling real pride in being a Rotarian and what Rotary means. I was also awed by how you stepped up to and into the role of District Governor last night. You are going to have a great year! (Art Haines)
* Governor Sappington, I very much enjoyed your presentation last night and the goals you have set for us. In the past, you have set high standards for us and have been an example of what a good Rotarian should be. That now continues. Thank you! And, congratulations! (Tom Powell)
* Linda, My Dear Long Time Friend, We worry not! And to you I say, “Fret not.” We could not be better off for our incoming Gov. Your tremendous talents and abilities are proven and solid. Your dedication and commitment are unsurpassed. Your long list of Governors you have served and the years of District service you have given places you at the top of the list and will hold you in good stead. You know how to navigate the waters of public and human relations and your love of and for Rotary are well established. You will not fail. Moreover, you will handle everything that requires your time and talents with utmost respect and dignity, and you will show the rest of us how to adapt to new and different ways to lead and to serve. We are behind you all the way. Welcome, fellow leader! (Jim Coleman)
* Linda, this is the BEST DG presentation I have ever seen in my 14 years as a Rotarian. I like that you personalized it. Excited about the District projects.
* Thank you, DG Linda. Your presentation was perfect. You are an awesome person and a godsend as Utah's District Governor. Thank you for all you do! (Eugene Hotinger, CCRC)
* You were fantastic, thanks! (Pearl Wright, District PI Chair)
* You have trained us with more Rotary information than ever before in the history of our district." (Kristi Guest, Area 7 Assistant Governor)
* Yeah!!!! About time the district made this change! We have grappled with this for years and are so frustrated with those few who made it hard for the rest of us! Way to go, Madam DG! (Tere Moore, Brigham City Rotary Past President
