COLUSA, CA (MPG) —District 5160 Governor Joy Alaidarous told Colusa Rotarians on Nov. 11 that a childhood battle with polio drove her to a life of service and leadership. She spoke to the Rotary Club of Colusa at Rocco’s Bar and Grill.
Club President Jim Sherman introduced Alaidarous by sharing her professional background as an educational psychologist. Alaidarous retired in 2010, he said, but soon accepted an invitation to attend a Rotary meeting.
Nov. 11 lunch meeting at Rocco’s Bar and Grill, where she shared her “Building Bridges” district
theme and the international “Unite for Good” message. Photo by Lloyd Green Jr.
“Within three months she became club secretary, and then club president in four years,” Sherman said. “We all can relate.”
Alaidarous, who oversees 68 clubs and nearly 3,000 members, then explained her personal motivation. Having survived polio during a major epidemic in Kansas City when she was just 5 years old.
“My mother told me that the doctor didn’t think I was going to make it through the night,” Alaidarous said.
She said the experience changed her outlook on life and that she grew up knowing she needed to help others and make a difference in the world.
Alaidarous announced the district theme is “Building Bridges.”
“As Rotarians we build bridges between one another, between clubs and around the world. It allows us to multiply what we do because we work together,” Alaidarous said.
She noted the international theme is “Unite for Good,” which she said highlights the power of unity in service.
Alaidarous encouraged Colusa members to seek new growth and membership to help stop the “slow bleed” seen in Rotary clubs across Europe and the United States. She cited the club’s success, noting they have added five new members this year.
“You will get out of Rotary as much as you put into it,” she said, urging new and longtime members to stay involved.
This year, Alaidarous selected ShelterBox as the charity her district will support.
ShelterBox is a charity that provides emergency shelter and essential aid to families devastated by natural disasters and conflict. They supply items like tents, blankets, water filters, and tools to help families survive and begin rebuilding their lives. The organization works with local communities to provide the right support at the right time and has global partners like Rotary International.
She set a goal for District 5160 to fill 25 boxes and said Rotarians can donate through the district website, https://rotary5160.org, or by writing a check to District 5160.
Alaidarous also highlighted her focus on the End Polio Now campaign and on increasing the number of members in the Request Society, which requires a minimum $10,000 legacy donation.
To close the program, Alaidarous inducted Colusa’s newest member, Robert Cardenas, and welcomed him to the club. She then presented Rotarian Antonio Ortiz with the special Bridge Builder Award.
Sherman said Ortiz’s dedication is unmatched and pointed to his recent work installing Rotary’s new digital display and sound system in the banquet room.
“Since I arrived here all I’ve heard is, Antonio always comes through,” Alaidarous said.