District Governor Visit

Thank you for the opportunity to introduce myself. 

 

I love Rotary. I love Rotarians.  Rotary’s peacebuilding mission has drawn, encouraged, corrected and challenged me. I have accepted the invitation to orient my life to Rotary’s motto of service above self.

 

I was raised in Green Bay, Wisconsin.  I chose the University of Wisconsin – Eau Claire as the best place to become a band director - and stayed to earn undergraduate and graduate degrees in Business Administration. 

 

A college internship with Blue Cross Blue Shield left me vowing to “never sell anything – especially not insurance”.  So naturally, I am enjoying a fulfilling career as an Employer Benefits Broker; helping area employers design, finance and manage benefit programs that work to attract and support their valuable employees.  Rotary's Vocational Service inspires me to engage ethically and meaningfully in my professional life.

 

I was invited to join The Rotary Club of Eau Claire in 1989.  I was delighted at the invitation, quite unaware of the context of Rotary history in which I found myself.  I served on club committees and as President in 2003-04.  A move to Chippewa Falls motivated a transfer to The Rotary Club of Chippewa Falls where I served as Executive Secretary for six years.  The club was kind enough to recognize my service with a number of awards; the Avenues Service Citation being most meaningful to me.

 

I have also served as Assistant Governor, Group Study Exchange Team Leader, and exchange student host mom and GSE team host many times.  I was invited to speak at the chartering of the Chippewa Valley After Hours Rotary Club and recently transferred my membership to that club.  In all my experiences, my favorite Rotary role is “fellow”.

 

Rotary fellowship and service has enriched my life in ways I can only try to measure.  Rotary International Service has brought the world to my doorstep and me to the world.  Community leaders have become dear friends over meals shared at Rotary meetings.  I know my neighbors better; having grown empathy and understanding in Community Service.  Thanks to Youth Service I am optimistic about the future.

 

But you know my story.  It’s your Rotary story too.  That's the beauty of it.

 

I am married to a kind and generous man, Dick Hebert.  Dick is the Director of the Chippewa Falls Parks, Recreation and Forestry Department and is surely one of the finest public servants that one could ever meet.  I am a stepmom to Rachel and Anthony, and happy grandma to Rachel’s bright and beautiful children, Jude and Adelaide.  I enjoy being active and social.

 

I look forward to joining you in service.  Here's to a healthy, vibrant and productive Rotary!