Greetings from Music City USA -- aka Nashville, TN.

I am starting this newsletter item between sessions here at the Annual Sertoma Convention. We began with two jam packed days of Sertoma Leadership Training with tracks for Governors, Regional Directors and the Sertoma Board. My head was swimming at the end of each day. Today is our first full day of the convention, focusing on awards. The Service To Mankind winner was a very inspiring man who served time in prison, and on returning to society discovered how hard it was to overcome the prisoner label. He persevered and vowed to help others find a meaningful place in society. He focuses on helping people who served time in prison, restart and refocus their lives to become productive citizens. He has a great story and was a good choice among many worthy entrants. Much to my surprise, my name was called as I was “nodding off” at the end of a long day. I stumbled on stage not having a clue as to why I was called. Lo and behold, I was awarded the Distinguished Governor Award. Truthfully, I was stunned and struck speechless. I am truly honored! I owe this award to all of the Arizona Sertoma Clubs and members who work hard in our communities leading the way in Service To Mankind. Thank you for believing in me and supporting me as your Governor! Thank you to the Club Presidents, Secretaries, Treasurers, Club VP’s , board members, and bulletin writers for doing their jobs well. Thanks for doing your reports and getting them in along with the dues. We were on the “good list” with the Region and Headquarters.

    I owe special thanks to Reese Woodling, Maggie Watson, Betsy Green, Ralph Hunnicutt, Lee Mayberry, Roger Donato, and Charlie Sewell for really making me look good. Reese does all of the financial reports, District banking, budget and IRS reports correctly and submitted on time. Maggie took minutes and notes at all of our district meetings as well as accompanying me on my club visitations. Ralph volunteered for the FDR position and helped to make our District a major contributor to the Annual Fund, formerly the Foundation. Betsy was a wonderful help in preparing the flyers used in the EXPO’s and helped with note taking in meetings. She will be District Secretary this year. Lee was a great Sgt. At Arms and an indispensable helper in teaching me the ropes of being Governor. Roger Donato was a wonderful Sgt. At Arms who collected some interesting fines while keeping us happy and enjoying handing over the money. He will continue to do a great job and entertain us as FDR this year. Charlie has been my mentor and friend since I joined Sertoma, and he makes sure I do the job “as defined in the manual.” Thanks to all of you wonderful Arizona Sertomans. I am happy to represent all of you as District Governor, and I am Proud To be A Sertoman.

Respectfully,

Joy Newman, Governor Arizona District