Spring is on its way – icicles are dripping and the snow is melting rapidly. Rotary’s monthly theme is fittingly water and sanitation. In Finland, we are fortunate to have abundant clean water now and, hopefully, always. This is not the case everywhere. It is good for us, too, to reflect on our own water consumption – even small savings, just like with energy, are meaningful eco actions. Nature appreciates it.
My governor year continues with club visits and celebrations. The Vihti–Nummela club celebrated its 35th anniversary. The strong participation in both the festivities and the raffle supporting youth exchange ensured a wonderful event. Our incoming governors, DGE Heldur Allese and DGND Tiit Rahkema, also attended, bringing greetings from Estonian Rotarians and reminding us of the summer golf tournaments in Nummela and Saaremaa.
Last Friday, I had the pleasure of attending the 30th anniversary celebration of the Finlandia Hall club, which featured many inspiring conversations as well as impressive vocal and cello performances. A traditional dance performance by an Indonesian exchange student was particularly memorable. The evening’s raffle proceeds were donated to Resonaari, which provides music activities for people with special needs.
During my visit to the Mäntsälä club, I once again met many Rotary sisters and brothers. The visit was insightful and warm, and I was reminded how privileged I am to meet so many different Rotarians. Thank you for the meaningful discussions and the warm welcome at every event.
The PrePELS sessions have now been held in both Finland and Estonia, and the actual PELS days will take place on 14 March and 20 March. Please remember to participate even if you have served as president several times. The programme always offers something new, and the day is a great opportunity to network and get to know Rotarians from neighbouring clubs. Assistant governors will also attend and hold discussions with the presidents of their areas. These conversations are important and help prepare for the upcoming Rotary year.
The district council has been meeting monthly, and the plans for the Rotary year 2026–2027 are now nearly complete. They will be presented to the membership for approval at the spring meeting on 17 April at Hotel Kalastajatorppa, where Heldur Allese will introduce his programme, action plan and budget. The invitation will be sent out in good time.
The district conference planning team has been working hard. A big thank you to everyone involved – without you, progress would not be possible. We are now approaching the finish line, although many details still need fine tuning. You are warmly welcome to the district conference on 18 April at Kalastajatorppa. The day begins at 9:00 with morning coffee and registration and ends at 16:00.
The day will be crowned by a joint evening celebration in the Kalastajatorppa Round Hall starting at 18:00, with enjoyable programme, a three course dinner, socialising and dancing lasting well into the night. Registration will open shortly.
Warm welcome to the spring meeting, the conference and the gala dinner.
Kind regards
Jere Jantunen
DG
