September 15, 2026
Our speaker today was our District Governor, Terri Speck. Terri's husband Dave joined her. Terri shared that Rotary's theme this year is "Create Lasting Impact". She gave Stu, a banner with the theme printed on it and passed out pins to all the members present. Terri shared that how Rotary makes an impact is very personal to all. So instead of telling us how we as a club can make an impact she shared how Rotary has impacted her life and thus has impacted others lives.
She began her Rotary journey as an International Exchange Student many years ago. Her father was a Rotarian and encouraged her to apply as an exchange student. She spent a full year in Brisbane, Australia. Her life was truly impacted by that experience! To this day, she is still in contact with her host families. Recently she visited Brisbane again and was able to meet with 2 of her host fathers who are 99 and 94 years old. She has been back many times since being an exchange student but wonders if this might be the last time she gets to see these 2 host fathers.
Shortly after she and Dave got married they hosted their first exchange student in their home. They were very young and had no children of their own at the time but became instant parents to a teenager. As a matter of fact, Terri said that she was just 8 years older than their first exchange student. Since then they have hosted 4 other exchange students and therefore made a lasting impact on those students. Again, they remain in contact with those students and their families.
Terri told us about the Young Professional Exchange that Rotary had been involved with in the past but no longer participates in. Young professionals from other countries would come to the United States for a few weeks and Rotary families would host them. She and her family also participated in this exchange program. Thus making an impact on those young people.
Terri suggested that each person find their passion and dive in deeper to make their own impact. Partnering with other groups or individuals will increase that impact as well. She spoke about our district 6630 partnering together to raise over $160K for the Dolly Pardon Imagination Library, which stayed right here in Ohio.
Thank you Terri Speck, District Governor for joining us today.
Terri also spoke about her main goals this term. She has 2 main goals that go back to how she has been impacted by Rotary and how Rotary makes an impact; the Youth Engagement and Connectivity, a global effort by RI to empower young people, build their leadership skills, and connect them with a worldwide network of peers and mentors and Strengthening Club Excellence and Support, to give local clubs the tools, leadership training, and resources they need to thrive.
She was also very excited about the All Ohio District Conference that has been newly organized for 2027. It will be held at the Hilton Columbus, Polaris on April 30-May 2, 2027. More information will be forth coming. Please plan to attend if those dates fit into your schedule.
Stu Lucker, President of the Painesville Rotary and Terri Speck, 6630 District Governor. Our next meeting is September 22, 2026 in the barn at the Lake County History Center. Our speaker will be Pam Morse, Western Reserve Junior Service League.