Staten Island Rotary - A Message from the Club President

Welcome to the website of the Rotary Club of Staten Island. The theme of Rotary International this year is "Make Dreams Real", and our club's mission includes this theme and embrace it.

We all have dreams, from the smallest wishes to the grandest plans. Our club, our community, and our world have dreams too, and they all include one common element, the desire of dedicated individuals to help those in need.

Times being what they are, the needs of our club, community and world have increased. The demands upon each of us has grown. We have increased pressure to maintain our own personal status quo, while watching friends and neighbors suffer from a tremendously difficult economic downturn. Requests for help come in to the club on a regular basis, and we find it harder and harder to meet those requests.

We are a resilient club, however, and marking our 89th year, we commit to surviving these times, while doing what we can to help our neighbors both next door and around the world.

This years theme is reminiscent of a poem by Langston Hughs entitled "Hold Fast To Dreams",

Hold Fast to dreams Hold Fast To Dreams

For if dreams die For when dreams go

Life is a broken-winged bird Life is a barren field

That cannot fly. Frozen with snow.

The Rotary Club of Staten Island has been helping to "make dreams real" for people for 89 years. I look forward to another year of service, fine fellowship and working to make the dreams of those who need us as real as possible. Spread the word of Rotary to others. There is no better way to prosper during difficult times than side by side.

I thank those of you who have unwavering support for the presidency of this club. You certainly know who you are. I look forward to meeting new Rotarians while strengthening the ties of existing members

Ronald D. Victorio

President