Rotary District Governor Mike Callahan speaks to Farmersville Rotarians at last week’s meeting. John Kanelis/The Farmersville Times

Mike Callahan began his talk to the Farmersville Rotary Club with a simple admonition.

“Rotary takes ordinary men and women,” said the new governor of Rotary District 5810, “and gives them opportunities to do extraordinary things.”

The District Governor delivered a pep talk Tuesday, July 21 to Farmersville Rotarians as they began their new Rotary year.

“We know what we do,” Callahan said, “but we need to know why we do it.”

Callahan, a member of the Prestonwood Rotary Club in North Dallas, is a 47-year resident of Collin County. He lives in Allen with his wife, Jill. 

The governor said District 5810 has set a membership goal of adding 100 members by the end of the Rotary year, which concludes June 30, 2027. The district includes 63 clubs and 2,316 Rotarians. He said the Farmersville Rotary Club could help the district reach that goal by adding just two members.

Rotary International is led this year by RI President Olayinka H. Babalola.

Of the clubs in the district, Callahan said 46 contributed to PolioPlus, Rotary International’s signature service project. Today, only Pakistan and Afghanistan report active polio cases. Callahan said PolioPlus is close to eradicating the disease worldwide.

The past Rotary year saw a 16% decline in membership worldwide, the governor said. However, Rotary reported an 85% member retention rate.

Callahan also stressed the importance of reaching young people through Interact clubs and Camp RYLA.

Rotary International’s motto is “Service Above Self.” Rotarians dedicate themselves to improving life in their communities through volunteer service, youth programs, scholarships and humanitarian projects. Worldwide, Rotary’s 1.4 million members also support initiatives such as PolioPlus, the organization’s long-running campaign to eradicate polio.

To join the Farmersville Rotary Club, contact President Jake Buchanan at 972-784-8999. The club meets noon to 1 p.m. the first and third Tuesdays of the month at the Carlisle Civic Center. Visitors are welcome. 

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