As April arrives, Rotary invites us to turn our attention to one of our key Areas of Focus: the Environment. It’s a time to reflect on how we care for the natural world (and how all those EndPolioNow tulips we planted last fall are blooming!)—but also how we nurture the communities we serve. Because just like any healthy ecosystem, Rotary thrives when every part is connected, contributing and cared for.

Last week, we gathered in Blacksburg for our District Conference—and while I’m still completely exhausted, I’m energized by the spirit of connection, service and purpose that filled every session, every hallway conversation and every shared laugh over a meal. From painting peace poles to exploring the power of artificial intelligence, from youth-led inspiration to motivational moments, we witnessed Rotary in full bloom.

Sam Glenn had us laughing, reflecting and probably wondering how many cups of coffee he’d had that morning (answer: enough to power a small city). Richard Reeves and Tim Carney challenged us to think deeply about relationships, mental fitness and community renewal. Our Youth Exchange Students and 4-Way Test speech winner, Gabe Tweedie, gave us genuine hope for the future.  We even had a special surprise visitor from Kosovo Zoom in!

Of course, no conference is complete without a packed schedule—and I do mean packed. I’m convinced we ran such a tight program we may have accidentally set a world record for “most engaging sessions with the fewest bathroom breaks.” (Next year, I promise Andy will provide more hydration and relief opportunities.)

Then there was the special guest appearance that kicked it all off—the Hokie Bird himself—reminding us that not only were we on the campus of the greatest university in the world (yes, I said it), but that spirit and pride matter. Whether it’s in service, school colors or silly dances on stage, showing up with heart makes all the difference.

And nothing says “recycling” like bringing back a band from the 1960s to entertain us! Turns out, all you really do need is love—and maybe a Pittsburgh-style cookie table.

Much like the environment we strive to protect, our Rotary community flourishes when we invest in it. Every handshake, every new idea, every commitment to peace and service is a seed. And I saw a lot of seeds being planted last weekend.

To everyone who helped make the conference happen—our planning committee, volunteers, speakers, sponsors and every Rotarian who took the time to attend—thank you. Your energy and effort created something meaningful. You reminded us that when we come together, we grow stronger.

In the spirit of April and our environmental theme, I challenge each of us to think not only about what we can clean up or protect in the natural world—but also what we can cultivate in our clubs. Let’s plant more seeds—of friendship, mentorship, service and sustainability. Let’s water them with encouragement and shine a light on the great work being done across our district.

Because when Rotary grows, our communities flourish. When communities flourish, so does peace. And when we care—for our planet, our neighbors and each other—we truly live up to the Rotary ideal of Service Above Self. That is the Magic of Rotary.

Let’s keep growing together.