At our November 13, 2023, Rotary Club of La Conner Meeting, our guests for the evening were District 5050 Governor David Lukov and Area H Assistant Governor Susan Guterbock.
The theme for David’s sharing tonight is “Why Rotary”.
The theme for David’s sharing tonight is “Why Rotary”.
David is a storyteller leader and shared that many other associations and clubs have lost membership, and Rotary continues to go strong. He asked us:
“How many find that Rotary has widened and broadened their view of the world?”
Several members answered the question of what the rotary experience has done for them. He shared that for him, Rotary allows him to provide service work with his hands, mind, body, and soul. He shared a story with us about when he was at a parsonage in Wilmington. He and his young daughter were in the front yard when he heard the squealing of tires approaching. The speed limit in the area was 20 MPH, and the fast-approaching vehicle had its window down, music blaring. As it went by, David yelled at it to slow down and that it was in a residential area. The driver proceeded to affectionately produce a middle finger. Not long thereafter, David was driving in the downtown area with many beautiful row houses. David was in a hurry and driving way too fast. From one of the houses, David heard “Hey, slow down” as he reflected back on his own experience at his house.
Several members answered the question of what the rotary experience has done for them. He shared that for him, Rotary allows him to provide service work with his hands, mind, body, and soul. He shared a story with us about when he was at a parsonage in Wilmington. He and his young daughter were in the front yard when he heard the squealing of tires approaching. The speed limit in the area was 20 MPH, and the fast-approaching vehicle had its window down, music blaring. As it went by, David yelled at it to slow down and that it was in a residential area. The driver proceeded to affectionately produce a middle finger. Not long thereafter, David was driving in the downtown area with many beautiful row houses. David was in a hurry and driving way too fast. From one of the houses, David heard “Hey, slow down” as he reflected back on his own experience at his house.
David shared that we all have a tendency to see what we want to see and that is our greatest challenge. As we read the newspaper and social media, we choose those that align with our beliefs. Rotary for David allows us to take our blinders off and see the world more broadly. For our Club, he recognized our work with La Conner United and our International Projects in Honduras and how they make such a difference in our world. It allows us all to broaden our views, the myopic narrow view widens.
David then asked us:
“How many of you believe you are a more effective leader by being a Rotarian?”
Several members shared their thoughts. David told the story of (3) CEOs sitting on a park bench in Central New York. Sarah was on one end of the bench She had been a very successful CEO in the 1970’s and was now retired. On the other end of the bench was Sam, also a very successful CEO with a substantial impact in his community in the mid 1990’s and was semi-retired. Tom who was sitting in the middle, started asking and sharing what led to their success. Sarah stated that she read a lot and kept adjusting as she went. She was a real trailblazer for other women. Tom shared that he experienced everything he could, learned and became a stronger and stronger leader. When asked, Sam stated his success was “LUCK”. He had good training, many college conferences, and a lot of listening. He shared that when you have a strong vision, you have to guide and help people to see it, follow you and it requires a lot of listening. You learn when to talk and when not to. Leadership involves taking an experience and opportunity and doing something with it.
Several members shared their thoughts. David told the story of (3) CEOs sitting on a park bench in Central New York. Sarah was on one end of the bench She had been a very successful CEO in the 1970’s and was now retired. On the other end of the bench was Sam, also a very successful CEO with a substantial impact in his community in the mid 1990’s and was semi-retired. Tom who was sitting in the middle, started asking and sharing what led to their success. Sarah stated that she read a lot and kept adjusting as she went. She was a real trailblazer for other women. Tom shared that he experienced everything he could, learned and became a stronger and stronger leader. When asked, Sam stated his success was “LUCK”. He had good training, many college conferences, and a lot of listening. He shared that when you have a strong vision, you have to guide and help people to see it, follow you and it requires a lot of listening. You learn when to talk and when not to. Leadership involves taking an experience and opportunity and doing something with it.
David shared that in my rotary, there is a lot of really great training. Leadership is just one of many choices. It used to be the Learning Institute and now is both online and presented at many of our conferences. YAIL, RYLA, YES graduates come out with confidence, get to see the world, and come back with really strong leadership traits. David recognized and thanked Adam for his good work in leadership as he was able to start up Skagit Rotaract. Adam exhibited servant leadership, guided and then handed off to them and their leader. He was a fabulous mentor and guide allowing them to set it up the way that felt best for them.
David asked us:
“Why have you stayed in Rotary?”
Some said the companionship, the good works and vision, and the love of people. David shared “You are what you do”. He has been in 6 different Rotary Clubs, when he joined the Mt Vernon Club, he didn’t feel the connection or welcoming environment, but he returned many times to give it another try. It was not until Della Moon and Art Palmer who were the elderly members and were sitting off by themselves invited David over. They didn’t want to talk about them, they wanted to hear all about David. It was then he knew Mt Vernon was for him. Every human has a need to feel they belong and are welcome. You will stay when you know you belong.
“Why have you stayed in Rotary?”
Some said the companionship, the good works and vision, and the love of people. David shared “You are what you do”. He has been in 6 different Rotary Clubs, when he joined the Mt Vernon Club, he didn’t feel the connection or welcoming environment, but he returned many times to give it another try. It was not until Della Moon and Art Palmer who were the elderly members and were sitting off by themselves invited David over. They didn’t want to talk about them, they wanted to hear all about David. It was then he knew Mt Vernon was for him. Every human has a need to feel they belong and are welcome. You will stay when you know you belong.
David shared that he wants to host an affordable, fun, Rotary District 5050 Conference for the community and all Club members. He has decided it will be a Mt Vernon High School Conference, $100 per person or $400 for family. It will be May 4, with other events on May 3 and May 5thsuch as Bowing at Riverside Bowling, dinner at Max Dale, and ending up at Kamp Kory. He will soon have bookmarks to announce the conference and events. Fun, simple, and engaging.
David presented John Milnor and Don Wolf with an award for their long and exemplary leadership in Rotary, always behind the scenes, with enthusiasm. He expressed his gratitude and thanks on behalf of Rotary. He also has a District Governor award for Doug Jones which will be presented. David recognized our Club for our energy, projects, community impact, and the fun we have while doing good work.
The next time you see someone in Safeway, walking in downtown La Conner, or one of your neighbors, find out their story – Listen What is your own story and how did it shape you to see the world – We are all a part of a family.
Thank you, David, for the very inspirational stories and rich discussion!
Click read more for David’s background and the inspiration for the night
David Lukov is currently a licensed funeral director at Kern Funeral Home in Mount Vernon and has been serving in the funeral and cemetery profession for many years. He is also a licensed insurance agent and an officiant in the state of Washington.
David is a graduate of Shorecrest High School (Shoreline, WA), Whitworth University (Spokane, WA), and Princeton Theological Seminary (Princeton, NJ). His professional background includes years as a pastor, a Hospice Bereavement Coordinator and chaplain, and a college instructor. David was born in Seattle and is married to Mary (a true blue Tarheel). They have two grown children: Brett and Megan.
David first joined Rotary in 1998 and has been a member of several Rotary clubs as he moved for work over the years. He is currently a member of the Mount Vernon Rotary Club, having been President in 2017-2018. He serves as a facilitator with the District Visioning Committee, a trainer with the Rotary Learning Institute (RLI), and an instructor with the President-Elect Training Seminars (PETS). David is also the incoming Chair of the Mount Vernon Chamber of Commerce.
He enjoys bowling, hiking and walking, trivia, jiu-jitsu, Pilates, bourbon sipping, laughing to good comedy and M*A*S*H.
DG David shared with the Club that he is about 2/3 through the 57 clubs that make up District 5050 with 6 Rotaract Clubs and 2 Satellite clubs.
The inspiration was provided by Keith Stobie and included for those who were unable to attend:
It is a pleasure to stand before you today as we delve into the transformative power of gratitude, the essence of giving thanks, and the profound impact of philanthropic gifts, especially through the Rotary Foundation.
In our fast-paced lives, it's easy to lose sight of the simple yet profound act of gratitude. As Rotarians, we understand the importance of expressing our thanks, not just in words but in actions that resonate throughout our communities and the world. The very core of Rotary is built on the principles of service, fellowship, and the unwavering belief that together, we can make a difference.
When we express gratitude, we open our hearts to the power of connection. Rotary is a testament to this interconnectedness, with our clubs forming a global network of individuals dedicated to making positive change. Each thank you we extend, each handshake we offer is a small but vital thread in the intricate tapestry of goodwill that Rotary weaves.
In positive psychology research, gratitude is strongly and consistently associated with greater happiness. Gratitude helps people feel more positive emotions, relish good experiences, improve their health, deal with adversity, and build strong relationships.
But gratitude is not just a sentiment; it is a call to action. It urges us to give back, to pay it forward. This is where the philanthropic spirit of Rotary truly shines. Through the generous gifts to the Rotary Foundation, we have the means to amplify our impact, reaching far beyond the boundaries of our local communities.
Today, I want to encourage each one of you to reflect on the power of gratitude in your own lives and within the Rotary family. Let us not only count our blessings but also consider how we can be a blessing to others. Your philanthropic gifts, whether big or small, are the catalysts for positive change. They are the investments that yield dividends in lives touched, communities uplifted, and futures transformed.
As we navigate the challenges of our time, let us be guided by the spirit of gratitude, infusing every action with the intention to give thanks through service. Together, we can continue to be a force for good, embodying Rotary's motto of "Service Above Self." Thank you for your unwavering commitment to Rotary, and may our shared journey be one of gratitude, generosity, and enduring impact.