The complete 2009-2010 District Directory is now available in pdf format. The link can be seen on the left margin of the district's Home Page (not the Admin page) only after a member logs in.
To open or download the Directory file visit the district website and log in. Go to the Home Page and scroll down to Site Pages found on the left margin. Then click on District Directory Information and select the 2009-2010 Print Directory from the left margin.
Thursday, June 18, 2009
Monday, June 15, 2009
New Zealand Updates
Even though our group study exchange team has been back from New Zealand for awhile, they're still updating their blog. You can read some reflections on their experiences and see new photos at www.groupstudyexchange.ning.com.
Race to the Finish to Eradicate Polio Results
Congratulations to all the clubs that participated in this wonderful event. Results are now available.
Tuesday, June 9, 2009
Changes in Rotary Foundation Funding
The Rotary Foundation is making some significant changes to the way it funds matching grants, scholarships, etc. Please read this announcement.
Sunday, June 7, 2009
District Avenue of Service Awards Announced
Eleven clubs in District 6440 have won Avenue-of-Service awards this year for projects initiated within the last three years. The winning clubs are:
Arlington Heights Sunrise, Cary-Grove, Dundee Township, Evanston, Evanston Lighthouse, Gurnee, Highland Park/Highwood, Libertyville Sunrise, Lincolnshire Morning Star, Schaumburg-Hoffman Estates, and Woodstock Morning.
Clubs were invited to write articles describing their projects that will be posted on this website. Two clubs, Dundee Township and Cary-Grove, were winners in all four avenue-of-service categories.
Winners in the Club Service category were Dundee Township, Cary-Grove, and Woodstock Morning.
Community Service winners were Dundee Township, Cary-Grove, Gurnee, Evanston, Arlington Heights Sunrise, and Schaumburg-Hoffman Estates.
International Service winners were Dundee Township, Cary-Grove, Highland Park/Highwood, Lincolnshire Morning Star, Libertyville Sunrise, and Evanston Lighthouse.
Vocational Service winners were Dundee Township and Cary-Grove.
Winning clubs were presented with patches commemorating their achievements that are designed to be affixed to their respective club banners.
Arlington Heights Sunrise, Cary-Grove, Dundee Township, Evanston, Evanston Lighthouse, Gurnee, Highland Park/Highwood, Libertyville Sunrise, Lincolnshire Morning Star, Schaumburg-Hoffman Estates, and Woodstock Morning.
Clubs were invited to write articles describing their projects that will be posted on this website. Two clubs, Dundee Township and Cary-Grove, were winners in all four avenue-of-service categories.
Winners in the Club Service category were Dundee Township, Cary-Grove, and Woodstock Morning.
Community Service winners were Dundee Township, Cary-Grove, Gurnee, Evanston, Arlington Heights Sunrise, and Schaumburg-Hoffman Estates.
International Service winners were Dundee Township, Cary-Grove, Highland Park/Highwood, Lincolnshire Morning Star, Libertyville Sunrise, and Evanston Lighthouse.
Vocational Service winners were Dundee Township and Cary-Grove.
Winning clubs were presented with patches commemorating their achievements that are designed to be affixed to their respective club banners.
District 6440 Hands-On Mission for 2009-2010
Rotary District 6440 is planning at least two hands-on missions in the 2009-10 year. The first will be to work at a Mayan school in the eastern part of Guatemala, either at Ak'Tenamit where we have been the last two years or at a new school being developed to expand the program. The details are not complete, but it will be the third week of January 2010. Please send your name to Larry Kanar (lpk471@gmail.com)if you are interested and he will keep you informed as the plans develop.
If that week doesn't work for you let Larry know if you are interested in other missions when they come up.
If that week doesn't work for you let Larry know if you are interested in other missions when they come up.
Monday, June 1, 2009
Club Program Available
Our district's group study exchange team that went to New Zealand will be ready to start presenting to clubs August 1. Please contact team leader Alicia Mentell (mentella@waukeganparks.org) to arrange a date. The team members will recount their GSE experiences.
Message from the Governor
The Rotary year has flown by. I have had the privilege of meeting so many dedicated Rotarians and seeing the wonderful work being done by all of you. This district is truly inspirational, with strong projects here and abroad furthering Rotary's mission of peace.
Please ensure that these good works go on by continuing to support The Rotary Foundation. The reality is that without funding, The Foundation cannot accomplish all of our goals. We need to push as we near the end of our battle against polio; please be sure that your club does its part. And most of all, we must continue to attract new members who are the lifeblood of our organization. Without constantly inviting new people to join in our efforts our success will be curtailed. We have so much to offer; please JUST ASK someone to join you at a meeting and learn more about Rotary.
Thank you all for your work through Rotary.
Please ensure that these good works go on by continuing to support The Rotary Foundation. The reality is that without funding, The Foundation cannot accomplish all of our goals. We need to push as we near the end of our battle against polio; please be sure that your club does its part. And most of all, we must continue to attract new members who are the lifeblood of our organization. Without constantly inviting new people to join in our efforts our success will be curtailed. We have so much to offer; please JUST ASK someone to join you at a meeting and learn more about Rotary.
Thank you all for your work through Rotary.
Sunday, May 31, 2009
Rotary International Award Recipients Named
Congratulations to these clubs for winning the 2008 - 2009 Presidential Citation from Rotary International President D. K. Lee: Carol Stream, Cary Grove, Glenview Sunrise, Lake Zurich, Northbrook, Wheeling and West Chicago.
Congratulations to the Rotary Club of Schaumburg/Hoffman Estates as well for winning the 2008 - 2009 Best Cooperative Project Award from R. I.
Congratulations to the Rotary Club of Schaumburg/Hoffman Estates as well for winning the 2008 - 2009 Best Cooperative Project Award from R. I.
Friday, May 29, 2009
District Reception in Birmingham
Rotarians and guests attending the Rotary International Convention in Birmingham will have a chance to gather on June 20th at the Old Joint Stock Pub. There will be ample hors d'ouevres and a cash bar. Cost is $31.50 and reservations are required.
Thursday, May 28, 2009
Rotary Day at Great America
Join other Rotarians and their families at Great America on July 18. The price of $43 per person includes admission and lunch. More information and a registration are available on the district website.
Makeup Possibility
Lord Sinclair, the Earl of Caithness, who was a key member of Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher's British reforming government, will speak at the Rotary Club of Chicago on June 16. The club meets at noon at the Union League Club, 65 West Jackson Boulevard in Chicago. Cost is $32. The Earl's talk is cosponsored by the Scottish Business Forum. Reservations should be made to kristenguthrie@chicago-scots.org or 708-447-5092.
Wednesday, May 27, 2009
New Members
Welcome to these people who've recently joined local Rotary clubs: Maurice Forde and Michael Sperling (Northbrook); Charlie Roberts (Glenview Sunrise); Fran Caan, Bill Glader and Ellen Romberg (Evanston Lighthouse); Dorothy Collins, Melanie Duiguid and Gerhard Fritsen (Deerfield); and Tim Almy, Sara Knight and Lyle Staab (Long Grove).
Ambassadorial Scholar Recognized by Chicago Tribune
Anand Sandesara, who will be an Ambassadorial Scholar in Tanzania sponsored by the Rotary Club of Glenview Sunrise and District 6440, was written up in the Chicago Tribune at the end of May. Anand graduated summa cum laude from the University of Illinois Chicago in just three years with two majors and Phi Beta Kappa honors. He participated in many extracurricular activities during his time at the university.
Ambassadorial Scholars' Blogs
At least two of the Ambassadorial Scholars sponsored by our district are keeping blogs about their experiences. Visit Ellen Miller's (St. Charles) blog about Dakar at www.ellenintheworld.blogspot.com.
Ellen writes: "Thank you sincerely for your contributions, monetary and morally. It's an honor to represent District 6440-- and I'm not just saying that with the diplomacy that Rotary has instilled in me, I mean it.
I would like you all to know that in conversations with my peer Rotary scholars here and even with some of the clubs in Senegal, I found that not all Rotary clubs are as involved or supportive. It is truly great to know that my district believes in me and supports me."
Robin, who's sponsored by the Evanston Lighthouse Club, is studying in Durban, South Africa. Her blog is at http://www.robinandafrica.blogspot.com/.
Ellen writes: "Thank you sincerely for your contributions, monetary and morally. It's an honor to represent District 6440-- and I'm not just saying that with the diplomacy that Rotary has instilled in me, I mean it.
I would like you all to know that in conversations with my peer Rotary scholars here and even with some of the clubs in Senegal, I found that not all Rotary clubs are as involved or supportive. It is truly great to know that my district believes in me and supports me."
Robin, who's sponsored by the Evanston Lighthouse Club, is studying in Durban, South Africa. Her blog is at http://www.robinandafrica.blogspot.com/.
GSE Team Visits District 9970 Conference
Our group study exchange team made a presentation at the District 9970 Conference in New Zealand. While we were enjoying spring weather, they were heading into winter and even had snow!
Race to the Finish Club Incentives
Registration for the June 14th Race to the Finish includes a special incentive for clubs to participate. The race, which is CARA-sanctioned, is along the beautiful lakefront at Northwestern University's campus. Walkers and runners are welcome to participate in the 5K event which benefits polio eradication. More information is available on the district website.
Wednesday, May 20, 2009
Fox Waterway Cleanup June 13th
The Fox Waterway Cleanup, which had to be postponed, has been rescheduled for June 13th. Please contact Bob Schneider (peabody-bob@worldnet.att.net) for more information or the necessary waiver.
Sunday, May 17, 2009
The Rotary Tree
A not-for-profit organization is like a tree. Rotary is like a tree.
The organization has deep roots in the fertile soil of historical needs.
Charter members nurtured the tree until its trunk grew wide with the strength of expanded membership.
Strong branches nourished and supported newer ones. The branches grew in different directions but were still firmly attached to the central core. The leaves and fruit satisfied needs and created a protective cover over the soil that sustained it all.
As the tree matured some branches withered and died but others grew in their place.
Today the tree is still growing. The roots are deeper because they searched for the fertile soil of needs and wants.
The trunk is stronger although from time to time some bark falls off. Newer branches keep sprouting because the older ones are feeding them the healthy sap of knowledge and traditions. They seek new directions and grow towards the sun.
The moment these processes cease the tree dies a slow death.
Keep Rotary growing! Bring new members, start new clubs!
The organization has deep roots in the fertile soil of historical needs.
Charter members nurtured the tree until its trunk grew wide with the strength of expanded membership.
Strong branches nourished and supported newer ones. The branches grew in different directions but were still firmly attached to the central core. The leaves and fruit satisfied needs and created a protective cover over the soil that sustained it all.
As the tree matured some branches withered and died but others grew in their place.
Today the tree is still growing. The roots are deeper because they searched for the fertile soil of needs and wants.
The trunk is stronger although from time to time some bark falls off. Newer branches keep sprouting because the older ones are feeding them the healthy sap of knowledge and traditions. They seek new directions and grow towards the sun.
The moment these processes cease the tree dies a slow death.
Keep Rotary growing! Bring new members, start new clubs!
Rotary Youth Leadership Awards (RYLA) Recap
Chair Sean Nelson submitted this report:
The conference was bigger and better than ever! The three speakers we have at RYLA continue to amaze both the participants and staff. This year we again had Rick Metzger and Mia Fontaine and for the first time “Rachel’s Challenge”. This is arguably the best youth speaking lineup for any youth conference of any kind anywhere!
On Friday morning at the conferences Rick Metzger gets things started as the keynote speaker with “Gold Medals do not Make Champions”. Rick is a five-time gold medalist power lifter. Rick’s keynote is one of the best speakers I have ever heard in my life and his is truly a powerful message. Rick then conducts a three-and-a-half hour workshop on Friday afternoon on leadership styles, techniques, communications and teamwork. It is very interactive, educational and very informative. It is also a lot of fun.
Mia Fontaine and her mother co-authored a book, “comeback.” Mia’s message on Saturday morning is mainly an anti-drug message that also talks about the root cause of why people are prone to drug use as well as other self-destructive behaviors. Mia has a lot of people reach out to her at the conference and afterwards not only to help participants but to also help the participants help others they know and love. Her story is amazing and she inspires as well as empowers a lot of people to help themselves and others at their schools and in their communities.
Rachel Scott was the first person killed in the Columbine High School Massacre 10 years ago. Her father found her diary in her backpack after it was returned to him months after her death. It talked ominously of how she thought she would die young and violently. She felt she would somehow touch the lives of millions of people and set out to change the world before she died. Although she died before she could fulfill her mission her father took up the cause to see her dream come true. “Rachel’s Challenge” is about change at school and in the communities one person at a time. It is a message and program to help people know how and why to reach out to those in need. It is a very powerful message and presentation, and potentially life-changing.
We also had President Lincoln visit in March and President Teddy Roosevelt visit in April to talk about what they did as presidents and why good leadership is important. Camp Edwards is a perfect setting for RYLA with two low ropes courses and multiple team-building challenges throughout the camp for the small groups to accomplish together.
We had a record year for attendance, with 84 in March and 105 in April. Next year we are shooting for 100% club participation at RYLA.
I want to again thank all the clubs who sent students this year. This was my seventh year and I still have never met one participant who did not deserve to be there or who was not a pleasure to meet. I wish more Rotarians would come see what we do as a district at RYLA. AllRotarians are always welcome to come and visit for a session or a day! It is inspiring and motivating and truly wonderful to be a part of. We are making a big difference and having a profound effect on the lives of our future leaders.
I want to especially thank those clubs who helped sponsor participants who were not from their immediate service zone: Skokie Valley, Mt. Prospect/Prospect Heights, Mt. Prospect Sunrise and Park Ridge. All these clubs picked up additional students this year when we had students wanting to go who did not have sponsors. Thank you to Crystal Lake Dawnbreakers for always leading the way. They regularly send more students than any other club!
Special thanks to Lisa Nigro, Barb Regnitz and Tom Bookler, Rotarians who volunteered at RYLA and/or are on the RYLA 2010 planning committee.
The conference was bigger and better than ever! The three speakers we have at RYLA continue to amaze both the participants and staff. This year we again had Rick Metzger and Mia Fontaine and for the first time “Rachel’s Challenge”. This is arguably the best youth speaking lineup for any youth conference of any kind anywhere!
On Friday morning at the conferences Rick Metzger gets things started as the keynote speaker with “Gold Medals do not Make Champions”. Rick is a five-time gold medalist power lifter. Rick’s keynote is one of the best speakers I have ever heard in my life and his is truly a powerful message. Rick then conducts a three-and-a-half hour workshop on Friday afternoon on leadership styles, techniques, communications and teamwork. It is very interactive, educational and very informative. It is also a lot of fun.
Mia Fontaine and her mother co-authored a book, “comeback.” Mia’s message on Saturday morning is mainly an anti-drug message that also talks about the root cause of why people are prone to drug use as well as other self-destructive behaviors. Mia has a lot of people reach out to her at the conference and afterwards not only to help participants but to also help the participants help others they know and love. Her story is amazing and she inspires as well as empowers a lot of people to help themselves and others at their schools and in their communities.
Rachel Scott was the first person killed in the Columbine High School Massacre 10 years ago. Her father found her diary in her backpack after it was returned to him months after her death. It talked ominously of how she thought she would die young and violently. She felt she would somehow touch the lives of millions of people and set out to change the world before she died. Although she died before she could fulfill her mission her father took up the cause to see her dream come true. “Rachel’s Challenge” is about change at school and in the communities one person at a time. It is a message and program to help people know how and why to reach out to those in need. It is a very powerful message and presentation, and potentially life-changing.
We also had President Lincoln visit in March and President Teddy Roosevelt visit in April to talk about what they did as presidents and why good leadership is important. Camp Edwards is a perfect setting for RYLA with two low ropes courses and multiple team-building challenges throughout the camp for the small groups to accomplish together.
We had a record year for attendance, with 84 in March and 105 in April. Next year we are shooting for 100% club participation at RYLA.
I want to again thank all the clubs who sent students this year. This was my seventh year and I still have never met one participant who did not deserve to be there or who was not a pleasure to meet. I wish more Rotarians would come see what we do as a district at RYLA. AllRotarians are always welcome to come and visit for a session or a day! It is inspiring and motivating and truly wonderful to be a part of. We are making a big difference and having a profound effect on the lives of our future leaders.
I want to especially thank those clubs who helped sponsor participants who were not from their immediate service zone: Skokie Valley, Mt. Prospect/Prospect Heights, Mt. Prospect Sunrise and Park Ridge. All these clubs picked up additional students this year when we had students wanting to go who did not have sponsors. Thank you to Crystal Lake Dawnbreakers for always leading the way. They regularly send more students than any other club!
Special thanks to Lisa Nigro, Barb Regnitz and Tom Bookler, Rotarians who volunteered at RYLA and/or are on the RYLA 2010 planning committee.
Wednesday, May 6, 2009
District Manual of Procedure
The latest version of the District 6440 Manual of Procedure is available on line at the district website.
Friday, May 1, 2009
Fox River Waterway Cleanup Postponed
Due to the extreme water levels of the Chain-O-Lakes the Fox Waterway Agency has postponed the waterway cleanup originally planned for Saturday, May 2nd, and has moved it to June 13th. As of this morning, the water level has forced the closing of the Fox River in both directions to all boats and restricted the lakes to no wake with the extreme possibility of being closed for this weekend. If you have any questions or wish to participate with the clean-up in June, please contact Bob Schneider. Please forward this to your members.
Wednesday, April 29, 2009
Welcome to these New Rotarians
Belita Farr (Northbrook); John Albee (Glenview Sunrise); and Helen Oloroso (Evanston Lighthouse).
Race to the Finish June 14th
Our district's Rotary Foundation Alumni group will be involved with the Race to the Finish in Evanston. Alumni wishing to participate should contact Jim Runnfeldt at jswede@aol.com.
The event along the lakefront raises funds for polio eradication.
The event along the lakefront raises funds for polio eradication.
Group Study Exchange Team to New Zealand Blog
You can follow our district team's adventures at their blog.
Governor's Message
As we begin the final push towards the end of this Rotary year and the beginning of the 2009-2010 year I would like the membership of District 6440 to think about the incredible impact we have made on others. I celebrate your projects (both locally and internationally). Thank you for all that you continue to do for Rotary!
I look forward to the District Chain of Lakes Waterway Clean Up and I am reenergized every time I am asked about our District Service Trip to Guatemala and YES we are planning to return again to Ak'Tenamit.
If I can ask each of you to do just two things before the end of this Rotary year it would be to eat a small package of M & Ms . . . . Why? It is an easy way to remember that the core or Rotary can only continue if we have MONEY & MEMBERSHIP. Soooo, what I am actually asking you to do is to first, work actively to bring in a new member, NOW. And second, write your check to The Rotary Foundation, NOW. Your legacy in Rotary is through your actions and they will be magnified when you share Rotary membership with your friends/family. Sharing your funds will allow our Foundation to continue to make their amazing matching grants and scholarships.
There are few organization that are continuing to make the "interest" payments in human development and advancing world understanding, goodwill and peace like Rotary.
I look forward to the District Chain of Lakes Waterway Clean Up and I am reenergized every time I am asked about our District Service Trip to Guatemala and YES we are planning to return again to Ak'Tenamit.
If I can ask each of you to do just two things before the end of this Rotary year it would be to eat a small package of M & Ms . . . . Why? It is an easy way to remember that the core or Rotary can only continue if we have MONEY & MEMBERSHIP. Soooo, what I am actually asking you to do is to first, work actively to bring in a new member, NOW. And second, write your check to The Rotary Foundation, NOW. Your legacy in Rotary is through your actions and they will be magnified when you share Rotary membership with your friends/family. Sharing your funds will allow our Foundation to continue to make their amazing matching grants and scholarships.
There are few organization that are continuing to make the "interest" payments in human development and advancing world understanding, goodwill and peace like Rotary.
Tuesday, April 28, 2009
Guatemala Service Trip
You can view photos of the district's service trip to Guatemala by clicking Guatemala.
Friday, April 24, 2009
Illinois Holocaust Museum and Education Center
The opening of the Illinois Holocaust Museum and Education Center earlier in April drew dignitaries from around the world. The chair of the museum's board and one of its founders is Northbrook Rotarian Sam Harris, himself a Holocaust survivor. To read more about the museum and about Sam's involvement, as well as Rotary's influence on Sam, visit museum opening and Sam Harris.
Thursday, April 23, 2009
Great Quotes from Great Leaders
Here's a short (three minute) movie focusing on great quotes from great leaders. It's an inspiration to anyone and especially well-suited to Rotarians. Visit Great Quotes.
Tuesday, April 21, 2009
Rotary District 6440 Awards Vocational Scholarships to 20 deserving High School Students
The scholarship program is for study in the vocational and technical areas. The purpose is to give post-secondary school vocational educational opportunities to those deserving and to encourage careers in vocational and technical skills. The winners must plan on enrolling in a course leading to a NON-baccalaureate degree.
Interviews were conducted on April 18th in three locations around the District (Lincolnshire, West Chicago, and Northbrook). Forty-one students were interviewed by 14 Rotarians. The 41 applicants represented 25 clubs. The 14 Rotarians represent 11 clubs. In total, 26 different clubs participated in the Vocational Scholarship program.
Winners will study in diverse fields such as collision repair, diagnostic sonography, baking and pastry, nursing and manufacturing technology.
Interviews were conducted on April 18th in three locations around the District (Lincolnshire, West Chicago, and Northbrook). Forty-one students were interviewed by 14 Rotarians. The 41 applicants represented 25 clubs. The 14 Rotarians represent 11 clubs. In total, 26 different clubs participated in the Vocational Scholarship program.
Winners will study in diverse fields such as collision repair, diagnostic sonography, baking and pastry, nursing and manufacturing technology.
Monday, April 20, 2009
GSE Alumni Social Event
Districts 6440 and 6450 are co-sponsoring an evening to welcome District 6450's inbound Group Study Exchange team from Norway. It will be held April 28th from 5:30 - 7:00 p.m. at CANS Bar at 1640 North Damen in Chicago. Appetizers and a cash bar will be available. Please RSVP to Jim Runnfeldt at jswede@aol.com.
Friday, April 17, 2009
Celebrating 20 Years of Women in Rotary
District 6450's District Conference will feature a banquet celebrating 20 years of women in Rotary on Thursday, April 30th. Carolyn Jones, the first woman Trustee of The Rotary Foundation and a member of the Rotary Club of Anchorage, Alaska, will be the keynote speaker at The Abbey in Fontana, Wisconsin. Past District Governor Emma Sue Smallwood of District 6450 will give some history of women in Rotary.
All Rotarians are welcome. Cost is $50 per person, and a night at the hotel is $125. Please register with Kathy Kobak at kathy_kobak@hotmail.com by April 27th.
All Rotarians are welcome. Cost is $50 per person, and a night at the hotel is $125. Please register with Kathy Kobak at kathy_kobak@hotmail.com by April 27th.
Tuesday, April 14, 2009
Two Polio Eradication Films Worth Watching
You can watch the 38-minute film, The Final Inch on a computer. The entire Oscar-nominated documentary about Polio eradication is featured on YouTube at: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YWVkefEw0-ZM. The video is also available for viewing on HBO.com at Final Inch.
A nine-minute program featuring polio eradication efforts in Nigeria was shown on PBS Newshour on Monday, April 13, 2009. The video graphically shows the difficulties faced in Nigeria and the combine efforts to make eradication a reality in the future. The program also contains an interview with Past RI President Jonathan Majiyagbe. To view this interesting video go to: Newshour.
A nine-minute program featuring polio eradication efforts in Nigeria was shown on PBS Newshour on Monday, April 13, 2009. The video graphically shows the difficulties faced in Nigeria and the combine efforts to make eradication a reality in the future. The program also contains an interview with Past RI President Jonathan Majiyagbe. To view this interesting video go to: Newshour.
Ambassadorial Scholars
District 6440 selected the following scholars in August 2008 to represent the district as Ambassadorial Scholars. These scholars will begin their studies during the 2009 – 2010 Rotary year.
Jonathan Aram, 2009 Cultural Ambassador to Ecuador (Wheaton Club): Leaves September 13 for Quito, Ecuador. Jonathan will take intensive Spanish language courses to try to obtain an international Medical Spanish Language certification. He is studying Public Health and is interning at the AIDS Prevention Section of the San Francisco Department of Public Health.
Nicole Bruskwitz (Elgin Noon): Nicole is enrolled in an alternative teacher certification program that will end in June of 2010. Nicole plans to continue to study education in Bogota, Colombia beginning in the summer of 2010.
Anand Sandesara (Glenview Sunrise, Donald Fergusson Endowed Academic Scholar): Anand, a pre-med graduate, will be studying in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania for an academic year at Muhimbili University of Health and Allied Sciences. He will be obtaining a master’s degree in Public Health.
Leslie Collins (Antioch): Leslie will be leaving for Cuernavaca, Mexico in January of 2010. She is pursuing a career in Spanish language teaching.
Katherine Hamilton (Central DuPage AM): Katie will be leaving in September 2009 for the University College of Cork, at the National University of Ireland. She will be hosted by District 1160.
Zeninjor Enwemeka (Evanston Noon): Zeninjor is completing plans to study the Igbo language of Nigeria; she is interested in developing a more comprehensive language program for Rotary language scholars.
Applications for Ambassadorial Scholarships for 2010 - 2011 are due by July 1. They should be sent to Linda Lutz, 23686 North Elm Road, Lincolnshire, IL 60069.
Jonathan Aram, 2009 Cultural Ambassador to Ecuador (Wheaton Club): Leaves September 13 for Quito, Ecuador. Jonathan will take intensive Spanish language courses to try to obtain an international Medical Spanish Language certification. He is studying Public Health and is interning at the AIDS Prevention Section of the San Francisco Department of Public Health.
Nicole Bruskwitz (Elgin Noon): Nicole is enrolled in an alternative teacher certification program that will end in June of 2010. Nicole plans to continue to study education in Bogota, Colombia beginning in the summer of 2010.
Anand Sandesara (Glenview Sunrise, Donald Fergusson Endowed Academic Scholar): Anand, a pre-med graduate, will be studying in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania for an academic year at Muhimbili University of Health and Allied Sciences. He will be obtaining a master’s degree in Public Health.
Leslie Collins (Antioch): Leslie will be leaving for Cuernavaca, Mexico in January of 2010. She is pursuing a career in Spanish language teaching.
Katherine Hamilton (Central DuPage AM): Katie will be leaving in September 2009 for the University College of Cork, at the National University of Ireland. She will be hosted by District 1160.
Zeninjor Enwemeka (Evanston Noon): Zeninjor is completing plans to study the Igbo language of Nigeria; she is interested in developing a more comprehensive language program for Rotary language scholars.
Applications for Ambassadorial Scholarships for 2010 - 2011 are due by July 1. They should be sent to Linda Lutz, 23686 North Elm Road, Lincolnshire, IL 60069.
Thursday, April 9, 2009
Rotary Event at Great Lakes Naval Station
The Rotary Clubs of North Chicago, Gurnee, Illinois Beach, Lake Forest/Lake Bluff, Lake in the Hills, Libertyville Noon, Libertyville Sunrise and Wilmette Harbor are hosting a Celebrating Service event at Great Lakes on Saturday, June 13th. There will be a tour from 10:15 - 11:45 a.m., lunch at noon, and an awards ceremony from 1:00 - 1:30 p.m. Lunch is $8.00 or $10.00 at the door.
Naval Station Great Lakes, the largest military installation in Illinois and the largest training center in the Navy, hosts the Navy’s only Recruit Training Command. Each year approximately 40,000 men and women complete the requirements to become enlisted Navy Sailors at the Navy’s only boot camp. Naval Station Great Lakes is also home to Naval Hospital Corps School and the Navy’s technical training schools for surface warfare excellence at Training Support Center Great Lakes.
Because base access is restricted, it is imperative that you RSVP by June 1st. Please contact John Bair at john.bair@comcast.net or 847-302-3110.
Naval Station Great Lakes, the largest military installation in Illinois and the largest training center in the Navy, hosts the Navy’s only Recruit Training Command. Each year approximately 40,000 men and women complete the requirements to become enlisted Navy Sailors at the Navy’s only boot camp. Naval Station Great Lakes is also home to Naval Hospital Corps School and the Navy’s technical training schools for surface warfare excellence at Training Support Center Great Lakes.
Because base access is restricted, it is imperative that you RSVP by June 1st. Please contact John Bair at john.bair@comcast.net or 847-302-3110.
St. Charles Meeting Place
The Rotary Club of St. Charles is now meeting at Odyssey Restaurant at 3755 East Main Street in St. Charles.
Monday, April 6, 2009
Publicity for RYLA
The Lake Zurich Courier recently ran an article entitled "Camp Edwards Inspiring and Encouraging" about Lake Zurich teens' experience at RYLA. It was outstanding publicity for the program and for Rotary in general. To read the article, visit RYLA.
Friday, April 3, 2009
White Sox vs. Oakland As June 2nd
Rotary District 6450 is Make Dreams Real Night at U. S. Cellular Field. For just $30 per person, you and your guests can parade around the warning track before the game and watch the Sox take on the As at 7:11 p.m. A portion of the ticket price will support a school and center for autism research. Please visit White Sox for more information.
Wednesday, April 1, 2009
Farewell Reception for Group Study Exchange Team
The Rotary Club of Waukegan will host a farewell reception for our GSE team to New Zealand on Monday, April 13, 2009 from 6:00 – 8:30 p.m. It will be at Buckley's at Willow Glen Golf Course in Great Lakes. Team leader Alicia Mentell and members Jeff Akin, Emily Buckler, Jon Mariano and Dayna Niemi will be introduced and give a short presentation.
Registration forms (available at www.rotary6440.org) and checks must be received by April 6, 2009. Everyone is welcome. The $15 per person charge will include an appetizer buffet.
Registration forms (available at www.rotary6440.org) and checks must be received by April 6, 2009. Everyone is welcome. The $15 per person charge will include an appetizer buffet.
Monday, March 30, 2009
End Polio Now Messages Beside the Highway and on TV
Three major media events will help spread the word about Rotary’s quest to End Polio Now as you engage in your club’s April End Polio Now activities.
The last of the three District 6440 billboards went up last week on I-290/55 between Irving Park Road and Thorndale/Elgin Expressway beside the northbound lanes. Our other two billboards were extended for an additional four-week display. This billboard contains an image of a child getting Polio drops.
The Final Inch, the Academy Award-nominated short documentary will premier on HBO2 Digital TV on Wednesday, April 1 at 7 p.m. Check your local listings for the station. It will repeat at 6:45 a.m. on Saturday, April 4 and again on Tuesday, April 7 at 6:15 p.m.
Finally, PDG David Waring will be one of the guests to appear on Comcast Newsmakers, which plays on CNN Headline News at 24 and 54 past the hour. His segment will alternate with others beginning Monday, April 20, and will run through the following Sunday. You can also watch his interview on YouTube at Waring.
Friday, March 27, 2009
District Avenue-of-Service Award
Our district will be recognizing significant accomplishments by clubs in the categories of Club Service, Community Service, International Service, and Vocational Service. The awards program will generate written case studies of successful club projects that can be shared with all clubs via the district website.
Your club may submit written reports of successful projects that have been completed within the past three years. Those reports are due by May 15, 2009. Winning clubs will receive patches, suitable for club banners, indicating that the club is a 2009 award winner. The reports will be posted to the district website and the awards will be listed in next year's District Conference program.
More information is available at Avenues-of-Service Awards.
Your club may submit written reports of successful projects that have been completed within the past three years. Those reports are due by May 15, 2009. Winning clubs will receive patches, suitable for club banners, indicating that the club is a 2009 award winner. The reports will be posted to the district website and the awards will be listed in next year's District Conference program.
More information is available at Avenues-of-Service Awards.
Wednesday, March 25, 2009
Governor's Message
As our district begins the orderly transition from one leadership team to another I would like to invite any member of District 6440 to attend the Club Officers’ Training Seminar (COTS)/District Assembly on April 25th. One of the wonders of Rotary is that we change the leadership of our clubs, districts and international organization, yearly. Can you imagine if a corporation did this every year?!? It is critically important for outgoing and incoming leaders to have a sense of where the organization has been and where it is going. To that end also, the Club Visioning Workshops are still being offered for individual clubs and PDG Terry Mueller is chairing those efforts.
Water protection and conservation has been a focus for our district all of this Rotary year. Legislation has been proposed in the form of the Water for the World Act of 2009. Please take a moment to ready the one-page summary at Water Act.
If you have not made your contribution to The Rotary Foundation yet, the district will match contributions to the annual fund over $500. See Spring Fling for details. Thank you to each and every one of you for your dedication, time, efforts and all that you continue to do for Rotary.
Water protection and conservation has been a focus for our district all of this Rotary year. Legislation has been proposed in the form of the Water for the World Act of 2009. Please take a moment to ready the one-page summary at Water Act.
If you have not made your contribution to The Rotary Foundation yet, the district will match contributions to the annual fund over $500. See Spring Fling for details. Thank you to each and every one of you for your dedication, time, efforts and all that you continue to do for Rotary.
Dundee Township Gets PR
The Rotary Club of Dundee Township received good newspaper coverage of its recent meeting honoring local fire and police chiefs. The Daily Herald even included a photo in its coverage of the event. When you're having a program that might have broad local interest, be sure to alert the local media in advance and invite a reporter or photographer to your meeting.
Tuesday, March 24, 2009
Welcome to New Rotarians
Clubs in our district have been pleased to welcome the following new members recently: Robert Taylor (Northbrook); Nancy Grange and Linda Vadnais (Libertyville Sunrise); Adam Schoenwald (Barrington); and Jason Risdon and Kelly Zima (Northbrook).
Birmingham Beckons
NO, not Alabama…The ’08-’09 Rotary International Convention will be held in BIRMINGHAM, U.K., June 21-24, 2009. Located in the beautiful and storied Midlands, it is the ideal backdrop for enjoying all facets of a global get-together - from inspirational plenary sessions to informative workshops, an exciting HOUSE OF FRIENDSHIP and the opportunity to share fellowship with Rotarians from 200 countries.
Both the RI and Host Organization Committee sponsored events will feature ‘headliners’ and unforgettable experiences. March 31 is the deadline for Convention pre-registration. Accommodations are still available at the District 6440 official hotel, JURY’S INN BIRMINGHAM. Contact Stan Sherman (847-498-3450 or fax 847-498-3945) for more information and reservations. Don’t miss this opportunity to be a part of history.
Both the RI and Host Organization Committee sponsored events will feature ‘headliners’ and unforgettable experiences. March 31 is the deadline for Convention pre-registration. Accommodations are still available at the District 6440 official hotel, JURY’S INN BIRMINGHAM. Contact Stan Sherman (847-498-3450 or fax 847-498-3945) for more information and reservations. Don’t miss this opportunity to be a part of history.
Monday, March 23, 2009
Fox Waterway Clean Up May 2nd
Rotarians and others from throughout District 6440 will gather to clean up the Chain-O-Lakes and Fox River. These efforts will clean and protect the busiest inland waterway per acre in the United States. Over 27,000 boats are registered to use it.
In conjunction with the Fox Waterway Advisory Board and the Fox Waterway Agency, Rotarians will meet at designated staging areas to clear debris from channels, shorelines, walking paths and beaches. Many of these spots are only accessible by boat, so Rotarians willing to use their boats for the effort will be appreciated.
Please contact Bob Schneider at rotarycsp@att.net for more information or to register to help with this important water project.
In conjunction with the Fox Waterway Advisory Board and the Fox Waterway Agency, Rotarians will meet at designated staging areas to clear debris from channels, shorelines, walking paths and beaches. Many of these spots are only accessible by boat, so Rotarians willing to use their boats for the effort will be appreciated.
Please contact Bob Schneider at rotarycsp@att.net for more information or to register to help with this important water project.
Friday, March 20, 2009
District Bowling Event April 26th
The popular District Bowling Event will be held at eScape Entertainment in Buffalo Grove from noon to 3 p.m. on Sunday, April 26th. Teams of four to six bowlers are welcome to compete. Spectators are also welcome. The $25 per person fee will cover pizza, pasta, salad, soft drinks and bowling. Please register with Wilma Evaristo (847-459-2575) by April 13th.
Wednesday, March 18, 2009
USAID and Rotary Clubs Join to Provide Clean Water and Improved Sanitation Worldwide
The U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) and Rotary International (RI) are teaming-up to save lives by bringing clean drinking water and basic sanitation to communities in the developing world. The partnership was announced today at the World Water Forum in Istanbul, Turkey, in celebration of the March 22nd observance of World Water Day. This collaboration merges Rotary's grassroots strength with USAID's technical expertise.
The public-private alliance will leverage the resources of both organizations to implement sustainable, long-term water supply, sanitation and hygiene projects in three countries: Dominican Republic, Ghana and the Philippines. Other countries will follow based on the success of these pilot experiences. Alliance activities in each country will be funded jointly by USAID and Rotary International with an expected minimum of $2 million per country in the initial phase.
USAID Acting Administrator Alonzo Fulgham noted, "The service ethic and commitment of Rotary clubs in these countries will be complemented by USAID's development expertise and technical leadership. This partnership will yield a significant, sustainable increase in water supply and sanitation coverage for the planet's poorest and most vulnerable populations."
Past RI President Bill Boyd, chair of the collaboration's steering committee, added: "We intend this joint effort to be a model for future alliances with other strategic partners and in this way to enhance our contribution to world understanding, goodwill and peace."
Worldwide more than one billion people lack access to reliable sources of safe water, and twice that many lack access to sanitary human waste disposal systems, creating an environment that allows the disease-poverty cycle to thrive. Each year more than 1.8 million people - most of them children - die of diarrhea alone. Economic development also suffers as women and girls forego education and occupations to spend hours every day fetching water for their families.
Rotary and USAID see the collaboration as an effective, resource-efficient way to contribute to the UN's Millenium Development Goals, which call for a 50 per cent reduction in the proportion of the world's population without access to safe water and basic sanitation by 2015.
For more information about USAID and other water projects, please visit: www.usaid.gov
For more information about Rotary water and sanitation projects, please visit: www.wasrag.org or contact info@wasrag.org.
The public-private alliance will leverage the resources of both organizations to implement sustainable, long-term water supply, sanitation and hygiene projects in three countries: Dominican Republic, Ghana and the Philippines. Other countries will follow based on the success of these pilot experiences. Alliance activities in each country will be funded jointly by USAID and Rotary International with an expected minimum of $2 million per country in the initial phase.
USAID Acting Administrator Alonzo Fulgham noted, "The service ethic and commitment of Rotary clubs in these countries will be complemented by USAID's development expertise and technical leadership. This partnership will yield a significant, sustainable increase in water supply and sanitation coverage for the planet's poorest and most vulnerable populations."
Past RI President Bill Boyd, chair of the collaboration's steering committee, added: "We intend this joint effort to be a model for future alliances with other strategic partners and in this way to enhance our contribution to world understanding, goodwill and peace."
Worldwide more than one billion people lack access to reliable sources of safe water, and twice that many lack access to sanitary human waste disposal systems, creating an environment that allows the disease-poverty cycle to thrive. Each year more than 1.8 million people - most of them children - die of diarrhea alone. Economic development also suffers as women and girls forego education and occupations to spend hours every day fetching water for their families.
Rotary and USAID see the collaboration as an effective, resource-efficient way to contribute to the UN's Millenium Development Goals, which call for a 50 per cent reduction in the proportion of the world's population without access to safe water and basic sanitation by 2015.
For more information about USAID and other water projects, please visit: www.usaid.gov
For more information about Rotary water and sanitation projects, please visit: www.wasrag.org or contact info@wasrag.org.
Wednesday, March 11, 2009
Thank You to Guatemala Team
Our service team to Guatemala received the following:
First and foremost, I hope this e-mail finds you all in good health and condition after your time and travels to visit us down in Guatemala. Somehow I imagine back in the Chicago area, some of you might already be thinking about coming down for another week or two until the summer decides it is ready to hide itself away for good.
For a brief re-introduction, my name is Jesse Schauben-Fuerst. I am a volunteer who was fortuante to meet all of you at Ak'Tenamit during your trip. My current work is centered on teaching English and developing our educational model for the future.
For me, I must start with a personal thank you. The impact of people - who in the eyes of our students have so much - taking time out of their lives to give back was a truly special experience and sparked some wonderfully insightful conversation on their part. Many important seeds were planted during your trip in regards to service and I hope to be around long enough to watch them grow.
Throughout your week in Guatemala I was fortunate to speak with you all in a variety of capacities and contexts, and share both our stories and visions of the world. Doing a year of volunteer work with Ak'Tenamit has been one of the more rewarding experiences of my life. While I do not exactly know where my next stop on the journey will be, I am concentrating on the present, learning from the past, and envisioning the future. As each of you had mentioned to me in our conversations, it just might be that Rotary and I could work together to create some more positive change in the world.
However, this e-mail would not be just if I did not reiterate how much it meant to the entire Ak-Tenamit community (one that you too are a part of) the work, energy, and attitudes your entire group brought to us. It was a well needed reminder of how a small group of people can do so much with the right attitude and in turn inspire others to do the same.
My very best wishes to you all and safe journeys,
Jesse Schauben-Fuerst
Professor of English and International Development Advisor
Ak'Tenamit
First and foremost, I hope this e-mail finds you all in good health and condition after your time and travels to visit us down in Guatemala. Somehow I imagine back in the Chicago area, some of you might already be thinking about coming down for another week or two until the summer decides it is ready to hide itself away for good.
For a brief re-introduction, my name is Jesse Schauben-Fuerst. I am a volunteer who was fortuante to meet all of you at Ak'Tenamit during your trip. My current work is centered on teaching English and developing our educational model for the future.
For me, I must start with a personal thank you. The impact of people - who in the eyes of our students have so much - taking time out of their lives to give back was a truly special experience and sparked some wonderfully insightful conversation on their part. Many important seeds were planted during your trip in regards to service and I hope to be around long enough to watch them grow.
Throughout your week in Guatemala I was fortunate to speak with you all in a variety of capacities and contexts, and share both our stories and visions of the world. Doing a year of volunteer work with Ak'Tenamit has been one of the more rewarding experiences of my life. While I do not exactly know where my next stop on the journey will be, I am concentrating on the present, learning from the past, and envisioning the future. As each of you had mentioned to me in our conversations, it just might be that Rotary and I could work together to create some more positive change in the world.
However, this e-mail would not be just if I did not reiterate how much it meant to the entire Ak-Tenamit community (one that you too are a part of) the work, energy, and attitudes your entire group brought to us. It was a well needed reminder of how a small group of people can do so much with the right attitude and in turn inspire others to do the same.
My very best wishes to you all and safe journeys,
Jesse Schauben-Fuerst
Professor of English and International Development Advisor
Ak'Tenamit
Tuesday, March 10, 2009
Birmingham Convention
The RI Convention is now only 15 weeks out. The website link for hotels in Birmingham is: hotels.
Birmingham continues to be a bargain. The pound has dropped as low as $1.27 and continues to fluctuate on the low side. This is down from almost $2.00; and the conventional (no pun) wisdom of the day is that it will continue its attractiveness right through the time of our convention. The exchange rates are approaching historical lows and provide an opportunity of a life time to visit, shop and tour the British Isles. Remember, Birmingham is the jewelry capital of Britain (you might recall the Brits’ ties to South African diamond mining), so this is definitely something not to be missed ...
The convention itself will be a very special event located in one of the most historic English-speaking countries in the world. There is so much to do and see that you will have pick and choose for the time available to you. It has become a bargain venue that is truly special with some of the best of England’s history at our beck and call -- from Shakespeare to Warwick Castle to whole of the British Isles: Scotland – Ireland – Wales.
President D. K. Lee has organized an entertaining and information-packed program including a Presidential Recognition Luncheon, to be held on Monday, June 22nd, for all current club presidents. This will be a very special event, so encourage your club president to attend.
This is a significant event for Rotarians to attend, sure to have an impact on you. Please visit www.rotary.org for more information.
This is our chance to turn the tables and invade England!!
We’re On to Birmingham -- see you there!
Birmingham continues to be a bargain. The pound has dropped as low as $1.27 and continues to fluctuate on the low side. This is down from almost $2.00; and the conventional (no pun) wisdom of the day is that it will continue its attractiveness right through the time of our convention. The exchange rates are approaching historical lows and provide an opportunity of a life time to visit, shop and tour the British Isles. Remember, Birmingham is the jewelry capital of Britain (you might recall the Brits’ ties to South African diamond mining), so this is definitely something not to be missed ...
The convention itself will be a very special event located in one of the most historic English-speaking countries in the world. There is so much to do and see that you will have pick and choose for the time available to you. It has become a bargain venue that is truly special with some of the best of England’s history at our beck and call -- from Shakespeare to Warwick Castle to whole of the British Isles: Scotland – Ireland – Wales.
President D. K. Lee has organized an entertaining and information-packed program including a Presidential Recognition Luncheon, to be held on Monday, June 22nd, for all current club presidents. This will be a very special event, so encourage your club president to attend.
This is a significant event for Rotarians to attend, sure to have an impact on you. Please visit www.rotary.org for more information.
This is our chance to turn the tables and invade England!!
We’re On to Birmingham -- see you there!
Rotary International's Best Cooperative Project Award
Every day, Rotary clubs work in concert with local governments, businesses, and other organizations to bring much needed improvements to people and communities both at home and abroad. In that spirit, Rotary International will recognize club service projects, done with other organizations, with the Best Cooperative Project Award. The award honors clubs that have increased awareness and understanding of Rotary by working with other organizations.
Eligible projects must be service activities that address a humanitarian need.
Winning projects will receive a special certificate and may be included in future Rotary publications or publicity materials.
Districts must submit applications to RI Headquarters in Evanston postmarked no later than 15 April 2009.
For more information please visit this site: http://www.rotary.org/en/Members/RunningAClub/Announcements/Pages/BestCooperativeProjectsAward.aspx
Download the application form and guidelines here:
http://www.rotary.org/en/Members/GeneralInformation/Awards/Pages/Awardsforclubs.aspx
For questions, please contact RI's External Relations Department at ers@rotary.org.
Eligible projects must be service activities that address a humanitarian need.
Winning projects will receive a special certificate and may be included in future Rotary publications or publicity materials.
Districts must submit applications to RI Headquarters in Evanston postmarked no later than 15 April 2009.
For more information please visit this site: http://www.rotary.org/en/Members/RunningAClub/Announcements/Pages/BestCooperativeProjectsAward.aspx
Download the application form and guidelines here:
http://www.rotary.org/en/Members/GeneralInformation/Awards/Pages/Awardsforclubs.aspx
For questions, please contact RI's External Relations Department at ers@rotary.org.
Humanitarian Mission
In January of 2009 three Rotarians from the Libertyville Sunrise Rotary Club traveled with Rotarians from Pasadena, California and a medical/humanitarian mission group from Libertyville to rural Umuagwo, Nigeria.
Our mission was to do three things. First, we were traveling as part of a 13-member medical team that would serve medical and dental needs for over 3,000 rural farmers and their families: the poorest of the poor. They have no easy access to medical or dental care, nor the means to pay for it. Ohaji Medical Center is located about an hour’s drive from the closest city, Owerri, where our team’s hotel was located. The members of this farming community are in desperate need of healthcare and the crowds we encountered were larger than anything the team had experienced previously. Hundreds of mothers with sick children, the elderly who were too weak to fight themselves to the head of the line, young people with HIV/AIDS, adults and children with skin infections, tumors, malaria, wounds of all kinds, diabetes, hypertension, goiter and deformities met us daily. Some slept on the hospital grounds for three days before they were seen. We brought with us 29 trunks of medical supplies and life-saving medicines, donated from various organizations in America. We used mission funds to buy antimalarial medicines and lumber for building projects. The weather was hot and the stories we heard were heartbreaking to Americans who are used to the finest healthcare in the world. We labored together to serve over 500 patients per day, and made lists of surgical candidates that would receive free surgery immediately as well as long after we were gone. All of our services and medicines were donated free of charge. Our hosts, Dr. and Mrs. Okechuckwu Elisha-Wigwe, were gracious and generous hosts who were very grateful for our services to their people. By far he most valuable thing we brought was hope and encouragement.
The second aim of our mission trip was to bring ways to stimulate the economy in this impoverished region. Jobs are scarce in this area, with over 30% of Nigerian college youth being unemployed. Most of our patients were subsistence farmers and their families. Just as our first goal targeted one of the millennial developmental goals of improving maternal/child health in the region, our second goal targeted poverty reduction. Making an impact in communities devastated by poverty and AIDS requires a multi faceted approach, which we have utilized on past mission ventures. This year, two Rotary sponsored projects were chosen from those shown at the 2008 Rotary International convention in Los Angeles. The first was a biomass project: converting trash and other biodegradable items indigenous to the region into useable fuel. Rotarian Bob Zamor taught local students at Imo State Polytechnic College how the Peterson Press trash compactor works and challenged them to develop a formula or recipe from this region that would provide an optimal fuel briquette that could be easily produced by individuals or groups. The college’s rector, Dr. Anderson Amadioha, was delighted with the project and students were very excited about the potential they saw in this innovative project. Professor Amadioha has invited Rotarians to return later this year to help develop their school’s training program, using research the students will develop over the coming months.
The second Rotary project was taught by team member Tom Rodriguez and Rotarian John Frykenberg from the Altadena Rotary Club in Pasadena. Glasses for Missions provides eyeglass making kits and training materials to help budding entrepreneurs make a pair of reading glasses for 45 cents out of bicycle spoke wire and Lucite lenses made in China. Eye problems are rampant in this region and the few dozen pair of glasses that our team brought with us went very quickly. Our missioners were able to demonstrate the process to both local students at Imo State Polytech as well as to government dignitaries, chiefs and tribal kings in Owerri.
The program was enthusiastically received and several groups have requested more formal training programs and additional kits to begin making these eyeglasses.
Besides helping Tom with the eyeglass training project, John also served as a sort of team ambassador to our host Rotary club: the Rotary Club of Owerri. He spoke at several meetings about the short and long term benefits of instituting small business training to the youth in the area. We were able to bring an expert, Dr Sunday Agang in from Kaduna state, where he had successfully helped to implement a similar program that was successfully piloted in Jos and is now being taught in many secondary schools in the area, giving local youth skills to start their own small businesses. The Altadena club sponsored this project several years ago and it has been an enormous success. Both this and our entrepreneurial projects were met with great interest in Owerri and the Ohaji community.
Rotarian and dentist Dr. Anthony Collins and his 11 year old daughter Shea were valuable members of our medical team. Tony was our team’s dentist and Shea was a pharmacy runner, dental assistant, errand girl and all around team encourager who made friends wherever she went. The weather was hot and the conditions difficult to work in, but Tony and Shea persevered enthusiastically and made many friends. When things got hot and frustrating for the adults, all we had to do was look at Shea to remind ourselves of why we were there. She kept her focus on loving others and it made us all smile every day. Her father performed over 200 dental procedures, mostly extractions. He and Tom had to build dental chairs and set up a dental clinic first, and later constructed a beautiful operating room table to replace the old one at Ohaji. The operating suite became half dental clinic, half OR and was the hub of nonstop activity daily. Many of the poor clients had never before seen a dentist. The Sunrise club had provided us with a suction machine that will make a big difference to Dr. Okey as he performs surgery in the future. Things that Americans take for granted every day are rare luxuries in rural Africa, and greatly appreciated. A set of basic surgical instruments donated in 2006 has saved many lives since it was received, most of whom were women and children.
My name is Teri Dreher and I was the team’s newest Rotarian, as well as Co-Leader of the trip, along with my dear friend Wendy Coulter. Wendy and I have been taking teams to Ohaji since 2006 and enjoy watching the changes that we’ve been privileged to help bring to this impoverished community. A new borehole was drilled in 2007, providing fresh water to thousands of residents who used to buy water from local water merchants, or drink contaminated water if they could not afford fresh. We’ve seen improvement in overall health and great reductions in diseases associated with contaminated drinking water since the well was drilled. A renovated doctor’s apartment, hospital bathrooms and showers, and a new generator for the well have brought about further improvements in healthcare delivery. The hospital has been painted, the roof repaired and mosquito screens provided in the past year as well. Small changes make a big difference in Africa and the gratitude our patients show us is touching beyond words. Instead of being irritated by long waits, when the elderly would finally make it into my office, many would be full of gratitude for medicines and care, praising God for our arrival. They brought us gifts of fresh fruit and vegetables every day to thank us.
The third goal of our mission was to build meaningful relationships with Rotarians and leaders in this region that will strengthen our efforts to further develop Ohaji Medical Center and bring improvements to this region. We are all about Making Dreams Real for impoverished African communities. Seeing the difference that Rotarians can make was truly an awe-inspiring experience. The Rotary Club of Owerri greeted us warmly and hosted a dinner meeting where we were guests. Rounds of applause and laughter greeted us when we showed up in traditional Nigerian dress (thanks to our generous hosts) and sang a well known song in their tribal language, Igbo. We were delighted to meet members who had helped us with a Rotary Volunteer Service Grant application a few months ago, and met leaders who showed interest in working together on future endeavors. Having a good working relationship with international partners is so important. We have truly been blessed in knowing Dr. Okey, Professor Amadioha and the Rotary Club of Owerri, Nigeria.
We’re grateful for all of our friends who have been helping us Make Dreams Real at Ohaji Medical Center. The dear people we have come to care about in Umuagwo have become like an extended family over the years and we’re anxious to continue the work that has begun. New construction at the hospital, medical equipment, food preparation areas and waste disposal facilities are their greatest needs at this time. We hope that future mission trips to this region will involve even more Rotarians, and we can bring even more hope to this region of Nigeria.
Our mission was to do three things. First, we were traveling as part of a 13-member medical team that would serve medical and dental needs for over 3,000 rural farmers and their families: the poorest of the poor. They have no easy access to medical or dental care, nor the means to pay for it. Ohaji Medical Center is located about an hour’s drive from the closest city, Owerri, where our team’s hotel was located. The members of this farming community are in desperate need of healthcare and the crowds we encountered were larger than anything the team had experienced previously. Hundreds of mothers with sick children, the elderly who were too weak to fight themselves to the head of the line, young people with HIV/AIDS, adults and children with skin infections, tumors, malaria, wounds of all kinds, diabetes, hypertension, goiter and deformities met us daily. Some slept on the hospital grounds for three days before they were seen. We brought with us 29 trunks of medical supplies and life-saving medicines, donated from various organizations in America. We used mission funds to buy antimalarial medicines and lumber for building projects. The weather was hot and the stories we heard were heartbreaking to Americans who are used to the finest healthcare in the world. We labored together to serve over 500 patients per day, and made lists of surgical candidates that would receive free surgery immediately as well as long after we were gone. All of our services and medicines were donated free of charge. Our hosts, Dr. and Mrs. Okechuckwu Elisha-Wigwe, were gracious and generous hosts who were very grateful for our services to their people. By far he most valuable thing we brought was hope and encouragement.
The second aim of our mission trip was to bring ways to stimulate the economy in this impoverished region. Jobs are scarce in this area, with over 30% of Nigerian college youth being unemployed. Most of our patients were subsistence farmers and their families. Just as our first goal targeted one of the millennial developmental goals of improving maternal/child health in the region, our second goal targeted poverty reduction. Making an impact in communities devastated by poverty and AIDS requires a multi faceted approach, which we have utilized on past mission ventures. This year, two Rotary sponsored projects were chosen from those shown at the 2008 Rotary International convention in Los Angeles. The first was a biomass project: converting trash and other biodegradable items indigenous to the region into useable fuel. Rotarian Bob Zamor taught local students at Imo State Polytechnic College how the Peterson Press trash compactor works and challenged them to develop a formula or recipe from this region that would provide an optimal fuel briquette that could be easily produced by individuals or groups. The college’s rector, Dr. Anderson Amadioha, was delighted with the project and students were very excited about the potential they saw in this innovative project. Professor Amadioha has invited Rotarians to return later this year to help develop their school’s training program, using research the students will develop over the coming months.
The second Rotary project was taught by team member Tom Rodriguez and Rotarian John Frykenberg from the Altadena Rotary Club in Pasadena. Glasses for Missions provides eyeglass making kits and training materials to help budding entrepreneurs make a pair of reading glasses for 45 cents out of bicycle spoke wire and Lucite lenses made in China. Eye problems are rampant in this region and the few dozen pair of glasses that our team brought with us went very quickly. Our missioners were able to demonstrate the process to both local students at Imo State Polytech as well as to government dignitaries, chiefs and tribal kings in Owerri.
The program was enthusiastically received and several groups have requested more formal training programs and additional kits to begin making these eyeglasses.
Besides helping Tom with the eyeglass training project, John also served as a sort of team ambassador to our host Rotary club: the Rotary Club of Owerri. He spoke at several meetings about the short and long term benefits of instituting small business training to the youth in the area. We were able to bring an expert, Dr Sunday Agang in from Kaduna state, where he had successfully helped to implement a similar program that was successfully piloted in Jos and is now being taught in many secondary schools in the area, giving local youth skills to start their own small businesses. The Altadena club sponsored this project several years ago and it has been an enormous success. Both this and our entrepreneurial projects were met with great interest in Owerri and the Ohaji community.
Rotarian and dentist Dr. Anthony Collins and his 11 year old daughter Shea were valuable members of our medical team. Tony was our team’s dentist and Shea was a pharmacy runner, dental assistant, errand girl and all around team encourager who made friends wherever she went. The weather was hot and the conditions difficult to work in, but Tony and Shea persevered enthusiastically and made many friends. When things got hot and frustrating for the adults, all we had to do was look at Shea to remind ourselves of why we were there. She kept her focus on loving others and it made us all smile every day. Her father performed over 200 dental procedures, mostly extractions. He and Tom had to build dental chairs and set up a dental clinic first, and later constructed a beautiful operating room table to replace the old one at Ohaji. The operating suite became half dental clinic, half OR and was the hub of nonstop activity daily. Many of the poor clients had never before seen a dentist. The Sunrise club had provided us with a suction machine that will make a big difference to Dr. Okey as he performs surgery in the future. Things that Americans take for granted every day are rare luxuries in rural Africa, and greatly appreciated. A set of basic surgical instruments donated in 2006 has saved many lives since it was received, most of whom were women and children.
My name is Teri Dreher and I was the team’s newest Rotarian, as well as Co-Leader of the trip, along with my dear friend Wendy Coulter. Wendy and I have been taking teams to Ohaji since 2006 and enjoy watching the changes that we’ve been privileged to help bring to this impoverished community. A new borehole was drilled in 2007, providing fresh water to thousands of residents who used to buy water from local water merchants, or drink contaminated water if they could not afford fresh. We’ve seen improvement in overall health and great reductions in diseases associated with contaminated drinking water since the well was drilled. A renovated doctor’s apartment, hospital bathrooms and showers, and a new generator for the well have brought about further improvements in healthcare delivery. The hospital has been painted, the roof repaired and mosquito screens provided in the past year as well. Small changes make a big difference in Africa and the gratitude our patients show us is touching beyond words. Instead of being irritated by long waits, when the elderly would finally make it into my office, many would be full of gratitude for medicines and care, praising God for our arrival. They brought us gifts of fresh fruit and vegetables every day to thank us.
The third goal of our mission was to build meaningful relationships with Rotarians and leaders in this region that will strengthen our efforts to further develop Ohaji Medical Center and bring improvements to this region. We are all about Making Dreams Real for impoverished African communities. Seeing the difference that Rotarians can make was truly an awe-inspiring experience. The Rotary Club of Owerri greeted us warmly and hosted a dinner meeting where we were guests. Rounds of applause and laughter greeted us when we showed up in traditional Nigerian dress (thanks to our generous hosts) and sang a well known song in their tribal language, Igbo. We were delighted to meet members who had helped us with a Rotary Volunteer Service Grant application a few months ago, and met leaders who showed interest in working together on future endeavors. Having a good working relationship with international partners is so important. We have truly been blessed in knowing Dr. Okey, Professor Amadioha and the Rotary Club of Owerri, Nigeria.
We’re grateful for all of our friends who have been helping us Make Dreams Real at Ohaji Medical Center. The dear people we have come to care about in Umuagwo have become like an extended family over the years and we’re anxious to continue the work that has begun. New construction at the hospital, medical equipment, food preparation areas and waste disposal facilities are their greatest needs at this time. We hope that future mission trips to this region will involve even more Rotarians, and we can bring even more hope to this region of Nigeria.
Sunday, March 1, 2009
Short-Term Youth Exchange
Needed: Short-term exchange partners for 20 German students, age 15 through 18, who would like to come to the U. S. this summer.
What is the Short-term Exchange Program (STEP)? It is a program that gives students age 15 to 19 the opportunity to experience a cultural exchange in a foreign country for a time period of four weeks to six months, instead of a whole year. This is preferably done on a reciprocal basis.
What is the Responsibility of the U. S. Club When Hosting a STEP Student? a) The hosting club needs to meet District (6440) and RI policy. b) The hosting club YEO has to visit, interview and qualify a host family and have them fill out the CSRYE Host Family Application Form (background check required). c) The hosting club enrolls the student into the school and the school lunch program, if the exchange takes place during the school year.
What is the Cost for the U. S. Club When Hosting a STEP Student? The cost for the hosting club is limited to school enrollment fees and school lunches, if the student is hosted when school is in session. It is strongly recommended to invite both the inbound and outbound student to a Rotary meeting for the club members getting to know them and to have them give a report about the exchange. All other expenses are paid by the student.
What is the Responsibility of the U. S. Club When Sending a STEP Student? The sending club has to make sure that the student that wants to go abroad fills out the R. I. short-term application. Then the youth exchange officer of the sending club has to interview and qualify the student for the exchange and forward the application to the Short-term Youth Exchange Chair.
What is the Cost for the Club When Sending a STEP Student? There is no cost for the sending club. All expenses are paid by the student.
What is the Cost for the Student? Students pay for the airline ticket and spending money and need to have adequate insurance. Processing fee for the application is $ 50.00.
Contact for More Information: Rick Kuehn, STYE Chair District 6440 (phone 847-356-2834 ; Cell : 847-417-5252 ; e-mail rickkuehn_stye@juno.com ).
Why is This Program So Attractive to Clubs and Host Families? The time commitment is much shorter for the clubs and for the families involved. There is little or no cost involved for the clubs.
Benefit of the Reciprocal Exchange: It simplifies the exchange. The outbound student’s family will be the hosting family for the inbound. It doubles the cultural experience, because the students of both countries are together for a longer period of time. It can be assumed that the host family in the other country will do for your child what they hope you will do for theirs. Lifelong international friendships are formed.
What is the Short-term Exchange Program (STEP)? It is a program that gives students age 15 to 19 the opportunity to experience a cultural exchange in a foreign country for a time period of four weeks to six months, instead of a whole year. This is preferably done on a reciprocal basis.
What is the Responsibility of the U. S. Club When Hosting a STEP Student? a) The hosting club needs to meet District (6440) and RI policy. b) The hosting club YEO has to visit, interview and qualify a host family and have them fill out the CSRYE Host Family Application Form (background check required). c) The hosting club enrolls the student into the school and the school lunch program, if the exchange takes place during the school year.
What is the Cost for the U. S. Club When Hosting a STEP Student? The cost for the hosting club is limited to school enrollment fees and school lunches, if the student is hosted when school is in session. It is strongly recommended to invite both the inbound and outbound student to a Rotary meeting for the club members getting to know them and to have them give a report about the exchange. All other expenses are paid by the student.
What is the Responsibility of the U. S. Club When Sending a STEP Student? The sending club has to make sure that the student that wants to go abroad fills out the R. I. short-term application. Then the youth exchange officer of the sending club has to interview and qualify the student for the exchange and forward the application to the Short-term Youth Exchange Chair.
What is the Cost for the Club When Sending a STEP Student? There is no cost for the sending club. All expenses are paid by the student.
What is the Cost for the Student? Students pay for the airline ticket and spending money and need to have adequate insurance. Processing fee for the application is $ 50.00.
Contact for More Information: Rick Kuehn, STYE Chair District 6440 (phone 847-356-2834 ; Cell : 847-417-5252 ; e-mail rickkuehn_stye@juno.com ).
Why is This Program So Attractive to Clubs and Host Families? The time commitment is much shorter for the clubs and for the families involved. There is little or no cost involved for the clubs.
Benefit of the Reciprocal Exchange: It simplifies the exchange. The outbound student’s family will be the hosting family for the inbound. It doubles the cultural experience, because the students of both countries are together for a longer period of time. It can be assumed that the host family in the other country will do for your child what they hope you will do for theirs. Lifelong international friendships are formed.
Saturday, February 28, 2009
District 6440 Team Heads to Guatemala
Governor Pam departed for Guatemala today with a team of 42 Rotarians from District 6440. The trip was organized by District International Service Advisor Larry Kanar. The team will continue from Guatemala City to Rio Dulce and the Ak’Tenamit school where they will contribute their labor to improve the living conditions of nearly 500 Qe’chy Mayan Indian children. This is a continuation of last year’s trip and it is the third district-wide hands-on international service project.
Friday, February 27, 2009
Message from the Governor
At our District Conference, we distributed daffodil bulbs. That wasn't a random choice; it was because of a story by Jaroldeen Edwards. I hope you'll take it to heart.
The story is about a woman who planted thousands of daffodils...one at a time...and before long, the hillside near her home was abundant in golden yellow daffodils. In the story, the narrator walks up to the house to learn more about the daffodils, and she finds this poster: "Answers to the Questions I Know You Are Asking. 50,000 bulbs. One at a time, by one woman. Two hands, two feet, and one brain. Begun in 1958."
For Ms. Edwards, "that moment was a life-changing experience. I thought of this woman whom I had never met, who, more than 40 years before, had begun, one bulb at a time, to bring her vision of beauty and joy to an obscure mountaintop. Planting one bulb at a time, year after year, this unknown woman had forever changed the world in which she lived. One day at a time, she had created something of extraordinary magnificence, beauty, and inspiration."The moral of the story: "Learning to move toward our goals and desires one step at a time--often just one baby step at a time--and learning to love the doing, learning to use the accumulation of time. When we multiply tiny pieces of time with small increments of daily effort, we too will find we can accomplish magnificent things. We can change the world."
Use the Daffodil Principle. Stop waiting. There is no better time than right now to start your own Daffodil Principle and "Make Dreams Real." If you'd like to read the entire story, just click here.
Wednesday, February 25, 2009
March 15 Deadlines Approaching
Applications for vocational scholarships and for presidential citations are due to Sandy Frum and Chuck Bartling, respectively, by March 15th. Don't miss out! You can get the necessary forms and more information at www.rotary6440.org.
Guatemala Trip
Rotarians and guests representing 15 clubs in our district will spend the first week of March on a service trip to the rain forests of eastern Guatemala. The 42 people will work under the auspices of Ak'Tenamit, an indigenous community development organization (www.aktenamit.org). This is the second year that we've sent people and supplies to the region to help with the group's mission of providing long-term solutions to poverty.
You can follow the service team's adventures on the team blog at Guatemala.
You can follow the service team's adventures on the team blog at Guatemala.
Tuesday, February 24, 2009
Welcome to New Members
A warm welcome to these people who've recently joined Rotary clubs in District 6440: Jesse Pleuss (Park Ridge); Wesley Jasinski, Norman Levin, Courtney Olson, Paul Pryma, Rita Verhing and Pete Wirtz (Northbrook); Marvin Edelstein and Jaime Varela (Evanston Lighthouse); Patti Loris (Libertyville Sunrise); Craig Zieleniewski (Dundee Township); Charles Maupin (Evanston); Richard Hill (Glenview Sunrise); and Sandy Morganstein (Dundee Township).
Frequently Asked Questions About Expansion (New Clubs)
The District Membership Committee would like to clarify a number of misconceptions regarding sponsoring new Clubs. Expansion success is at the center of Rotary’s growth for the sake of all humankind. If our mission is worthwhile then it is equally worthwhile to invite others to join us.
These are some of the questions we hear. Answers are posted at FAQ.
1) Why should we start new clubs?
2) Will a new club take away members from an existing one?
3) Some clubs struggle to get new members. Will chartering a club be easier?
4) How significant is the problem?
5) Why can’t you help recruit members to our existing club?
6) Do we have a target age for charter members?
7) Isn’t it difficult to charter new clubs in these economic times?
8) Are there any new ideas for new clubs?
9) How do we go about finding charter members?
10) Is there any benefit to sponsor a new club?
11) What help can the district provide?
We hope these questions and answers will help you initiate a dialog in your club. We would appreciate hearing from you with suggestions, ideas, or more questions.
These are some of the questions we hear. Answers are posted at FAQ.
1) Why should we start new clubs?
2) Will a new club take away members from an existing one?
3) Some clubs struggle to get new members. Will chartering a club be easier?
4) How significant is the problem?
5) Why can’t you help recruit members to our existing club?
6) Do we have a target age for charter members?
7) Isn’t it difficult to charter new clubs in these economic times?
8) Are there any new ideas for new clubs?
9) How do we go about finding charter members?
10) Is there any benefit to sponsor a new club?
11) What help can the district provide?
We hope these questions and answers will help you initiate a dialog in your club. We would appreciate hearing from you with suggestions, ideas, or more questions.
The Future of Rotary is in Your Hands
Submittted by DGE Bill Ferreira
This is the new Rotary theme for 2009-2010. RI President-elect John Kenny
introduced this theme at the recently held International Assembly in San Diego, California.
As your District Governor-elect, I attended this Assembly to learn, share, discuss and debate Rotary with 535 governors-elect from all over the world. Needless to say, this was an experience of a lifetime.
In his theme speech to us, RIPE John Kenny reminded us that we are part of a great
Rotary tradition, as links in a chain joining our future to our past. If that chain is to continue, every link in it must be strong. It is our responsibility to forge solid links to Rotary's future. It is our responsibility to fulfill our promise of a polio-free world today so that Rotary can take on other great challenges tomorrow. Rotary International has developed a strategic plan with seven priorities that set the course for a strong future:
1. Eradicating polio is our first and main priority.
2. Advancing the recognition and public image of Rotary to help attract new
members.
3. Increasing Rotary's capacity to provide service. Rotarians are encouraged to
continue to focus their efforts in the areas of water, health and hunger and literacy.
4. Expanding membership globally in both numbers and quality.
5. Emphasizing Rotary's unique vocational service commitment, by
demonstrating our strong commitment to high ethical standards in our professional
lives.
6. Optimizing leadership talents within RI is essential to Rotary's future.
7. Fully implementing the strategic planning process to ensure continuity.
RIPE John Kenny emphasized that Rotary is a great organization and has the potential to become even greater-- if each one of us rises to the challenge and takes
responsibility for its future. It is time to stand up and commit to doing the best job you can--with all your mind, your heart, and your soul because The Future of Rotary Is In Your Hands.
This is the new Rotary theme for 2009-2010. RI President-elect John Kenny
introduced this theme at the recently held International Assembly in San Diego, California.
As your District Governor-elect, I attended this Assembly to learn, share, discuss and debate Rotary with 535 governors-elect from all over the world. Needless to say, this was an experience of a lifetime.
In his theme speech to us, RIPE John Kenny reminded us that we are part of a great
Rotary tradition, as links in a chain joining our future to our past. If that chain is to continue, every link in it must be strong. It is our responsibility to forge solid links to Rotary's future. It is our responsibility to fulfill our promise of a polio-free world today so that Rotary can take on other great challenges tomorrow. Rotary International has developed a strategic plan with seven priorities that set the course for a strong future:
1. Eradicating polio is our first and main priority.
2. Advancing the recognition and public image of Rotary to help attract new
members.
3. Increasing Rotary's capacity to provide service. Rotarians are encouraged to
continue to focus their efforts in the areas of water, health and hunger and literacy.
4. Expanding membership globally in both numbers and quality.
5. Emphasizing Rotary's unique vocational service commitment, by
demonstrating our strong commitment to high ethical standards in our professional
lives.
6. Optimizing leadership talents within RI is essential to Rotary's future.
7. Fully implementing the strategic planning process to ensure continuity.
RIPE John Kenny emphasized that Rotary is a great organization and has the potential to become even greater-- if each one of us rises to the challenge and takes
responsibility for its future. It is time to stand up and commit to doing the best job you can--with all your mind, your heart, and your soul because The Future of Rotary Is In Your Hands.
Monday, February 23, 2009
Chicago Indoor Racing
The Rotary Club of Buffalo Grove will once again sponsor an indoor racing event. This year's will be held Sunday, March 29th, at Chicago Indoor Racing in Buffalo Grove with check-in beginning at 12:45 p.m. Cost is $155 per team.
More information is available at http://www.clubrunner.ca/Data/6440/html/54251/2009%20Chicago%20Indoor%20Racing%20Event%20Flyer.pdf.
More information is available at http://www.clubrunner.ca/Data/6440/html/54251/2009%20Chicago%20Indoor%20Racing%20Event%20Flyer.pdf.
Just Ask!!!
Since the beginning of the current Rotary year we have received 48 referrals of potential members from Rotary International. These leads have been distributed to the clubs according to the place of business or home indicated by the prospects. Six of these leads resulted in inductions. Many others have been invited to visit the different clubs and are in the process of becoming members.
These individuals approached us via the RI website which begs the question: Why haven’t we approached them?
It seems that even in these troubled economic times there are individuals out there interested in serving above self.
Is your club engaged in an active membership campaign?
Do you have a working membership committee asking for names of potential members?
Is every member in your club encouraged to invite friends and acquaintances to breakfast, lunch, or dinner at your club?
If any answer to the questions above is negative then you should ask yourself: Am I doing everything possible to grow my club and preserve Rotary?
Please note that these questions are directed to no one in particular but to every Rotarian. It is up to each of us to do everything in our power to help arrest the decline in membership affecting our clubs.
Do your part and ask somebody to visit your Rotary Club.
These individuals approached us via the RI website which begs the question: Why haven’t we approached them?
It seems that even in these troubled economic times there are individuals out there interested in serving above self.
Is your club engaged in an active membership campaign?
Do you have a working membership committee asking for names of potential members?
Is every member in your club encouraged to invite friends and acquaintances to breakfast, lunch, or dinner at your club?
If any answer to the questions above is negative then you should ask yourself: Am I doing everything possible to grow my club and preserve Rotary?
Please note that these questions are directed to no one in particular but to every Rotarian. It is up to each of us to do everything in our power to help arrest the decline in membership affecting our clubs.
Do your part and ask somebody to visit your Rotary Club.
Rotary's 104th Birthday
The first Rotary club met in Chicago on February 23, 1905, making this week Rotary's 104th birthday. More information is at anniversary, along with some ideas for celebrating this birthday.
Sunday, February 22, 2009
RYLA Sponsorships
Rotary Youth Leadership Awards is a potentially life-changing experience for teenagers. It is an amazing program that groups teens with speakers (this year including a best-selling author) for an action-packed weekend of motivation, training and fun. Aimed at young people who've displayed leadership skills or potential, RYLA enhances their skills to help them lead throughout their lives.
We have many more applicants than our funding allows. Your club can choose to support RYLA by sponsoring one or more of those applicants for just $325 each, which includes all costs, even transportation to the conference site.
We also have sponsorship opportunities for corporations. If you know of a company which would like to market itself to a selected group of local youth, please contact Chair Sean Nelson at sean_nelson@ymcachgo.org. For more information on RYLA, visit www.rotary6440.org.
We have many more applicants than our funding allows. Your club can choose to support RYLA by sponsoring one or more of those applicants for just $325 each, which includes all costs, even transportation to the conference site.
We also have sponsorship opportunities for corporations. If you know of a company which would like to market itself to a selected group of local youth, please contact Chair Sean Nelson at sean_nelson@ymcachgo.org. For more information on RYLA, visit www.rotary6440.org.
Tuesday, February 17, 2009
On to Birmingham
There's still time to make plans to attend Rotary International's convention in Birmingham, England, June 21 - 24. With the pound dropping, the convention has turned into a real value for American travelers.
Plenary sessions, the House of Friendship (social gathering spot), special events, networking, and learning more about Rotary's activities around the world all make the convention a great experience. These conventions usually draw people from 130 countries, making attendance a truly international experience.
You can sign up at www.rotary.org.
Plenary sessions, the House of Friendship (social gathering spot), special events, networking, and learning more about Rotary's activities around the world all make the convention a great experience. These conventions usually draw people from 130 countries, making attendance a truly international experience.
You can sign up at www.rotary.org.
Sun-Times Article Highlights Polio Eradication Efforts
The Chicago Sun-Times has published an article on three people from our district who've participated in National Days of Immunization. The article is available online at Sun-Times.
Wednesday, February 11, 2009
New Meeting Places for Lake in the Hills and Skokie Valley
The Rotary Club of Lake in the Hills is now meeting at the Colonial Cafe, 2555 West Bunker Hill Drive in Algonquin. Meetings remain Wednesdays at noon.
The Skokie Valley Club is now meeting at Zhivago, 9925 Gross Point Road in Skokie, still on Tuesdays at 12:15 p.m.
The Skokie Valley Club is now meeting at Zhivago, 9925 Gross Point Road in Skokie, still on Tuesdays at 12:15 p.m.
Tuesday, February 10, 2009
Adopt-a-Beach Results
In September the Rotary Clubs of Evanston Lighthouse and Wilmette Harbor again participated in the International Coastal Cleanup through the Alliance for the Great Lakes (www.greatlakes.org). Their participation not only improved the health of the Great Lakes through litter removal but also helped to raise awareness about the problem with litter along our shorelines and in our waterways.
Nearly 7,000 volunteers in Illinois, Wisconsin, Indiana and Michigan removed 26,271 pounds of trash from 209 cleanup locations.
Clean water is an important Rotary initiative. The annual cleanup is a simple way to help locally. Please consider participating next September.
Nearly 7,000 volunteers in Illinois, Wisconsin, Indiana and Michigan removed 26,271 pounds of trash from 209 cleanup locations.
Clean water is an important Rotary initiative. The annual cleanup is a simple way to help locally. Please consider participating next September.
Sunday, February 8, 2009
Billboard is Up
As you're driving west on I-90 (the Kennedy Expressway) be sure to be alert just before the junction with I-294 (the Tri-State Tollway). The first of our billboards is up at that location.
Tuesday, February 3, 2009
Introducing our GSE Team to New Zealand
Alicia Mentell is a Texas native and past president of the Rotary Club of Waukegan. She is Superintendent for Recreation Services for the Waukegan Park District and is the team leader.
Dayna Niemi moved to our area from Michigan three years ago. She is a Recreation Specialist for Fitness and Aquatics for the Waukegan Park District.
Jeff Akin grew up in Tennessee and Virginia. He studied at several US institutions as well as in England and Thailand. He is with Astellas Pharma US, Inc. and is married to Leah.
Emily Buckler is another Michigan native. Like Jeff, she has studied in England. She also taught in South Africa. Emily is now an associate editor in the Reading Department at Pearson Education.
Jon Mariano grew up in Barrington and studied in Australia as well as the US. He is in commercial lending at Barrington Bank & Trust.
This team is working hard to prepare for the trip of a lifetime. They will represent us well.
$10,000 to The Rotary Foundation
The Rotary Club of Chicagoland Korean – Northbrook announced a $10,000 contribution to Rotary’s $200 Million Challenge during the Korea Day celebration held at the Rotary International Headquarters on 29 January.
The Chicagoland Korean – Northbrook club presented a mock check for $10,000 to RI President D. K. Lee at the event. President Lee said, “Your donation is particularly admirable coming from a Rotary club in its first year.”
President Lee presented the club charter to the Chicagoland Korean-Northbrook club with District Governor Pamela Kerr on 22 August 2008. Attendees were asked to make a $50 donation to Rotary's $200 Million Challenge. About 175 people attended the charter night and the event raised $6,000.
The Korea Day was a special celebration of the philanthropy and leadership exhibited by an elite group of Korean Rotarians. President Lee honored four Rotarians from Korea by inducting them into the Arch C. Klumph Society, named in honor of our Foundation’s founder.
Each of these dedicated Rotarians has donated at least $250,000 to The Rotary Foundation. Korean Rotarians have distinguished themselves as true leaders in the Rotary community; outside of the US, Korea has the greatest number of Arch C. Klumph Society members in the world.
The Chicagoland Korean – Northbrook club presented a mock check for $10,000 to RI President D. K. Lee at the event. President Lee said, “Your donation is particularly admirable coming from a Rotary club in its first year.”
President Lee presented the club charter to the Chicagoland Korean-Northbrook club with District Governor Pamela Kerr on 22 August 2008. Attendees were asked to make a $50 donation to Rotary's $200 Million Challenge. About 175 people attended the charter night and the event raised $6,000.
The Korea Day was a special celebration of the philanthropy and leadership exhibited by an elite group of Korean Rotarians. President Lee honored four Rotarians from Korea by inducting them into the Arch C. Klumph Society, named in honor of our Foundation’s founder.
Each of these dedicated Rotarians has donated at least $250,000 to The Rotary Foundation. Korean Rotarians have distinguished themselves as true leaders in the Rotary community; outside of the US, Korea has the greatest number of Arch C. Klumph Society members in the world.
Literacy Committee Members Visit Clubs
The Literacy Committee has as its goal for this Rotary year to visit every club in the district! A number of clubs have already been visited by one or two members of the Committee. The program consists of a dvd highlighting three different successful literacy programs that clubs in the district have done. Information is provided about how to do a literacy program in your club. There are many options and opportunities for clubs to get involved in a literacy project.
Committee members will be contacting the presidents, vocational and literacy chairs of clubs who have not yet had a visit from the Literacy Committee.
Committee members will be contacting the presidents, vocational and literacy chairs of clubs who have not yet had a visit from the Literacy Committee.
Friday, January 30, 2009
Combined Club Meetings
The Rotary Clubs of St. Charles, Geneva and Batavia hold combined meetings three times each year. They rotate hosting duties by season (winter, spring and fall) for the Tri-Cities meeting. The group next meets together Tuesday morning, March 3, at the Hotel Baker in St. Charles.
The program always focuses on some outstanding aspect of Rotary. With so many clubs in our district sharing regions, this is a creative way to meet neighbors, share ideas and enjoy some good neighbor fellowship!
The program always focuses on some outstanding aspect of Rotary. With so many clubs in our district sharing regions, this is a creative way to meet neighbors, share ideas and enjoy some good neighbor fellowship!
Polio Eradication Documentary Wins Academy Award Nomination
The Final Inch tells the story of the challenges faced by Rotary, and its partners, during the final stages of polio eradication. The 38-minute film was directed and produced by Irene Taylor Brodshy and commissioned by the philanthropic division of Google.
Filmed in 2007, The Final Inch captures workers immunizing children in the slums in India and Pakistan and includes several scenes of Rotarians participating in the National Immunization Day on 22 April in India. NID volunteers, led by M.S. Jain, past governor of District 3100, administered polio vaccination drops to children in Meerut Samrat, Uttar Pradesh, India.
This short subject documentary was nominated on January 22 for an Academy Award and it will be shown on HBO in early April. For a preview of the film go to http://www.thefinalinch.org/. For additional information go to http://www.rotary.org/en/MediaAndNews/News/Pages/090126_news_finalinchfilm.aspx.
Filmed in 2007, The Final Inch captures workers immunizing children in the slums in India and Pakistan and includes several scenes of Rotarians participating in the National Immunization Day on 22 April in India. NID volunteers, led by M.S. Jain, past governor of District 3100, administered polio vaccination drops to children in Meerut Samrat, Uttar Pradesh, India.
This short subject documentary was nominated on January 22 for an Academy Award and it will be shown on HBO in early April. For a preview of the film go to http://www.thefinalinch.org/. For additional information go to http://www.rotary.org/en/MediaAndNews/News/Pages/090126_news_finalinchfilm.aspx.
Thursday, January 29, 2009
Message from the Governor
Last month I urged all of you to do a mid-year check on your progress to goals. Generally that process highlights some areas where enthusiasm isn't very high. It's important to try to generate excitement about working toward those goals as well as the ones that have many eager supporters. Working on those now will make the rest of the year better. As Mark Twain wrote, "If you eat a frog first thing in the morning, the rest of your day will be wonderful." Tackle those tasks that are harder and make your life easier down the road.
One task that I urge all of you to tackle is Foundation giving. Our matching grants, District Simplified Grants, Ambassadorial Scholarship availability and group study exchange participation down the road depend on giving now. We have a long way to go to meet this year's annual giving goal (http://rotary6440.blogspot.com/2009/01/foundation-giving-report.html). We need a champion in every club who will encourage members' support for The Rotary Foundation. Those champions can use our Spring Fling to solicit new donations (http://rotary6440.blogspot.com/2009/01/spring-fling-for-foundation.html). And please make sure your club is submitting donations as they're received rather than holding them until the end of the year.
There are a few items to mark on your calendar. February 20th will be Rotary Night at the Wolves. In addition to a fun evening, you can help the Rotary Foundation. Two local Rotarians, Rich Politowicz and Paul Metivier, have said that if our district has at least 500 people at the game, each will give $100 to The Rotary Foundation for every goal and assist by a Wolves player. The Wolves average three goals per game, so the contribution could easily be close to $2,000! Thanks to both Rotarians. More information is available at www.rotary6440.org. June 14th will be this year's Race to the Finish Walk/Run in Evanston. It's a great event to which you can invite non-Rotarians and thereby increase support for polio eradication from people outside our organization. April 13th will be the farewell reception for our group study exchange team to New Zealand. It will be held from 6:00 - 8:30 p.m. at Buckley's at Willow Glen Golf Course in Great Lakes.
The Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation's new commitment makes this a thrilling time in the fight against polio (http://rotary6440.blogspot.com/2009/01/gates-foundation-increases-challenge-to.html). Please use this news to increase awareness of Rotary's efforts. Major media covered the announcement well; now we need to make sure the news spreads within our communities. District Public Relations Chair Judy Hughes (jjhugs@comcast.net) will be happy to help if you need advice on how to publicize this effort.
Judy Hughes is working hard on implementing the projects funded by our PR grant from Rotary International (http://rotary6440.blogspot.com/2008/12/well-be-spreading-good-news-with-pr.html). Keep your eye on area billboards, as Rotary ones will be appearing soon. Judy needs your club's stories and pictures right away, since she's working on a newspaper insert. Your club can piggyback on the district's efforts by making sure your club is included in the wider publicity efforts.
One task that I urge all of you to tackle is Foundation giving. Our matching grants, District Simplified Grants, Ambassadorial Scholarship availability and group study exchange participation down the road depend on giving now. We have a long way to go to meet this year's annual giving goal (http://rotary6440.blogspot.com/2009/01/foundation-giving-report.html). We need a champion in every club who will encourage members' support for The Rotary Foundation. Those champions can use our Spring Fling to solicit new donations (http://rotary6440.blogspot.com/2009/01/spring-fling-for-foundation.html). And please make sure your club is submitting donations as they're received rather than holding them until the end of the year.
There are a few items to mark on your calendar. February 20th will be Rotary Night at the Wolves. In addition to a fun evening, you can help the Rotary Foundation. Two local Rotarians, Rich Politowicz and Paul Metivier, have said that if our district has at least 500 people at the game, each will give $100 to The Rotary Foundation for every goal and assist by a Wolves player. The Wolves average three goals per game, so the contribution could easily be close to $2,000! Thanks to both Rotarians. More information is available at www.rotary6440.org. June 14th will be this year's Race to the Finish Walk/Run in Evanston. It's a great event to which you can invite non-Rotarians and thereby increase support for polio eradication from people outside our organization. April 13th will be the farewell reception for our group study exchange team to New Zealand. It will be held from 6:00 - 8:30 p.m. at Buckley's at Willow Glen Golf Course in Great Lakes.
The Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation's new commitment makes this a thrilling time in the fight against polio (http://rotary6440.blogspot.com/2009/01/gates-foundation-increases-challenge-to.html). Please use this news to increase awareness of Rotary's efforts. Major media covered the announcement well; now we need to make sure the news spreads within our communities. District Public Relations Chair Judy Hughes (jjhugs@comcast.net) will be happy to help if you need advice on how to publicize this effort.
Judy Hughes is working hard on implementing the projects funded by our PR grant from Rotary International (http://rotary6440.blogspot.com/2008/12/well-be-spreading-good-news-with-pr.html). Keep your eye on area billboards, as Rotary ones will be appearing soon. Judy needs your club's stories and pictures right away, since she's working on a newspaper insert. Your club can piggyback on the district's efforts by making sure your club is included in the wider publicity efforts.
GSE Blog
Our group study echange team which will visit New Zealand has already begun blogging about the experience. Be sure to bookmark http://groupstudyexchange.ning.com/ so you can follow their adventures.
Wednesday, January 28, 2009
Foundation Giving Report
Thanks to all the clubs that are raising funds and awareness for our End Polio Now campaign. We need everyone on board to beat polio and the Gates Challenge makes our contributions even more important.
While raising funds for polio eradication is important, so is supporting the other Rotary Foundation endeavors. Matching grants, scholarships, group study exchange and more all depend on donations to the Annual Programs Fund (APF). At midpoint in the Rotary year we have given $153,000 to The Foundation's APF. We have committed to $355,230. Based on previous years, we can hit this ambitious target, but we need to be working toward it now.
Please encourage your club and its members to support The Foundation. Its work is so important to everything Rotary represents, and we need to be sure that it continues.
While raising funds for polio eradication is important, so is supporting the other Rotary Foundation endeavors. Matching grants, scholarships, group study exchange and more all depend on donations to the Annual Programs Fund (APF). At midpoint in the Rotary year we have given $153,000 to The Foundation's APF. We have committed to $355,230. Based on previous years, we can hit this ambitious target, but we need to be working toward it now.
Please encourage your club and its members to support The Foundation. Its work is so important to everything Rotary represents, and we need to be sure that it continues.
Club Supports Foundation & Moves Meetings
The Rotary Club of Chicagoland - Korean Northbrook has changed its meetings. The club now meets at Seoul Garden Restaurant, 3420 Milwaukee Avenue in Northbrook, Monday evenings at 7:00 p.m.
That club, the newest in our district, visited Rotary International in January for the induction of four Korean couples into the Arch Klumpf Society. While there, the club presented $10,000 to The Rotary Foundation for use in polio eradication efforts.
That club, the newest in our district, visited Rotary International in January for the induction of four Korean couples into the Arch Klumpf Society. While there, the club presented $10,000 to The Rotary Foundation for use in polio eradication efforts.
Tuesday, January 27, 2009
Spring Fling for The Foundation
Beginning March 20th and running until April 30th, our district will sponsor a Spring Fling. Thanks to an anonymous donor, we are able to match contributions to The Rotary Foundation's Annual Programs Fund with credits toward Paul Harris Fellow recognition. Minimum donation is $500; donations may be larger in increments of $100 up to a maximum matchable amount of $1,000.
Checks should be made out to The Rotary Foundation and sent to PDG Terry Mueller, 6201 North Wyndwood Drive, Crystal Lake, IL 60014. Remember, this program runs from March 20th to April 30th only.
Checks should be made out to The Rotary Foundation and sent to PDG Terry Mueller, 6201 North Wyndwood Drive, Crystal Lake, IL 60014. Remember, this program runs from March 20th to April 30th only.
E-Learning for Kids
Congratulations to the Rotary Club of Winnetka-Northfield for being featured in the February issue of Rotary International's World Wide Literacy Newsletter. The club's work with the e-Learning for Kids Foundation helps provide free learning tools for kids ages 5 - 12. Learn more at www.e-learningforkids.org.
Save the Date: June 14th
The Race to the Finish Walk/Run benefitting polio eradication will be held June 14th in Evanston. Rotarians, friends, relatives--everyone's welcome to participate. Details to follow.
Wednesday, January 21, 2009
Gates Foundation Increases Challenge to $355 million
In an appearance at Rotary's International Assembly in San Diego, Bill Gates, Jr. announced that the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation is increasing its challenge to raise funds for polio eradication by $255 million. That brings the Foundation's total contribution to $355 million. More information on this exciting news is available at http://www.rotary.org/en/ServiceAndFellowship/Polio/Announcements/Pages/jointletter_polio_ia09_annc21jan09.aspx. In response, Rotary has agreed to raise an additional $100 million, bringing the combined Gates-Rotary commitment to $555 million.
This new challenge is receiving positive press across the country, including the Chicago Tribune, Los Angeles Times and Wall Street Journal. You may want to work on local coverage since this is a terrific opportunity to increase Rotary awareness and build support for polio eradication.
Our work is ahead of us as we meet this challenge. We have pledged to rid the world of polio and the Gates Foundation is helping us meet that goal. As R. I. President D. K. Lee and Foundation Trustee Chairman Jonathon Majiyagbe wrote, "Success is our only option."
This new challenge is receiving positive press across the country, including the Chicago Tribune, Los Angeles Times and Wall Street Journal. You may want to work on local coverage since this is a terrific opportunity to increase Rotary awareness and build support for polio eradication.
Our work is ahead of us as we meet this challenge. We have pledged to rid the world of polio and the Gates Foundation is helping us meet that goal. As R. I. President D. K. Lee and Foundation Trustee Chairman Jonathon Majiyagbe wrote, "Success is our only option."
Saturday, January 10, 2009
Santa Fun Run
Looking for a new fundraiser? You'll want to watch the Daily Herald's video of the first annual Santa Fun Run sponsored by the Rotary Club of Arlington Heights: http://www.dailyherald.com/multimedia/?category=9&type=video&item=278.
Membership Growth
Rotary International President D. K. Lee has congratulated District Governor Pam Kerr on our district's membership growth. Our clubs have been working hard to ensure that we grow, enabling us to accomplish even more. Congratulations to all of you who've sponsored new members this year!
Plenty of work remains; every club needs to actively recruit strong new members and to retain and engage current members. Please contact District Membership Chair Carlos Frum (carlos@frum.com) if you'd like help or new ideas.
Plenty of work remains; every club needs to actively recruit strong new members and to retain and engage current members. Please contact District Membership Chair Carlos Frum (carlos@frum.com) if you'd like help or new ideas.
Permanent Fund: Now May Be the Best Time to Help
Want to increase your income and help Rotary at the same time? Rotary International has a suggestion for you. Note the following announcement from Rotary International.
Our Permanent Fund Committee is ready to help you and answer questions you might have about annuities and charitable trusts. There is a time limit to maximize your income especially if you act before February 1. For more information please contact Lucinda Kasperson at rotarylucinda@aol.com. We have experts to help you!
Many Rotarians consider the benefits of a Charitable Gift Annuity at The Rotary Foundation but hold off on making the gift until just the right time. January might be the best time all year to establish a Charitable Gift Annuity because The American Council on Gift Annuities recently announced it will reduce recommended annuity rates by .4% to .7% as of 1 February 2009. The IRS Discount Rate also continues to decline each month, thus lowering the charitable deduction allowed. Gifts made prior to 31 January 2009 will secure this month's higher benefits!
In these economic times, The Rotary Foundation relies on the generosity of Rotarians. In the U.S., a Charitable Gift Annuity is just one creative and generous way for Rotarians to ensure The Rotary Foundation can maintain and increase its ability to help others when it is needed most. Additionally, the donor has the security of fixed payments for life.
Our Permanent Fund Committee is ready to help you and answer questions you might have about annuities and charitable trusts. There is a time limit to maximize your income especially if you act before February 1. For more information please contact Lucinda Kasperson at rotarylucinda@aol.com. We have experts to help you!
Many Rotarians consider the benefits of a Charitable Gift Annuity at The Rotary Foundation but hold off on making the gift until just the right time. January might be the best time all year to establish a Charitable Gift Annuity because The American Council on Gift Annuities recently announced it will reduce recommended annuity rates by .4% to .7% as of 1 February 2009. The IRS Discount Rate also continues to decline each month, thus lowering the charitable deduction allowed. Gifts made prior to 31 January 2009 will secure this month's higher benefits!
In these economic times, The Rotary Foundation relies on the generosity of Rotarians. In the U.S., a Charitable Gift Annuity is just one creative and generous way for Rotarians to ensure The Rotary Foundation can maintain and increase its ability to help others when it is needed most. Additionally, the donor has the security of fixed payments for life.
Disaster Relief Rotary Action Group Established
Disaster Relief - Rotary Action Group (DRRAG) is now about one year old. It's made up of Rotarians who want to help when disaster strikes anywhere in the world. They provide support to districts which have been struck by disaster and support other Rotary initiatives such as ShelterBox.
If your club is active in a community emergency response team (CERT) or wishes to become more active in responding to disasters, please visit www.drrag.org for more information.
If your club is active in a community emergency response team (CERT) or wishes to become more active in responding to disasters, please visit www.drrag.org for more information.
Wednesday, January 7, 2009
Sculptor to Speak in Evanston
Rotarian and sculptor Guy Bellaver of St. Charles will discuss the notable Native American statue "Ekwabet" that he created for his hometown at 1 p.m. Sunday, January 11, at the Mitchell Museum of the American Indian, 3001 Central Street in Evanston.
Bellaver's 15-foot bronze sculpture — a composite figure of an American Indian — was unveiled in 1988 on the banks of the Fox River in downtown St. Charles. It was commissioned by a civic committee to honor the Potawatomi Indians who occupied the area from the 17th century until their forcible removal in the early 1800s. Funds for the project were raised through a broad-based community effort.
Representatives of four Potawatomi bands were present at the unveiling, and at the invitation of the committee that oversaw the project, they returned the following year with an Indian name for the statue, "Ekwabet," meaning "watching over."
Admission to the talk is included with an entrance donation to the museum. Suggested donation is $5 for adults; $2.50 for seniors, students, and children. Maximum suggested admission per family is $10. For information, phone (847) 475-1030. On the Net: www.mitchellmuseum.org.
Bellaver's 15-foot bronze sculpture — a composite figure of an American Indian — was unveiled in 1988 on the banks of the Fox River in downtown St. Charles. It was commissioned by a civic committee to honor the Potawatomi Indians who occupied the area from the 17th century until their forcible removal in the early 1800s. Funds for the project were raised through a broad-based community effort.
Representatives of four Potawatomi bands were present at the unveiling, and at the invitation of the committee that oversaw the project, they returned the following year with an Indian name for the statue, "Ekwabet," meaning "watching over."
Admission to the talk is included with an entrance donation to the museum. Suggested donation is $5 for adults; $2.50 for seniors, students, and children. Maximum suggested admission per family is $10. For information, phone (847) 475-1030. On the Net: www.mitchellmuseum.org.
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