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!
Friday, January 30, 2009
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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