District Governor's Message
Celebrate Generosity and Good Works!
Mary Kessens
It’s already halfway through our Rotary year and a time to celebrate generosity and good works!
Increase in Rotary Foundation Pledges . To date we have received Rotary Foundation pledges of $251,975 from 59 of 61 district clubs. These pledges represent a 14% increase over giving last year to The Rotary Foundation. There is much to celebrate in those pledges. They represent clean water projects, literacy programs, microloans, scholarships, enhanced health care, sight restoration and a multitude of good works implemented by the world of Rotarians. Thousands of people will benefit from our district’s donations. This seems a very appropriate celebration of generosity, good will and the furtherance of peace at this Holiday time of year.
Send Foundation Collections Quarterly. To date we have collected $35,916 toward these pledges. Typically many of these pledges are paid by clubs in June of the Rotary year. Some are not sent in at all or arrive in the next Rotary year. The Rotary Foundation and your district governor ask that you and your clubs send in The Rotary Foundation donations at least quarterly. This is particularly important at the end of the tax year if your members wish to claim a deduction for their 2007 donations. They will be recognized by The Rotary Foundation only when they are received. Put The Rotary Foundation donations to work as soon as they are received in order to get the most benefit from the good works they represent. In order to track your clubs donations, our district is adding a new Foundation Goal Progress report that will be featured in the district newsletter monthly. It can also be accessed on the district6250.org website at http://www.rotary6250.org/district/foundation.shtml. Your club secretary can get an up to date report through Member Access at the Rotary.org website.
Membership Recruitment Encouraged . I am also reminded that this is the time of year we bask in the warmth of family and friends and the fellowship of our Rotary clubs. This year we strive to welcome more friends and colleagues into the warmth, pride and contributions of our district’s clubs, to grow our clubs by 61 members overall. To track our progress, we have updated the Monthly Membership Attendance Report, available here http://www.rotary6250.org/clubs/monthlyattendance.shtml and in the monthly newsletter. It now reflects membership growth from the official RI numbers reported by clubs at July 1, 2007. We have work to do in the New Year. Twenty-six clubs have experienced growth, 18 are holding their own and 17 have experienced losses. The Rotary Club of Sparta earns my admiration with their successful membership campaign and growth of 31%. This club is afire with enthusiasm for growth and community development.
DG Nominations Sought. Finally, this is the time of year when we recruit for leaders in the coming Rotary year. We are accepting nominations until the end of month for 2010-2011 District Governor. Your club president, secretary and Assistant Governor have received nomination information and application information is posted on the rotary6250.org website. Having served in this capacity, I can report that it is one of the most heartening activities I have ever undertaken. To be able to listen to the stories of modern day miracles that happen in each and every club-and to support them in some small part-has been a once-in-a lifetime privilege. Our Rotary District continues to need strong leaders who can motivate and assist clubs in their endeavors to do good works in their communities and the world.
Best Wishes in Rotary,
Mary
District Goals for the Year
Mary Kessens
Click here to download district goals as a pdf.
District News, Events and Announcements
Graduate Study Opportunities in Turkey
The following announcement was received from three Rotary International districts in Turkey. They are offering graduate study opportunities in Turkey. See the attached application for more details. DG Mary
I am very pleased to send you enclosed application form of Turkish Rotary Clubs Graduate Scholarship Program-TURCGSP. This program has been authorized to undertake a Rotary multidistrict activity and has been recognized by the Board of Directors of Rotary International on March 1995, and has begun in the Rotary year 1995-1996 as a competitive program.
We as Turkish Rotarians are pleased to see so much interest in our program from Rotary Districts all around the world to serve to the ideal of world understanding and peace through young generation s .
TURCGSP has been launched by the districts 2420-2430 and 2440 with the aim of making people of the world better acquainted with Turkish People and culture.
In Turkish Universities education is either in Turkish or in English. So candidates should have knowledge of Turkish or English at a sufficient level to be able to attend the program. Each year the number of scholarships varies according to the Turkish Rotarians’ contributions.
I will be more than happy should you kindly delegate your District Scholarship Chairperson to inform the clubs in your District about the program, ensure the distribution of the Application Form and encourage them to join in this program.
I thank you on behalf of Turkish Rotarian s for your contribution to world peace and understanding by supporting this program. October 2007, Turkey
Yours in Rotary,
Rtn. Faik Tokatlioglu
PDG (2005-2006)
Chairman/
TURCGSP
RYLA Reunion 2007
District Speech Contest - Applicants and Judges Needed
Dear Fellow Rotarians,
As you know, the District Speech Contest is scheduled for Sunday, April 20, 2008. The deadline for applications is March 31, 2008.
The committee is looking for three judges to evaluate the speakers. The judges may be either Rotarians or Non-Rotarians, but it is suggested that they have public speaking talents.
If you know of someone who would be interested in assisting the committee by volunteering to be a judge, please respond to:
Katie Bally, Chairperson, District Speech Contest, kbally@sbcglobal.net, 608-233-8000
Thank you!
Katie Maahs-Bally
Thirsting to Serve 2008 Water Conference
The 4th annual Thirsting to Serve Water Conference will take place on Monday, February 25, 2008 at Aquinas College in Grand Rapids , Michigan. As you know, Rotary International President Wilf Wilkinson has identified water as a continued focus of our international service. This conference will again provide the opportunity for education and interaction of clean water initiatives.
In addition, as a district leader you are invited to a Fireside Chat on Sunday evening, February 24 starting at 6:30 pm. This special gathering on the eve of the conference provides an opportunity for Rotary leadership and speakers to ask each other questions and be better prepared for the conference the next day. Speakers will include leaders from the Water & Sanitation Rotary Action Group, Centers for Disease Control, International Aid, University of North Carolina and Global Visions. This Sunday evening event will take place at Aquinas College John Donnelly Conference Center in Grand Rapids, 1607 Robinson Road S.E., Grand Rapids. A conference map is available at www.aquinas.edu. Registration is now available for the conference and the Fireside chat by visiting www.thirstingtoserve.org. Cost is $75 until January 30.
On behalf of Rotary International Districts 4060, 5970, 6290, 6360, 6380 and 6400, please join us for an exciting and important event. In establishing a Water Resource Group for Rotary this year, President Wilf Wilkinson reminded us that “Water is essential to human life, yet many people take the gift of safe water for granted. Today, 1.1 billion people – nearly 20 percent of the world population – lack access to safe, clean drinking water, and 2.6 billion people lack access to basic sanitation facilities.” The theme of this conference reinforces the focus on collaborations discussed in the DVD The Rotary Water Story. If you have not received a copy of this DVD from The Water & Sanitation Rotary Action Group, please let me know and I can make arrangements for you to receive a copy. Please promote this conference throughout your district and provide your Rotarians the opportunity to participate.
I look forward to seeing you all at the Thirsting to Serve 2008 Water Conference.
Yours in Rotary Service,
Chris Etienne
Governor 2007-2008
Rotary International District 6290
cetienne@bayharbor.com
Rotary Holiday Office Hours
The week of Christmas the office will be closed Monday through
Wednesday (24th-26th) and reopening Thursday (27th) and Friday (28th). The following week which is New Years the office will be closed on Monday
(31st) and Tuesday (1st) and resuming our normal schedule on Wednesday.
Rotary District 6250 Administration
2830 Agriculture Drive
Madison , WI 53718
608.204.9835
608.204.9818
rotarydistrict6250@morgandata.com
Club News, Events and Announcements
Do you have an upcoming Club Event or accomplishment that you would like to announce? Send your pre-written article to: rotarydistrict6250@morgandata.com.
Zone 27/28 Newsletter - Great Membership Tips!
Click here to download some great tips from the Zone 27/28 Newsletter!
Madison Rotarian Receives Prestigious Award
Virginia Henderson, member of Rotary Madison was recently recognized as the recipient of the 2007 Ruth Gordon Service Award. The award, sponsored by the Madison Area Service Club, is given annually, to someone who has consistently demonstrated "Service Above Self" throughout the Greater Madison Area.
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Pictured: Virginia Henderson with Rotarian Glenn Rindfleisch |
Virginia, a member of Rotary Madison since 1995, personifies Rotary’s motto of “service Above Self” through her extensive efforts in working with youth to encourage them to reach for their goals to achieve success.
A psychologist for the Madison Metropolitan School District (MMSD) until 1988, Ms. Henderson went on to address the gap in minority students’ academic achievement serving MMSD as chair of the Minority Student Achievement Committee and as Special Assistant to the Superintendent for Equity and Diversity until her retirement in 1997.
In 1984, Ms. Henderson was a founding member of Women in Focus and the Martin Luther King, “I have a Dream” Balls. These events raised $20,000 annually in scholarship aid.
1985 found Ms. Henderson a member, later chair, of the Madison Civics Club.
Ms. Henderson and others organizes the Mann Educational Opportunity Fund in 1991. The Fund provides academic and financial support for students who have borderline academic performance or other problems in school.
In 1994, Virginia was a Founder of the African American Ethnic Academy, designed as a Saturday morning school to supplement elementary and middle school children’s education. The program expanded into several-week summer program from which some 500 students returned to classrooms presenting a challenge to their teachers because of their increase knowledge and skills.
Board service includes the Madison Community Foundation Board, Evjue Foundation, Foundation for Madison Public Schools, Madison Children’s Museum, YWCA, Visiting Nurse Service, Madison Urban League and African American Children’s Society.
Within Rotary, Ms. Henderson gives extensively of her time, talent and fund-raising skills.
Virginia Henderson has been and continues to be a tireless and dedicated community volunteer.
Madison Downtown Rotary Hosts International GSE Nigeria Trip Members
Four members of a Rotary International Group Study Exchange enthralled the November 21st Downtown Rotary lunchtime crowd with stories and pictures of their exploration of Nigerian people, culture, and institutions, taken last spring.
Team leader Linda Baldwin got things rolling by describing the Nigerian version of mashed potatoes—mashed yams that are formed into globs and eaten with the hands—suggesting that Rotarians might wish to try that with their mashed potatoes at lunch.
The study group, hosted by District 9130 in southwest Nigeria, brought back 13 African Rotary banners, along with “new friendships, new understandings, and lots of love.” They visited Ibadan, Oshogbo, Akure, and the capital Abuja. They also took part in the District 9139 Conference.
Click here to view the full article and see more of their great photos.
Marshfield Rotary Winter Wonderland Now Seen on YouTube!
Click the Play button in the image below to see Marshfield Rotary's Winter Wonderland!
UPDATE: 18,166 food items collected to date!
Plan now to bring the kids and grandkids to Rotary Winter Wonderland, a dazzling holiday lights display in Marshfield’s Wildwood Park & Zoo. Rotarians and hundreds of other volunteers have wrapped over 310,000 lights around fences, trees and displays for a community event that promises visitors a holiday season filled with magic and memories.
Now in its second year, the mission of Rotary Winter Wonderland remains the same: feeding the hungry of the Marshfield area. Spearheaded by Marshfield’s two Rotary Clubs, Rotary Winter Wonderland has been embraced by the entire community. Over 20,000 visitors toured the park in 2006. More importantly, guests donated 30,500 food items at the gate, which were distributed to 19 food pantries in the surrounding area.
Rotary Winter Wonderland opens on Friday, Nov. 23 (day after Thanksgiving). The park will be open from 5 to 9 p.m.Thursday - Sunday nights through Dec. 16, then every night from Dec. 20 – 30. Admission is free; donations of non-perishable food, personal care items and/or cash will be collected at all entrances.
Don’t miss the excitement! Both a driving route and walking path are open to the public. A brand new synchronized music/light show entitled, “Electric Splash,” will be unveiled this year. Santa Claus will be at the park every night thru Dec. 24. Special events include:
For more information on events, driving directions and volunteer opportunities, check out the website at www.rotarywinterwonderland.com.
Rotary Winter Wonderland was inspired by a similar lighting display (Rotary Lights) started in LaCrosse in 1994 that now features over 1.5 million lights and involves more than 2,000 community volunteers. That project alone has raised over a million items of food since its inception.
Madison, WI to Host Curling Event
Did you know that being a Rotarian spills over into curling? Rotary International has a fellowship group combining the sport of curling and fellowship. For many years, the International Curling Fellowship of Rotarians in the United States has competed every January at the Rotary Can Am. This years Can-Am will be held at the Madison Curling Club in Madison, WI from January 17-20, 2008. It will mark only the second time the United States has hosted this event. The first was held in Utica, New York in the 1960’s.
The 2008 Can-Am will be a 32 team Bonspiel, or competition, that will determine the third and final spot for a US team to compete in the Rotary Worlds event, held in Brantford, Ontario from March 30 to April 6, 2008. The Rotary Worlds will have three teams from the US, three teams from Scotland, three teams from Canada and one team each from the UK, Sweden and Switzerland. The other two US teams are the Garman team of Potomac, Maryland and the Matzke team of Madison, WI.
Form more information, please contact:
Rich Lepping
US President
International Curling Fellowship of Rotarians
147 S. Butler Street, #2
Madison , WI 53703
Telephone: 608-235-1707
Email: richl@borderpatrolwi.com
RI News
2008 Rotary International Convention News
June 15 - 18
Los Angeles, CA
Now is the time to register for the International Convention in Los Angeles which wil be held June 15 - June 18, 2008. Join thousands of Rotarians from all over the world at the 99th annual convention where we "can see the stars"!!
RI Conventions are meant to stimulate, inspire, and inform all Rotarians at an international level--particularly incoming and foundation officers as they learn how ROTARY SHARES with them as well as communities around the world. You can learn how to strengthen your club and identify services and fellowship opportunities through listening to speakers, participating in breakout sessions, visiting the Club and District Projects Exhibition, and talking to fellow Rotarians and members of the Rotary family.
Why not plan a pre or post convention vacation with your own family?
Log on to www.Rotary2008.com for further details. You can also go to the Rotary International website for applications and information about housing.
Please let me know if you are planning on attending and we can arrange a District 6250 gathering at one of the hotels.
Let me know if you have any questions!!!
In Your Rotary Service,
Tom Marshall
Governor Elect
Rotary International President Reports New Gates Foundation Challenge Grant for Polio Eradication
This is a historic day for Rotary. It is our great pleasure to inform you of a new partnership between Rotary International and the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation that will provide a much needed US$200 million in support of our top goal of a polio-free world.
The Gates Foundation has awarded The Rotary Foundation a challenge grant of $100 million, which Rotary will match, dollar for dollar, over three years. This is the largest single grant ever given to a volunteer service organization and represents a tremendous validation of the approach and success of our PolioPlus program.
This partnership comes at a critical juncture for the polio eradication initiative, which needs an infusion of funds to reach the eradication goal. For this reason, the initial $100 million will be distributed by The Rotary Foundation through grants to the World Health Organization and UNICEF in direct support of polio immunization activities in 2008.
Your participation in this effort is crucial to making it a success. The Rotary International Board of Directors and the Trustees of The Rotary Foundation have unanimously agreed to accept this challenge grant to ensure the success of the PolioPlus program. We feel confident that this extraordinary commitment from the Gates Foundation and Rotary will serve as a catalyst for further donations from others to help us realize the dream of a polio-free world.
In 1985, we promised every child a world free from the threat of polio, and we are almost there. This funding agreement between Rotary and the Gates Foundation is a huge step forward, bringing us even closer to our goal. Success is our only option.
Wilfrid J. Wilkinson
Rotary International
President 2007-08
Robert S. Scott
The Rotary Foundation
Chairman 2007-08
For more information visit: www.rotary.org
What the Gates Foundation Gift Means to Rotary
What wonderful news we received about the $100 million challenge gift to Our Rotary Foundation from the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation .
What a proud moment for all of us when we read the RI press release, or saw it in the newspaper, or heard it on TV or on the radio, or read it on the Internet. It was wonderful to share the news at our Rotary meetings and listen to the collective expressions of joy from the members.
But now that the warm glow is starting to fade, many Rotarians are starting to ask Rotary leaders“What does the Gates gift really mean for Rotary?”, "Do we have to raise more money?", "How will this affect annual fund giving?", "Will PolioPlus Partners donations count toward the challenge?" I suspect most of us cannot really answer the many, many questions being asked. We need information.
To help sort this out, and to help answer some of the questions floating around Rotary meetings, Rotary Foundation Trustee (and co-chair of the PolioPlus Partners Task Force) Lou Piconi participated in an on-line discussion on this and other Foundation subjects. The International Computer Users Fellowship of Rotarians (ICUFR) generously agreed to once again make its “Community Forums” Internet site available so that Rotarians around the world could discuss the Gates Foundation gift, its impact on Rotary and our clubs, and other Foundation subjects with one of the most knowledgeable Rotarians.
To view a recap of this online discussion, follow this link http://www2.icufr.org/viewtopic.php?t=787
Ask Mary
Do you have a question for our District Governor Mary Kessens? If so click here to email your questions to Mary Kessens.
Update on Annual Giving
Foundation Reports
Every Rotarian Every Year Report.
Foundation Trustees Request Nominations for Distinguished Service and Citation for Meritorious Service Awards
Application deadline is November 15!
The
Attendance Report
Click here to submit your club's attendance report
Sparta leads the district with 11 new members year to date!
Click here to see the full October Attendance Report.
