District Governor's Message
Celebrate Literacy!
Mary Kessens
If I might contribute my current position in life to one skill, I would claim literacy. The act of reading has expanded my world from the moment I learned how to recognize Dick and Jane. Coming to town on Saturdays to visit the library in my little rural town was the treat of the week. That I got to take the books home with me was the second treat. When other young girls were reading teen romances, I was behind the covers and in a faraway place with A Wrinkle in Time-still my all time favorite book. I learned that girls and women could have adventure, be scientists, make decisions and save the world or worlds as the case may be. I learned that books could be dangerous things when the librarian wouldn’t let me check out Rosemary’s Baby because my mother wouldn’t approve! Reading it became one small step to testing other limits of the world in which I grew up.
My secret desire became science fiction novels…A Canticle for Leibowitz, Dune, The Foundation Trilogy, Left Hand of Darkness, Time Storm, Dragon Riders of Pern…. Thru these books I learned about science, diversity, creativity and that interaction with your world-whatever that world might be-could change the world.
Novels from around the planet Earth opened my world…from House of Spirits set in Chile through Nelson Mandela’s Long Walk to Freedom to Things Fall Apart and the modern day Purple Hibiscus, both set in Nigeria in different periods. Many other books of history and fiction of India, China and Europe passed before my eyes and through my heart and mind.
Modern novels of America educated my view. I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings, Hawaii and all the Michener novels, A Thousand Acres and Moo all told stories of the human condition, about both the cruelty and the joy of life everywhere.
I would like to forget all of those college textbooks and references, but they are there, too, adding to accumulated knowledge.
Literacy makes a difference in lives. It molds minds, informs decisions and creates a legacy wherever books exist. Rotarians who donate books, read to youngsters, and donate scholarships change the world. From Good Night Moon to Advanced Physics, our District Rotarians’ contribution to literacy is vast. We may never know the impact of our library book donation, but we can be sure a mind will dream a new idea because of it.
To celebrate the wonders of literacy, read the Celebrate Literacy Month article from RI in this month’s newsletter. And, take some time to inventory your list of favorite books. Share this list at your next Rotary meeting to learn how your Rotary friends have developed through reading and continue to share literacy with others.
Special reminders from the District Governor:
-
Applications for Presidential Citations are due to the District Governor by March 31, 2008. Follow these links to Download the brochure , the nomination form for Rotary clubs , and the form for Rotaract and Interact clubs .
-
Sign up your Club Leadership Team for District Assembly on March 29, 2008. This is the best opportunity around to start planning for the next Rotary year.
-
Register now for District Conference, April 25-26, 2008. On line registration offers a discount. Come and enjoy the facilities at the Chula Vista Resort in the Wisconsin Dells. Here international experts share their knowledge about effective projects and the success stories of Rotary International. See you there!
Best Wishes in Rotary,
Mary
District Conference Update
Rooms and registrations are going quickly. Spaces are filling up. Sign up as soon as possible for “Rotarians Sharing Rotary”, our 2008 District Conference. We hope to keep you entertained with music, quizzes and raffles as well as meaningful presentations by Rotary partners worldwide. These include Engineers Without Borders, World Vision and the US Agency for International Development. We will have presentations on Rotary youth programs, our first ever Vocational Group Study Exchange with Argentina, membership development and leadership opportunities beyond your club. Celebrate with the winners of the Presidential Citation, Foundation recognition and Service Above Self awards.
If you would like to share your favorite project or best fundraiser with the rest of the district, contact our conference committee ASAP to join in our “Pop-up Presentations” and highlight your success this year. Display tables will also be available.
Remember to bring your families to share in the fun of the indoor water parks, golfing, river cruise, spas and amenities of the newly remodeled Chula Vista resort.
See you soon at “Rotarians Sharing Rotary”, April 25-26, 2008 in the Wisconsin Dells.
District Goals for the Year
Mary Kessens
Click here to download district goals as a pdf.
District News, Events and Announcements
Save These Important Rotary Dates!
Please mark your calendars or register for these important meetings as we prepare for the 2008-2009 Rotary year!
March 29, 2008
District Assembly
Cranberry Country Lodge, Tomah, WI
Rotary Re-Rocks!
The District Assembly will begin promptly at 9:00 AM with registration beginning at 8:30 AM. Once again, you will be able to register on-line. A continental breakfast will be served during the registration period.
The Assembly is designed for all President - Elects and their entire team of club officers. In fact, all Rotarians from all clubs are encouraged to attend!! This is a wonderful opportunity to pull everything together at your club level! You can organize, create and invent new ways for your club to have an outstanding 2008 - 09 Rotary year!! All in attendance will have the exciting experiences of learning about the vast majority of our excellent porograms in District 6250!! Each presentation is designed to assist all Rotarians to have a very rewarding year!
Seven workshop tracks will be available! One specific to secretaries and treasurers; one for those involved in youth programs; and additional tracks for those who want to learn more about the Foundation, Membership and Retention, how to get started on a service project, fundraising ideas and a session on how to incorporate more fun into your meetings called "weekly meetings and all that jazz!!".
Plan to attend this event with many of your Rotarians from your Club!!!! ROTARY RE-ROCKS!!!!!!! And.....we will see you on March 29th!!!!
Click here to view program and registration information.
Much more about these three very important meetings will be coming your way in the very near future!!! Stay tuned!!
Yours In Rotary,
Tom Marshall
Governor Elect
Jim Crubaugh Announced as 2010-2011 District Governor
DG Mary Kessens and the District 6250 Nominating Committee announce the selection of Jim Crubaugh to serve as District Governor in Rotary Year 2010-11. DGNN Jim is a Wisconsin native, raised on a farm near Troy Center. He has served a distinguished 22 year career in the Army before retiring in 1989. After several years with his own company, he finally retired ‘again’ and returned to public service at the city and county level in Missouri, while concurrently serving on several Boards as advisor or director in the business and public service communities. Moving back to his home state after over 30 years, he returned to work in business and soon joined the Rotary Club of Minocqua/Lakeland Area in 1999 (District 6220), where he served as President and several years on the board of directors. After trying his hand at building a house in 2002, he retired-retired-retired (the third time) in 2004.He moved to Tomah and soon took up with the Rotary Club of Tomah and became active at the Club and District level. A multiple Paul Harris Fellow and charter member of the District 6250 Paul Harris Society, his Rotary activities include serving as Assistant Governor, District Co-Trainer and serving on numerous committees and attending seminars and conferences for the District.He is a past member of the Toastmasters and Optimists Clubs. He is also an active member in the American Legion, Veterans of Foreign Wars, and Disabled American Veterans; having served as a Chapter Commander for the DAV and Quartermaster for the VFW.He is married to Monica Bohman, of Hortonville, Wisconsin. Jim has 2 sons; Jeff in Kansas City, Missouri and Jamey in Pine Bluff, North Carolina. His personal interests include traveling and generally sharing time with Monica, gardening and fishing for relaxation, and lending a helping hand wherever needed.
District 6250 Group Study Exchange Team Sends Update from Argentina
Our District 6250 Group Study Exchange Team to Argentina left on March 16, 2008. Following are two reports from their adventure. Marcia Jagodzinske, team leader and member of the Rotary Club of La Crosse, sends her report as does Amber Blanchard, team member from Madison.
From Marcia Jagodzinski....
I wanted to share with you some of the things we have done during our visit during the first week. It is not a complete list.
- Attended a welcoming ceremony by the Rotary club -Visited a school for younger children with disabilities, where they put on a play they produced especially for us, performed music, fed us lunch and fed us treats prepared by the students.
- Met with they mayor, the attorney, the secretary of tourism -Toured a home that is almost exclusively run by volunteer staff (amazing) -Toured a work facility -Met with staff from a birth to 3 program -Toured a hospital -Toured the police station -Toured a school for older children with disabilities -Toured a soon to be open day services program -Visited a construction site where students from the ¨special school¨´ are building a home for a fellow student and his mother because they are living in a shed - Visited Eva Peron´s birth place -Visited an area where native american´s live -Were treated to two evenings of specially arranged dance performances (and yes, they did make me dance with the professional dancer) -Visited a campo (farm) where they roasted a lamb in our honor -Visited a new school in a town about 1 hour away where students learn basics, work skills and receive personal attention. There are, for example, showers, because sometimes the students have no showers in their homes and meals because sometimes they have no food.
- Visited a center for addictions and abuse -Attended 3 Rotary Club meetings and gave presentations
Everyone has been very warm and welcoming. We have had one incident of intestinal distress and one case of pink eye so far.
If you have heard that there are farm protests here, you have heard correctly. One day we needed to find a back road to get to our destination.
Fortunately, the rest of our activities have kept us away from the blockades. The protests are stoic rather than emotional.
From Amber Blanchard....
I´m not sure that I have the right words for what I´ve seen so far here in Argentina, but it´s already been an unforgettable experience. Last Saturday we landed in Buenos Aires and traveled three hours by van to Los Toldos, where there was a group waiting for us. They had placed a banner above the main plaza with a welcome message and then crowded around to give us besos
(kisses) when we disembarked from the van. Everyone, especially Graciela (the team leader coming to Madison) was more than gracious, and made sure that all of our needs were met.
Los Toldos is a city of about a few thousand that contains a center plaza and a half mile or so of surrounding streets on each side. Everyone knows everyone else and we became something of local celebrities while there; the TV station followed us around, and people said hello to us in the street.
Shop owners refused to charge us for using the internet, gave us champagne and always sat down to talk with us. Wow.
The vocational aspect of the trip has been by far been the most rewarding.
This week we saw a mental health center, a day center, an early education center, sheltered workshops, a hospital, and a sports facility that integrates children with and without disabilities. I was most touched by the story of a man named Carlitos. Carlitos doesn´t have any parents and has been cared for by the community of Los Toldos his whole life. He attended the school where Graciela was the director for years, and when he reached the age at which he would typically move to an institution, the community gathered together and converted an abandoned building into a place for him to live with friends of his who also have disabilities. The home is staffed by people who earn whatever people give them in donations, and a board of directors that works for free. Everyone we´ve met here who works with people with disabilities works with passion and conviction, and meeting them has truly inspired me and reminded me of why I do what I do. Everyone here is a social worker; regardless of education or training, they see a need and find a way to have it met.
Today is my first day in our second city, Chacabuco. We have some rest for the next few days because everything is closed for the Easter holiday. They tell me the Easter bunny isn´t as well known here, so I´m looking forward to finding out what Easter day will bring.
Hope you´re all well, and THANK YOU for what has been a wonderful experience so far. I can´t wait to see what´s next!
Kickapoo County Fair Offers Fundraiser to Rotary Clubs
Click here to view the offer from the Kickapoo County Fair!
Rotary Friendship Exchanges - A Call For Rotary Travelers
“Do you want to go to Sweden or Turkey in 2008 for 10 days and be hosted by local Rotarians?”
We are “Right Now!” recruiting Rotarians (couples) for 2 RFE teams to:
(1) SWEDEN (via Copenhagen) on JUNE 1-12, 2008
and
(2) TURKEY (via Istanbul) on NOV 1-12, 2008.
The 2008 trips include cost of travel & incidentals (gifts, tickets, extra meals or hotel night, etc.), 3 home-stays, and local activities/events planned by your Rotary hosts. It is a “GSE for Rotarians!”
“Friendship Exchange” (RFE) is an RI program (“…at no cost to RI”) for all Rotarians (couples) who love to travel, learn, and meet Rotary host families during a 10-day “cultural” visit in another country/district. Teams include up to 10 district Rotarians (including partners) who may do additional personal touring.
D6250 previously sent RFE teams to Central India (near Mumbai) and to Christchurch, New Zealand. A Rotary Volunteer project to India followed the India RFE visit although being a good host family in return is all that is requested of RFE participants. (Ask about a RC program presentation!)
MORE INFORMATION
PDG Bob Bendiksen (RC La Crosse) at RBENDIKSEN@AOL.COM
or phone (608) 788-0268 or cell (608) 386-6194.
Images from a Successful PETS
|
 2009-2010 District Governor Nominee Dean Dickinson participates in a discussion. |
 District Governor Elect Tom Marshall and Pam Buchda |
 Assistant Governor Bill Erickson and District Governor Mary Kessens |
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 checkout great membership and retention ideas!
New LaCrosse Rotaract Garners Headlines
Click here to view the article printed in the LaCrosse Tribune on the new Rotaract Club in LaCrosse.
Marshfield Sunrise to Host Lend-a-Hand Service Auction April 10th
Raise a hand at the upcoming Sunrise Rotary Lend -A-Hand Service Auction to purchase a package designed to entertain, make life a little easier, or possibly enhance your home environment. This fifth annual event is scheduled for Thursday, April 10 from 5:30 to 9 p.m. at Clearwaters Hotel and Convention Center.
Inspired by the motto, “Service Above Self”, Rotarians, offer time and talent as items for bid at the annual event that promises to be an evening filled with imagination, competition, food and laughter
Bringing an added measure of fun to the full program of activities is the nationally known improv group ComedySportz. The main stage show offers a unique blend of fast, funny and smart comedy that is appropriate for all ages.
Rotarians entertain the audience throughout the bidding with skits related to each live auction item. Guests have an opportunity to try their skills at free throw contests early in the evening. One lucky winner will take home cash from the 50/50 raffle.
Live auction packages offer something for everyone. The selection includes lessons, mini massages, a round of golf and lunch for a group of four, garden building and design, jewelry making classes plus delectable appetizers, desserts and wine for a group of 8, gourmet dinners served in the buyer’s home, a room redesign, custom room painting, yard clean up, Packer tickets with transportation to the game, and much, much more.
Doors open at 5:30 PM allowing time for attendees to review and begin bidding on a wide variety of silent auction items -- teeth whitening, culinary specialties including “take out for four” and scrap booking to name a few. Guests can sample a delectable array of food presented buffet style throughout the first two hours. A cash bar is available.
“This is a major fundraiser for Sunrise Rotary. We in turn use the dollars to support projects near and far.”, explained Mary Treichel, co chair for this year’s event. A particular local favorite is Rotary Winter Wonderland, an event that provides needed food and dollars to area food pantries. PolioPlus, an international commitment to eradicate polio is another.
Information and tickets are available by calling 715-387-8414. Ask about discount prices for a table of 8.
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
Wide World of Books Project at 2008 Convention
President Wilkinson encourages Rotary Clubs around the world to support projects that improve literacy rates.
Here is the challenge: Students in California rank among the lowest in the nation in reading skills. Nearly one-third of California’s 5 million children do not speak English as their native language. In the five-county, Southern California region, four out of five, or more than 1 million kindergarten through third-grade students are reading below grade level.
Southern California and Nevada Rotarians share the Reading by 9 goal that 95% of the children read English at grade level by age nine.
How can you help: Every Rotarian attending the LA2008 Convention is being asked to donate one or more books to the ROTARY’S WIDE WORLD OF BOOKS, which will then be distribute by Reading by 9 to public elementary schools in Southern California and Nevada. Please bring books for kindergarten through third-grade only. Any language is welcome! Also, you can insert a personal note with the name of your Rotary Club
All the books collected will be in display in a mountain of books, at the entrance to the LA Convention Center. We expect so many books that we approached the Guinness Organization in London and applied for and got accepted to set the Guinness World Record. A representative of the Guinness Organization will be present in Los Angeles to certify this world record, which will get Rotary into the Guinness Book of World Records.
Be part of Rotary’s largest international book drive! Help RI make it into the Guinness Book of World Records! Be proud to be a Rotarian!
Should you have any questions, please feel free to contact PDG Ingo Werk, Chair of the LA2008 Commemorative Project ROTARY’S WIDE WORLD OF BOOKS, at ingo.wrek@gmail.com
The LA2008 Convention will leave behind the legacy of ROTARY’S WIDE WORLD OF BOOKS and will play a crucial part in the Reading by 9 program.
So, please bring a book and be part of ROARY’S WIDE WORLD OF BOOKS!
Yours in Rotary Service.Alice Muntean, North American Coordinator
818-610-2052
Every Member Every Year Report
Follow this link for updated reports on the Every Member Every Year Campaign. Included are fundraising resources and stories regarding the campaign.
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
Click here to view the updated Club Goals Report!
Attendance Report
Click here to submit your club's attendance report
Janesville Adds 12 New Members Year to Date!
Click here to see the full January Attendance Report.
