District Governor's Message
November is Rotary Foundation Month
Tom Marshall
The vast majority of my official Club visits are now complete and I am thrilled to be able to say that this was one of the very finest experiences that I have ever had in my life. It is so very exciting to be able to personal ly witness all of the wonderful activities that are going on in District 6250. Prior to becoming District Governor, I had no idea about the many outstanding happenings that occur every day in our Rotary world. We are certain ly touching lives, in a very positive way, in our communities, our District and throughout the universe. Beyond any doubt whatsoever, we are MAKING DREAMS REAL for alot of people. I would personal ly like to thank all of the Rotarians in District 6250 for their unbelievable efforts to make our world a better place in which to live.
We are over half way through October and approaching one of the most important months of the year. November is Rotary Foundation month and it is a time for all of us to review what we have done to support the International Rotary Foundation. It is a time for us to gather forces and contribute to the great cause of polio eradication. We must move forward with this effort and rid the world of this dreaded disease. As everyone knows, I have asked every Club to contribute a minimum of $1000 to this worthy cause. I would expect that many Clubs will go far beyond that request. Thank you for doing that!
"Every Rotarian, Every Year" is a program that began a few years ago. I am asking each and every Rotarian in our District to contribute a minimum of $100 to the International Foundation for the EREY effort. These dollars are not used on ly for polio eradication but also to satisfy the needs of the abundance of projects that we are involved in throughout the world! Please consider becoming involved with this wonderful program. The $100 contribution breaks down to a mere .28 cents per day in a years time. I believe that all of us can afford that!
Finally, I am certain that you have heard about the exciting MEMBERSHIP & FOUNDATION SEMINAR that will take place on Saturday, November 8th at the Glacial Lodge/Wilderness Resort in Wisconsin Dells. Details can be found in this newsletter. This half-day Seminar is free of charge and even includes a free lunch! All of us will learn so very much! I want every Club in our District to send Rotarians to this event! Without question, it will be well worth their time!
Thanks for reading and continue to have a wonderful Rotary year!
Tom
Click Here to View District Governor Tom Marshall's Club Visit Schedule
District News, Events and Announcements
Annual Fall Conference for Membership and Foundation Set for November 8th
Register now for this "don't miss" free conference in the Wisconsin Dells! It will start Saturday November 8th at 8:00 am with registration and conclude with lunch so you should be done by 1:30.
This is a good opportunity for both club leaders and new members to learn how the Foundation works, how it has funds available for projects around the world as well as for District and all our 61 Clubs in the District. PDG Hal Keitel, District Foundation Chair will lead this part of the two part morning. Richard Kenney, District Membership Chair will lead be responsible for the Membership and Retention part.
The seminar provides helpful information to equip club leaders with the tools and training to motivate club members to support the Rotary Foundation as well as to recruit and retain members.
We have selected the site this year to be the Glacier Canyon Lodge at the Wilderness Resort in the Wisconsin Dells. While the conference facilities provide a private and quiet meeting area, there is a waterpark so it is well suited to bringing the family.
Click here for more information or to sign up now for this important event!
Contacts are:
Hal Keitel: hkeitel@centurytel.net
Richard Kenney: richardjkenney@yahoo.com; 715-423-0986
District Governor Nominees Sought
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 can be retrieved at the link below. 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.
Flood Aid Available to Clubs
In response to my request this summer to support clubs and communities impacted by the flooding of this spring, the district collected about $5000!
The donated funds are now available for distribution in the form of cash grants to your club.
If your community was damaged or expended funds as a result of the spring floods, your club is eligible to receive funding. There is a limited amount available, but well worth pursuing.
Please follow these links to learn more or complete the application and see if you qualify.
Thank you to all that donated to make this possible.
Tom Marshall
The 10 Minute Club Membership Energizer for November
The coming month of November is The Rotary Foundation Month. Rotary International has designated this month as part of the annual Rotary calendar to emphasize financial support to The Foundation / Paul Harris Fellows / Sustaining Members. During November, clubs are encouraged to highlight the importance of The Rotary Foundation, the life blood that supports humanitarian projects throughout the world.
At your weekly meeting, discuss at your table the following question during your meal. Bring your results to the November 8th Membership and Foundation Seminar in the Dells!
Question: “What do you say to prospective members or new members of your club about The Rotary Foundation?
Materials: You will need a handout for each table that contains the question above.
Leaders: Someone from the club’s Membership Committee needs to introduce and give directions about this energizer. In addition, the leader needs to ensure that someone at each table is recording highlights of the discussion.
Activity (10 minutes): The Leader asks a Rotarian at each table to act as the recorder. During the discussion, the recorder writes down highlights of the table discussion related to the question above. (4 minutes). The Leader then asks a few recorders (as time permits) to share a few highlights from their table discussion (3minutes). The Leader then collects the handouts containing discussion highlights from the recorders.
FOLLOW-UP: The Leader gathers these handouts and turns them over to the Chair of Club’s Membership Committee. The Membership Committee could consider using these ideas when prospecting, recruiting and orienting new members.
Ambassadorial Scholars Selected
On September 28th, the Ambassadorial Scholarship Committee met in Wisconsin Rapids and selected two outstanding gentlemen to represent our District during the 2009 - 2010 academic year.
The recipients are Andrew Hable, sponsored by the Fort Atkinson Rotary Club and Peter Groth, sponsored by the Stoughton Rotary Club.
Andrew's plans are to attend the University of Cambridge in England and pursue a degree in engineering and international development. Peter plans to attend the American University in Cairo, Egypt and study Arabic.
District 6250 and Rotary International wishes them much success as they continue on with their educational plans.
Marsha Barwick
Ambassadorial Scholarship Chair
2009 Training Calendar Set
The training schedule for 2009 has been set. Rotary training is a well thought out program that provides training (teaching and learning) opportunities for every Rotarian in the district.
District Leadership Training, set for February 21, 2009, is provided for district committee people and for the Assistant District Governors.
PETS, President Elect Training, mandatory for incoming Club Presidents, and recommended for Club Presidents Elect, is set for March 20-21, 2009.
District Assembly, a program that is provided for club leadership and club committee chairs, is set for April 18, 2009.
All of these training sessions will be held at the Wilderness Territory in the Wisconsin Dells.
Membership Tips From the Zone Newsletter
Check out these great tips from the Zone 27/28 newsletter. Click here to view.
Club News, Events and Announcements
Do you have an upcoming Club Event or accomplishment that you would like to nnounce? Send your pre-written article to: rotarydistrict6250@morgandata.com.
Portage Rotary Makes a Huge Difference in the Lives of Area High School Students
The Portage Rotary Club has been giving out scholarships to deserving Portage High School seniors since the 1960's.
Currently they give out three scholarships - One "four-year college" scholarship for $7000; one "four-year college" scholarship for $2000 and one "two-year college" scholarship for $1000.
To date, Portage Rotary gives the most money of all the Portage community service organizations.
Members fund these scholarships through an annual raffle and poinsettia sale. To keep funding at its currentl level of $10,000, the club will have a soup supper in December with a silent and live auction with many proceeds going to scholarship.
La Crosse Area Clubs Help Break Ground for EcoPark
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Louise Arvestahl (Exchange Student from Sweden), Joey Marshall and District Governor Tom Marshall are pictured here helping break ground for zoo renovations. |
It started as an idea to raise money to renovate the small zoo in La Crosse. It has evolved into a $4.8 million EcoPark with an education center and new outdoor exhibits.
The plan by La Crosse area Rotary clubs to leave a lasting impact on the community to celebrate Rotary International’s centennial will definitely do that. The Rotary-inspired renovation of the zoo in Myrick Park quickly drew attention of others in the area.
The city’s Hixon Nature Center had outgrown its building at the entrance to the 800-acre Hixon Forest. Friends of Hixon Forest had discussed raising money to build their own new center, but asked to team up with the zoo effort to have a larger impact. The effort would strengthen city parks, providing a system stretching from the Mississippi River to the top of the bluffs, along with an entrance to the 1,100-acre La Crosse River Marsh.
The City of La Crosse, who had operated the zoo but was being forced to downscale the operation because of budge cuts, enthusiastically joined Rotarians and former nature center supporters. The city has offered a long-term contract for the new volunteer organization to take over day-to-day operations, as well as continued financial support. Fundraising for the project also includes an endowment for continued upkeep.
“When completed the community will have revitalized animal exhibits, a modern spacious nature center, and expanded environmental education programs,” notes Jim Gallagher, interim director of the EcoPark and a longtime La Crosse Downtown Rotary member. “The facilities, natural areas and programs will be greatly enjoyed by area residents and serve as an additional attraction for visitors.”
Groundbreaking for the new nature center took place Aug. 22. Local Rotarians — and District 6250 Gov. Tom Marshall — joined city officials and others involved in the project to celebrate the beginning of the project.
A Challenge From a Small Club for a Great Cause…..
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The Viroqua Area Rotary Club donates $5,000.00 to Sugar Creek Bible Camp towards the construction of a new horse barn facility. The Viroqua Area Rotary Club is proud to be a partner with Sugar Creek Bible Camp of rural Ferryville, WI in building a new horse barn facility to benefit hundreds of kids from the District 6250 communities where we live and work. The Club is putting out a challenge to other District 6250 clubs to consider helping as they did. Rotary President Ryan Reetz said: “The need is there and we felt strong enough about the benefit of the camp to our communities that we wanted to step up and help”. He further commented, “We all agreed that if a club with less than 25 members can make this impact, why not ask other Rotary Clubs to consider it also”.
Sugar Creek is a camping/retreating ministry for people of all ages. The facilities are open year around for camping and retreating opportunities. The summer camp program serves about 2,500 children in a variety of programs. There are also programs for families, senior adults, and other groups. Throughout the rest of the year the camp provides retreat programs and facilities for about 3,000 people.
There a generally about 180 children in camp each week during the summer and the horse program is always a favorite and an integral part of their camp experience. The horse program has been housed in a tobacco barn (see photo) that has served the camp well, but the barn is about 90 years old and is now in need of being replaced. The plan at this time is to replace the barn with a more appropriate and safer stable. The barn will be 36 feet by 120 feet. The camp uses about 25 horses each summer for riding or pulling wagons. A new horse stable will also allow for a new riding ring to be built where the youngest of campers can learn in a safer environment.
Dick Iverson is Sugar Creek’s Exec. Director and he’s excited about joining with Rotary to see this project happen. Dick said: “this project connects very well as we both have an interest in serving youth & families”. He further said, “One of Sugar Creek’s goals are to connect the campers as a global citizen. We usually have at least one international person on staff. This person is here to share their story with our campers of what life is like in their country & too make these personal interactions. Rotary is also a group that likes to make these international connections”.
Executive Director Iverson & Viroqua Rotary President Reetz feel this joint venture is a great connection in serving our communities. The area the camp draws from is very close to the District 6250 family of Rotary Clubs. Mr. Iverson says: “We share many of the same goals & ideals and we invite Rotary to become a part of what is offered as we join in making the horse program a better and safer one”.
Feel free to contact Ryan at ryan@thorson-reetz.net , Tom Weston at tweston64@hotmail.com , or David Jacobs at walnut@mwt.net for more on how & why the Viroqua Area Rotary Club got involved. You may also visit the camp website at www.SugarCreekBibleCamp.org to get additional information.
Lake Mills Rotary Park
In the late 1990s the Lake Mills Rotary Club began to search for a location in the Lake Mills area where land could be developed to serve the youth of the area. The Club approached the City of Lake Mills regarding such a site and the two parties agreed on a 9.4-acre area on the south side of the city. Two softball fields were developed first and then backstops, fencing and bleachers were added. While the city performed much of the work, financial assistance came from the club to more rapid ly develop the area.
Story continued below...
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The concession stand seen here is part of the Lake Mills Rotary Park that includes softball, soccer, basketball and playground facilities. |
In 2002 the Club decided that permanent restrooms were needed along with a concession stand to serve the kids and parents who used the park. A fund raising banquet was organized to begin raising the needed capital for the building. The hope was to raise about $20,000 per year and pay for the project in five years. Construction on the building was completed in 2003 thanks to a generous loan to the club from one its members to provide up-front money for the building materials. A member of the club designed the building and the undertaking was embraced by the entire membership. Every member of the club participated in the building's construction and many community members assisted as well. The loan for the building was repaid within five years.
The building was sold to the City of Lake Mills for $1 so that the building is a permanent structure maintained by the city as part of its park and recreation program. Painting and general maintenance of the building remains with the Club, however, so as not to add to the financial liability of the city.
The Rotary Park Concession Stand is open when there are scheduled youth league games in the spring (softball) and fall (soccer), and members of the club staff the stand. While the purpose of the building is to serve the needs of the young people of the area, the club does make enough money to further enhance the entire park. Several trees have been planted, benches have been placed, a tot lot playground for small children has been erected and, with the help of a District 6250 matching grant, electronic scoreboards have been added along with screening of the team benches to reduce sun exposure. The concession stand has covered area on the north and south which can be used for picnics and fami ly gatherings even during inclement weather.
Dells Interact Club Plans Next Project. Invites District to Get Involved
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Seated: Nicole Gantz, vice-president ; Kinsey Mace, school liaison Standing: Kirk Kettleson, Rotary President; Chris Gantz, project coordinator; Jozi Helland, president; and Dusty Hess, secretary/treasurer |
Last year’s international project was a joint effort with several District 6250 Rotary Clubs, bringing water to a school in Nigeria. This year’s committee will be working with Wisconsin Water for the World (WWW). WWW is a small and efficient committee of 20 working out of the Wisconsin Water Association.
Comprised of engineers, microbiologists and other volunteers, the WWW is a hands-on organization whose main objective is to provide relief to impoverished Central American communities by piping water into villages where access to water is often a 3-5 hour climb away.
Jozi Helland, president of Interact, points to three reasons, besides need, as to why they are partnering with WWW.
- Success. The time savings of not having to work 5 hours a day to get water has allowed cottage industries to evolve. An example is families are weaving more products to sell in tourist areas.
- Inclusion. WWW uses volunteers to help teach health & hygiene. The club hopes to present a candidate to join the trip.
- Feedback. WWW has pioneered live video feeds that schools in Racine and Verona are already incorporating into their curriculum. The Dells Club is getting their school district to do the same and welcomes other districts to join them
This year’s project is in Guatemala and will happen in March. WWW is available to talk to your Rotary Club. Their slide presentation is informative and quick paced. Contact Dells Rotary President, Kirk Kettleson via email for all contact information. kirk@c21affiliated.
RI News
International Leader in Polio Eradication Program to Appear in St. Paul
Dr. Robert Scott, Rotary's world leader in the fight against polio, will give an up-to-the-minute presentation on the world's battle to fight polio on November 1 in Oakdale, Minnesota. Dr. Scott's inspirational speech will do much to help all Rotarians to better understand the progress we are making in the battle with this awful disease.
The program is free of charge and District 6250 Rotarians have been extended a personal invitation to attend.
If any one is interested in attending, please contact District Governor Tom Marshall for further details.
2010 Council on Legislation
The deadline to submit legislation for the 2010 Council is December 31, 2008. Legislation must be received by Rotary International by that date in order to be du ly proposed. If you have any questions about the Council On Legislation and what they do, please contact District Governor Tom Marshall.
Financial State of RI and the Foundation
Dear Rotarians,
Given the troubling news from Wall Street and other world markets over the past several weeks, it's natural for Rotarians to be concerned about the financial state of RI and The Rotary Foundation. As a district leader in the position of responding to Rotarians locally, I urge you to reference the letter on this subject that is posted on the Rotary website at the following link:
Should there be further developments, updates will be posted on www.rotary.or g.
Best regards,
Ed Futa
General Secretary
Rotary Club IRS Reporting Requirements
Dear Club Presidents,
This is a follow-up to an earlier reminder. At the end of the 2007-2008 Rotary fiscal year, the IRS will be requiring all Rotary clubs and districts in the United States to submit either a IRS form 990 (for those clubs and districts with gross receipts of over $25,000) or an electronic version, referred to as an e-Postcard report (for those clubs and districts with gross receipts under $25,000). For reporting purposes, the deadline to submit the required information for the 2007-2008 fiscal year will be 15 November 2008. Please note that per the IRS, failure to meet the annual filing requirement for three consecutive years will result in revocation of the tax-exempt status of the club or district in question.
The IRS has requested that we remind clubs of this new filing procedure, and we are asking your assistance in doing so. Please send the attached Rotary Information Paper to all of the club presidents in your district, via any means you feel will reach them. In addition, following is a link to the paper, which also can be found on the RI website at http://www.rotary.org/RIdocuments/en_pdf/info_paper_clubs_irs.pdf.
Thank you for helping.
If you have nay questions, please let me know.
Sincerely,
Charlene
Coordinator, Club and District Support
Rotary International, Evanston, IL
Telephone: 847-866-3257
Fax: 847-556-2135
Update on Annual Giving
Foundation Reports
Each club in District 6250 has established a foundation goal and the question is how are the clubs going about the achieving those goals? Have each of the clubs done an every member enrollment? Successful clubs take the time to ask each member to make a pledge commitment to the Rotary Foundation. Fulfilling that pledge might involve a quarterly billing by the club secretary/treasurer or participating in the direct deposit transfer from the Rotarians checking account to the RI Foundation account or it might mean a monthly charge to a credit card. Successful clubs establish a process that allows their members to both make and fulfill the commitment.
Click here to view the updated Club Goals Report!
Attendance Report
New Reporting Tool for District Attendance
Check out the new reporting tool for District Attendance for 2008-2009. http://www.rotary6250.org/clubs/monthlyattendance.shtml Clubs can view each month’s attendance in a visual graph. Also Club Secretary’s can request access to update their information directly online!
A big THANK YOU goes out to District 5340 for sharing this web functionality!
Click here to submit your club's attendance report
Click here to see the full Attendance Report.
