District Governor's Message
February is World Understanding Month
Tom Marshall
Dear Rotarians,
The month of February is World Understanding Month for Rotarians throughout the planet. Even though we do this throughout the Rotary year, it is a time for us to emphasize the importance of focusing on goodwill and understanding in the world. It is a time to not only think about polio eradication but also about the numerous projects that Rotarians have worked on for many years.
As you know, the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation has once again stepped up to the plate and has donated an additional $255 million dollars to Rotary to assist in our ongoing efforts to eradicate the horrible disease of polio. This contribution will, without doubt, do much to make our world polio-free.
The World Health Organization has said that they will continue to partner with us and will place their full operational power into the job of finishing polio eradication. This is the same power that eradicated smallpox. This is the power that stopped SARS, the first new severe disease of the 21st. century, dead in its tracks within four months.
The Gates Foundation grant represent a tremendous validation of the approach and success of our PolioPlus program. Funds from the grant will be distributed by the Rotary Foundation to the most critical polio-affected countries-- Nigeria, India, Pakistan and Afghanistan--through grants to the World Health Organization and UNICEF in direct support of polio immunization activities.
Without question, this wonderful and extremely generous grant from the Gates Foundation, creates additional work and responsibilities for Rotarians throughout the world. We must continue to raise money through a variety of projects in our communities for the next several years. I know that we can do it and I am beginning to feel the excitement of a polio free world!!
Tom
Click Here to View District Governor Tom Marshall's Club Visit Schedule
Save the Date! 2009 District Conference, May 1-3, 2009, Hotel Mead, Wisconsin Rapids.
Make your Hotel Reservations Now! Call 1-800-843-6323 and mention Rotary.
District News, Events and Announcements
2009 Training Calendar Set - Registration Open for President Elect Training
District Governor Elect Dean Dickinson has announced the following training dates for District 6250 leadership:
District Leadership Training is set for February 21, 2009. This training session is for all District Committee Chairs and all Assistant District Governors who will begin their term of service beginning 1 July 2010. Click here to learn more or register for District Leadership Training
PETS, President Elect Training, is set for March 20-21, 2009. PETS training is required for all club presidents elect and is intended to prepare incoming presidents to lead their clubs in 2009-2010. Click here to learn more or register for President Elect Training.
District Assembly is set for April 18, 2009. Club Presidents Elect and their club leadership gather for training sessions intended to assist them in effective club leadership. This year special training modules have been prepared for club secretaries and treasurers. These sessions will be presented by outstanding administrators from within the district. IT IS RECOMMENDED THAT ALL CLUB SECRETARIES AND REASURERS PLAN ON BEING IN ATTENDANCE.
All of the training sessions will be conducted at the Glacier Canyon Convention Center and Lodge at the Wilderness Territory located in the Wisconsin Dells. Registration information will be provided next month in the district web-site.
Please make your plans to attend these sessions as we strive to assist our clubs in achieving their Rotary goals.
Dean Dickinson
District Governor Elect
What is the Paul Harris Fellowship?
Most every Rotarian knows who Paul Harris was. Most also are aware of the very special recognition that bears his name, the Paul Harris Fellowship (PHF). What many Rotarians may not fully understand is…. What exactly is a PHF?
Originally conceived by the Rotary International Foundation in 1957, the PHF was created as away to encourage very generous single donations in the amount of $1,000 or more. Obviously a very large amount of money then, many individuals and clubs began pooling funds to reach $1,000, then selecting a single individual to be recognized. Oftentimes this recognition was used a form of “club service” award.
Since the introduction of “sustaining membership” in 1968, more modest individual contributions over time were allowed to accumulate and also receive PHF recognition. Regrettably, by that time, many Rotarians had already forgotten the original intent of the PHF…. To encourage a very generous contribution of $1,000 or more to the Rotary International Foundation.
Make no mistake. Any PHF received or bestowed is the result of a generous contribution to our Foundation. They are never an award that is given for free at the discretion of any club or individual. Now more than ever, regular contributions are needed to enable Rotarians to advance world understanding, goodwill and peace through the improvement of health, the support of education and the alleviation of poverty. Until Polio is just a memory, until children stop dying of starvation, until all people has access to fresh drinking water, until every child has the opportunity to receive an education, there is no legitimate reason to cease support our Foundation after one PHF is received. Make the EREY (Every Rotarian, Ever Year) commitment to give something every year.
To see a list of individuals, since July 1, 2008, who have been recognized as new Paul Harris Fellows or reached a new level of Multi-Paul Harris Fellowship in District 6250, please follow this link for the report . These individuals deserve the thanks and respect of Rotarians everywhere. Please look for updated lists of new District 6250 Paul Harris Fellows in future newsletters.
District Speech Contest Applications Available
Your hometown high school student could win a $750 or $1250 scholarship!
District Governor Tom Marshall, along with the District Speech Contest Committee, invites your club to participate in the 12th annual Rotary District 6250 Speech Contest! Please contact your members who are connected with the local high school(s) staff to share this opportunity with High School students.
Don't Miss the 2009 District Conference!
Don't miss the 2009 District 6250 Conference May 1-3,2009 in Wisconsin Rapids!
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Dick Bennett |
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Past International President Chuck Keller |
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GSE Philippines Talent Show Team |
The District 6250 Rotary Conference is pleased to announce that Dick Bennett will be one of the keynote speakers on Friday, May 1st at the Hotel Mead in Wisconsin Rapids. Bennett, as all basketball enthusiasts know, was one of the premier coaches for many years in the state of Wisconsin. His career included coaching at Eau Claire Memorial, UW - Stevens Point, UW - Green Bay and the University of Wisconsin. One of his Badger teams made it to the Final Four. Dick will talk about dedication, commitment, enthusiasm and responsibility as he relates basketball to the world of Rotary.
Our District is also very fortunate to have Past International President, Chuck Keller, as our International Representative. It is very seldom that any District in the entire world has this honor and we have been chosen as one of the select few.
Past International President Keller is known for his involvement with the PolioPlus program when it was initiated back in the mid 1980's. He promised the kids of the world that someday, we will be polio free. As you know, we are approaching that milestone.
Past President Keller is a clever and knowledgeable speaker and will be absolutely delightful in sharing his involvement in Rotary during the past many years.
The conference will feature several club presentations, Miss Wisconsin and Friday night's talent show which includes the GSE Philippines Team!
PLAN TO ATTEND!!!!!!! May 1, 2 and 3 at the Hotel Mead in Wisconsin Rapids-------1 800 843 6323 for Hotel reservations-----$75 per night!!
Help Change Lives and Create Leaders
Rotary has been involved with youth exchange for a long time. Prior to 1972, any exchange program was district to district. In 1972, eight District Governors from the Great Lakes area met and formed what is now Central States Rotary Youth Exchange. It is now made of up 17 districts.
Bob Shoemaker was one of the founding leaders of Central States and led the organization for twelve years. In his honor a scholarship was created to help students have a life-changing experience.
As we all know the stock market has struggled this year. This has impacted the amount of money available in this scholarship. We are asking you to please consider making a contribution to the Shoemaker Scholarship Fund to help continue this great tradition.
Please send any contributions to Dan Milligan, treasurer of Central States Rotary Youth Exchange, 2912 Arlington Drive, Springfield, IL 62704
Thanks for helping Make Dreams Real!
Judy Levine
District 6250 Youth Exchange District Chair and Information Coordinator
In Memory of Past District Governor Bill Uminski
Past District Governor Bill Uminski passed away on February 2, 2009. Bill was Governor during the 1991 - 1992 Rotary year. He was a member of the Rotary Club of Madison West. Bill is well remembered for his Rotary work in gathering over a million dollars of used medical equipment, donated by Meriter Hospital in Madison and giving it to Janov Lubelski Hospital in Poland. He made many trips to Poland to re-establish Rotary Clubs throughout the country.
He is survived by his wife, Phyllis, of Middleton and four children.
Bill will be missed by all of us in the Rotary world.
Rotary Membership Tips From the Zone 27 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.
Group Study Exchange Team Returns from India
Here is a final excerpt from the journal of Team Leader Roth Judd.
Just returned late this morning along with Gail, Mac, and Som. As planned, we left Michelle in Delhi; she expects to reach La Crosse on Thursday.
All the team is healthy and happy. All had a grand experience!!!!
The Rotarians of 3131 made a way above the call of duty effort of treating us with the greatest care and hospitality. Visits were exceptional. Life-long friendships were forged.
You can be proud of the team. On multiple occasions, every member of the team stepped up to do something extraordinary, as when: [1] the team, on 2 minutes notice, improvised a skit and a song for a Rotary Club that lacked a projector for the team' more standard presentation; [2] Mac delivered a 4 minute presentation in Marathi at the District Conference and then, without warning, was called to the microphone by the District Governor to serenade the District Conference a cappella; [3] the team during the first week, sang impromptu, at a large private party.
This is a talented group that charmed the hosts and represented themselves and 6250 well.
I am glad to be associated with each of them.
Rob, 6250 will need to design an extraordinary program for 3131's team to rise to the high standard that 3131 has set for thoughtfulness and thoroughness. Please count me in, if I can contribute to the design and execution of the program. Gail, Mac, Michelle, and Som will welcome an opportunity to suggest idea's for entertaining our friends from India and to renew acquaintance with 3131's team. We have met and like very much the team that 3131 is sending to us in April-May.
Finally, thanks your doggedness in making this a "go". The team that was quickly assembled and that was still sewing Rotary patches on blazers enroute to Pune may be the best GSE team that 6250 has sent anywhere.
Thanks and all the best,
Roth
Reedsburg Rotary Project - Raising Dollars for Polio Plus
During a week in November, 2008, the Reedsburg Western Sauk County Rotary Club partnered with their local medical community to raise money for polio eradication. The project was held in honor of Medical Surgery Nurse's Week. The theme for the project was "3-P's for Polio Plus Project".
During that week, there was a display at the hospital about the Polio Eradication Project. There were a variety of "P" days where money was raised:
P=Popcorn Day ( Bags of popcorn were sold for $1.00 )
P=Pie Day (A variety of slices of pie were sold for $2.00 a slice)
P=Peanut, Pretzel and Pumpkin Day (Snack mixes were sold for $1.00)
P=Pocket change was collected during the week
All funds were donated to the Reedsburg Rotary Club and the funds were sent to Rotary International where they were matched by the Gates Foundation.
What a great opportunity to help finish the job of completely eradicating polio in this world!!!
National Nurses Week is in May of each year. This year, we are going to encourage every Rotary Club to partner with their local medical facilities in an effort to raise money for polio eradication. Please consider this for your community and stay tuned for additional information in the next Newsletter. What a wonderful project!!!!
Reedsburg Rotary Receives Flood Grant Funds from District
The Reedsburg Rotary Club received $500 in Flood Relief funds from District 6250. The Reedsburg club then distributed the funds to the community.
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| City Administrator John Dougherty was presented a check for $250 by Club President Tom Seamonson for repairs made to the local Rotary Bridge. | Rock Springs Librarian Mrs. Lemoine was presented a check for $250 by Rotarian Ann Seamonson. |
Club Award Deadlines - Significant Achievement and Presidential Citation Award Nominations Due March 10
Significant Achievement Award
This award recognizes outstanding Club service projects. To be eligible, projects must:
-address a significant problem or need in the local community ---involve most or all of the Club members in personal rather than monetary service
-be commensurate with the Club's size and resources
-be capable of emulation by other Rotary Clubs ---be currently active or reach a conclusion during the Rotary year for which the award is given
-be carried out by a single Rotary Club
Only one Club from our District can be nominated. Applications must be submitted to the District Governor on or before March 10th.
Club Presidential Citation Award
Club Presidents and Secretaries are reminded of the deadline date for the prestigious PRESIDENTIAL CITATION AWARD. Each President was sent a copy of the application and a brochure that explains the details for qualifying for the award. Applications must be returned to Tom Marshall at 541 Witter Street, Wisconsin Rapids before March 10th. Please be certain that your Club is one of the recipients.
How to Keep New Members Engaged Part II
A few words from the District Governor's Wife...
In the last District Newsletter, I shared the importance of having an active membership committee and an active mentoring committee. Also, I discussed the importance of being a friend to a new Rotarian, rather than just being friendly.
In this month's newsletter, I am sharing exciting, enjoyable and inexpensive ways for new Rotarians to quickly integrate and establish friendships and even bond with current Rotarians.
First, if you do not already have a weekly Rotarian newsletter (either hardcopy or online), please try to establish one, because it is an excellent way to communicate with all of your members! For those Clubs that currently have a newsletter, allow enough space to feature the new Rotarians. Make room for a current picture, a brief bio ( written by the new Rotarian or obtained from an interview). In the bio, have the new Rotarians discribe their occupations, their family life and other interests.
Of course, after the new Rotarian's induction, the sponsoring Rotarian should encourage the new Rotarians to share a little about themselves and their goals and reasons for joining Rotary.
The bios and pictures could then be made into a booklet or a looseleaf Rotary binder beginning with the existing Rotarians bios and pictures and then adding the new Rotarians as they join the Club. This book or binder should be displayed every week near the name badges.
For smaller Clubs, here is another suggestion. One Club that we visited on our travels throughout the District,, taped two foam boards together, like a gigantic book. They had their members current photos with their names and a brief description under each photo attached to the boards.
The boards were placed behind the badge box so that everyone could easily match names with faces. They also highlighted the new Rotarians on the boards so everyone could make them feel welcome.
New Rotarians should also have their name badge highlighted or have a bright ribbon atttached to it so that they can again, be identified as a new Rotarian in your Club and welcomed into the family of Rotary.
It's all about letting the new Rotarians know how valuable they are to your Club and to the wonderful world of Rotary!!
Joey Marshall
District Governor's wife and "The First Lady"
Kids Against Hunger - Rock County Rotary Sends More to Flood Victims
Kids Against Hunger – Rock County Rotary, Inc., a joint project of the Beloit, Edgerton, Janesville Morning and Janesville Noon clubs recently sent five pallets of prepackaged meals to benefit flood-affected families in Cedar Rapids, IA. When combined with an earlier shipment, this amounts to over 42,000 chicken flavored rice casseroles the non-profit corporation has already provided. Transportation of the food from Janesville, WI to Cedar Rapids was provided free of charge, both times, by Alliant Energy.
The collaborative effort between the Rock County Clubs and the Cedar Rapids West Rotary Club began shortly after the devastating June floods when President-Elect, Chris Lindell attended a Rotary meeting in Beloit. According to Lindell, “even many months after the floods, groups like the Salvation Army are still providing meals and other relief to flood-affected people”.
Operating as an entirely volunteer organization, Kids Against Hunger – Rock County Rotary, Inc. brings community members (often children) together to package the highly nutritious meals which are provided free of charge to hungry people locally, nationally and internationally. Since beginning its operation in May of 2008, the group has produced over 100,000 meals and has plans to package over 250,000 in 2009. Donations have also benefited people in Uganda, Cameroon, Nigeria and most all the food relief organizations in the Rock County area.
Kids Against Hunger – Rock County Rotary, Inc. will be hosting a packaging event on Saturday, May 2 in conjunction with the District 6250 Conference. Rotarians, spouses and children will have the opportunity to join forces to help package meals which will then be donated to local food pantries in the Wisconsin Rapids area. For additional information or to read the group’s current newsletter, please visit www.rotarykidsagainsthunger.com .
See What is Happening with the La Crescent Club
Click here to view the latest news from the La Crescent, MN Rotary Club!
RI News
Ambassadorial Scholarship Applications Available
Dear Club Presidents,
Your club has a unique opportunity to support a graduate student abroad through RI’s Ambassadorial Scholar program. Applicants are reviewed, selected and funded by the District . All you have to do is encourage students to submit application information prior to August 1, 2009, to study in 2010-2011.
The Foundation of Rotary International sponsors one of the largest international scholarship programs in the world. Scholars study in a different country, where they serve as unofficial ambassadors of goodwill. Since 1947, more than 47,000 scholars from 110 countries have received scholarships of more than $476 million through The Rotary Foundation.
The purpose of the Ambassadorial Scholarships program is to further international understanding and friendly relations among people of different countries and geographical areas. The program sponsors several types of scholarships for undergraduate and graduate students as well as for qualified professionals pursuing vocational studies. While abroad, scholars serve as goodwill ambassadors to the host country and give presentations about their homelands to Rotary clubs and other groups. Upon returning home, scholars share with Rotarians and others the experiences that led to a greater understanding of their host country.
July-August 2009
Applicants should complete the 2010-11 application available on the RI website, carefully researching possible institutions of study. There is no need to apply for or take language tests at this time. Applications must be submitted to local Rotary clubs by August 1, 2009. Applications should be submitted to Marsha Barwick by August 7, 2009.
Downloadable Form: http://www.rotary.org/RIdocuments/en_pdf/139en.pdf
August/September 2009
A selection committee comprised of individuals throughout District 6250 will review applications, interview applicants and select award representatives. Clubs and individuals will be notified.
February 2010
All 2010-11 scholarship recipients will receive a packet of information from the Foundation. This material outlines the steps they’re required to complete in preparation for their term.
Please share this information with your Rotarians help us appoint outstanding candidates to represent District 6250 abroad. Please refer questions and applicants to me. Thank you for your consideration and assistance.
Yours in Rotary,
Marsha Barwick
District 6250 Ambassadorial Scholar Chair
1226 W. Jefferson Street , Marshfield , WI 54449
Day Phone: 715.389.3430, Fax: 715.387.9080
Update on Annual Giving
The Rotary Foundation is Changing! See the Zone 27 Foundation Report.
The Rotary Foundation is changing! Click here to read the Zone 27 newsletter to track our district’s results compared to other districts in our Zone. Also, more new information is being distributed about The Rotary Foundation Future Vision Plan. See how this will impact our grants and work through The Rotary Foundation.
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.
