District Governor's Message
Every Rotarian Every Year
Tom Marshall
Dear Rotarians,
We have done much to reduce child mortality in the world through our efforts to MAKE DREAMS REAL throughout the world. Obviously, this will be an ongoing process and we must continue to strive to meet our many goals that we have set forth for this Rotary year.
When I first heard about our international theme, "MAKE DREAMS REAL", and our efforts to reduce child mortality, I was very confident that District 6250 would make a significant difference. I knew that the same areas that are critical for saving children's lives---water, health and hunger and literacy--are the areas where our Rotary service excels. I also knew that we have the kind of Rotarians in this District that will move forward to create and complete a variety of projects to move ahead and someday complete that goal. Our District has done a wonderful job in our efforts to eradicate polio but we still have a great amount of work to do in other areas.
We need to emphasize the importance of "Every Rotarian, Every Year".
Somehow, I don't think that the vast majority of our Rotarians understand this program. We are asking every single Rotarian to contribute only $100 per year to this worthy cause. When you think about this, it is only 28 cents a day and I believe that we can all afford that. Our District is lagging behind in this effort and we need to have every Rotarian step up and contribute the $100 before July 1. This is so very important!!!!
Presidents, please announce this to your Clubs and encourage them to contribute----and then get the money sent into Rotary International.
Think of all of the wonderful projects that we have going on throughout the world!!! It is truly amazing!!! We need the money to support these projects so that we can continue to move forward. PLEASE PLEASE ENCOURAGE EACH OF YOUR ROTATIANS TO CONTRIBUTE A MINIMUM OF $100 TO THE "EVERY ROTARIAN, EVERY YEAR" PROGRAM!!! IT'S ABSOLUTELY CRUCIAL!!!!
Did you know an EREY Newsletter is available? Several times each year, our Rotary Foundation publishes the Every Rotarian, Every Year newsletter. This publication highlights many of the accomplishments achieved by clubs around the world. It also provides an update of our annual fund contribution totals. If you are interested in what your EREY contributions are doing you should definitely read this newsletter! A new edition has just arrived. It may be viewed at this link.
Tom
District News, Events and Announcements
District Conference is Huge Success!
During the weekend of May 1, 2 and 3, well over three hundred Rotarians and friends of Rotary gathered at the Hotel Mead in Wisconsin Rapids for the District Conference. Everyone was treated to an exceptional agenda that was full of Rotary information, dynamic and motivational speakers and inspirational messages that touched all of our lives in a very powerful way.
The topics were numerous in numbers and full of informational content that helped to make all of us even better Rotarians.
Participants were treated to several messages from Past Rotary International President, Chuck Keller. Among Chuck's many topics were polio eradication, World Peace Scholar opportunities and the current status of Rotary International. It was truly wonderful to have a past international president with us throughout the entire weekend.
Youth Exchange, once again, became a highlight of the weekend. Students from all over the world put on a talent show that was phenomenal! A packed house of over two hundred Rotarians, parents and friends thoroughly enjoyed the two hour show. It is always amazing to see the vast amount of talent that is displayed by Youth Exchange students from all corners of the world.
A Paul Harris breakfast was held on Saturday morning, where all Paul Harris recipients from this Rotary year were honored. A past Ambassadorial Scholar was the speaker and impressed all of us with her outstanding experiences that she gained from this program.
We heard from the India and Philippine inbound and outbound participants in the Group Study Exchange program. Currently both inbound teams are in the District and several Clubs are instrumental in hosting the team members. All participants are absolutely delightful and help us to create a world of understanding and peace. Our outbound teams are now back home and each experienced an absolutely wonderful time that will have a life changing impact throughout the years.
Club focus presentations helped all of understand what Rotarians throughout the District are doing to make our world a better place in which to live. Many Rotarians talked about their Club projects and gave all of us ideas that can and will make a difference.
A great deal more happened over the weekend but it is almost like you had to be there to experience the thrill of what Rotary is all about. Separate articles about other presentations appear in this newsletter.
The District Conference wrapped up with a very special Ecumenical Memorial Church service on Sunday morning. We honored well over thirty District 6250 Rotarians, who died during this Rotary year. It was extremely inspirational and gave us the opportunity to remember those who accomplished so much during their years of Rotary service.
Our District Conference gave us the opportunity to MAKE DREAMS REAL!!! It was exciting and helps us to close out this Rotary year and prepare for the next!
Rotarians Receive Awards at District Conference
What an amazing conference! I would like to share a message I received from a Rotarian about how the Awards and Recognition truly defined what it is to be a Rotarian.
He writes... "I have been a Rotarian for about 10 years. However, despite those years and my own sincere desire to want to help less fortunate persons, I did not fully connect Rotary with my personal goals until this past weekend at the District Conference. Oh sure, I recognized intellectually that many Rotarians were committed to "Service above Self", and I wrote a few checks and I volunteered for a few projects; but until this past weekend, I did not fully grasp the Rotarian message on an experiential level. Now I have, and I am very grateful for the Conference participants who, through their examples, helped put this in perspective for me. After 10 years, I finally feel initiated into Rotary!! Thank you District 6250 Rotarians!"
Several Rotarians were recognized at the 2009 District Conference with awards for their service. Please help us thank and congratulate these Rotarians!
Enrique "Kiko" Gandara - Rotary International Service Above Self Award
Enrique "Kiko" Gandara, Rotary Club of Madison West Towne - Middleton, received the prestigious "Service Above Self Award" on Saturday night.
Past Rotary International President, Chuck Keller, presented the award.
The importance of Service Above Self has long been recognized by Rotarians who understand the power and reward of helping their friends and neighbors in need.
In 1991, the RI Board of Directors created the "RI Service Above Self Award", to recognize those Rotarians who truly embody Rotary's principal motto. While many rotarians distinguish themselves through service, it is important to recognize those outstanding few who have indeed made service a way of life.
While there were a large number of candidates for this award, only a maximum of 150 Rotarians, throughout the world, may receive the RI Service Above Self Award each year.
International President, D.K. Lee wrote, "I am proud of the work you have done and honored to have you as my fellow Rotarian. Thank you for continuing to MAKE DREAMS REAL in your community and in the world."
Randy Sproule - Regional Service Award for a Polio Free World
Randy Sproule, Rotary Club of Madison South, has been awarded the Regional Service Award for a Polio-Free World for 2008 - 2009 in recognition of his non-financial contribution to polio eradication throughout the region.
Past Rotary International President, Chuck Keller presented the award on Saturday night.
The award was established by the Trustees of the Rotary Foundation in order to recognize outstanding contributions to the effort by Rotarians.
Active personal service is required by the recipient of this award. Financial contributions, however noteworthy, are not a basis for this award. Only ten awards per region, set up by the World Health Organization, are given annually.
Randy is to be commended for his outstanding work with the polio eradication program in District 6250 as well as throughout the world.
Rob Stroud - Rotary International Meritorious Service Award
In an organization that treasures "Service Above Self," there are a great many people who are deserving of recognition. On Saturday night, Rob Stroud, Rotary Club of Madison, received the International Meritorious Service Award from Past Rotary International President, Chuck Keller.
Rob's outstanding work with the District's Group Study Exchange program for the past 22 years, qualified him for this prestigious honor. The Citation For Meritorious Service Award is provided to only one Rotarian in each District for exemplary and significant service to the Rotary Foundation.
A spokesman for The Rotary Foundation said, "Rotary's objective through our Foundation--of world understanding and peace--can only be advanced, by the unselfish and unlimited participation of Rotarians like Rob Stroud!!"
Rotarians Remembered
After the District Conference, on Sunday May 3, 2009, an Ecumenical Memorial Service was held to honor & remember the Rotarians who had died during our Rotary year. Those attending experienced a beautiful, moving, memorial service of remembrance, for our Fellow Rotarians who have passed on.
If you know of any Rotarians who have passed on between May 3rd & the end of our Rotary year, July 1st, please notify our Rotary Administrative Office - Morgan Data.
Thank you!
Joey Marshall
District Conference Raises Money for Polio Eradication
One of the focal points of the District Conference was to raise money to support Rotary's continuing efforts to eradicate polio. As a result of personal donations and the proceeds of the silent auction, the flower picture sale, the River Cities Jazz Band CD sales, the jewelry and book sales and the advanced registration for next year's conference, Rotarians raised more than $18,500 over the Conference weekend for polio eradication. That total was augmented by a $10,000 contribution from the District and an extraordinarily generous personal contribution of $10,000 from Madison South Rotarian Rob Gooze. As a result of the Gates Foundation Challenge, the $38,500 in contributions from the Conference will be leveraged into more than $103,000 for use in the fight to eradicate polio. What a fabulous weekend in so many ways!!!!
Group Study Exchange - Japan and Uruguay
During the 2009 - 2010 Rotary year, we will once again be having two Group Study Exchange Teams going to two different countries. Our first exchange will be with Japan and the departure date has been set for October 16th. The team will return home on November 12th.
We are currently looking for four team members and a team leader. Team members must not be Rotarians and be between the ages of 25 and 40. They must live or be employed in our Rotary District. They also cannot be in any way related to a Rotarian. There are no other requirements. The team leader must be a Rotarian and there are no age restrictions.
Interviews for the team leader will be happening in the very near future and any Rotarian in our District is eligible to apply. The application for team leader or to be a team member may be obtained by going to the RI website at Rotary.org
The second Group Study Exchange will be in 2010. This exchange will be with the country of Uruguay. This will be an agri-science team so all team members must be employed in some agriculture related career. More details about this exchange will be forth coming.
If you are or know of anyone who may be interested in either of these exchanges, please contact Tom Marshall AND Rob Stroud at the email addresses listed below. Obviously, we are most interested in moving quickly for the Japan exchange.
Rob Stroud - rstroud@stroudlaw.com
Tom Marshall - Tom@webmonger.net
Paul Harris Honors Bestowed at District Conference
Several Paul Harris honors were given out on Saturday night by District Governor, Tom Marshall. Each Rotarian was commended for their outstanding service to the District for the past several years. The recipients were:
George Hopkins, Rotary Club of Viroqua - for his contribution of many hours of service working on the District Incorporation document.
Darla Leick, Rotary Club of Marshfield Sunrise, for her outstanding service as District Trainer and for her leadership in the District during the past several years.
Sandee Macht, Rotary Club of Jefferson, for her years of outstanding service in the Rotary Foundation area.
Also receiving Paul Harris honors were members of the District Conference Planning Committee which included the following Rotarians:
Rotary Club of Wisconsin Rapids -
Phil Brown, Pam Ross, Kristin Duckart, Joy Berg, Sheila Winsor, Bruce Rokke, Sue Budjac, Ron McCabe, Richard Kenney, John Steele, AJ Frels, Linda Buchs-Hammonds and Mitch Biba.
Rotary Club of Wisconsin Rapids Sunrise -
Sue Siewert, Joey Marshall and Dave Mueller
Youth Exchange Talent Show a Success Thanks to Four Special People
The Rotary Youth Exchange Talent Show at District Conference was a huge success. Well over 200 people were in attendance and talent from all over the world was on the stage.
We would be remiss if we did not recognize the efforts of four extremely energetic women! Madison West Towne - Middleton Rotarians, Toni Pabon and Marie Udulutch and Michelle Sturz, who is not a Rotarian, (We need to work on that!) contributed numerous hours and vast amounts of energy in presenting this outstanding performance. Mary Feldt, also of Madison West Towne - Middleton and Toni Pabon originated the terrific idea to have a talent show at the District Conference.
Hats off to these wonderful ladies for their time, energy and leadership!!
Thank you very much!
Rotary Membership Tips - Membership That Will "Knock Your Socks Off"
District 6260 prepares for a "Knock Your Socks Off" year!
Click here to read these great membership tips!
Kids Against Hunger Celebrates Anniversary
District Governor's Comments: The "Kids Against Hunger" project has been sponsored by four Rock County Rotary Clubs--Janesville Morning and Noon, Edgerton and Beloit and was highlighted at the District Conference. For more information or if you are interested in becoming involved with this project, contact John.Wong@micorp.com or Dave Warren at dave@davesace.com
We are extremely pleased to announce "Happy 1st Anniversary" to Kids Against Hunger - Rock County Rotary, Inc. The great success we've experienced over the last 12 months has only been possible because of people like you. Thank you for all your support.
I have attached our Spring newsletter which highlights the successes from the first quarter of the year. The growth of KAH-RCR is constant, but I will highlight a few additional items not included within our newsletter:
Packaging Events: We continue to have 4-5 packaging events each month. We are so thankful for all of you who have scheduled events and encourage you to schedule more in the future. In the last year we have seen over 30 different groups participate in packaging, including various service clubs (Boy/Girl Scouts, churches, companies, schools, etc.) Gary Bersell had done an awesome job of coordinating the schedule. Call him to line up your next event.
Distribution Channels: In the last year we have packaged and shipped over 150,000 meals. Around 60% of those meals have been distributed locally through the tireless efforts of the various food pantries, including ECHO, AWARE, Caritas, Milton Food Pantry, Edgerton Outreach, Salvation Army and Central Christian Church. The remaining 40% has been distributed to help flood victims in Cedar Rapids, IA and many hungry people in third world countries. We have been fortunate to discover direct channels to distribute food to Cameroon and Uganda Africa and most recently Haiti, without government intervention.
Marketing: Thanks to our marketing guru, Dave Warren, our newsletters have been professional and consistent. This has proven to be our primary source of marketing and will continue quarterly. We have also received a great amount of media attention in the various markets throughout Rock County over the past year; keep an eye out for more in the future. Click here to view a recent edition.
Also, take a moment to visit our website at, www.rotarykidsagainsthunger.com.
Karl Dommerhausen had done a great job of keeping our website fresh and continues to improve its appearance.
Donations: A big "THANK YOU" for everyone who has donated money to KAH-RCR over the last year. We have received over $15,000 in cash donations and hope all of you consider additional tax deductible gifts to our organization in the future. We have also received several grants and continue to apply for more. Without your donations our operation could not continue.
We hope you all find this information useful and thank you for helping to make KAH-RCR a successful food relief program.
John C. Wong, President
Kids Against Hunger - Rock County Rotary, Inc.
Nominations for District Governor Nominee Reopened
Due to the resignation of District Governor Nominee, Jim Crubaugh, the District Nominating Committee will follow the procedure outlined in the International Manual of Procedure. We are asking Clubs throughout the District to nominate a Rotarian to fill that position. The candidate who is selected will serve as Governor Nominee until July 1st, 2009 and then will become Governor Elect for District 6250. He/She will serve in that position during the 2009 - 2010 Rotary year. On July 1, 2010, the chosen person will become our District Governor.
There are many responsibilities including a variety of meetings that are mandated. Questions regarding the role and responsibilities may be directed to me.
Please consider nominating a candidate for this very important position in our District. The deadline for nominations will be June 5th, 2009.
Nominations should be sent directly to Hal Keitel, Chairman of the Nomination Committee and Tom Marshall, District Governor. It is not necessary for you to qualify the candidate or even ask if he/she is interested, as the committee will take care those responsibilities.
District Governor Nomination Form
Here is the contact information:
Hal Keitel |
Tom Marshall |
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.
Philippine GSE Musicians Visit the Chippewa Valley
From go-carts at Action City to a tour of the Leinie Lodge, five visitors from the Philippines will get a taste of the Chippewa Valley and beyond during the next month. 
The five are participating in the Group Study Exchange program of the Rotary Foundation, an arm of Rotary International, an international service organization with more than 1.2 million members, including two clubs in Eau Claire, two in Menomonie and one in Chippewa Falls.
Click here to view the complete article courtesy of the Leader-Telegram.
The 10 Minute Club Energizer for May
Rotary International historically has designated June as “Rotary Fellowship Month” and encourages clubs to increase interest and membership in one of the dozens of Rotary Fellowships and celebrate the ideal of service through common hobbies and professions.
“How can a club relate membership recruitment and retention efforts to ROTARY FELLOWSHIPS? Click here to read some great ideas that might help.
Fourteen Clubs Recognized with Presidential Citations
Fourteen Clubs were recognized at the 2009 District Conference for their outstanding work during the 2008-2009 Rotary Year and received Presidential Citations. The criteria for the award were as follows:
1) Introduce a local or international service project that reduces child mortality.
2) Achieve a net increase of one member by March 31, 2009.
3) Complete one activity from the following areas: Membership - Club Service - Vocational Service - Community Service - International Service
The fourteen Club recipients are:
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Rotary Club of Baraboo
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Rotary Club of Edgerton
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Rotary Club of Holman
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Rotary Club of Horicon
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Rotary Club of La Crosse
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Rotary Club of La Crosse North
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Rotary Club of Madison
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Rotary Club of Madison East - Monona
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Rotary Club of Madison West Towne - Middleton
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Rotary Club of Marshfield
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Rotary Club of Reedsburg-Western Sauk County
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Rotary Club of Richland County
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Rotary Club of Waunakee
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Rotary Club of Wisconsin Rapids
CONGRATULATION TO ALL OF THE CLUBS!!!!
Fort Atkinson Rotarian Receives Community Service Award
Steve Zimmerman, member of the Rotary Club of Fort Atkinson, was recently honored by the Lions Club of Fort Atkinson, when he received the Distinguished Community Service Award.
The honor is given to an individual who has been involved with the betterment of the Fort Atkinson area through community service. The recipient is recognized for services provided outside of one's job, or at the very least, above and beyond the normal requirements of one's job, and are for community service to the local community and not for awards received on a state or national level.
Zimmerman has been involved in a variety of community services which includes volunteerism in the school system, board member of the Jefferson County Crime Stoppers and a charter member of the Advisory Board of the Fort Atkinson Boys and Girls Club. Additionally, he is very involved with the Fort Atkinson American Cancer Society.
In the Rotary world, Zimmerman has held every office in the Fort Atkinson Rotary Club and has been responsible for the Rotary Youth Exchange summer/short term program. He was instrumental in coordinating six Rotary Districts in the midwest, that were involved in the Exchange program.
Steve Zimmerman certainly exemplifies the Rotary motto of "Service Above Self!" Congratulations Steve!!
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
Member Access to RI Website
Do you have questions about what you can find on the Rotary International website and how you go about getting access. Check out this fact sheet with Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about the RI site.
Update on Annual Giving
Paul Harris Fellowship Changes Effective July 1, 2009
At its April, 2009 meeting, the Rotary Foundation Board of Trustees made the following decisions that will impact Paul Harris Fellowship recipients. These include:
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Foundation Recognition Points (FRPs) may only be transferred for transactions of 100 points or more;
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Individual Foundation Recognition Points will expire upon death of the donor or the death of the surviving spouse of a Major Donor (US$10,000+);
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The individual donor will be the only person authorized to transfer Foundation Recognition Points. If it is a club account and then only the Club President may authorize the transfer of points; if it is a district account then the district governor may authorize the transfer of points;
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Paul Harris Fellow Medallions will be available for purchase from Rotary’s Distribution Center or International Office at a cost of US$15 each (includes shipping). PHF certificates and PHF lapel pins will still be provided gratis by The Rotary Foundation.
Since the subject of Foundation Recognition Points is oftentimes difficult to understand, a fact sheet has been created. It may be viewed here. For additional information, please contact David Warren, Annual Programs Chair at dave@davesace.com.
Significant Changes Made to Foundation Grants
At an April meeting of The Rotary Foundation, significant changes were made to level of Rotary Foundation grants available in the 2009-2010 Rotary year. All Rotarians are urged to review carefully the follow newsletters and items regarding The Rotary Foundation. More information can be accessed at rotary.org. Items of particular note for our District 6250 include:
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The Rotary Foundation Matching Grant budget has been reduced to $9.5 million and is expected to be allocated by September 2009
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Volunteer Service Grants and Cultural Scholarships have been eliminated.
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3-H Grants have been reduced to the alliance projects with USAID in three countries.
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Starting in 2010-11 Rotary Year, GSE partner Districts will spread exchanges over two years.
Because of these changes, any clubs who submitted matching grant applications in the last half of this year or who anticipate submitting grant application after July 1, 2009 should investigate the impact of these changes on your specific grants. Any new matching grant applications can be moved through our district processes as soon as possible and should be ready for submission to The Rotary Foundation as soon after July 1, 2009 as possible. Funding for international matching grant projects may have to be adjusted to secure funding.
District Simplified Grants will not be affected by these changes.
These Zone Foundation newsletters give further explanations.
- Zone 27 The Rotary Foundation Update
- Zone 27 The Rotary Foundation Newsletter
If you have questions, contact Sandee Maacht, District 6250 Grants Sub Committee Chair or Hal Keitel, District Foundation Chair.
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.
