Rotary is the best way to have a positive impact on our communities. The work of District 5500 Rotary Clubs is changing communities forever. Every club in our District has completed at least on e project, most have completed multiple projects. Visiting Rotary Clubs this spring has confirmed the impact of all you do: building playgrounds, serving veterans and military families, assisting the homeless, improving libraries, supporting school and community literacy programs, planting trees (thank you RIP Ian Riseley), improving access to quality health services, and so much more. The list is endless! Thank you, Rotarians, for investing in our future. Thank you for doing good in our communities, both locally and globally. What an organization! What a District!
New opportunities to serve your fellow Rotarians abound. Have you ever considered tossing your hat in the ring to become District Governor? What a great way to serve our District and our member clubs! Watch the District website later this month for information about the process and how YOU may become the District Governor for the 2021-2022 Rotary year, Think the idea is outlandish? I did, too, just a few years ago.
Yours in Fellowship and Service,
District 5500 DG 2017-2018
Rotary District 5500 Four-Way Test Speech Contest
The Rotary International District 5500 Four-Way Test Speech Contest was held on Saturday, April 14. Rico, Nogales, Pantano, Valle Verde, Miami-Copper Cities and Rotary Club of Tucson participated. High school students had the chance to win $1,000 by answering the following question: “How Would the Application of the Rotary Four-Way Test Make a Difference in our Global Community?”
Each student developed a 5-7 minute memorized speech for presentation. The competition was fierce, but the winners were:
1st place: Elisa Magallanes: Valle Verde Rotary $1,000
2nd place: Delanie Rendon: Rio Rico Rotary $500.00
Debra Haddock
District 5500 Four-Way Test Speech Contest Chair
Club Membership
Club membership has been a top priority in our District for the last four years. It was a topic of discussion in my meetings with clubs across the District. It has also been the topic of several monthly newsletter columns. It remains District 5500’s greatest area of need with a current loss of more than 30 members this year. Rather than focus on the problem, I want to issue a challenge – with an opportunity for reward.
A New Opportunity: Every Rotary Club that finishes the year on June 30 with a net increase of at least four members will receive an award of one new Paul Harris Fellow per club. That PHF can be awarded in any manner the club chooses: raffle, personal recognition, auction, etc. A challenge – yes! Impossible – no! This is a great opportunity to grow our clubs, increase the number of Rotarians doing good work in communities, and earn a PHF. Wouldn’t it be great if 15-20 clubs qualified for this recognition program? You can make it happen! Together, we can stem the loss of members.
District Governor 2017-2018
Installation of District Governor Kirk:
Take Me Out to the Ballgame!
”Take Me Out to the Ball Game . . . or Wherever It’s Fun for You.”
Rotarians, family members, and guests are invited to “dress for fun”-- wearing whatever represents fun for us: sports team gear, hiking clothes, country and western garb, cycling jerseys, formalwear (if you enjoy that!), anything at all that expresses something we enjoy.
NOTE: The 2018-19 Rotary Governors from all over the world had an event like this in January and found that they got to know each other in new and memorable ways.
You’ll be able to sign up in May on our district website. The cost for a fine dining (and fun) experience will be $40. Stay tuned!
First Year: Pantano Rotary Club Mixer
For All Rotary Club Members and Family!
Pantano Rotary Club Foundation presents a Rotarian mixer for Rotary families and friends at the Girl Scouts of America Hacienda Program Center. Located at 3101 N. Sabino Canyon Road in Tucson, the event runs from 11:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday, 12 May.
There will be lunch, beverages, music by Shakefoot, line dancing, poolside fun, clown, and face painting, reading for the kids and an online raffle. Tickets are $20 per adult and $5 for children under 5. Wine and craft beer will be available for $4.00.
Pantano Rotary Helps with Picnic for Tucson Foster Kids
Tucson has a large number of foster children often living separated from their siblings all year long. Twelve years ago, a Juvenile Court judge decided to bring them together for one day in October for a picnic so the children and their siblings can enjoy fun and games together. Many who work for the foster care system volunteer their time on a Saturday to transport the kids to a local park for the picnic. For the last three years, Pantano Rotary members have volunteered to help the children enjoy face painting, hair braiding, etc., and lunch at the picnic.
One of our members, Linda Rumack, and her husband Gary are professional photographers and set up a background complete with scarecrows and pumpkins. When the children first arrive and are all together, they have their portrait taken as a family group and then they are ushered to the playground. When the children leave that afternoon, they go home with a beautiful portrait of them and their siblings as a cherished memento. Pantano Rotary pays for the printing of all the photos taken that day.
It is heartwarming to see the children enjoy their day carefree spent playing with their siblings. Pantano Rotary is honored to have been a part of this worthy endeavor.
Kino Rotary Club Hosts Golf Tournament
Join the Kino Rotary Club on Saturday, June 9, 2018, for their 11thannual golf tournament. The tournament takes place at the Randolph North golf course (600 South Alvernon Way, Tucson). 0730 is the shotgun start. Visit https://portal.clubrunner.ca/4818 or contact golf chair Raul Bejarano at 520-481-5710 to play, donate or volunteer.
International Peace Conference in Yuma
The Yuma Sunrise Rotary Club will host a Day of Peace on Saturday, May 12, 2018, at the Salvation Army Boys and Girls Club located at 1100 South 13th Avenue, Yuma, Arizona from 8:00 AM until Noon. All civic-minded community members are welcome to attend this family-friendly event. A continental breakfast and light lunch will be provided at no cost.
Selected High School students throughout the City of Yuma, who participated in a 10-month college accredited program focused on Human Relations, Communication, Leadership, and Conflict Resolution will share their artwork and present messages of peace through poetry and written essays.
These Mentor Leaders have previously served as “Peace Ambassadors” promoting messages of peace and conflict prevention/resolution throughout the community in workshops facilitated at several local Elementary and Middle Schools throughout the Crane School District and Yuma School District One.
Additionally, High School students from San Luis Rio Colorado Sonora, Mexico, selected by the President of the San Luis Rotary Club of Sonora recently participated in an art and poetry workshop held across the border and will join our local leaders in hosting this inaugural event. Read more
District 5495 Pursuing Peace Conference
The Pursuing Peace Conference will be held on 31 May at the Wigwam Arizona in Litchfield Park. Developed for the government, education, and business audiences, the purpose of the conference is to encourage and equip organizations to pursue peaceful outcomes by elevating the conversation on peace. Learn to create peaceful outcomes from Ramu Damodaran of the United Nations and connect with community peacemakers like Rotary Peace Fellows Amanda Rader and Dr. Chris Zambakari. Cost is $40 if registered by 6 May; $55 after 6 May. Register today at www.PursuingPeace.org.
Community-Based Rotaract Club
Grant Management Seminars Required for 18-19 Rotary Year
Registration is now open for the 2018 Grant Management Seminars. Each club wanting to apply for a grant in the 2018-19 Rotary year must have at least 2 members attend one of these seminars by June 30, 2018.
Both District and Global Grants are partially funded by The Rotary Foundation, and the seminar is a requirement of the Foundation. The seminar originally scheduled for May 5 in Tucson has been canceled. There will be two webinar-based seminars: one on May 30 and one on June 30. Rotarians may register for one of those using the links below:
It’s been another good year for our D5500 District Grants Program. We were not only able to qualify and approve 15 separate club service projects to receive funding totaling $61,140 but for the first time, we were able to commit all of our available district grant funding for this Rotary Year. This is a significant milestone and clear indication that many more of our clubs are taking advantage of available matching district grant funds.
Now that we’re near the end of our Rotary Year, please remember two things. First, it is not too early to start thinking about your club service project for next year. The D5500 District Grant Application for RY2018-2019 is available for download on our D5500 website. Completed applications are requested by 15 July 2018 but may be submitted as late as 31 August 2018 if there are not enough approved applications. Unfortunately, applications submitted after the 15 July deadline will only be considered if funding is still available after meeting the requests of all complete and approved club applications which were submitted on time.
Second, remember where our District Grant funds come from. In a very real sense, these are your funds. Fifty percent of the total donations of D5500 Rotarians to The Rotary Foundation’s Annual Fund (AF) three years ago come back to us as District Designated Funds (DDF). In turn, up to half of those funds may become available to fund your D5500 District Grants Program. So, your club’s continuing support of the Annual Fund ensures that we’re able to have a District Grants program at all.
D5500 Triple Crown Recognition for Support of The Rotary Foundation
District Governor Joe Hentges has approved a new district program recognizing Rotarians for extraordinary support of The Rotary Foundation. D5500 will award Triple Crown Recognition to those Rotarians who support The Rotary Foundation as:
Members of the Paul Harris Society (committed to give at least $1000 annually to TRF, excluding Endowment Fund), Members of the Bequest Society (having bequeathed at least $10,000 to TRF), Major Donors (total giving to TRF of at least $10,000) or members of the Arch Klumph Society (total giving to TRF of at least $250,000).
This is designed to encourage giving to any of the TRF programs, especially Annual Fund, PolioPlus Fund, and Endowment Fund, thus helping TRF live up to its motto of Doing Good in the World.
For more information about Triple Crown Recognition or if you want to help D5500 administer this program, please contact D5500 Fundraising Chair Ernie Montagne at ernie.montagne@hotmail.com.
Start Planning for RYLA 2019- January 18- 21
RYLA 2019 is January 18- 21. Below are some helpful hints to get the most out of the experience!
Identify your Club’s point of contact for RYLA. Send their name, email address & phone number to bjsharrison@comcast.net
Decide how many Delegates you would like to send to RYLA, and include in your budget. Cost for Delegates is $400 per person. Spaces filled quickly; reservations will be accepted starting July 1
Check the RYLA website for more information – www.rylad5500.org. Download the brochure, a planning calendar for clubs, an updated presentation and see photos from 2018. Applications will be available in May.
Finally, contact Barbara Harrison, District 5500 RYLA Chair to schedule a presentation to your Club! Barbara can be reached at bjsharrison@comcast.net or 520.250.3437
District Awards
Plan now to submit your club accomplishments for the 2017-2018 District Awards. Awards are given in five Avenues of Service (Club, Youth, Community, International, and Vocational), Service to Veterans and Literacy.
Submissions are due August 1, 2018.
The District 5500 Award Program recognizes the accomplishments of clubs that excel during the 2017-18 Rotary year. The Awards will be presented in September 2018 at the District Conference. Categories of District awards include:
Avenue of Service Awards: In each of the Avenues of Service, no more than three clubs will receive an award for best achievement.
NEW: Literacy Award
Has your club been engaged in Literacy projects in your community this Rotary Year? If so, consider applying for the NEW District Literacy Award.
For more information, contact Anita McDonald, 2017-2018 District Awards Chair. Her contact info ismsmathlady@live.com or 520-271-7207(cell).
Taste of Tubac topped all previous records
The Tubac Rotary Club’s April 8 Taste of Tubac topped all previous records – breezing past the $40,000 mark.
The thank you list is long, including the more than 500 people who purchased tickets. A special shout-out goes to the 18 Santa Cruz area restaurants who brought the event to life by providing their time , talent, and terrific food.
Further applause to the sponsors, beverage providers, retailers who sold tickets and donated auction items, and a bevy of enthusiastic volunteers – members and friends of Rotary, and students from the Rio Rico High School Interact Club.
For more information about the Tubac Rotary Club’s ongoing programs, meetings, and special events, please call Patricia Thompson at 520-336-7638.
Tubac Rotarian Chuck Galloway headed up a team of volunteer drivers who offered Taste of Tubac attendees a quick lift to and from their cars at the April 8 event at the Tubac Golf Resort.
Party in Toronto June 23-27 for a Great Rotary Experience
If you’ll be in Toronto for the International Convention in June, visit www.rotaryd5500.org to reserve a spot for our district party and dinner at the Mill Street Brewery in the famous Distillery District near the Convention Center. The dinner date is Saturday, 23 June at 6 p.m.
We’ll be saying thank you to Governor Joe Hentges and enjoy seeing each other and making plans for the week. The price is $50, much less expensive than the official convention dinners, and the menu is exceptional. Family members and friends from other districts are welcome to join us for an exceptional evening in Toronto.
Vail Rotary Student Recognition
On Thursday, April 26th the Rotary Club of Vail, AZ recognized and awarded five seniors with Student of the Year awards of $100 each. Three seniors received $2,000 scholarships. We had 54 attendees for dinner at the Vail Steak House. Our next project is "School Supplies for Students and Teachers" starting with the 2018/19 school year. If you want to donate or partner with us, contact Fred Bruns at 520-445-6762.
Tucson's Mayor visits Rio Rico Rotary
Mayor of Tucson, Jonathan Rothschild, spoke at the Rio Rico Rotary Club's recent morning meeting. Mayor Rothschild gave the Club some interesting information covering things happening in Tucson and how they affect Southern Arizona.
Clubs looking for Partners for their Projects
To help club’s fine partners for their Service Projects or Global Grants, we have established a file in the district we created called “Projects Looking for Partners”.
We can store files on the site to which clubs can refer people to get information about the projects and identify a point of contact for the projects. We prefer the file to be a .pdf format and the file need to be under 10 MB
District Web Site>Service Projects>Files>Projects looking for Partners
Send file to be posted to rwnaylor@comcast.net
This is a new file and we are just beginning to populate it. It will only be effective if clubs utilize it.
-Ray Naylor
Foundation Facts from PDG Frank Presson
Did you know that Rotary can pay you to donate? By giving real estate to the RI Endowment Fund, you can not only receive an income for life but also get a tax deduction, avoid capital gains tax, get rid of the worry, and move up in the major donor list—even to Arch Klumpf status.
Some Rotarians have children that are not good at managing money. They are in quandary about how to provide their kids an income stream without having it wasted.
Giving to the RI Endowment fund can assure the kids receive a lifetime income stream, you get a nice tax deduction now, and the remainder stays with Rotary to continue doing good.
16th Annual Rotary Turkey Masters Honors Bataan Death March Survivor
Benson Rotary hosts the 16th Annual Rotary Turkey Masters at the San Pedro Golf Course on Saturday, May 12.
This year, we are honoring Grand Marshal Paul Kerchum WWII survivor of the Bataan Death March. Chief Senior Master Sergeant Kerchum was awarded multiple medals, including the Purple Heart. The 96-year-old Kerchum not only plans to attend but to golf, as well! We hope a number of Rotarians who are veterans will support the Masters.
Profits will benefit the Benson Area Food Bank. Our goal is to raise $7,500 to help provide assistance to the surrounding community.
Dixon Golf will have a special hole with significant prizes. Per tradition, the traveling trophy goes to the winning team.
Openings remain for Gold, Silver, and Tee Box. Special Rotary Masters sponsorships are available for $2,000, which includes a sleeve of Dixon golf balls for each golfer, complete with your logo. Foursomes play for $50 per person, which includes green fees, cart, goodie bag, lunch and raffle tickets.
Rotary Tree Planting District 5500 Clubs Udall Park
2018 Rotary Peace Fellowship Application now available!
Advance peace around the world by publicizing this incredible opportunity. Here are some helpful resources for recruiting candidates and promoting the program: Share our application video explaining the steps for completing the application. Follow us on the Rotary Peace Centers Facebook page, and share fellowship updates. Download the Rotary Peace Centers Program Guide for Rotarians for eligibility requirements and information on finding qualified candidates. Read the district endorsement instructions. Circulate the fellowship announcement to contacts in your network. Check out the application page for an overview of the process and links to useful documents and tips for improving your application. Applicants must apply to their districts by 31 May.Districts need to submit endorsed applications to The Rotary Foundation by July 1st. Contact District Rotary Peace Fellowship committee chair Phil Silvers for assistance at silverlode@cox.net.
Saddlebrooke Sunrise Spruces up Triangle Y Ranch
Members of the SaddleBrooke Sunrise Rotary Club teamed with other Rotary Clubs to spruce up the Triangle Y Ranch, a YMCA camp in Oracle, Arizona. Paint buckets, scrub buckets, and willing hands readied the camp for the upcoming season. SaddleBrooke Sunrise also sponsors 1-2 campers a year. Pictured in the photos are Mary Thompson, Maggie DeBoard, Gary Haslett, Ron Lentz, Dick Kroese, Tom Basting, and Frank Shipton.
Newsletter Submission Guidelines-Early Is Always Better!
All clubs are encouraged to submit news of previous and upcoming activities for newsletter inclusion. Please keep summaries to about 100 - 125 words, add a headline and include a photo with a caption if appropriate. Then add a “for more information link” to websites and forms.
List the date, time, location and any other pertinent information.
Additionally, put the name of your club and the month the article will run in the subject line of your email to newsletteraz5500@gmail.com.
Submit the article ONLY as a .doc or docx or an email. No pdfs or flyers, please. Be sure to use the correct "Rotary Brand" in all photos. Typically the deadline is the 21st of the month for publication the 1st week of the month.
For the month of May, the deadline will be May 21st, publication June 7th. Late submissions regrettably may not be included in the newsletter due to the newsletter deadline.
e project, most have completed multiple projects. Visiting Rotary Clubs this spring has confirmed the impact of all you do: building playgrounds, serving veterans and military families, assisting the homeless, improving libraries, supporting school and community literacy programs, planting trees (thank you RIP Ian Riseley), improving access to quality health services, and so much more. The list is endless! Thank you, Rotarians, for investing in our future. Thank you for doing good in our communities, both locally and globally. What an organization! What a District!
Miami-Copper Cities and Rotary Club of Tucson participated. High school students had the chance to win $1,000 by answering the following question: “How Would the Application of the Rotary Four-Way Test Make a Difference in our Global Community?”
columns. It remains District 5500’s greatest area of need with a current loss of more than 30 members this year. Rather than focus on the problem, I want to issue a challenge – with an opportunity for reward. .png)
”-- wearing whatever represents fun for us: sports team gear, hiking clothes, country and western garb, cycling jerseys, formalwear (if you enjoy that!), anything at all that expresses something we enjoy.
bers and Family!
in October for a picnic so the children and their siblings can enjoy fun and games together. Many who work for the foster care system volunteer their time on a 
annual golf tournament. The tournament takes place at the Randolph North golf course (
May 12, 2018, at the Salvation Army Boys and Girls Club located at 1100 South 13th Avenue, Yuma, Arizona from 8:00 AM until Noon. All civic-minded community members are welcome to attend this family-friendly event. A continental breakfast and light lunch will be provided at no cost.
31 May at the Wigwam Arizona in Litchfield Park. Developed for the government, education, and business audiences, the purpose of the conference is to encourage and equip organizations to pursue peaceful outcomes by elevating the conversation on peace. Learn to create peaceful outcomes from Ramu Damodaran of the United Nations and connect with community peacemakers like Rotary Peace Fellows Amanda Rader and Dr. Chris Zambakari. Cost is $40 if registered by 6 May; $55 after 6 May. Register today at 
must have at least 2 members attend one of these seminars by June 30, 2018. 
We were not only able to qualify and approve 15 separate club service projects to receive funding totaling $61,140 but for the first time, we were able to commit all of our available district grant funding for this Rotary Year. This is a significant milestone and clear indication that many more of our clubs are taking advantage of available matching district grant funds.
District Governor Joe Hentges has approved a new district program recognizing Rotarians for extraordinary support of The Rotary Foundation. D5500 will award Triple Crown Recognition to those Rotarians who support The Rotary Foundation as:
starting 
Community, International, and Vocational), Service to Veterans and Literacy. .png)
Three seniors received $2,000 scholarships. We had 54 attendees for dinner at the Vail Steak House. Our next project is "School Supplies for Students and Teachers" starting with the 2018/19 school year. If you want to donate or partner with us, contact Fred Bruns at 520-445-6762.
By giving real estate to the RI Endowment Fund, you can not only receive an income for life but also get a tax deduction, avoid capital gains tax, get rid of the worry, and move up in the major donor list—even to Arch Klumpf status.
The 96-year-old Kerchum not only plans to attend but to golf, as well! We hope a number of Rotarians who are veterans will support the Masters.
with other Rotary Clubs to spruce up the Triangle Y Ranch, a YMCA camp in Oracle, Arizona. Paint buckets, scrub buckets, and willing hands readied the camp for the upcoming season. SaddleBrooke Sunrise also sponsors 1-2 campers a year. Pictured in the photos are Mary Thompson, Maggie DeBoard, Gary Haslett, Ron Lentz, Dick Kroese, Tom Basting, and Frank Shipton.
of previous and upcoming activities for newsletter inclusion. Please keep summaries to about 100 - 125 words, add a headline and include a photo with a caption if appropriate. Then add a “for more information link” to websites and forms.
