Happy Easter and Passover! If the weather forecast is even close to being accurate, it could be a great day to forgo the traditional ham dinner and fire up the grill, hide some eggs (outdoors this year!), stash the board games and fly a kite or burn off some calories with a brisk walk.
Club members not on the Board will have an extra hour on their calendar this week as there is no regularly scheduled meeting. Board members and Club Support Team Leads will meet via Zoom on Tuesday. We'll all Zoom together on April 13 to learn more about the upcoming tree planting project, hear a vocational talk or two and learn what's happening at Quarry Hill Nature Center.
On March 30, the Risers were honored to welcome District Governor Ed Marek to our club for his annual visit and address; followed by his conversation with the Risers Board. Thanks to evey member and guest that turned out to hear Ed and thank him for his service...and to the many Board members who joined the post-meeting conversation. Ed shared this message following the meeting...
President Don.
Thank you so much for the opportunity to visit today. It is always a treat to visit the Rochester Risers Rotary Club and see so many friends there.
Attached you will find the information I promised. [NOTE: Ed attached a number of club resources for distribution to various team leads.]
I enjoyed the conversation with the Board. You are doing a great job as President!
Thanks again Don
Ed Marek
Urban Forest Master Plan Virtual Meeting - April 20
As we learned from Alison Litchy at our last meeting, urban forests and community health are inextricably linked; the better an urban forest, the greater a community’s health. The Urban Forest Master Plan (UFMP) project provides a forum for community engagement, a shared vision, and a strategic, long-term road map for the management of Rochester’s urban forest resources. Community members are encouraged to join for an informational and engaging virtual public meeting. There will be an opportunity hear the UFMP progress and timeline, learn about initial findings, and provide invaluable input to finalize the Plan’s vision, goals, and short- and long-term strategies for the management and enhancement of Rochester’s urban forest.
Noon Session: Tuesday, April 20th │ 12:00 PM to 1:00 PM
Please, whenever you complete Rotary-related service projects or activities above and beyond our regularly scheduled meetings, send your hours to Kim Keilholtz atkimdtm@msn.com. Eligible hours include those spent delivering Meals on Wheels, volunteering at Channel One, tree planting, Adopt a Family shopping, Samaritan Bethany tree decorating, Salvation Army bell ringing, STRIVE mentoring, house painting, District workshops and meetings, newletter prep, etc. Those members who have accumulated hours since July 1 and not submitted them to Kim should do so now. Thank you!
Following Jon Losness's Holiday Classic presentation, he shared the following note...
I want to provide for you contact information for co-chairs Tamsen Leimer and me and a link to our website within Club Runner for distribution to your club members.
The Classic planning team meets the 4th Monday of the month at 11:30 a.m. and all are welcome. Contact Jon or Tamsen for the Zoom link. Follow us on Facebook – Rotary Holiday Classic - and check out our website, https://portal.clubrunner.ca/5636/SitePage/2019-rotary-holiday-classic for more information about the event. This year's Holiday Classic is scheduled for December 28 & 29.
Meals on Wheels Request
Our club's Meals on Wheels Coordinator, Joanne Rosener, has a need and a "Service Above Self" opportunity. With COVID, our service opportunities are somewhat limited. Meals on Wheels, however, is one ongoing service activity our Club is doing. Due to some changes in availability of members, we need two persons to assist on the second Thursday and one person on the third Thursday starting January through June. If you can help, contact Joanne at joanne.rosener@gmail.com.
If taking on an ongoing assignment is not something you can commit to, please consider signing up for one shift. See below for dates. All shifts start at 11:15 AM and finish at approximately 12:30 PM.
May 13
June 10
Spring Tree Planting
On May 1 (May 8 rain make-up) the Risers will be joining Rochester's other Rotary Clubs, community organizations and government agencies in a tree planting activity. This year, 1000 tree whips and 21 special trees will be planted. Combined with the thousand planted last year, Rochester's landscape will benefit greatly by the addition of these 2021 new trees. The exercise is being done to help promote Rotary International's newest avenue of service - the ENVIRONMENT.
Rotarians are encouraged to attend one of three two-hour planting sessions scheduled throughout the day. Look for volunteer sign-up registration instructions that will be shared soon. The tree planting will occur in the public area just south of HyVee Crossroads. Planters should wear appropriate planting attire and close-toed shoes, bring gloves, water/beverage and, if you want, your favorite spade. Trees, tools and planting instructions will be provided.
There is an expectation that members and/or the three Rochester Rotary clubs will contribute toward the purchase of the trees. A preliminary project budget projects that, after an anonymous donation of $1000, the remaining project cost of $2436 will be allocated as follows based on club membership: TRCR - $1218; GRR - $609; and Risers - $609. If you'd like to order one of the special trees ($125) in honor of an individual or group, please let April know. April Sutor is the Risers rep working with others to coordinate the local spring tree planting and she will share more details at upcoming club meetings.
GRR April Tools Day
The Greater Rochester Rotary Club is inviting you to participate in April Tools Day! On April 17 GRR will be collecting unwanted tools to be refurbished and provided, free of charge, to non-profits in need of tools. GRR is partnering with St. Joseph's Tool Chest, another non-profit, who will provide the refurbishing service. We are asking Rotarians to spread the word about our event!
What: Your unwanted tools
Where: 125 LIVE parking lot
Time: 8 am to 1 pm
When: Saturday, April 17th
WE WANT: Yard and garden implements: rakes, shovels, hoes, and shears. Shop tools: pliers, screwdrivers, hammers, saws, and wrenches. Power tools: drills, saber saws, table saws, routers, drill presses, and chainsaws. Hardware: nails, screws, nuts, bolts, etc. We will even take industrial machines, bicycles, and sewing machines. Emergency generators are much needed.
WE WILL NOT ACCEPT: Electronic equipment like computers, TVs, printers, cell phones, etc.
The purpose of the District Conference of Clubs is to engage members at all levels, from our most senior leaders to the newest club members. It should inspire all to become more involved and give them a vision of Rotary beyond the club level and to provide a memorable, fun fellowship experience. In considering the purpose of the conference, the ongoing pandemic and the upcoming new focus area, we are pivoting to a different Conference experience. One that will allow engagement, provide fellowship and introduce and celebrate our 7th Focus Area: The Environment.
The upcoming tree planting project is Rochester's direct response to District Governor Marek's request that clubs plan and implement an environmental project in their area. The Rochester tree planting project will be highlighted at the June 5th, World Environment Day, at Levee Park in Hastings, 9 a.m. - 1 p.m. If you'd like to join me in Hastings, please let me know as car pooling is an option.
Virtual Tour of Rotary International Headquarters
In the mid-1990s, I had the pleasure of touring Rotary headquarters as part of PETS training. If you've never toured the Center, it's something to put on your bucket list. In the meantime, this virtual tour of One Rotary Center, Evanston, IL will have to suffice. Enjoy!
Our March calendar raffle winners are posted below. Congratulations to all winners and thank you for support Rotary and youth literacy projects in Rochester!
In these difficult days, we are so heartened to receive such uplifting reports on the unrelenting efforts of our Rotary members who have responded in their communities against the COVID-19 pandemic.
Today, the single question we hear time and again is, “Are we getting involved with COVID vaccination?”
The answer is yes.
This does not mean we will deviate from our commitment to eradicating polio, which remains our highest priority and continues to be our only corporate program. Polio vaccinations must continue unabated, as must our effort to raise $50 million per year for this effort.
But now, COVID-19 vaccines are becoming available around the world, and our members have an important role to play.
We ask you to encourage you to:
Use Rotary’s knowledge of vaccine safety and efficacy based on our polio eradication experience to support vaccination efforts in your communities. This will need to be tailored to local contexts to address unique cultural and regional needs.
As vaccine distribution begins in your country, partner with local organizations or health authorities to offer your club’s support with vaccination efforts as required.
Help combat the powerful, growing force of vaccine resistance and misinformation. Advocacy in our communities is critical — we need to spread the message about the power of vaccines to protect lives.
Stop the spread of COVID-19 by continuing to engage in projects supporting mask-wearing, distancing, proper hygiene practices, and donations of personal protective equipment — before and after vaccination.
Please take a moment to view the above video message.
Thank you.
Holger Knaack K.R. Ravindran President, Rotary International Chair, The Rotary Foundation
The Four-Way Test is an ethical-decision making tool for our use. But why keep it to ourselves. The world needs ethical minded people. Let’s share stories of how we have used the Four-Way Test in our lives.
Attached is a 2:11 minute video explaining the Four-Way Test Stories Activity.
Why should we share Four-Way Test stories?
The Four Way test, the Rotary Code of Ethics, the 7 Areas of Focus, the Peace Ambassadors, and our Rotary Vision are all focused on acting in an ethical manner. We need to be bold and share our commitment to building a better, more ethical world so that - - - Together, we see a world where people unite and take action to create lasting change — across the globe, in our communities, and in ourselves.
How can we use the Four-Way Test stories?
1) Post the stories on your social media. Visitors are attracted to the Four-Way Test.
2) Share it with youth. Perhaps include Four-Way Test training in your youth activities /projects.
3) During a meeting, have "table talks” or break out rooms about the Four-Way Test. Have members share how they have use it.
4) Include in the vocational talks a discussion of ethics in their businesses.
5) Ask speakers to share the ethical challenges faced in their business or organization.
Rotary District 5960 Ethics Team
Risers Greeters are reminded that when leading the club in the 4-Way Test to begin with "The Four-Way Test of the things we think, say and do..." Thank you!
Honolulu to host 2027 Rotary International Convention
HONOLULU (Feb. 18, 2021) — Almost one year after canceling its international convention in Honolulu due to the COVID-19 coronavirus pandemic, Rotary announced it will hold its annual gathering in Honolulu for the membership service organization’s 118th convention on June 5-9, 2027.
Held in a different city around the world each year, Rotary conventions bring members from all continents and cultures together to learn from each other and various experts, and to share ideas for delivering long-term solutions to the world’s most persistent humanitarian issues. Approximately 20,000 Rotary members from 170 countries were expected to attend the event in Honolulu in 2020, which was estimated to bring $35-40 million into the local economy.
“After canceling our convention in 2020 due to COVID-19, we are grateful to the citizens of Honolulu for welcoming us again in 2027,” said Rotary International President Holger Knaack. “As a global organization that values bringing people together, we look forward to sharing and celebrating our friendships, cultures and service in the spirit of Aloha.”
“Beyond the incredible economic impact this convention will have, the people of Hawai’i will be inspired by the humanitarian causes of Rotary International, to include: promoting peace, fighting disease, providing clean water, saving mothers and children, supporting education, growing local economies and protecting the environment,” said John De Fries, President and CEO, Hawaii Tourism Authority. “As a global community, Rotary members embody the values we cherish here, in Hawai’i.”
Organized by Rotary International in conjunction with the Honolulu Host Organizing Committee of local Rotary members, the convention will provide attendees with ample opportunities to experience Oahu’s many attractions.
The Rotary Club of Honolulu, chartered in 1915, is Rotary’s first club in Honolulu. Today, there are more than 1,470 Rotary members who belong to over 45 clubs across Hawai’i taking action on important local issues including drowning prevention, creating green space in Waikiki and helping homeless people receive medical care.
About Rotary
Rotary brings together a global network of volunteer leaders dedicated to tackling the world’s most pressing humanitarian challenges. Rotary connects 1.2 million members of more than 36,000 Rotary clubs in over 200 countries and geographical areas. Their work improves lives at both the local and international levels, from helping those in need in their own communities to working toward a polio-free world. For more information, visit Rotary.org.
Club members are encouraged to use their professional and social contacts to find potential candidates. They can also support the program by coaching candidates through the application process and connecting them to districts that can endorse their applications, a required step in the application process.
These resources can help members recruit candidates for 2022 Rotary Peace Fellowships:
Take the All About the Rotary Peace Fellowships course to learn about qualification requirements, eligibility restrictions, the application process, and more.
Use our referral form to tell us about potential candidates, and we’ll follow up with them.
Candidates have until May 15, 2021, to submit applications to their districts. Districts have until July 1 to submit endorsed applications to The Rotary Foundation.
Send any questions about the fellowship program to rotarypeacecenters@rotary.org. Thank you for your dedication to the Rotary Peace Centers and your help educating Rotary members and your community about the fellowships.
Sincerely, Rotary Peace Centers
Rotary Peace Centers are made possible by the generosity of donors.
With World Water Day approaching on March 22, we are more aware than ever that so much in our lives depends on access to clean water. We wash our hands with it to keep ourselves and our communities healthy, cook meals with it to nourish our bodies, and rely on it for proper sanitation. Yet some communities around the world still don’t have reliable sources of clean water. That’s why for this World Water Day, we need help from Rotarians like you.
Rotary International encourages members to take these kinds of action:
Start a fundraiser to support clean water initiatives on Raise for Rotary. Members can use Rotary’s new peer-to-peer fundraising tool to raise money for local, sustainable solutions that bring clean water, sanitation, and hygiene programs to more people every day. Donations go directly to The Rotary Foundation. And unlike on third-party platforms, their gifts are eligible for Rotary credit!
Make a special gifton March 22 in celebration of World Water Day. A gift of any size can make a difference when we all work together. Did you know that it takes only $24 to provide one person with safe water? Or that $50 can provide a biosand water filter?
Share with friends and family how the Foundation empowers Rotary members around the world to support clean water projects. Gifts from Rotary donors help provide access to clean water around the world. Residents of the Fulani Doka Mai-Jama’a community in Nigeria can now use water from a solar-powered borehole supply system. In Australia, a Rotarian is working to empower people around the globe to clean the rivers in their communities. In the United States, Rotarians fought toxic algae in the Great Lakes. Rotary members also worked with fishermen to build an artificial reef that helped save the fishing industry in the Philippines.
This World Water Day, we hope you join us in taking action by encouraging members to raise awareness and funds toward ensuring clean water for people in communities around the world.
The Rotary Foundation Trustees and Rotary International Board of Directors have both unanimously approved adding a new area of focus: supporting the environment.
More than $18 million in Foundation global grant funding has been allocated to environment-related projects over the past five years. Creating a distinct area of focus to support the environment will give Rotary members even more ways to bring about positive change in the world and increase our impact.
RI President Mark Maloney says that during his travels around the world as a Rotary senior leader he encountered many Rotary members and Rotaractors who advocated for the environment to be an area of focus.
“I believe strongly that our Rotary Foundation programs now have a valuable added dimension to our efforts,” says, Maloney.
Foundation Trustee Chair Gary C.K. Huang says that with the global population reaching near eight billion, protecting the environment is increasingly important.
“It is time for us to use our collective resources to invest in a smart and efficient way to protecting our environment,” says Huang. “We are qualified to take this initiative because we are a global group of problem solvers with diversified talents.”
In 1990-91, RI President Paulo V.C. Costa made the environment one of his primary causes, creating the Preserve Planet Earth subcommittee, which looked at ways clubs and members could conduct environmental initiatives.
“We have finally caught up to Costa [his vision],” says Past RI President Ian H.S. Riseley, chair of the Environmental Issues task force, which championed the new area of focus.
“As a lifelong environmentalist, I’m delighted that our great organization has recognized that the environment is a worthy and appropriate destination for our project activity,” says Riseley. “This is an exciting moment in Rotary history.”
Supporting the environment becomes Rotary's seventh area of focus, which are categories of service activities supported by global grants. It joins peacebuilding and conflict prevention; disease prevention and treatment; water, sanitation, and hygiene; maternal and child health; basic education and literacy; and community economic development.
Grant applications for projects will be accepted beginning on 1 July 2021. Gifts and commitments from Rotarians and others will be sought to provide global grant support for the new area of focus.
More information about this new cause will be announced soon.
