Today's guest was our speaker, Assistant Governor and International Service Advisor, Jim Wales.

Today's winner was Joe t., but I didn't pull the right tee.

Today's program was presented by Jim Wales, District 6440 International Service Advisor and Rotarian from the Rotary Club of Lake In The Hills.  Jim is also our Assistant Governor.  Jim explained to the membership two programs that are encompassed in the International Service Committee.  The first of those is International Friendship Exchange and the second is International Service Projects.

 

The International Friendship Exchange program allows participants to experience other cultures and build friendships by staying in the homes of Rotary club members in another country.  This program advances international understanding and peace through personal contact across borders while developing inter-club relationships that lead to fellowship and service projects. The second part of this program is for the visiting Rotarians to reciprocate by offering to host the club they visited.  A typical duration for Friendship Exchange is one - two weeks.  Potential Friendship Exchange programs in the District are with India, Taiwan & Nepal.

 

The second program discussed today was International Service Projects.  Jim discussed the steps that a club should go through before committing to doing a project.  Those include things like deciding the physical limitations and location of where the club would like to be involved in a project.  Also, what financial level can the club afford.  In addition, he discussed some of the mistakes that clubs make when participating in a service project.  Not paying attention to the logistical aspects of what needs to be done and not taking advantage of partnering with a local club to identify the needs of a project are two of the most common.  

 

More information about these two programs is available at the District's website and Rotary International's Website.

 

The Rotary Club of Cary-Grove held its Steak Fry on Saturday, September 17.  The Steak Fry is part of the Chamber of Commerce's "Main Street Fest" and is the second year that the Club has hosted it. The catering for the event was provided by Coleman's in The Park.  Proceeds from the event will be used to off-set the cost of community projects conducted by the Rotary Club.

In support of local farmers and vendors, The Rotary Club of Cary-Grove will be hosting a Farmers' Market on Sundays during the summer months beginning in June and running through September.  The event will be held between the hours of 9:00 am - 1:00 PM in the Metra Parking lot, which is located in downtown Cary. The first Market will be held on June 5th. 

 

The Rotary Club of Cary-Grove’s membership is a diverse group of individuals that work together to improve the communities of Cary and Fox River Grove.  If you are interested in learning more, or in getting involved, come as our guest to one of our morning meetings.  We meet on Thursdays beginning at 7:30 a.m. at the Cary Park District located at 255 Briargate Road, Cary Illinois.  Visitors are always welcome.

 

The owner of a hardware store is dismayed when a huge new hardware store opens up next door erecting a large sign saying, "Best Deals."  He's even more horrified when another huge hardware store opens up on the other side of his store putting up an even larger sign saying, "Lowest Prices."  The shopkeeper is panicked then has a bright idea.  He puts a large sign over his own store saying, "Main Entrance."

 

Lots happening in the world of Rotary.  Read all about it in The Rotarian Magazine.

One of President Steve's goals this year is to have at least one member join a Rotary Action Group or Rotary Fellowship Group.  As stated on RI's website, a Rotarian Action Group is an autonomous group of Rotarians, family members, program participants and alumni who are experts in a particular field, such as micro-credit or water and sanitation. More information about these groups and their purpose can be found on RI's website.

 

Rotary Fellowships are independent groups of Rotarians, family members, program participants and alumni who share a common passion. Being part of a fellowship is a fun way to make friends from around the world.  Again, more detailed information is available at this link to RI's website.  

If you haven't all ready done so, take the time to click on the two links above and see if there may be a group that fits with your interests.  It's a great way to make new friends and to share common interests with Rotarians from around the world.

Looking for a good program?  District 6440 has a list of speakers that are available to attend Rotary meetings to discuss a wide variety of topics. view the list on District 6440's website.