2024-2026 Director Chris Etienne Bruce Goldsen 2022-10-28 06:00:00Z 0
2022-24 Director Drew Kessler bruce 2022-07-04 06:00:00Z 0
July 2022 message from Director Drew Kessler 2022-07-04 06:00:00Z 0
June 2022 Beyond Borders newsletter Bruce Goldsen 2022-05-31 06:00:00Z 0

Give the World the Best You Have

Posted by Valarie Wafer, RIVP, Director Zone 28/32

Give the world the best you have, and it may never be enough; give the world the best you’ve got anyway.”- Mother Teresa.

It is incredible to realize that this will be my last entry in our Beyond Borders monthly newsletter.  This incredible resource and professional publication would not be possible without the hard work and dedication of many who submit articles to keep us up to date on the incredible work of our Rotarians. Thank you.  There is one individual who must be thanked for her hard work, dedication, and skill.  Editor PDG Ariane Carriere who has worked tirelessly to bring us this world-class newsletter.  This will be Ariane’s last publication after four years.  Thank you, Ariane, you are a shining star!

Each of you in Zones 28 and 32 have given the best you have. It has been an incredible experience being a member of your team for two years, serving as RI Director.  A privilege I never took lightly, a privilege that will be cherished with fond memories knowing that we met the challenges of the last two years and came out stronger.

I want to thank each of you.  We have looked at membership through a new lens and are reaping the benefits.  We have found new innovative ways to fundraise and publicize our good work.  And we have made diversity, equity, and inclusion a top priority.  The thanks goes to our members, our leaders, and our clubs.  Innovation and a change in culture does not begin at the top of any organization but with the team on the ground, in the community and you have done an incredible job.

I want each of you to close your eyes and go back two years.  Have we moved forward? Is your Rotary experience enhanced?  Is your club reflective of the community and relevant to new members?  My guess is that many of you are nodding your heads with conviction.  Be proud of your accomplishments, your ability to serve and support our members through a tough and challenging period in history.  You have inspired me, and I tell your stories everywhere I go.

Thank you to the incredible Zone team that I have been blessed to work with.  You have thought out of the box, and I know the seeds that you have planted will come to fruition in the years to come.

As I pass the baton to Director-elect Drew Kessler, I do it with pride and confidence knowing that these seeds will continue to be watered, nurtured, and challenged.  Drew is an incredible leader and I wish him an incredible journey!

Thank you for all the love and support you have shown to Mark and myself.

“The openness of our hearts and minds can be measured by how wide we draw the circle of what we call family.”-Mother Teresa

You are our Family, and we are richer for it.

Give the World the Best You Have Valarie Wafer, RIVP, Director Zone 28/32 2022-05-28 06:00:00Z 0

This is it...

Posted by Drew Kessler, Director Elect
Let me begin by recognizing the past 18 months as being such an amazing experience both for learning and the people I have been able to connect with.  As I continue to ramp up for my upcoming term as Rotary International Director, I would like to recognize the mentorship by Vice President Valarie which has been second to none.  Any questions I have had along this journey she was always available; Valarie would routinely provide updates with all that was going on in both the Zones and the Board.  The Zones are extremely fortunate to have had and will continue to have seamless transitions from one Director to the next and I thank Valarie for facilitating this.
Over the past two years Vice President Valarie has been incredible in her role as the Chair of RI’s DEI committee, her role as Director/Vice President and her role as the leader of our two Zones.  She leaves me with incredible massive shoes to fill.
 
Valarie, on behalf of the Zones Leadership Teams, the Governor lines, and all Rotarians within the geography of Zones 28/32; THANK YOU for all that you have done during what was an unprecedented time in history.  For most of your Directorship Zoom was the main means to communicate and connect with the Rotary world.  It is so great that in recent times you had the ability to travel and join our members in person to share your passion and message.
 
Switching topics. this will be the last report I or anyone will be submitting for inclusion to the monthly Zone 28/32 Beyond Borders newsletter in its current format as this format is being retired.  Before I roll out what to expect going forward, I would be remiss if I did not recognize, thank, and congratulate Ariane Carriere, the Beyond Borders Editor who will be retiring in this role after the production of the current issue.  The production of this amazing publication is a herculean effort and month in/month out Ariane provided a top notch globally recognized newsletter.
 
To embrace current technology and to be a resource to all members of Zone’s 28/32 the current newsletter is being transitioned to an interactive blog style format that will be managed and moderated by the Zone leadership team.  At the beginning of every month every member in both Zones will receive an email titled “In the Zone” which will have an embedded video that will be short in nature and cover very high-level matters in Rotary world.  Included in this email will be link for the topics of the month in hopes that we engage the interest of our members, and they contribute to whatever the topic may be for each of the disciplines Image, Foundation and Membership. 
 
The Zone’s Image, Foundation and Membership teams will be providing monthly content that will provide both information and the ability for our members to share what they are doing in their Rotary world (both what is working and what is not).  Facebook will be the platform we will be using for this effort and while not fully up and running until July 1 it can be previewed by following this link.  With using Facebook each post can be shared easily and contributions can come from anyone in the Rotary world once they are a member of the group.
 
It is with hope that this new format is embraced and that I can count on the support of all current and past District leadership to promote and contribute to this effort.
 
I am looking for the next chapter to begin and hope to see many of your in Houston.
This is it... Drew Kessler, Director Elect 2022-05-27 06:00:00Z 0

White Middle-Aged Princess

Posted by Lori Anne Jones - Zone 28 & 32 DEI Resource Chair
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Yes, I was called this last week during one of my presentations.  To provide context, it was during a District 7820 Systemic Racism Tool Kit Presentation. Since the tool kit has been released, I have made over 150 presentations across the Zone. Mostly well received. So, in the middle of such a presentation, where you are earnestly and whole heartedly presenting on a topic you feel passionately about, fueled but a deep commitment for change and one participant’s comments stops you in your well-meaning tracks – what do you do?
 
Well – there were a couple of things I could have done.  I could have ignored the participant and continued with my presentation.  I could have acquiesced and apologized for making the participant upset or I could have been so upset that I ended the presentation prematurely.  I did none of those things.  I acknowledged the comment and thanked the participant for stating the obvious. As it is the obvious realities that sometimes trip us up in these conversations.
White Middle-Aged Princess Lori Anne Jones - Zone 28 & 32 DEI Resource Chair 2022-05-25 06:00:00Z 0
Coordinator Corner 2022-05-08 06:00:00Z 1
May 2022 Beyond Borders newsletter Bruce Goldsen 2022-04-30 06:00:00Z 0

Uniting Rotary for Organ Donation

Posted by Anil Srivatsa, Rotary Club of Organ Donation
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My name is Anil Srivatsa, a NJ resident. I am the Charter President of the world’s first cause-based Rotary club for Organ Donation, the Rotary Club of Organ Donation RID 3232.  This club was inaugurated by RI President Shekhar Mehta on March 11, 2022, a date that marks World Kidney Day.  I was a Youth Exchange Student and have been charter president of a total of 3 still active Rotary clubs - the Rotary club of Plainsboro, NJ, the Rotary Club of Bangalore Social RID 3019, and currently the Rotary Club of Organ Donation.  Also, I am the proposed chair of the proposed Rotary Action Group for Organ Donation.
 
I am writing to request an invite to be a speaker at your clubs.  I am on a mission to unite Rotary and Rotarians to work towards a new health goal where in the near future NO ONE DIES WAITING FOR AN ORGAN.  Could you please help in connecting me to clubs in your district that may be interested to have me speak? Based on this interest I will plan my driving route to accommodate this at mutually convenient dates. I hope this story would interest your readers of the newsletter and a mention could help me reach more Rotary clubs as I drive through 17 nations to arrive at the Transplant Games by April next year.
Uniting Rotary for Organ Donation Anil Srivatsa, Rotary Club of Organ Donation 2022-04-28 06:00:00Z 0

My second-to-last Beyond Borders chapter

Posted by Valarie Wafer, RIVP, Director Zone 28/32
There are times during the last two years where time seemed to stand still, move in slow motion, yet as I reflect back it is hard to believe that my term as RI Director is coming to an end. We have accomplished much, and we should be proud of the journey we have taken and the road ahead.

My term is ending in a flurry of in person events and meetings and it feels fantastic! Two weeks in Chicago in April were very busy and productive with RI Board meetings and the Council on Legislation 2022.  This was a historic Council as many delegates (approx. 33%) were unable to travel due to the pandemic.  With the hard work and flexibility of our incredible Rotary International staff this event was held as a hybrid event, and it went quite seamlessly. We reviewed many enactments, each moving our organization forward. Three key themes, in my observation, were evident: Innovation, Flexibility and Diversity, Equity and Inclusion. It was a forward-thinking Council with the representatives willing to set a path for the future of Rotary. Thank you to all our Zones 28 and 32 delegates you served your district well!

As I write this second-to-last Beyond Borders chapter I am looking over the skyline of Manila during my first visit to the Philippines.  What an incredible welcome from Rotarians in D3830 who are so dedicated to Serve to Change Lives.  Here to attend a district conference, Mark and I have been visiting project sites every day and yesterday saw where it is all began. The very first drops of the oral polio vaccine were delivered right here in Makati as part of a 3H (Health, Hunger and Humanity) Grant. I actually got chills, which is hard to do when it is 32 degrees Celsius, as I felt I was at ground zero. Here, where RI and the Government of the Philippines joined together for a 5-year project to immunize Filipino children which resulted in us making a promise to the children of the world. 

After nearly 15 months without any reported cases of wild polio in Pakistan, a 15-month-old boy in North Waziristan was paralyzed by the wild poliovirus. This case underscores that our work is not over, and it is critical for Rotary members to continue our strong advocacy and fundraising to ensure no other child or parent receives this devastating news.

May and June will round out the Rotary year with many celebratory events.  There will be District conferences with many of you, and our RI Convention in Houston.   Join us at the Beyond Borders Rotary Roundup event, we are expecting over 300 attendees for a chance to connect while at the convention and a chance to share experiences.  It is a wonderful tradition and I look forward to seeing each of you there.

Let’s look to May and June as a chance to revisit goals set with a final push to achievement.  Each One Bring One, Do More Grow More, Rotary Days of Service and Foundation Giving.   How have we done?  Let’s celebrate on June 30th that this Rotary year has been one of the best ever!

My second-to-last Beyond Borders chapter Valarie Wafer, RIVP, Director Zone 28/32 2022-04-28 06:00:00Z 0

Register Now: The Zone 28 & 32 Interact Convention 2022

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The exciting Zone 28 & 32 Interact Convention (ZIC) is taking place October 20-23, 2022 and we want to see students from your district there!
 
This is an opportunity for Rotarians to show their support for our young leaders who have been working very hard organizing this first-ever Zone event that includes Interact delegates from Canada, USA, Bermuda, and St. Pierre et Miquelon!
 
Here's where your help is needed:
 
1. We are seeking Delegates.
 
If your club currently sponsors an Interact club, please connect with them and consider sponsoring one or more delegates. Clubs & Districts in Zones 28 and 32 are able to reserve spots for Interact students and chaperones at the Zone 28 & 32 Interact Convention ahead of time. Each spot is $991 Canadian dollars ($850 registration fee plus a $141 refundable deposit).
 
2. We are seeking Donors/Sponsors.
 
If your club does not currently sponsor an Interact Club, kindly consider becoming a Donor/Sponsor of the event in support of youth leadership!
 
Thank you for your kind consideration. We also encourage you to take a look at our website (www.zoneinteractconvention.org) to learn more.
 
If you have any questions regarding the registration process, the event in general, or would like to invite our team to speak to your club/district leadership about the event, please feel free to contact admin@zoneinteractconvention.org.
Register Now: The Zone 28 & 32 Interact Convention 2022 2022-04-28 06:00:00Z 0

What are these ICAs (Innovative Club Advocates) all about? It’s as Easy as A-B-C

Posted by Louisa Horne, Zone 28/32 ICA Lead
ICAs are a relatively new addition to the menu of membership support offered by zones.  Our purpose is to focus on three core areas:
  1. As champions of innovative thinking about creative ways to grow Rotary, ICAs collaborate with Zone Membership teams to help districts and existing clubs thrive by increasing their impact through alternative ways to engage people (e.g., satellites, passport, cause-based groups etc.). 
  2. We proactively connect with and build relationships with district leadership/membership development teams and respond to requests from districts and individual clubs for awareness building, coaching and resources.
  3. We actively seek occasions to explore creative ideas and reinforce opportunities for people to engage in Rotary in new ways.
What are these ICAs (Innovative Club Advocates) all about? It’s as Easy as A-B-C Louisa Horne, Zone 28/32 ICA Lead 2022-04-27 06:00:00Z 0

A couple of weeks in Chicago…

Posted by Drew Kessler, Director-Elect
I began April heading off to Evanston for what was to be a two-week visit. A Rotary International Board meeting followed by the Council on Legislation in Chicago.  The Board meeting felt different than those that I have attended up until now as, while I and my “E” classmate have been very well welcomed and included, this meeting brought out our perspectives and viewpoints that had not been seen previously.  As with anything the more someone is exposed to something, and gains comfort the more they are likely to contribute and that is exactly what happened. 
It was so amazing to be part of and contribute to the meeting in a way that I hope to build on going forward.  In a very short time, my classmates and I will be at the table as full-fledged voting members compared to just the voice we bring today.   I have noted before there has never been a group of incoming Directors that have had the opportunity this group has had.  Being able to be included in all board meetings as an “N” and be with this group for a full 18 months prior to the start of the position was and is incredible.  It is with full expectations that we will hit the ground running come July 1.
 
From Evanston we traveled down to Chicago to attend the Council on Legislation and while my classmates were observers for this meeting, myself and one other “E” had the distinct opportunity to represent our Districts as Delegates to the Council.  This was the second COL I attended as a Delegate and as stated above with the second opportunity to participate a comfort was present that was not there when arriving at the last COL in 2019.
 
What made this Council different than past Councils was of the 523 voting members coming from over 220 countries and geographical locations around the world, 312 were in Chicago attending and for the first time in the history of the Council the balance was attending virtually. During the session we deliberated 83 enactments of which 27 were approved.
 
From my perspective, the major victory which was presented on behalf of the RI Board by our very own VP Valarie was enactment 22-71 that provides only clubs located within RIBI and within a zone that includes Australia/New Zealand the ability to pilot a new Rotary model.  We live in a time where Rotary must be delivered differently based on the region of the world.  This approval provides for just that.  While it is only a pilot and lasts six years it will provide both regions the autonomy to do things a little different to see what works, what doesn’t, and how they can deliver the best possible experience.  It is enactments like this that will allow our organization to move forward.  Kudos to the COL for being forward thinkers.
 
This was the first large scale event Rotary International had presented in almost three years as the last in person international event from my recollection was the 2019 International Convention in Hamburg, Germany.  As usual the RI staff went above and beyond to put on a truly great event.  The technology was flawless, while I can not speak for those attending virtually, I felt that both those in person and virtual had their voice heard and were well represented. 
 
As with any International event it was great to catch up with friends from all over the world while making new ones.  To all those who were attended from Zones 28/32 both in person and virtually. THANK YOU!
A couple of weeks in Chicago… Drew Kessler, Director-Elect 2022-04-27 06:00:00Z 0

Rotary Club International Cooperation – Club Twinning

Posted by Pardeep Ahluwalia, DGN 7040
Something special took place at the March 29 virtual meeting of the Rotary Club of West Ottawa (RCWO) of D7040, a meeting attended by over 70 members and friends of the RCWO and the Rotary Club of Mira Road, Mumbai (RCMR) of D3141. After a presentation on the RCWO International Service activities, the two Clubs demonstrated their belief in International Cooperation by formalizing a Rotary Club Twinning Agreement.
 
Rotary Club International Cooperation – Club Twinning Pardeep Ahluwalia, DGN 7040 2022-04-27 06:00:00Z 0

Call for Nominations for Donald MacRae Peace Award

Posted by PDG Dan Doherty, Zone 28
Do you know a Rotarian or Rotary organization that deserves plaudits for the international work it does?
 
Every year, a Rotarian or Rotary organization is celebrated in each of our Zones for outstanding achievement consistent with the ideals expressed in the Fourth Object of Rotary: “The advancement of international understanding, goodwill, and peace through humanitarian activity of international significance. “
Each Rotary Club and District in Zones 28 and 32 is encouraged every year to nominate a candidate for the Donald MacRae Peace Award. Is this the year for you to honor one of your Rotarians?
Call for Nominations for Donald MacRae Peace Award PDG Dan Doherty, Zone 28 2022-04-24 06:00:00Z 0

Empowering Girls District Champions

Posted by Zone 28 Assistant Ambassador Tamara Larson
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What does it mean when we talk about Empowering Girls? Why is it so important to Leave No Girl Behind?
 
This Rotary year, President Shekar took the important first step in creating an Empowering Girls Presidential Initiative to open the door to this very important conversation. Rotarians across our Zones stepped up to the plate to work with clubs and Rotary members of all ages to share, work together, and support clubs and Districts to Empower Girls.
 
Not only were new initiatives started, we started to look at our existing projects and community partners as to how we can support women and girls, not only from an international perspective, but in our own back yards.
Empowering Girls District Champions Zone 28 Assistant Ambassador Tamara Larson 2022-04-24 06:00:00Z 0

“Years of Ascent” a Hearts of Europe global grant partnership with USAID in Serbia

Posted by Alex Reczkowski, Rotary Club Pittsfield, Massachusetts
Friendship makes all the difference. Twenty years ago, I was an undergraduate studying math in Budapest, Hungary, and Ana, a Serbian friend, invited me to spend Easter with her family in Belgrade. Today, over 100 classrooms in Serbia have that spirit of friendship to thank for new computers, tablets, drones, and other STEM technology. The teachers are likewise thankful for the training and curriculum they were given with the new equipment. This month, I’m headed back to Belgrade for our “Years of Ascent” global grant site visit.
 
 
“Years of Ascent” a Hearts of Europe global grant partnership with USAID in Serbia Alex Reczkowski, Rotary Club Pittsfield, Massachusetts 2022-04-24 06:00:00Z 0

Making a Difference - Securing Rotary’s Promise

Posted by 2018-19 Rotary Foundation Trustee Chair Brenda Cressey
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Every day we are privileged to hear compelling and life changing stories from Rotarians and Rotaractors We in Rotary are healers aspiring to do a little bit of healing with everything we touch – and not just for the moment, but for the long term.
 
Our Rotary Foundation is the charitable arm of our organization. It’s evaluated annually by Charity Navigator for its financial health including measures of stability, efficiency, and sustainability, accountability, and transparency.  Receiving a 4-star rating for the 14th year in a row. Now that’s impact!
 
Impact known and appreciated around the globe by many partners.  This is a compelling reason for us to consider supporting the endowment, whether outright or through an estate gift.
Making a Difference - Securing Rotary’s Promise 2018-19 Rotary Foundation Trustee Chair Brenda Cressey 2022-04-24 06:00:00Z 0
April 2022 Beyond Borders Newsletter Bruce Goldsen 2022-03-31 06:00:00Z 0

April Message of the Director

Posted by Valarie Wafer, RIVP and Zone 28&32 Director
Last month I had the chance to visit UNICEF House in New York. As you likely know, Rotary has a long-standing relationship with UNICEF based on our more than 30-year partnership to eradicate polio.  And, as we honor that long-standing commitment, we also recognize many factors, many diseases, many challenges affect children today - particularly girls. Rotary Day at UNICEF brought together our partnership as well as our synergies in our collective work to empower girls.
Rotary International President Shekhar Mehta has made Empowering Girls a critical overarching priority this Rotary year.  He has asked each of us to launch initiatives aimed to lead the charge for gender equality.  Bringing greater access to education, better health care and more employment. Empowerment allows each girl to reach their full potential creating hope and setting the stage for sustainable peace.
 
The reality today is that while significant progress has been made in the last decade to advance girl’s education, health and status in their community girls and young women are bearing the brunt of the COVID-19 crisis, which has exacerbated in-equities and reinforced gender inequalities.
 
Adolescent girls face higher risks of violence, child marriage, and dropping out of school. Even after schools reopen this will remain true due to underlying discriminatory gender norms.
 
At UNICEF house we heard incredible stories of champions leading the way to ending child marriage, providing mentorship to girls, breaking barriers for girls on menstrual hygiene management, and the influence of technology on basic education and literacy.
 
Partnerships are critical to success.  In this case, UNICEF has the technical expertise and Rotary’s strength is our global network of 1.4 million community-based volunteers around the world.  Thank you, President Shekhar, the Empowering Girls Ambassadors, and all the champions around the world. Together we can be the catalysts for creating solutions to empower girls, setting them up for healthy, hopeful, and thriving futures.
 
Girls pay a much higher price during a crisis. War disproportionally effects women and girls. More than half of Ukraine’s children have crossed borders into Poland and other countries, becoming instant refugees as a result. Their lives completely shattered, separated from their families, friends, schools and everything they know and cherish, along with the uncertainty of what awaits them in the future. In fact, one child becomes a refugee every second of every minute of every hour and day. 
 
Rotarians can make a difference and I want to thank you for your incredible generosity and kindness. More than $3.7 million dollars and nearly $1.9 million in district designated funds have been donated to the Rotary Foundation Disaster Response Fund and many districts and clubs are offering matching funds to encourage support to Ukraine such Rotary Club of Hamilton in D7090 featured in this newsletter. 
 
Let’s continue to keep our Ukrainian family in our thoughts and prayers – Be well and Be Safe.
April Message of the Director Valarie Wafer, RIVP and Zone 28&32 Director 2022-03-28 06:00:00Z 0

The Kessler Report – April 2022

Posted by Drew Kessler, Director Elect
As I write to you, I have just completed my last in-person PETS for the season.  After 45 days of virtual, hybrid and in-person PETS events I was able to connect with over 2,500 of our Presidents Elect, Assistant Governors and District Leadership. 
Depending on what date PETS was to occur back in 2020 for some this was the first time the event was held in person for 3 years and for the balance it was 2 years.  I cannot even begin to describe how AWESOME it was to be with my fellow Rotarians in person to see old friends and make new ones.  I found each event I attended to be terrific, they all had top notch speakers, and all delivered impressive breakout sessions all in slightly different ways.  The overwhelming takeaway from the attendees was that they feel they received value for the time and resources they provided to attend these events.  Value is what it is all about as we must always strive to provide value to our membership.  From our Club meetings, District events, and PETS we must ensure that we are being most mindful of the resources of our members and not waste neither their time nor their money.
 
I would like to offer my congratulations to Rotary Coordinators Herb Klotz and Doug Logan as they and their teams successfully distributed personal membership reports to the majority of clubs that attended a PETS this year.  I had the fortune to sit in on Herb’s presentation at Mid NE Pets and found the engagement by the attendees to be extremely high as they found value in the resources being provided.  To be able to use an analytical approach to have our clubs realize where their membership opportunities lie is something that will change the culture of how we focus our attention as we Grow Rotary.  Kudos to both them and their teams for bringing forth this concept, implementing how it can be used and crafting a distribution plan.
 
Next, I am off to Evanston for the April board meeting followed by the Council on Legislation where I have the opportunity to serve for the second time as a delegate.  There is no Governmental body in the world that I am aware of that is larger than the 537 that make up the delegates for Rotary’s Council.  While it is a massive group and even a larger undertaking to manage that many voices, it is incredible to be part of and witness how policy is put into place for Rotary.  If it is anything like the last COL, I am very much looking forward to hearing the perspectives of my fellow Rotarians from around the world as we deliberate on the enactments being presented.  My hope is the body that makes up this session will have a mind toward progression and want to move our great organization forward.
 
The feeling I have is one of optimism and excitement for all that is to come in the new Rotary year as we IMAGINE.
 
The Kessler Report – April 2022 Drew Kessler, Director Elect 2022-03-27 06:00:00Z 0

The need is very urgent - please support the people of Ukraine

 
A Ukraine colleague who recently fled her native country said:" Believe me, it is very difficult to find yourself in a situation where you are forced to leave your native country with two suitcases and a child, no understanding when we will be able to come back. Morally and emotionally, it is terrible, the concept of ‘tomorrow’ is completely absent."
The need is very urgent - please support the people of Ukraine 2022-03-27 06:00:00Z 0

What could you do with $25,000?

Posted by WASH Rotary Action Group
 
Since its founding in 2007, the WASH Rotary Action Group has been dedicated to its Mission:
 
“To support and ensure sustainable long-lasting safe water, sanitation and hygiene programs to communities in need.”  
 
To further this cause, WASH-RAG’s Board of Directors is delighted to announce a one-time, special grant of $25,000 to encourage Rotary Districts and clubs to become active participants in a WASH project. Better still – that $25,000 will be eligible for a dollar-to-dollar match from DDF and/or cash contributions to the Global Grant.
 
Eligibility
 
All Rotary Districts and Clubs qualified to participate in The Rotary Foundation’s Global Grants Program can apply for the grant. Clubs who have participated previously in a small WASH project, funded by a District Grant are encouraged to apply.
What could you do with $25,000? WASH Rotary Action Group 2022-03-26 06:00:00Z 0

Boost Membership With an E-Newsletter

Posted by PDG Melissa Ward-Rathbun, APIC & Innovate Club Advocate, Zone 32
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We live in a world where email can quickly get out of control. Yet, for all its faults, email is one of the best online methods of reaching your audience and getting them to take action. When a person signs up for your newsletter, odds are they are interested in your organization and what it has to offer. 
 
There are many newsletter providers; look for one that gives you metrics. Open rate tells you what percentage of people opened your email.  Click through rate shows you how many people clicked on a link in your email. These numbers are important and help you understand what type of content is working.
Boost Membership With an E-Newsletter PDG Melissa Ward-Rathbun, APIC & Innovate Club Advocate, Zone 32 2022-03-26 06:00:00Z 0

Polio Happenings

Posted by Linda Robertson, EPNC 28W
Rotary Club Celebrates 100th Anniversary with a $100,000.00 gift to Polio
 
The Rotary Club of Wayne in Wayne Michigan is celebrating its 100th Anniversary by donating $33,000.00 to PolioPlus. With the 2:1 match from the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation their gift will become $100,000.00. The Wayne Rotary Club was chartered on January 1, 2022. EPNC Neil McBeth, was talking with PDGs David Carpenter and Rick Canon from District 6400 when they shared this wonderful news about the Rotary Club of Wayne.
The entire community is celebrating the 100th Anniversary. Congratulations are displayed in lights by local businesses including the local police.
 
A gift to PolioPlus is such an appropriate way to acknowledge a Rotary Anniversary. The eradication of Polio will be Rotary’s legacy and the legacy of every Rotarian that has contributed financially to help fulfill the promise of a Polio Free World.
Team Marco Raise $3,270.00 for PolioPlus
 
Rotarian Glenn Hagen and his 16-year-old dog Marco walked 124 km over several days in February to raise awareness for polio in Moose Jaw, Saskatchewan. Anyone that has been in Saskatchewan in the winter will know that some of those days would have been very challenging!
 
Glenn’s Rotary Club of Moose Jaw Wakamow received donations of $1,090. Those donations when matched 2:1 by the Bill and Melinda Gates will contribute $3,270.00 for polio eradication.
Marco did so much to raise awareness in the city of 34,000 that he was made an Honorary Member of the Rotary Club.
 
Rotary Glenn was interviewed by local media and shared the story of Rotary’s promise to eradicate polio and the good news that only 5 cases of the wild polio virus were recorded in 2021.  He also emphasized that we are at a critical point in reaching our goal.
 
PDG Pat Chernesky and District 5550 PolioPlus Chair said, “Glenn is a former Mayor of Moose Jaw and a former MLA and Speaker in the Saskatchewan Legislator. He’s and just an excellent ambassador for Polio.” 
 
Rotary International has an expectation that every club will donate a minimum of $1500.00 each year to PolioPlus.  Thanks to the Marco Team, the Rotary Club of Moose Jaw Wakamow will definitely reach their minimum goal.
Polio Happenings Linda Robertson, EPNC 28W 2022-03-26 06:00:00Z 0

Tekera Resource Center in Uganda

Posted by Garry Shearer – ARRFC Zone 28 West
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One of the prime objectives of our Rotary Foundation is to fund sustainable projects. A sustainable project is one that does not need perpetual funding from our Foundation and has local buy-in to maintain the project going forward.
 
The Rotary Club of Tsawwassen in District 5040 has funded the Tekera Resource Center in Uganda with matching District Grants over a 10-year period starting in 2010. The resource center was designed from its start to be self-sustaining in 10 years. The Tekera Foundation was founded by Tsawwassen locals Sonya and Bridget Sangster (Congo) and Scott Andrews – amongst others. The initial goal of working with Tekera was to provide public services to a community when the government wasn’t able to. These services include a full elementary school (300+ students), a vocational trades school, a farmers’ co-operative with over 42 farms, economic and business development, sanitation and water, and a level 2 healthcare clinic. These services support a community of over 15,000.
Tekera Resource Center in Uganda Garry Shearer – ARRFC Zone 28 West 2022-03-24 06:00:00Z 0

District 5360 / 5370: Rotary Day of Service: The Secret 3K

Posted by Martin Parnell, DG 5360
On March 2nd District 5360 and District 5370 held their “Rotary Day of Service”. The theme was “Empowering Women and Girls” and 240 Rotarians, Rotaractors, Interactors and EarlyActors participated in the Secret 3K Run / Walk. This event was inspired by a trip to Afghanistan where I ran a marathon with Women and Girls who run for Freedom and Equality.
 
District 5360 / 5370: Rotary Day of Service: The Secret 3K Martin Parnell, DG 5360 2022-03-24 06:00:00Z 0

ShelterBox Launches Response To Crisis In Ukraine

Posted by Bill Tobin, ShelterBox Rotary Relations Manager, El Dorado Hills CA D5180
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ShelterBox, the disaster project partner of Rotary International, has launched a major response to the crisis in Ukraine, working to establish three programs inside and outside the country.
 
Since its founding by a Rotary Club in the U.K. more than 20 years ago, ShelterBox has provided shelter and other essential items to the most vulnerable forced from their homes by disaster and conflict. One of the world’s leading humanitarian relief organizations, ShelterBox has provided emergency shelter and living essentials to more than 2 million people, responding to more than 300 disasters in 100 counties.
 
Przemysl station, eight miles from the Polish border with Ukraine. 20,000 refugees are arriving here daily.
ShelterBox Launches Response To Crisis In Ukraine Bill Tobin, ShelterBox Rotary Relations Manager, El Dorado Hills CA D5180 2022-03-24 06:00:00Z 0

Gain and Maintain

Posted by Karin Gaffney, D 7910, ARC
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As we all work to identify ways to meet Rotary’s number 1 priority – GROW ROTARY – it’s always helpful to look for ideas from districts across our zones and consider “copying” and “adapting” great ideas that have been tried and work! There are no plagiarism police in Rotary and in fact, Rotary offers a safe zone for “borrowing” and “adapting” to meet a specific club or district’s need. We’re all members of the global “membership committee” and growing rotary is a team sport.
 
Today’s example of a membership campaign that has been tried and shown to succeed is from D 7930 (Northeaster MA and Salem, NH) and it’s got a catchy title known as Gain and Maintain! The author of Gain and Maintain is DMC Peter Majane – feel free to reach out to Peter for follow up discussion and additional materials. Peter and the D7930 membership team rolled out this program to their 45 clubs in 2021 and are still going strong with it today, tweaking as needed along the way.
Gain and Maintain Karin Gaffney, D 7910, ARC 2022-03-24 06:00:00Z 0

There Are Still Opportunities for #EmpoweringGirls2021

Posted by Carol Tichelman & Mary Shackleton
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Change Makers -- as we enter the final quarter of the Rotary year, your Empowering Girls Initiative team hopes that you are having a productive season of spring district conferences, Rotary Days of Service, PETS programming, and district training assemblies.  Please stay safe as we cautiously start meeting again in person.  We encourage you to share your Empowering Girls success stories and proactively network with other Rotary members in the breakout sessions and social gatherings. 
 
Here are a few other ways you can move the Empowering Girls Initiative forward:
There Are Still Opportunities for #EmpoweringGirls2021 Carol Tichelman & Mary Shackleton 2022-03-24 06:00:00Z 0

April – Maternal & Child Health Month

Posted by Magdalen Leung – Maternal & Child Health (MGI Advisor)
This Rotary year’s theme is “Serve to Change Lives”. Think of the impact we can have through your generosity in establishing an Endowment Fund.  It will enable us to be bigger and bolder in our service projects locally and internationally.  In 2021, our Club initiated a special Endowment for Maternal & Child Health.  This fund will help establish and strengthen not only the “empowering of girls” but children as well. As you know, even today, girls and young women face disproportionate challenges all over the world, like gender equality in the workplace, inaccessibility to education, better healthcare, and employment. 
 
April – Maternal & Child Health Month Magdalen Leung – Maternal & Child Health (MGI Advisor) 2022-03-19 06:00:00Z 0

Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion: Everybody’s Responsibility

Posted by Susan Davidson, ARC Zone 28
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In June 2021, Rotary’s Board of Directors strengthened its commitment to making diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) part of the fabric of Rotary. In his February communication to current and incoming club leaders President Shekhar called us to action. 
 
“As Rotary leaders, we are instrumental in helping our districts and our clubs become more inclusive. We have the opportunity to help our members develop the skills they need to embrace all facets of diversity. We must work toward equity so every person who engages with Rotary has access to the resources, opportunities, networks, and support they need to be valued, contributing members,” said President Shekar.
Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion: Everybody’s Responsibility Susan Davidson, ARC Zone 28 2022-03-19 06:00:00Z 0
March 2022 Beyond Borders Newsletter Bruce Goldsen 2022-02-28 07:00:00Z 0

Need help with your WASH project—here’s how!!

The Rotary club of LaSalle-Centennial wanted to support the RC of Mzuzu (Malawi) to bring water to a rural community, but the cost was more than the club, and its partners could raise. Enter the Canadian Rotarian Water Foundation (CRWF).
 
Need help with your WASH project—here’s how!! 2022-02-26 07:00:00Z 0

March Statement of Our Director

Posted by Valarie Wafer, RIVP, Director Zone 28&32

As February comes to a close so does a busy month.  A month that included a hybrid RI Board meeting, a hybrid gala fundraiser for our foundation and concluded with a hybrid multi-district PETS.  I had the opportunity to be in person at each of these events and I cannot tell you how it feels to be with people.  With the proper precautions it is beginning to feel somewhat “normal.”

I want to thank all of you who attended and gave so generously to our Gala for the Rotary Foundation on Rotary's 117th birthday!  More than 650 were in attendance, some virtually and some at house parties where RIDE Drew and RIPE Jennifer dropped in.  At this time, we estimate approximately $250,000 USD was raised!  With the Gates Foundation match for Polio funding that is over $300,000 USD.  As the RI Board meeting was occurring in Evanston, we did our part from RI Headquarters, so it was truly a hybrid event.

Presidents elect training is underway as we approach March and the end of winter. Although Spring is a most welcome relief for those of us in traditional snow belts, we do look forward to the change in seasons this year, but it is with heavy hearts we learn of the beginning of Russia’s attack on the people of Ukraine. 

It is important that we recognize that this fight is not between the everyday people of these two countries, all citizens including the people of Russia must be kept in our thoughts as these horrible situations play out. To see the statement on the situation in Ukraine by Rotary International please click here.

I write this as I visit Mid Atlantic PETS where once again, I am blown away with the enthusiasm, camaraderie, and the innovative resourcefulness of our Presidents Elect. Clearly the selection committees in each club have done a great job of choosing their next club presidents. As well it is wonderful to see a diverse group of new club Presidents, proof that clubs and districts are embracing equity and inclusion strategies. Each year as I visit PETS across our zones, I am more and more impressed with the caliber of the next generation of leadership. 

March also marks the end of the second year of the pandemic. It was March 14th, 2020, when Mark and I had to leave Rochester, New York to ensure we could cross the border back into Canada on time. We have lost many Rotarians during this pandemic and suffered immeasurable losses. This is a time in history we will never forget, yet the future of our clubs, our districts, and the brand we love is stronger as a result of weathering the storm as a family. 

I hope to see each of you soon as we continue to Serve to Change Lives!

March Statement of Our Director Valarie Wafer, RIVP, Director Zone 28&32 2022-02-26 07:00:00Z 0

Now That Is How You Do It…
 

Posted by Drew Kessler, Director-Elect
On the heels of the 2022 Rotary International Assembly being concluded I take a moment to reflect on the event and have to say, “That is how you do it!”.  Faced with a daunting challenge of moving from an in-person event to a virtual event in the matter of weeks President Elect Jennifer and her team of Rotary Senior Leaders and Rotary International staff hit it out of the park.  What I take away most from the event is the product that was provided to all those who attended and specifically the plenary sessions.  My hope is we all learn from what and how things were presented as we plan for both in person and virtual events going forward.
For me the biggest take away was each plenary session was between 30 and 55 minutes.  Each session had multiple speakers and accomplishing the biggest hurdle of any event, keeping the audience’s attention and engagement.  The key was that there was no long presentation, everything kept moving with most speakers not presenting for more than 10 minutes.  There were different styles of presentations that included interviews and back and forth conversations.  For someone like myself who has a limited attention span (unfortunately) I found I was engaged from start to finish.  Yes, there was top notch talent presenting but I found it was the format that outweighed the content which kept me from moving over to one of my other two monitors.
 
All who read this are in a position to embrace what was learned from the program at IA.  How many of us have been to Rotary events where the speaker loses the audience’s attention but continues to forge ahead for another 20 min?  I am a firm believer that whatever needs to be said can be said in under 10 minutes.  We can turn to the TED talk concept to have proof that short impactful presentations are the way to go, and our audience will appreciate that we not only provide great content, but we value their top resource and that is time.
 
I would be remiss if I do not give a shout out to all the Zone 28/32 representation throughout IA starting with our very own President Elect Jennifer whose vision and inspiration guided the event.  Vice President Valarie and her partner Mark gave amazing presentations on DEI.  Past Director and Current Trustee Dean who as always put her heart out there for us all to feel.  On the training side, I received many notes from attendees on how well, Sue Goldsen, Peter Schultz and Louis Turpin, our Zone’s three International Training Leaders, did in their sessions.  These seven individuals exceeded all expectations and knocked it out of the park.  Please join me in congratulating them when your Rotary paths cross.
 
How amazing are our two Zones?  We are so blessed to have amazing leaders throughout both Zones, and this was clearly evident during IA.  I took much from the sessions and hope you did as well.
Now That Is How You Do It…  Drew Kessler, Director-Elect 2022-02-25 07:00:00Z 0
News About September Zone Cruise Melissa Ward-Rathbun 2022-02-21 07:00:00Z 0

Update Interact Convention

As people of action, our team is aware of our responsibility to protect the health and safety of our attendees at the event. Due to the rise of the Omnicron variant, Canadian travel restrictions, and indoor gathering limitations, our team has decided to postpone the Zone 28 & 32 Interact Convention to the new date of October 20th to 23rd, 2022.
Update Interact Convention 2022-02-21 07:00:00Z 0

Questions and Answers About Rotary Foundation Endowments

Posted by 5040 PDG Chris Offer, TRF Canada board
What is a Rotary’s Endowment?
 
Gifts to Rotary's Endowment ensure that future Rotarians will have the resources they need to design and implement sustainable projects year after year. Rotary strives to increase the value of your gift to the Endowment by preserving and investing your initial contribution and spending only a portion of the earnings. The principal of a contribution to the Endowment is never spent, but a portion of the earnings is made available annually for specific program activities.
 
 
What is a named Endowment?
 
Create a legacy in your own name, or to honor a loved one, to see the impact of your gift and watch it grow over time. You can also make a commitment in your estate plans to support the causes you care about most. Each fund is tracked and reported to you and your district, so they are reminded of your generosity for generations to come.
Questions and Answers About Rotary Foundation Endowments 5040 PDG Chris Offer, TRF Canada board 2022-02-21 07:00:00Z 0

Into the Future With the Empowering Girls Initiative

Posted by Carol Tichelman & Mary Shackleton, Zones 28 & 32 Empowering Girls Ambassadors
We are excited to report that Rotary International President-Elect Jennifer E. Jones and Rotary International President-Nominee Gordon R. McInally have both agreed in principle to extend the Empowering Girls Initiative beyond June 30th.   In keeping with next year’s Presidential Theme, we ask you to “Imagine Rotary” doing even more to enable young women to reach their full potential in the coming years.
 
Here are three suggestions as to how we move forward:
Into the Future With the Empowering Girls Initiative Carol Tichelman & Mary Shackleton, Zones 28 & 32 Empowering Girls Ambassadors 2022-02-21 07:00:00Z 0

March – Providing Clean Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene Month

Posted by Marilyn Bedell, EMGA
 
When it comes to our area of focus, Providing Clean Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene, I always think of Rotarian Walter Hughes from the Rotary Club of Rocky Mount, Virginia.  I first heard Hughes speak at the District 7850 Conference in 2005.  Hughes shared his vision of providing clean water to all citizens in Ghana to eradicate Guinea Worm.  Since then, Hughes has led a multinational Rotary partnership that eradicated Guinea worm disease in Ghana, and he is attempting to repeat that in South Sudan. It is estimated that he has led the efforts to provide clean water for over 650,000 citizens in Africa.  Hughes’ vision would not have been achieved without fellow Rotarians who share his passion and have helped make his vision a reality.  Hughes represents the “power of one.” Other Rotarians have been “the boots on the ground,” and our many donors, especially major donors are “the engine” that made and continue to make Hughes’ global grants possible.
March – Providing Clean Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene Month Marilyn Bedell, EMGA 2022-02-21 07:00:00Z 0

Global Grants in Uganda

Posted by PDG Rick Benson, ARRFC, past DRFC, Westport, CT
Situated atop a small mountain in the foothills of the Rwenzori mountains in Western Uganda, straddling the equator, lie three villages of 550 households, 850 children, and 2500 total residents. Bujanjara is the largest of the villages located 110 KM south of Fort Portal. There are three schools, two Catholic churches, a mosque and two small trading centers – none have running water or proper toilet facilities.
First Partner’s Meeting in Fort Portal, Uganda August 3, 2019
Fr. Patrick Tukwasibwe priest for 24 churches, Kabarole IPP Edward Balinda, PDG Rick Benson D7980, PE Leslie Wolfe, Westport CT, Kabarole RC President Eddie Basalista
Community Assessment Focus Group with Father Patrick, September 2019
New Water Tank being inspected, January 2022
Global Grants in Uganda PDG Rick Benson, ARRFC, past DRFC, Westport, CT 2022-02-21 07:00:00Z 0

Rotary begins with Diversity of Thought

Posted by Dan Doherty, Assistant Rotary Coordinator Zone 28 2020/23
The road to a healthy membership and the growth of Rotary begins with Diversity of Thought. Through healthy open dialogue with our members and the community we serve, Rotary will develop more engaged Rotarians.
 
Casey Eaglespeaker, a Blackfoot Elder, spoke quite eloquently about the times we live in, where we need to move our society from “Doing To and Doing For, to Doing With”. While this resonates clearly on relationship with our Indigenous People, it is relevant to how we engage with our local communities and quite frankly with our Membership. Diversity of thought leads clearly to diversity in membership, listening to learn leads to equity and understanding, having people with “lived experience” in the room leads to inclusion.
Rotary begins with Diversity of Thought Dan Doherty, Assistant Rotary Coordinator Zone 28 2020/23 2022-02-21 07:00:00Z 0
February 2022 Beyond Borders Newsletter Bruce Goldsen 2022-01-31 07:00:00Z 0

February Message from the Director

Posted by Valarie Wafer, RIVP and Director Zone 28/32
In February we will celebrate Rotary’s 117th birthday, an incredible milestone!  From the very first service project, a comfort station on the streets of Chicago, to being on the brink of eradicating Polio from the face of the earth, we have a rich history, and we have each Served to Change Lives.

On February 23 in Zone 28 and 32 we will celebrate this milestone by having a party that you won’t want to miss.  Let’s celebrate our Rotary Foundation so that we can continue to do good in the world. Click here to participate and see you there!

February is Peace and Conflict Prevention/ Resolution month in Rotary. As members in Rotary, we do not wait for a specific month to put a focus on peace. Everyday, the projects and initiatives we support address the inequities of poverty, access to education and health care. We initiate and drive sustainable service projects that help to create and provide a better chance of building a peaceful society. 

Mother Teresa once said, “Peace begins with a smile”.  Very simple. When you smile your whole face lights up! – (sometimes hard to see behind our masks) – a smile is infectious; it encourages positive thinking and makes us physically feel better as well.  It’s also a universal language, a way to instantly connect to show understanding, acceptance, and happiness.

Peace begins with each of us.

“When you find peace within yourself, you become the kind of person who can live at peace with others.” ~ Anne Frank 

February also marks the month that our District Governors Elect will attend the virtual International Assembly and Imagine Rotary.  Many districts will begin to hold training for incoming officers and club presidents.  I look forward to being with many of you either virtually or in person.

Until then, be well and be safe.

February Message from the Director Valarie Wafer, RIVP and Director Zone 28/32 2022-01-27 07:00:00Z 0

The Kessler Report – February 2022

Posted by Drew Kessler, Director Elect
The excitement is in the air as PETS season is upon us.  At this time every year, I so look forward to the PETS (President Elect Training Seminar) events that occur all throughout our two Zones during February and March.  It is at these events we are able to provide training, bring forward new ideas and from my perspective most importantly get our incoming leadership excited about the journey they are about to take.
For me personally, it was at my first multi–District PETS that I was able to truly see and feel the magnitude of our organization.  For the PETS that attract hundreds of attendees, the feeling when you enter the room is palpable.  We are able to bring in our best and brightest presenters and discussion leaders.  We are able to showcase the amazing works of our Clubs and Districts so others can replicate or glean information from them.  There are so many ideas that are brought back to our clubs all generated by this one annual event.
 
I have heard it said before that for many, the year they served as their Club President was one, if not the best year of their Rotary Career.  The responsibility of a Club President is extremely significant as they can elect to do little and hope their Club looks the same on the other end or they can embrace the role and work with their members to bring their club forward and build on what is hoped to be a solid platform.
 
As District and Zone leaders it is on us to help build excitement for PETS as we know what happens when Presidents Elect and Assistant Governors attend and not only “show up” but show up with an open mind.  We know what happens at these events, many of us have experienced PETS multiple times and can agree this one event can have a huge impact on a Club’s coming year.
 
For the repeat President who makes the statement, “I have been there already and do not need to go again” I implore you to take the time to share with them what they are going to receive if they attend this year.  Every year new ideas come forward, new speakers present but more than anything with every new year comes a new opportunity for these repeat Presidents to collaborate with other Presidents Elect and bring forward what works in their club and hear what works in other clubs.
 
While I wish all the coming events were in person this looks to be hopefully the last year that some will be online.  Regardless of the format the information is invaluable, and I know when our leaders attend with open minds our organization will only be better not only in the coming year and for years to come. Either online or in person, I look forward to seeing you at PETS in the coming months.
The Kessler Report – February 2022 Drew Kessler, Director Elect 2022-01-25 07:00:00Z 0

Hearing Loss – The Silent Epidemic

Posted by Ross Hammond
My wife Monique has a Zoom Presentation – “Hearing Loss – The Silent Epidemic”. She has spoken to over 200 Rotary Clubs. This includes over 100 Zoom and 100 in person presentations to clubs in the US, Canada, Australia and Scotland. Monique has also spoken in person to over 185 other community organizations and employee groups about Hearing Loss. Monique and I are also Rotarians. We are between clubs as our club closed, but are looking at joining a Passport Club in our area.
Hearing Loss – The Silent Epidemic Ross Hammond 2022-01-23 07:00:00Z 0

Branchburg Rotary’s ASHA PROJECT

Posted by PDG Tulsi R. Maharjan, Ph.D., District 7475
No matter how modern we become, the natural bleeding process (menstruation) in women is still considered taboo in Nepal; many students miss their school during this time.  This taboo has resulted in, as well as women dying from exposure because they are forced to remain outdoors.

Nepal conducts Reusable Pad project in rural communities

The Asha Project, in collaboration with the Rotaract Club of Damak in Nepal, conducted a training class on menstruation hygiene and distributed reusable sanitary pads free of charge to the community. Women groups were trained on how to make environmentally friendly sanitary pads. This project will allow the Nepali women to make their own pads. Many local students are not able to purchase sanitary pads and miss school during their period. 
The major goal of these projects was to break the myth that women are untouchable during their period and provide knowledge about menstruation and make them mentally, physically, and economically strong. 
 
Thank you, Sapana Kandangwa (Limboo), President of the Damak Rotaract Club, Rotary District 3292 -Nepal) for coordinating these projects in various parts of rural Nepal. Also, thanks to Rotaract club members for their dedication and service to the needy people of Nepal. 
Branchburg Rotary’s ASHA PROJECT PDG Tulsi R. Maharjan, Ph.D., District 7475 2022-01-23 07:00:00Z 0

New Custom License Plate for NYS Rotarians

Posted by Michael Griffin, D7040 AG
 A new custom Rotary license plate will soon be available for New York State Rotarians! The new custom plate will feature the Rotary logo and our motto, "Service Above Self."
 
 
District 7120 Governor Janet Tenreiro along with District 7040 Area Governor Michael Griffin are taking point on this project, which has the support of all nine district governors in New York State. The new plate will take the place of Rotary's current custom plate in New York, which uses the old logo and has no motto.
 
In order for New York State to move ahead on printing the new plates, we need to get at least 200 New York State Rotarians to express interest in ordering the new custom license plate. (As on 19 January 2022, we currently need about 35 more sign-ups.)
New Custom License Plate for NYS Rotarians Michael Griffin, D7040 AG 2022-01-23 07:00:00Z 0

Multi-District PolioPlus Event, Oct. 29, 2021

Posted by Janet Tenreiro, DG 7120
Our Empire Multi-District PolioPlus event on Friday, October 29, 2021, began with Syracuse Mayor Ben Walsh reading a proclamation from the City Hall steps about the importance of Rotary to New York State and to the eradication of Polio in the world.  Rotary International President Elect Jennifer Jones then took the lectern to speak about our progress towards that goal. 
 
On the steps of City Hall:  DG Bruce McConnalee from 7190, DG Janet Tenreiro from 7120, Jennifer Jones, DG Evan Kurtz from 7170, and DG Dana Jerrard from 7150.
Later in the evening, Jennifer spoke about Polio “by the numbers” and cited the various statistics (updated) that The Global Polio Eradication Initiative, the CDC, WHO, and RI have been using and RI’s role in improving those statistics.  To round off the evening, the 4 District Governors of the Empire Multi-District presented Jennifer with a BIG CHECK ($155,000.00) that represented the combined dollars from each District’s DDF and Commitments to PolioPlus.
 
On stage at the PolioPlus Dinner:  Jennifer Jones, Dana Jerrard, Bruce McConnalee, Evan Kurtz, and Janet Tenreiro.
Multi-District PolioPlus Event, Oct. 29, 2021 Janet Tenreiro, DG 7120 2022-01-23 07:00:00Z 0

Making Good Use of Funds from TRF to do Good in the World

Posted by DRFCC Rick Caron, D6400, and ARRFC Teresa Brandell, Zone 28
D6400 (Michigan and Ontario) and its clubs continue to be heavily involved in global grants, with six in draft stage, one awaiting authorization, four submitted and 34 active grants. The total value of all these grants is $7,121,287, clearly showing the power of the Rotary Foundation and the importance of partnerships, in doing good in the world. In fact, the projects range over 19 different countries. 
 
A wonderful example is the “St. Xavier Fosu Dental Center” in Ghana. This project, valued at just under $100,000, was the dream of IPDG Noel Jackson, aka, Captain Rotary.  The project was funded with support from D6380, D6400, the Rotary Clubs of Trenton and Grosse-Pointe Sunrise in D6400, an anonymous donor and the Howey Family Foundation. The clinic will benefit a service area of over 200,000 people.  Not included in the grant, but important for the success of the project, were significant donations of dental equipment; and the commitment of the dental staff and hospital administration in Ghana to ensure sustainability.
The Rotary Club of St. Joseph & Benton Harbor (D6360 in Michigan) are working on a grain milling project in Uganda after receiving a $3,000 district grant from TRF. For a total of $9,000, the club purchased two grain mills and a utility vehicle for use by food-production cooperatives developed as part of a peacebuilding, conflict prevention/resolution and food security project. Members of local agricultural cooperatives work together tilling, tending, and harvesting crops, and then deciding how to distribute the harvest. Local officials and Rotarians provide training.
Making Good Use of Funds from TRF to do Good in the World DRFCC Rick Caron, D6400, and ARRFC Teresa Brandell, Zone 28 2022-01-22 07:00:00Z 0

Empowering Girls Initiative and Vocational Service

Posted by PDG Carol Tichelman, Zone 28 Empowering Girls Ambassador
As I write this it is still Vocational Service month in the Rotary world.  Vocational Service is often called the lost avenue of service; however, it is intrinsic in the object of Rotary.
 
Some suggestions in RI’s “Introduction to Vocational Service” guide include using your skills and expertise to serve community.  You can do this by helping young people to achieve their careen goals and/or guide and encourage others in their professional development. There are many opportunities in our local communities to use our skills with a focus to also fulfill RI President Shekhar’s initiative for clubs and districts to engage in service to Empower Girls.
There is a great Canadian non-profit She Connects (www.sheconnects.ca) that pairs mentors with girls in grades 11 and 12.   You can also inquire at various organizations like your local YM/YWCA, Boys and Girls Club or your school district for Empowering Girls programs looking for volunteer partners.
 
Empowering Girls Initiative and Vocational Service PDG Carol Tichelman, Zone 28 Empowering Girls Ambassador 2022-01-22 07:00:00Z 0

2021 Ride To End Polio--The Results

Posted by Neil McBeth, End Polio Now Coordinator Zone 28 Central
 
The Indoor Ride to End Polio included 25 teams with approximately 250 participants. The highest Indoor Ride fundraiser award goes to Calgary West, where 34 clubs helped raise more than $91,000. Second place went to Stoughton, WI who raised more than $27,000. In total, the Indoor Ride, including all sites, raised a record $505,642 (all figures quoted with the Gates Match).
 
The Ride to End Polio in Tucson saw 100 cyclists registered, which is close to the norm for our ride. Considering we skipped a year and concerns over COVID, this is a great result. Riders came from 12 states and at least one rider rode in every distance.
 
The 2021 Ride to End Polio raised a total of $2,996,868 including all donations from all sources. This is the 12th year Rotary has participated in El Tour de Tucson, and over that time, our cyclists have raised $56,296,868.

Thank you to every cyclist who rode Indoors or in Tucson. To friends and family who came out and supported their rides with contributions and moral support. But in the end, let's all remember why we ride.
2021 Ride To End Polio--The Results Neil McBeth, End Polio Now Coordinator Zone 28 Central 2022-01-18 07:00:00Z 0

Dreaming of Local and Global Positive Peace!

Posted by PDG Christine Rendell, D5360 and Brian Carnahan
When my husband Brian and I first discussed our Rotary Legacy, the Promoting Peace Area of Focus came to mind immediately. We agreed that without conflict prevention or resolution, many of the projects and programs that Rotary has around the world would be at risk or withdrawn completely. Every day we see and hear about the ongoing cases of war, human trafficking, racial atrocities, modern slavery and child abuse. One of the challenges that are faced to end polio has been ongoing conflict.
Dreaming of Local and Global Positive Peace! PDG Christine Rendell, D5360 and Brian Carnahan 2022-01-18 07:00:00Z 0

There’s a New Club in Town: Rotary Club of Cochrane EarlyAct

Posted by Martin Parnell (he/him), Rotary Club of Cochrane, 5360 DG
In my role as the D5360 District Governor, I’m always delighted to be able to welcome new members and the formation of new Rotary Clubs. This was especially so, when, on December 14th I attended our newest club, the Rotary Club of Cochrane EarlyAct club, at Glenbow Elementary School in Cochrane, Alberta. It is made up of students in Grade Four, who will decide on which projects to embark on and may then encourage all students from the school to take part in.
The club was formed in October of this year and has already completed their first project. This was to make Christmas cards for residents at both Bethany and Big Hill Lodge, situated in our community. Supported by staff at the school, the sixteen EarlyAct leaders and other students, produced 175 cards, in total. Instead of writing in them, the students had the wonderful idea of leaving them blank and putting them into bundles of five, wrapped in ribbon, so that the residents could then use them as they pleased.
I was there to accept the cards, which were beautifully hand-made from mostly recycled materials, and to present the students with their official Rotary pins. The EarlyAct club already has plans for projects in the coming year.
 
There’s a New Club in Town: Rotary Club of Cochrane EarlyAct Martin Parnell (he/him), Rotary Club of Cochrane, 5360 DG 2022-01-14 07:00:00Z 0

Why Is It Important For Rotary to Be More Diverse, Equitable, and Inclusive?

Posted by Kate Sims, ARC District 7890
As we welcome in the new year, lets evaluate our progress on diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI).  The way we design projects and include people of all backgrounds, reflecting the communities in which we live will speak louder than words and will be an attraction for more members.  Having a diverse membership and an environment that appreciates and respects differences, helps Rotary Clubs be relevant in and connected to their communities.  The more diverse Rotary becomes, the better positioned it will be to delivery on our vision and mission providing peace and progress both in our own communities and around the world. 
 
It is important to differentiate the nuances between diversity and inclusion.
 
Why Is It Important For Rotary to Be More Diverse, Equitable, and Inclusive? Kate Sims, ARC District 7890 2022-01-14 07:00:00Z 0
We're doing it again! David Palmer, PolioPlus Chair District 7410 2022-01-13 07:00:00Z 0

Participants or Members?

Posted by PDG Paul Sincock, PDG Rick Caron, D6400
Declining membership is perhaps one of the biggest topics of Rotary discussions in North America.  This ongoing loss of members is hurting the good work that we do.  We must take the time and ask ourselves whether our clubs have participants or members.  Clubs with active and engaged members are a key to Rotary’s success.   
 
When reviewing clubs that are growing in membership as well as retaining their members, we find these clubs tend to have the same traits, regardless of the type of club they are. Those traits include having a strong leadership chain, stating clear goals that include a growth plan, being active in their community, strongly promote the Rotary brand, and intentionally engaging their members in service. 
Participants or Members? PDG Paul Sincock, PDG Rick Caron, D6400 2022-01-13 07:00:00Z 0
January 2022 Beyond Borders Newsletter Bruce Goldsen 2022-01-01 07:00:00Z 0
Foundation Gala 2022 Sean Hogan, Gala promotion chair 2021-12-26 07:00:00Z 0

From the Editor's Desk

Posted by Ariane Carriere, D7040 Passport Club
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This is the last Zone newsletter that I am the editor for. After four years, it is time to move on to something different in Rotary. Incoming Director Drew Kessler will let you know next month what his plans are for Zone communications. If you have any ideas or suggestions, by all means contact him at dkessler@mtb.com.
 
From the Editor's Desk Ariane Carriere, D7040 Passport Club 2021-12-23 07:00:00Z 0

A New Year

Posted by Valarie Wafer, RIVP and Director Zone 28/32
“With a new day comes new strength and new thoughts”-Eleanor Roosevelt
 
When I sit down to write this monthly column, I usually take the time to reflect on my message from a year ago.  Last January we received the news of a vaccine that would protect us from this pandemic. We were hopeful that the world and our lives would open up and resume. To a large degree that happened as many of our clubs continued to serve our communities and when possible, had meetings and celebrations in person.  Today, one year later, we are facing the challenge of new variants, vaccine hesitancy and vaccine equity.  But this new day also brings the hope that we may finally see the end of this pandemic very soon.
These are not just columns to reflect on but chapters in our personal memoirs.  We have experienced challenges and loss, but we have also found a new strength and developed new thoughts.  New strengths of human compassion, kindness, and a commitment to our core values.  New thoughts of how to fundraise, how to conduct our Rotary meetings, training sessions and board meetings.  Each new strength and each new thought will place our organization in a better, stronger, and more relevant position to lead and serve.
 
The new year typically is a time to make resolutions, resolutions that are typically abandoned by February.  So, I won’t make any resolutions I will make a few promises for 2022. 
*I will increase my giving to the Rotary Foundation
*I will bring in two new members
*I will mentor and follow these new members to ensure their Rotary experience brings value and    meaning to them.  And
*I will tap someone on the shoulder for leadership at the club, district, and zone level
 
I hope you will join me and make a few promises of your own.
 
As we turn the calendar page to a new year, we realize we are halfway through this Rotary year. We have six months to reach our goals and support RI President Shekhar’s key initiatives of Each One Bring One, Empowering Girls and strengthening our community with Rotary Days of Service.  
 
It is our job, each of us, to leave our clubs, districts, and our zones a little stronger on June 30th.  Let’s keep up the momentum, inspire those around us, lead with distinction and Serve to Change Lives!
 
 Mark and I wish each of you joy, health and happiness for the New Year!
 
A New Year Valarie Wafer, RIVP and Director Zone 28/32 2021-12-23 07:00:00Z 0

Pride of a father…

Posted by Drew Kessler, Director Elect Zone 28/32
For those of you who are friends of mine of Facebook please indulge me, for many on this distribution who are not (yet) I share this post with you not only from an extreme place of pride but from a place of what is possible when our children/grandchildren are present with us on our Rotary journey.
In my twenty years as a Rotarian there have been countless times in which a Rotarian begins the sentence, when I was at my mom’s/dad’s…. Rotary meeting…. Rotary conference…. Rotary whatever.  The stories of multi-generational Rotary families are everywhere we turn and that is because as a child or young adult these Rotarians were exposed to our organization and realized they wanted to be a part of it when they were an adult.  I commend all Rotarians who share this amazing organization with their loved ones and the results from them doing such is apparent.  We are an organization that changes lives and does good all over the world, how do we not do everything we can to share that with our loved ones?
 
To enable making it easier for Rotarians to include their children/grandchildren on their Rotary journeys I urge all reading this when it is appropriate (please know I completely appreciate that not all Rotary events are appropriate for children) and possible that we extend invitations to our meetings and events to children and young adults.  These demographics are sponges and while they might not understand everything, they will remember how they felt.  If we can provide fun and inviting experiences, we not only might have them as lifelong Rotarians, but we are also not making our members choose between going to a Rotary event or being with their family. 
 
While on this topic it would be appropriate to share that there will be programming for children and young adults from age 5 and up at both upcoming Zone Symposiums.  At both events we will be offering Camp Rotary in which the children/grandchildren of attendees will have theme focused programming available to them. 
 
Please look at my Facebook post from December 7, 2021:
 
 
Pride of a father… Drew Kessler, Director Elect Zone 28/32 2021-12-23 07:00:00Z 0

Areas of Focus Fundraising Initiatives

Posted by Julia D. Phelps, Chair, Basic Education and Literacy
The Areas of Focus Major Gifts Committees are made up of committee members who work to identify, cultivate, and solicit financial gifts from Rotarians and others who have a specific interest and an Area of Focus, in my case Basic Education and Literacy (BEL). We are asked to increase The Foundation’s  endowment by raising out right gifts or pledges (bequests) of $25,000 to $100,000 or more from a small group of donors. BEL MGI Committee members, one of whom is Tim Schilds, educate Rotarians and friends of Rotary on the global need for basic education and literacy and encourage their interest and support. We will work closely with our Endowment/Major Gift Advisers, other committee members and Foundation staff to solicit contributions, and will help plan targeted events to inform and cultivate those with an interest in supporting this crucial area. These “cultivation” events have proven to be successful and are one of this committee’s core responsibilities.
 
 
Areas of Focus Fundraising Initiatives Julia D. Phelps, Chair, Basic Education and Literacy 2021-12-21 07:00:00Z 0

Empowering Girls Initiative – Period Poverty

Posted by Zone 28 Empowering Girls Ambassador PDG Carol Tichelman
At a recent Zone meeting one of the participants suggested that the Empowering Girls Initiative was only needed to help girls in the developing world.  NOT TRUE!  There are significant needs right here in Zones 28 & 32, including human trafficking, teen pregnancy, leadership development and period poverty to name just a few. 
 
Period Poverty is when a person cannot afford period products causing them to resort to alternate means to manage their periods.  In Canada a recent study showed (and the statistics are higher in the USA):
  • 68% say they feel their period prevents them from full participation in activities
  • 55% say they have missed school or work or have avoided social activities because of their period
  • Nearly one in seven girls has either left school early or missed school entirely because she did not have access to period products (it is one in five in the USA)
Food banks are often challenged supporting the need for period products as pads, liners and tampons are not items at the top of donors’ minds.  The Rotary Club of Red Bank NJ started a project of putting a “help yourself” station containing many of the necessities of life outside a local food bank.  The two items most used are menstrual products and diapers.  These items are also rarely available in homeless shelters. 
 
Empowering Girls Initiative – Period Poverty Zone 28 Empowering Girls Ambassador PDG Carol Tichelman 2021-12-20 07:00:00Z 0

Tennessee Tornado Relief: Call for Donations for Communities

Posted by Elizabeth Usovicz, Director, Rotary Zones 30 and 31
Please share this email with your clubs, districts friends and social media groups – thank you.
Once again, #RotaryResponds where human needs are great. 
 
Last week, in addition to the devastation in Kentucky, a total of 15 tornados devastated towns in Middle and Western Tennessee as storms swept through the state. Winds of up to 135 miles per hour ripped up communities and tore up the lives of those who survived. Small towns such as Dresden, Dickson, Kingston Springs and Samburg in our own District 6760 have lost homes, entire business districts and neighborhoods, and destroyed livelihoods, with many people in need of basics such as a place to sleep and shelter, non-perishable food, gas cans and storage bins, as well as cleanup equipment. This article covering a visit to the area by Tennessee Governor Bill Lee includes photos of some of the hardest-hit communities in West Tennessee.   
Tennessee Tornado Relief: Call for Donations for Communities Elizabeth Usovicz, Director, Rotary Zones 30 and 31 2021-12-19 07:00:00Z 0

Centre for Coaching Accepting Registrations for 2022 Sessions

Posted by Liz Fisk, Rotary Centre for Coaching – registrar
Register for this great opportunity to learn about coaching as a leadership model that engages Rotarians
Entering its second year as an engaging and widely praised approach to building positive relationships and helping people maximize their potential, the Centre for Coaching is accepting registrations for its 2022 sessions. The 3-part certificate series will be offered virtually from 10 am. to 12 pm. EST on Saturday, January 22nd, February 26th, and March 26th, 2022.
 
Coaching is an innovative leadership model that embraces shifting organizational landscapes while building empathic leaders and agile teams. As Rotarians, we understand our personal goals and feel connected to our international, district or club missions; yet sometimes we wonder if our leadership style or how we approach our Rotary teamwork is as effective as it can be.
 
 
 
Centre for Coaching Accepting Registrations for 2022 Sessions Liz Fisk, Rotary Centre for Coaching – registrar 2021-12-18 07:00:00Z 0

Motorcyclists Get a Bad Rap in Movies and on Television

Posted by John G. Kramb, EPNC
However, the members of the International Fellowship of Motorcycling Rotarians are dedicated to doing good in the world.  That is why I am happy to announce the World’s Largest Ride to Eradicate Polio is to be conducted in September of 2022.  Motorcycling Rotarians in North America, South America, Europe, India, Asia, and Africa will plan a one-day (or more) ride in their respective areas and will solicit $100 from each rider.  This has the potential to be a huge bonus for PolioPlus and most certainly will grow in impact over the years.  We will be asking for support from district governors, District Polio Chairs, DRFCs and anyone else we can think of for this endeavor.  Stand by for details.
Motorcyclists Get a Bad Rap in Movies and on Television John G. Kramb, EPNC 2021-12-17 07:00:00Z 0

Free Reading Program - Online Presentation

Posted by Hugh Williams, Rotary Club of Ottawa, 7040
Given to Rotary about five years ago, the Free Reading Program, a complete, interactive, and fun online English literacy program from K to grade 6 is now used by over 360,000 children and is hosted by over 100 Rotary clubs around the world. Literacy is a key foundation to the success of every child.
 
Free Reading Program - Online Presentation Hugh Williams, Rotary Club of Ottawa, 7040 2021-12-17 07:00:00Z 0

Ensuring Access to Maternal and Child Healthcare in Nigeria

Posted by PDG Dr. D. Michael Hart, District 7475, DRFC
How can you say no to a Catholic Priest who has forsaken all worldly goods to help the widows and orphans of his village? He is humble and soft spoken but his message roars in your head. And The Rotary Foundation is there to magnify his efforts. Father Kingsley Ihejirika gave a presentation to the Rotary Club of Westfield, NJ in August of 2018. The Catholic Church provides his basic needs, plus gives him an allowance of $150 per month. He sends the entire allowance back to the orphans in his home village of Obike, Imo State, Nigeria. Could any of us do that?
 
Father has an inspiring life story. He lost his mother at the age of 13 months. The needs of his village are almost overwhelming. The population is 20,000 inhabitants but has no medical facilities or schools.  One in 5 children dies before the age of 5. One in 13 women dies in childbirth. Two thirds of all births take place in the home. Life expectancy is in the low 40’s. There are 128 widows and 58 orphans who were all outcasts with no one to help them.
Through years of persistent work, Father was able to create a 501c3, obtain land, and start building a 120,000-sf medical clinic.  Included are a well with a water tank, and a generator. Father ships containers and travels there several times per year to monitor the progress.
After hearing his presentation, The Rotary Club of Westfield, NJ decided to help him and his village. District 7475 Foundation Chair PDG Michael Hart pointed out that if we used the matching features of the Rotary Foundation, we could multiply our efforts and a Global Grant was launched. With the help of the Rotary Clubs of Irvington, NJ and RRFC Eileen Rau in the RC of West Hartford, CT, along with the host club in Owerri, Nigeria, a package was put together to purchase $32,000 of medical supplies and was completed in August of 2020.
Ensuring Access to Maternal and Child Healthcare in Nigeria PDG Dr. D. Michael Hart, District 7475, DRFC 2021-12-17 07:00:00Z 0

Elections for TRF Canada

 
The Board of The Rotary Foundation Canada is pleased to congratulate 𝗣𝗗𝗚 𝗠𝗮𝘂𝗿𝗲𝗲𝗻 𝗙𝗿𝗶𝘁𝘇-𝗥𝗼𝗯𝗲𝗿𝘁𝘀 and 𝗣𝗗𝗚 𝗧𝗶𝗺 𝗦𝗰𝗵𝗶𝗹𝗱𝘀 on their election to the board of directors of TRF Canada at the AGM on December 8, 2021. Maureen is a member of the Rotary Club of Comox, District 5020 and Tim is a member of the Rotary Club of Northwest Spirit, District 5370.
Elections for TRF Canada 2021-12-17 07:00:00Z 0

Rotary Club Launches Unique Initiative To Advance Public Health

Posted by Kris Chittur, Chair, Public Health Initiative; PDG District 7230
Rotary Club of The Hudson Valley’s Public Health Initiative is a landmark development in one of the most serious challenges of our times - access to preventative health care.  This Initiative tests women for early detection of breast cancer lesions with an innovative device, the iBreastExam: no drugs, no pain, no surgery, no radiation, and gives results in minutes on a Smartphone.  The Initiative could significantly enhance public awareness of the scourge of breast cancer, make a tremendous contribution to public health, and enhance Rotary's Public Image.
 
The iBreastExam is an FDA-cleared wireless handheld device which can detect tumor tissue using new tactile sensing technology instantaneously, without pain, surgery, or radiation.   It has been the subject of much media coverage such as Vogue, BBC, and New York Times, and is highly acclaimed by the WHO, breast cancer surgeons, and many other experts in the field.  Indeed, it’s been lauded as a “Thought Leader” by the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kUY9jR7BPDg
 
Rotary Club Launches Unique Initiative To Advance Public Health Kris Chittur, Chair, Public Health Initiative; PDG District 7230 2021-12-17 07:00:00Z 0

DEI Health Check - New Year, New View, New Goals

Posted by Lori Anne Jones, Susan Davidson, and Kate Sims, Zone 28 & 32 Tri-Leadership for Diversity, Equity & Inclusion (DEI) Committee
Well, 2021 was certainly a year to remember but looking ahead to 2022, there is a fresh opportunity to reflect, recharge and perhaps reset your goals for the new year.  As we turn our minds to the potential in the months ahead, we would also encourage you to stop, pause and apply a DEI lens and perhaps think about conducting a DEI Health check on your club.  What is a DEI health check you ask?  It is a simple tool that you could use to guide a conversation about where your club might be with respect to DEI and some potential areas for improvement. The tool below could assist with starting that conversation.
 
DEI Health Check - New Year, New View, New Goals Lori Anne Jones, Susan Davidson, and Kate Sims, Zone 28 & 32 Tri-Leadership for Diversity, Equity & Inclusion (DEI) Committee 2021-12-17 07:00:00Z 0

Managing Change

Posted by Margaret Walton, PDG District 7010, ARC Zone 28
As we move forward to introduce change into our clubs, one of the responses we may meet is resistance to change. This is expected. As humans, we like consistency. We are comfortable with what we are used to. We have all seen this. The “old” club with its established practises moves to welcome a younger cohort with different ideas, to a club with an appearance of supporting change. but an underlying expectation that “when they see what we are all about” the change will not really be necessary. Then suddenly, the expectation is not met. The younger cohort believed what was said and not only have run with it, but they also push the limit. How does the old club respond?
 
Often it is with frustration and push back, but it does not have to be. In fact, the new group’s disruption is the perfect opportunity for compromise and progressive change. Suddenly there is an opportunity to become a place for all. Those who like the old traditions and meetings that involve meals and a somewhat slow pace have a place to go. Those who are keen for change and less focus on protocol also have a fit. The problem is, how do these two groups resolve their differences and work together? How do we build an effective team?
 
Managing Change Margaret Walton, PDG District 7010, ARC Zone 28 2021-12-17 07:00:00Z 0
December 2021 Beyond Borders Newsletter Bruce Goldsen 2021-12-01 07:00:00Z 0

Donations to the Fires and Flood Disasters of British Columbia

Posted by Sherry Chamberlain, Assistant Regional Rotary Foundation Coordinator - Zone 28
We are so appreciative of the funds donated thus far for the Wildfire victims and now with the Flood victims of BC. There have been some good news stories of the work that has been done through Rotary and we will submit for the next newsletter.
 
If you or your club would like to donate to the Pacific Northwest Rotary Disaster Recovery and Relief Efforts, you can do so as follows. Donations for fire or flood relief and recovery can be made to the Steveston Rotary Charitable Foundation in two ways:
  1. E-transfer   Send your e-transfers to society@stevestonrotary.ca
  2. Cheque.  Cheques made payable to the Rotary Club of Steveston Charitable Society can be sent to:
Rotary Club of Steveston
12111 3rd Avenue, Richmond, B.C. V7E 3K1, Canada
 
You can specify in your notes if the donation goes to a specific area or disaster as well as just the overall efforts being done by Rotarians in Districts 5060, 5040 and 5050.
Donations to the Fires and Flood Disasters of British Columbia Sherry Chamberlain, Assistant Regional Rotary Foundation Coordinator - Zone 28 2021-11-26 07:00:00Z 0

Connecting

Posted by Valarie Wafer, RIVP and Director Zone 28&32
November was a very busy month and we connected in so many ways.  We connected virtually for our incredible three-night summit series, with incredible energy, inspiring speakers and a celebration of our accomplishments.  Thank you for attending and thank you to the incredible team that made it happen. 
 
As you can see, I am sporting a new look. This is my in-person, out-of Zoom look.  This new look allowed me to attend many events in November including a D7090 Foundation lunch, a D7070 club celebration event and a Zone institute in Tucson, Arizona.  What an incredible feeling to be travelling and be among friends once again. To hear from incredible speakers, participate in empowering girl’s projects and lead discussions on diversity, equity and inclusion. 
For the first time as an RI Director, I had the chance to visit Evanston and participate in RI Board meetings in person.  As you can imagine, the energy was high and infectious.   Never underestimate the importance of physically being together.  The conversations in the hall, at lunch and during the walk from the hotel to headquarters helped build new relationships and support and strengthen our discussions and decisions. 
 
In December many of you will see this new look as I travel to D7430, D7450 and D7505 to meet with clubs and celebrate the holidays and a club anniversary.  And of course, next month we gather at the International Assembly, the final orientation for our District Governors Elect. 
 
As we change the calendar to a new year, many of us are halfway through our current Rotary role.  As we transition to meeting in person and roll up our sleeves in service let’s give it 1,000 per cent.  Let’s emerge strong and embody our vision statement as people of action.  Put on that “new look”, be safe and be strong.
 
No matter how you celebrate - Happy Holidays; Hannukah, Kwanzaa, Christmas, and New Year to each of us. Enjoy this precious time spent with family and friends.  And as we head into the holiday season let’s gather our loved ones close, celebrate life and honour those that are no longer with us.
 
From our home to yours, Mark and I wish each of you happiness and health.
 
Connecting Valarie Wafer, RIVP and Director Zone 28&32 2021-11-24 07:00:00Z 0

Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) Zone Committee – Membership Call

Posted by Lori Anne Jones - Zone 28 & 32 DEI Resource Chair –2021/22
As we turn our minds to the holidays, we also see the new year on the horizon and thoughts start to stir about what that year has in store for us and what plans we should make.
 
One of the key new year planning elements for Zones 28 and 32 is the creation of the Zone DEI Committee.  We have done some work over the summer and fall with respect to training for leadership and reaching out to the current District DEI chairs, but now it’s time to start formalizing our work and get a committee in place and create a critical mass around this work that will result in meaningful change across the Zone.
Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) Zone Committee – Membership Call Lori Anne Jones - Zone 28 & 32 DEI Resource Chair –2021/22 2021-11-23 07:00:00Z 0

What an Opportunity…

Posted by Drew Kessler, Director Elect
I have used this platform to write about silver linings to come out of the COVID-19 pandemic many times over the past year.  In the September edition of this report, I shared that since my role of Director Nominee was made official, I and my fellow Director classmates have been granted access to the Rotary International Board earlier than any class before us.  Traditionally an “Elect” attends their first in-person meeting in January of their elect year however access has been granted much earlier due to the Board meetings being held online.  What used to be four annual Board Meetings has turned into monthly meetings and for the first time since the onset of COVID-19 the Rotary International Board of Directors met in person from 15-17 November in Evanston, Illinois.  Fourteen of the seventeen Directors were able to attend in person, and the meeting was a true hybrid as each Board member had a screen in front of them to be both in person and on Zoom at the same time. 
As someone who was not in person, the meeting was run flawlessly allowing for both interaction and interpretation for those who were in Evanston and for those accessing the meeting remotely.  How fortunate are we as a society and as an organization to have the technology we do?  What most likely could not even have been imagined just a decade ago is commonplace today.  I marvel at what may be possible a decade from now. 
 
During this meeting one of the agenda items was the selections for the four Rotary Foundation Trustee seats expiring at the end of the Rotary year and it was with much excitement and joy to be present (albeit online) when our very own Marty Peak-Helman was selected to serve as a Foundation Trustee for the coming three Rotary years.  This selection could not be awarded to a better Rotarian.  Marty has worked tirelessly in the name of the Foundation for years and I look forward to all she and her fellow Trustees will accomplish in the coming years.  Personally, I am so looking forward to partnering with two amazing individuals from our Zones next year when both current Trustee Dean Rohrs and Trustee Elect Marty serve together for a year.  This continues to show how fortunate we all are to have such leaders within our midst.
 
The next in-person meeting will be held in conjunction with the International Assembly this coming January in Orlando, Florida which, if all stays as is in relation to COVID-19 or improves, the Assembly and Board Meeting will both be in person and will be my first opportunity to attend in my current role.  I am looking forward to joining Rotarians from all around the world in what is one of the top Rotary events of the year.  For those District Governors Elect reading this column and plan on attending, I look forward to being with you.
 
As I noted the opportunity provided to me as a silver lining has been nothing short of amazing and as we begin to return to pre COVID life, I can only hope that opportunities like providing access to leaders earlier on their path via hybrid platforms continues.  From the Club, District, or International levels there are lessons to be learned and procedures to maintain to allow access that would otherwise not be provided.
What an Opportunity… Drew Kessler, Director Elect 2021-11-22 07:00:00Z 0

Existing Partnerships Can Help Us Keep #EmpoweringGirls2021

Posted by IPDG Mary Eileen Shackleton, Zone 32 Empowering Girls Initiative Ambassador
Hopefully, your clubs and districts are planning impactful projects and events that support Rotary International President Shekhar Mehta’s Empowering Girls Initiative.  Vice President Valarie Wafer and the entire ambassador team for Zones 28 & 32 look forward to reading more about them on Rotary Showcase.
 
Still wondering what to do or how to get started?  As I have written before, you don’t have to reinvent the wheel.  And it’s still not too late, especially when you leverage one of Rotary International’s existing partnerships, like the one with Toastmasters International. Ambassador teammate Nikita Williams and I are collaborating with fellow Toastmasters in Districts 46 (New York City area) and 123 (greater Toronto) to organize Youth Leader Programs for Interact Clubs. 
 
Existing Partnerships Can Help Us Keep #EmpoweringGirls2021 IPDG Mary Eileen Shackleton, Zone 32 Empowering Girls Initiative Ambassador 2021-11-22 07:00:00Z 0

Rotaractors Are Freezin’ for a Reason

Posted by Yvone Joubert, Rotaract Canada Deputy General Secretary
 
For Rotarians and Rotaractors alike, one of the greatest forms of service is to provide long-term solutions to community challenges. So, when the Rotary Foundation Canada approached Rotaract Canada with an opportunity to raise $150,000 for an area of focus of our choosing, it was an easy to see the great opportunities this would bring for our Rotaractors across the region. This partnership allows an opportunity for Rotaractors to learn more about The Rotary Foundation and Global Grants ahead the new Rotary International changes that will see Rotaractors allowed to apply for Global Grants beginning in July 2022.
 
 
 
Rotaractors Are Freezin’ for a Reason Yvone Joubert, Rotaract Canada Deputy General Secretary 2021-11-20 07:00:00Z 0

The Triangle of Awesomeness

Posted by Zone 28 Tracey Vavrek, Innovative Club Advocate, PDG and Bala Naidoo, ARC, PDG
The Triangle of Awesomeness brings together Zone 28 leaders from B.C. and Alberta who are passionate about the Three Essential Elements of Rotary – The Foundation, Membership and Public Relations/Public Image. It’s otherwise known as the Triangle of Awesomeness.
Using a team approach – the importance of working together – we are stronger, mightier and get more things done. The team relies on regular communications and meets regularly, three to four times a quarter. This work is critical to get consensus and to build the framework. It’s based on a shared commitment to do things differently and it is hard work. We are mindful of others and creating new relationships at the zone level as well as the districts. The Rotary Districts we are collaborating with are 5010, 5040 and 5050.
The Triangle of Awesomeness Zone 28 Tracey Vavrek, Innovative Club Advocate, PDG and Bala Naidoo, ARC, PDG 2021-11-20 07:00:00Z 0

Hands Across the Border

Posted by Ingrid Neitsch, PDG D5370, ARRFC Zone 28

Around the world, a handshake is universally understood as a symbol of goodwill.

Handshakes seal diplomatic agreements, offer congratulations and express gratitude. They were first depicted on classical ancient Greek sculpture, such as the Parthenon Marbles. Scholars say they signified peace by indicating hands that were free of weapons.

The COVID-19 pandemic has curtailed handshake use for now, but the symbolism remains strong. That is especially true at the site of the world’s first international peace park, which spans Waterton National Park in Alberta, Canada, and Glacier National Park in Montana, U.S.A.

There, a tradition called Hands Across the Border has endured since 1932.

Hands Across the Border Ingrid Neitsch, PDG D5370, ARRFC Zone 28 2021-11-20 07:00:00Z 0

Zone 32 Rotarian Elected to Rotary Foundation Board of Trustees

Posted by Valarie Wafer, RIVP and Director, Zone 28/32
I am pleased to announce that Marty Peak Helman has been selected to be a member of the Rotary Foundation Board of Trustees, effective July 1, 2022. This means that Marty, a member of District 7780’s Boothbay Harbor Rotary Club in Maine, will serve on the 16-person Board that manages the business of The Rotary Foundation, the charitable arm of our organization that funds service activities globally.  
 
 
Marty and her husband Frank Helman joined the Boothbay Harbor Rotary Club 18 years ago.  She served as District Governor in 2012-13 and she and I became good friends when we were both International Trainers and involved in preparing Rotary’s incoming District Governors for their upcoming roles.  For the past two years, Marty has served as Zone 24/32 General Trainer, and she was one of our Zones’ original Innovative Club Advocates.
 
Marty’s Rotary passion is the Rotary Peace Centers, and she has served for six years on The Rotary Foundation’s Peace-Major Gift Initiative, culminating in her term as chair in 2019-20.  During her tenure she shepherded through a gift to completely fund a new Peace Center in the Middle East/North Africa region.
 
Marty and her husband Frank are Major Donors and charter members of Rotary’s Legacy Society. She will join past Director Dean Rohrs on the Board of Trustees. Please join me in congratulating Marty on her election.
Zone 32 Rotarian Elected to Rotary Foundation Board of Trustees Valarie Wafer, RIVP and Director, Zone 28/32 2021-11-20 07:00:00Z 0
Second Annual Zone Fundraising Gala: “Celebrating Our Foundation!” Peter Schultz, PDG 5060, IAC 2021-11-20 07:00:00Z 0

It’s In There

Posted by Ray Freaney, ARC and Nikki Mederos, ICA, Zone 32
In 1989, Prego Spaghetti Sauce ran a commercial with a classic line: “It’s in there”. They were referring to the essential ingredients to make a winning recipe. If your Club is looking to undertake a winning project, look no further than a thorough Community Needs Assessment.
 
The benefits of a comprehensive Community Needs Assessment (CNA) are many. Do you want to increase Rotary’s image and presence in your town? It’s in there. Do want to integrate into all facets of your community and develop relationships? It’s in there. Do want to have service projects to engage your members? Projects that the community has told us they need as opposed to what we think they need. It’s in there.  You get the idea. 
 
Membership will grow organically from the exposure, service opportunities and newly formed relationships. Strategic planning can be crafted to encompass the action items resulting from the CNA and member engagement opportunities will increase.
 
Community Needs Assessments are not new. A Community’s demographics change every three years, hence the national census, which is why every Rotary Club should consider a CAN to try and address the growing needs of the communities they serve.
It’s In There Ray Freaney, ARC and Nikki Mederos, ICA, Zone 32 2021-11-20 07:00:00Z 0

Our Front-Line Health Care Workers: We Care For You Too!

Posted by IPDG Mary Turner, District 5360
They were there in the beginning, and they are still there now…
 
In February of 2020, the world changed, at least it did here in the province of Alberta when COVID-19 restrictions changed the way we interact with each other.  On Friday April 3rd, 2020, our local hospital closed their doors to outside visitors; a devastating phone call came that night cutting off my ability to care for and visit my ailing mother who had been admitted with chronic pneumonia.  My world changed and I was now entirely relying on her physician, and the hospital staff to care for her in what turned out to be the last three weeks of her life. 
 
The pandemic has consumed us.  Our front-line workers are working hard every single day throughout our communities as we continue to battle COVID-19.  Escalating numbers, stress on capacity and burnout are daily conversations.  Now, more than ever is the time to express our gratitude to those who have not taken a break, who have been there caring for our community, even when we could not be there.
 
‘Thank You’, two words that can change the world for the person receiving this message, and for the person giving it.  As Rotarians we are asked to provide ‘Service Above Self’, and this year to ‘Serve to Change Lives’.  It occurred to me that this is exactly what our front-line medical workers do. 
Our Front-Line Health Care Workers: We Care For You Too! IPDG Mary Turner, District 5360 2021-11-20 07:00:00Z 0

Branding

Posted by Laura Spear, ARPIC, Zone 32
A couple of weeks ago, my Rotary club co-sponsored a service project/fundraiser with another Rotary club and a partnering nonprofit. The event was held outside on a beautiful day. Our club had a shiny pull-up banner featuring members as People of Action, involved in numerous service projects. Across the back tent poles, we hung a banner with our club logo, created in Brand Center, and the official Rotary Azure leadership color for the background. We handed out printed versions of our brochure, which also featured members at service projects and was created in Brand Center.
 
The other Rotary club also had a shiny new pull-up banner that was obviously created by a professional designer. It featured the old blue and yellow Rotary wheel--the same wheel that was retired in 2012--and a pale yellow and blue background with abstract imagery. My first thought was that the designer must have done a Google search for Rotary and found the blue and yellow logo. No one from the club provided the appropriate guidance. Why does this even matter?
Branding Laura Spear, ARPIC, Zone 32 2021-11-15 07:00:00Z 0

In memoriam

 
          PDG Memorial Zone Summit 2021 
   
Name of Governor deceasedYear ServedDistrict number
Samuel "Jack" Amico Jr.2014-157090
John P. Heise2011-127090
Dr. Robert C. Westcott DDS1991-927190
Michael Popolizio2008-097190
Michael Cruise1995-965040
Dave Hamilton2020-215040
Frank Collins1993-947890
Neal Cox1992-937890
Charles "Roger" Ressman1991-927120
Linda R. Young2016-177430
Glen Baillie1996-975360
Michael A. Clark1974-757810
Keith Koke2000-016380
Michael Rambus1996-976380
Judy Garver2009-106380
Janet McPeek2010-116380
Harold "Gus" Braeutigam1987-886310
Al Nietzke2011-126310
Donald Whitfield1982-837010
Lawrie Fisher1992-935360
Sheila Rollins2015-167780
Ken G. Rumsey1996-977210
Karen Oakes2010-117090
 
In memoriam 2021-11-15 07:00:00Z 0

World Polio Day 2021

Posted by Stella Roy and Linda Robertson, EPNCs Zone 28
With only 4 wild polio cases reported to date in 2021 (3 in Afghanistan, 1 in Pakistan), there was lots of excitement and optimism on World Polio Day.  Although the goal of a Polio Free World appears to be within our grasp, we still need to vaccinate 400 million children each year.
 
The advocacy and fundraising of World Polio Day focuses all Rotarians on reaching our yearly $50 Million US goal.   Districts and clubs throughout our Zone held special polio meetings, organized small and large fundraisers and participated in virtual, hybrid and in-person events. There were hundreds of events around Zone 28 but only room here to feature a few.
 

   Updating Rotary’s Efforts to Eradicate Polio Worldwide/ The Global Class                                  “Move for Polio – End Polio Now”, July 1st to October 24th

Dr. Bob Scott, Panel Moderator is a member of the Rotary Club of Cobourg, Ontario and Chair Emeritus of Rotary International’s PolioPlus Committee. He is Past Chair of the Board of Trustees and Past Rotary Vice President.
 
This exceptional World Polio Day event was held in the Global Classroom at Durham College in Oshawa.
Dr. Scott was joined by Mike McGovern, Rotary International’s PolioPlus Chair, Dr. Sunji Funsho Rotary International’s PolioPlus Chair for Nigeria, Valarie Wafer, Rotary International’s Vice President and Jennifer Jones, 2022-23 Rotary International President.
 
World Polio Day Update was sponsored by 11 Rotary Clubs in Ontario. The 8 municipalities where these clubs are situated all declared October 24th World Polio Day and flew End Polio Now flags over their city halls.
 
District Governor Martin Parnell on extreme right joins other District 5360 leaders “Moving for Polio”.
 
This polio fundraising event in District 5360 of which 32 clubs participated was all about moving from the beginning of the Rotary Year to World Polio Day.  Fundraising collected to date is $75,000.00 CAD.
 
The 210 participants recorded a total of 62,000 km’s (1.6 times around the world) by running, walking, golfing, swimming, biking, gardening, yoga and many more activities.  DG Martin said this event had two benefits; one was to raise money for Polio and the other was to enhance the mental health and well-being of club members.
 
During tulip planting, Jolanta Janny Public Image Chair of the Rotary Club of Niagara on the Lake holds her community’s World Polio Day proclamation.
 
Tulips for Polio Planted in Niagara on the Lake
 
The Rotary Club of Niagara on the Lake planted 600 tulip bulbs in their local park for World Polio Day. Tulips are significant polio fundraiser in Eastern Canada and sales are organized by clubs and districts during June for delivery near World Polio Day.
 
World Polio Day on Prince Edward Island
 
Members of PEI Rotary Clubs gather for raising of the END POLIO NOW flag and provincial proclamation of World Polio Day 2021.
 
 
 
 
World Polio Day 2021 Stella Roy and Linda Robertson, EPNCs Zone 28 2021-11-15 07:00:00Z 0

Boost Your Rotary Impact With Tax-Wise Giving!

Posted by EMGA Del Paterson, PDG 5040, 2002-03
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Fall weather is upon us with leaves turning and temperatures falling, serving as a reminder that the end of the 2021 tax year is approaching. As our members consider their charitable contributions for all the organizations they support, they might appreciate some insight on how a gift of stock could provide them with tax savings. 
Boost Your Rotary Impact With Tax-Wise Giving! EMGA Del Paterson, PDG 5040, 2002-03 2021-11-15 07:00:00Z 0
November 2021 Beyond Borders Newsletter Bruce Goldsen 2021-11-01 06:00:00Z 0
November 30, 2021 2021-10-30 06:00:00Z 0

World Polio Day in our Zones

October 24, 2021

 
FOCUS ON POLIO
with
Mike McGovern, Chair of Rotary International PolioPlus Committee
John Germ, Chair of the Trustees of The Rotary Foundation
Clare Monroe, Rotary International PolioPlus Fundraising Specialist
 
The recording of our October 19th "Focus on Polio" meeting is now available for viewing at THIS LINK.
 
If you didn't get a chance to login during the meeting, we hope you'll take a moment to watch the archive.
World Polio Day in our Zones 2021-10-29 06:00:00Z 0

Rotary Rocks

Posted by Sonja Glass, DGN, District 6330

In response to the “Meet your new BFF’s” ZOOM presentation request for successful Public Image ideas, here is the “Meaford Rotary Rocks” initiative.  The project lasted for 6 weeks. 

We had three “Rotary” rocks which we moved each week to three new locations around town.  We highlighted our parks, trails and areas of interest.  Each week, we received 60-90 photographs. 
While we received some from adults, the majority of our participants were families.  All were posted on our Facebook page (permission received) and our Facebook presence soared!  We raised our “Likes” by over 200% during this time period. 
We received so many emails from people telling us that this was the highlight of their week.  It gave the kids who were learning at home, something to look forward to. 
“Mommy” one child said, “Let’s go looking for the blue rocks”.  Our local businesses were happy to support us by accepting our winning coupons and they were reimbursed by the Rotary club (some chose to donate this to us). 
Rotary Rocks Sonja Glass, DGN, District 6330 2021-10-28 06:00:00Z 0
Rotary Roundup 2021-10-27 06:00:00Z 0

Director Message for November

Posted by Valarie Wafer, RIVP and Director Zone 28/32
 
On October 24th we celebrated World Polio Day. It was incredible to see the awareness, advocacy and fundraising across our districts and in our communities. Flag raising ceremonies, social media from our members and partners and an incredible World Polio Day Program by Rotary International    I had the opportunity for my first in-person event with the Rotary Club of Brampton in D7080. 
 

 

This year more than ever we are optimistic. The wild polio virus transmission is at its lowest levels in history, with only two reported cases in two countries.  The new strategic initiative plan launched by the Global Polio Eradication Initiative is titled, “Delivering on a Promise” and this is what we intend to do.
 
November will be another busy month.  Please join us online November 2-4 for our Zone Summit, where Together we Can: Connect, Inspire and Celebrate.  The RI Board of Directors will hold our board meeting in Evanston on November 15-17, this marks the first in person/hybrid meeting since January 2020 and for many of us the chance to meet each other for the first time outside of Zoom squares. 
 
 
We celebrate Foundation Month in November.  Recently, I had the chance to plant trees with Rotaractors from D7090.  This was a project initiated by Rotaractors and in partnership with the Niagara Parks Authority.  It was funded by reserve funds in D7090 to provide the connection, education and participation of Rotaractors with our Foundation. The submitted project proposal was in grant format and reviewed and approved by the District Foundation committee. 

It was a huge success, and I enjoyed the conversation with this engaged group of leaders. On July 1, 2022 Rotaractors will be able to participate in global grants, as we are planning our training events for the next Rotary year please ensure Rotaractors are included and prepared.

In conversation with many of you, I know that you are anxious to visit your long-standing projects supported by our Foundation. These projects locally, regionally and globally are our chance to elevate and enhance Rotary’s stature and recognition.  Tell your stories, share your success and inspire giving to our Foundation.  Many of us joined Rotary for one reason and stayed for another.  That reason is our Foundation.  There are so many ways to give - Annual Fund, Endowment Fund, Polio Plus.  I personally support the Annual Fund as a Paul Harris Society Member.  As we Serve to Change Lives, let’s give and encourage others so that we can continue to do good in the world.

I want to wish all of our American friends a happy Thanksgiving.  Be well, be safe and be thankful!

Director Message for November Valarie Wafer, RIVP and Director Zone 28/32 2021-10-27 06:00:00Z 0

Membership Vitality With Service

Posted by ARCs Cindie Kish and Cecily Smith, Zone 32
How do we keep our club members energized and excited to be in Rotary?  Three successful ideas started with the same idea - SERVICE. Here are flexible, creative ways members can get excited about service in their community AND increase membership and community connection and visibility.
Membership Vitality With Service ARCs Cindie Kish and Cecily Smith, Zone 32 2021-10-27 06:00:00Z 0

Virtual Zone Summit - Together We Can… THANK YOU!!!

Posted by Drew Kessler, Director Elect
I would like to take this opportunity and platform to recognize and acknowledge all those people who came together to put on the 2021 Virtual Zone Summit which will be taking place on November 2-4.  Planning any event takes a tremendous amount of resources with time being the top one.  In alphabetical order please note the following individuals who went above and beyond to produce the top-notch program we will be experiencing with attendance well over 1,000.
 
Sherry Chamberlain – Together We Connect Chair
Bruce Goldsen – Co-Communications Chair
Sue Goldsen - Co-Communications Chair
Peter Schultz – Together We Celebrate Chair
Liz Smith – Video Producer
Thank you to our Speakers: Chris Wells, Tunji Funsho, Stephanie Woollard, Dean Rohrs, Todd Jenkins, Chantal Vallee
 
I would be remiss if I did not acknowledge and recognize Rotary International Vice President Valarie Wafer who gave me the opportunity to be the General Chair of the event, brought forward the concept and provided the vision for the above group to execute.  While we all agree an in-person event would have been great having an event online provides a platform for many more of our members to participate and benefit from the program.
 
In the future (assuming health safety allows for it) all Zone events will provide both an in person and online format for as many of our members as possible to be able to participate beginning with Life Below Water in September of 2022.  All main plenary sessions will be recorded and presented later online during an online version of Life Below Water.  The same will occur for the Zone symposium that will take place in November, Life on Land.   It is my hope that as our District leaders plan District Conferences or any District event consideration is given to recording the event and having a special dedicated online showing if the event cannot be simulcasted live so more of our members can participate and attend.
 
 
On a separate note…
 
It is happening!  While not overnight, slowly but surely events are starting to return to in person.  From District Conferences to Anniversary Celebrations and everything in between Rotarians are coming together and it feels great.  There is nothing better than in person fellowship which was one of the major losses felt with the online format many of our events have had these past 18 months.   Maybe it is the concept of you do not know what you had until it is gone but now more than ever I for one appreciate the ability to come together in person and share the joys of Rotary fellowship.
 
While nothing is a given in our current environment, for the first time in a couple of years event planners can breathe a little sigh of relief as they plan future events as more people become vaccinated and safety protocols become main stay in many of our areas.
 
A step in the right direction is the recent U.S. lift of restrictions for vaccinated foreign travelers beginning on November 8th.  Let this be the beginning of all borders reopening and free travel occurring throughout the Rotary world.
 
 
Virtual Zone Summit - Together We Can… THANK YOU!!! Drew Kessler, Director Elect 2021-10-26 06:00:00Z 0

Empowering Girls Through Service (Regional Leaders) event

Posted by Tamara C Larson, Zone 28 Assistant Ambassador, Empowering Girls
Despite the many before us blazing trails and breaking through glass ceilings, girls and women today still face barriers and inequalities worldwide in health and education, employment opportunities and experience violence and poverty at much higher rates than men.
 
Rotary International President Shekar Mehta has made Empowering Girls one of his key Presidential Initiatives for this Rotary year.  What does it mean to empower girls? Supporting them to ensure their basic needs are met while working to break down systemic barriers to ensure we eliminate gender discrimination and inequality.
Empowering Girls Through Service (Regional Leaders) event Tamara C Larson, Zone 28 Assistant Ambassador, Empowering Girls 2021-10-23 06:00:00Z 0

Mirror, Mirror on The Wall, Who’s Most Irresistible of All?

Posted by Louisa Horne, ICA Team Lead & Lise Dutrisac, ARC, Zones 28/32
Many of us have seen the movie Snow White where the Evil Queen stands before her mirror with the words: “Mirror, mirror on the wall, who’s the fairest of them all?”  The mirror invariably responds: “My Queen, you are the fairest in the land.”  Of course, the queen is pleased with that because the mirror never lies.  However, on one fateful moment the mirror responds other than what the queen expected with the truth about another maiden in the forest who is indeed fairer.
 
Do you have a similar experience when it comes to your own Rotary club?  Are you looking into that Rotary mirror seeing only what you wish to see and not as it is?  We tend to see all the wonderful aspects of our clubs and avoid seeing some of the harsh reality.
 
 → Ro-terrier Beacon may be irresistible but he is not seeing reality.  Are you?
Mirror, Mirror on The Wall, Who’s Most Irresistible of All? Louisa Horne, ICA Team Lead & Lise Dutrisac, ARC, Zones 28/32 2021-10-23 06:00:00Z 0

Rotary Digital Reading Program

Posted by Michael Maloney
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For the past dozen years, two courageous Canadians, Dr. Tanyss and her husband, GEM Munro have been establishing “schools” in some of the worst slums in Dhaka, Bangladesh, the world’s poorest country. Thirty-five million individuals mostly living on a dollar a day in a space just a tiny bit larger than the combined size of Maine and New Hampshire.
 
 Tanyss and GEM ignored the poverty and moved their family into these slums. They taught women to become teachers in their hovels. More “schools” opened, mainly funded by North American Rotary clubs. Partnerships between Bangladeshi and North American clubs were established. A $90,000 Rotary Global Grant was procured. More “schools” were created. Soon there were 200 mothers teaching a thousand kids their educational fundamentals. At the moment, there are 500-600 Mothers of Intention but far fewer cell phones.
Rotary Digital Reading Program Michael Maloney 2021-10-19 06:00:00Z 0

District 7430’s Project Showcase and Showcase Tuesday

Posted by DG Bob Hobaugh, 7430
How do you motivate Rotarians to undertake service projects? District 7430 shares monthly videos that encourage Rotarians to copy successful service projects. Those projects follow Rotary International’s monthly theme.  During October, Community and Economic Development month, those videos illustrate related service at Club, District, and International levels. The District Learning Committee produces and directs these videos. Monthly, District Governor Bob Hobaugh introduces the theme and projects followed by Club videos on each project in a recording known as “Project Showcase.” See the October Project Showcase here: https://youtu.be/oe1LAYgwkHY. Bob also introduces a separate program entitled, “Showcase Tuesday,” virtual sessions that follow the monthly theme. The goal is to share the passion of Rotarians who serve and to replicate useful service projects.
District 7430’s Project Showcase and Showcase Tuesday DG Bob Hobaugh, 7430 2021-10-19 06:00:00Z 0

Together We can Grow The Rotary Foundation

Posted by Marilyn Bedell, Zone 32 Endowment/Major Gifts Adviser
This article is dedicated in honor and memory of Zone 28 E/MGA Karen Oakes, who died suddenly on October 9, 2021.
 

Together We Support the Environment

As we enter November, Rotary Foundation Month, think about ways we can help grow our Rotary Foundation’s Endowment Fund. The picture of the planting of a tree seems to symbolize new growth, and this led me to think about our need to target new funding to support our newest area of focus, Supporting the Environment.
 
I found this written on the Rotary Club of Guelph, Ontario’s web page. It was written in September 2020: 
 
With so much attention paid to COVID since March this year, this exciting announcement made on June 25, 2020, has received little recognition, but it's a big deal. Huge, in fact. "The Rotary Foundation Trustees and Rotary International Board of Directors have both unanimously approved adding a new area of focus:  supporting the environment."  
 
This decision follows many years of lobbying and projects by Rotarians who understand that the whole world is their backyard. They can see the effects of climate change in communities they care about.
 
Past RI President Ian Risely (2017-2018) said, "We have to look at the world as a whole and how we can make it a better place. Caring about the environment goes toward our ultimate mission, and we should give it the importance it deserves."
 
Together We can Grow The Rotary Foundation Marilyn Bedell, Zone 32 Endowment/Major Gifts Adviser 2021-10-19 06:00:00Z 0
October 2021 Beyond Borders Newsletter Bruce Goldsen 2021-10-01 06:00:00Z 0

Because We Are Better Together

Posted by Valarie Wafer, RIVP, Zone 28/32 Director
 

Doesn’t that just say it all?  What an incredible celebration we had on September 23rd!  The graduation of our district governors elect and hearing from our inspirational leaders Trustee Barry Rassin and President Elect Jennifer Jones.  The video messages from our Elects left me smiling long after it was finished, we are truly in the hands of leaders who are committed to furthering our membership, committed to Diversity, Equity and Inclusion, and supporting all of our areas of focus. If you weren’t able to join us it is posted on our Zone website.

It is now officially autumn in our part of the world.  And as the leaves begin to change colour, It is a reminder that despite the world live in today change is occurring, life is resuming, and we are moving forward in Rotary.

As I travel around our Zones, I continue to be in awe of all that you have accomplished.  To the pandemic district governors, presidents, leaders, and Rotarians you each inspire me as you have adapted.  The past 18 months have shown us that Rotary does not slow down during difficult times, in fact Rotary becomes stronger, with clear examples of Rotary in action.  Assisting our communities, engaging our members in service, and becoming attractive to new members through new innovative club models. 

We are living our key strategic objectives of Increasing our ability to adapt, increasing our impact locally and globally and certainly promoting that Rotary responds.  I could not be more proud to be a Rotarian than I am today.

We have some exciting months ahead of us with events planned both in person and virtually.  October 24th is World Polio Day. This year more than ever we need to advocate for vaccines and complete our promise to the children of the world.  We are almost there! Make sure you capture your events, share them with your community to show Rotary’s leadership and commitment to eradicating this disease.

Mark your calendars for our virtual summit November 2, 3 and 4th where together we will connect, be inspired and celebrate.  You will not want to miss our Rotary Foundation Gala planned for February 23rd and soon we will announce our Beyond Borders event for the Houston Convention.

I want to thank the incredible Team that works tirelessly to bring these events to life.  The GETs training team, the technology support team, the communications group, and the special events committees.  We couldn’t do any of this without you.  I thank you.

Because We Are Better Together Valarie Wafer, RIVP, Zone 28/32 Director 2021-09-26 06:00:00Z 0

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It is official, contracts for all three in person events for Rotary year 2022/23 have been signed with the last being Anchorage, Alaska.
 
Please plan on joining us November 3-5, 2022, at the Sheraton Anchorage, where we will have our second symposium. This event will focus on the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal Life on Land in the beautiful state of Alaska.  You will have the opportunity to hear speakers talking about actionable steps we can all take to preserve our land, life that inhabits it and lead a more sustainable existence highlighted by presentations from the Environment Sustainability Rotary Action Group (ESRAG), United Nations Environment committee representative, Not For Profit Partners (NFP), and Non-Governmental Organizations (NGO). 
 
Both symposiums are open to all Rotarians, community partners and NGOs with a focus on changing the narrative. Look out for more details from chair Diane Fejes in the coming months. 
 
Registration will be open early November.
 
To the right please find further details on the amazing event Diane and her team are putting together.  For further information feel free to contact Diane at ndfejes@gmail.com.
test 2021-09-26 06:00:00Z 0

Share Your “Empowering Girls” Initiatives with the World On Rotary Showcase

Posted by Carol Tichelman and Mary Shackleton
How is the Empowering Girls Initiative (#EmpoweringGirls2021) rolling out in your club and district?  The Zones 28 and 32 Empowering Girls Initiative team is excited to hear your stories, so please start sharing your projects with the world on Rotary Showcase.
 
President Shekhar Mehta is already sharing his story.  On a recent trip to seven African countries, he watched 200 girls make reusable sanitary napkins at a project he visited.  “Period Poverty” is an issue facing females worldwide, even here in the developed world.  Team Member PDG Bill Donnelly reports that his club (Rotary Club of Red Bank, New Jersey, USA | District 7505) provides essential supplies to local organizations with support from a District DDF Grant.  Feminine hygiene products are among the most popular items.
Share Your “Empowering Girls” Initiatives with the World On Rotary Showcase Carol Tichelman and Mary Shackleton 2021-09-25 06:00:00Z 0

Meet Your New BFFs

Posted by Michael Angelo Caruso, Zone 28 RPIC
Incoming Governors for Zones 28 and 32 have a unique opportunity to connect with veteran Rotary leaders who can be very helpful in staging a successful year.   
 
Attendees will also receive special messages from Valarie Wafer, Vice-President of Rotary International and Director of our two Zones and incoming Director, Drew Kessler.  
 
All District Governors Elect (DGEs) and District Governors Nominee (DGNs) can get to know their Zone Rotary Coordinator (RC), Regional Rotary Foundation Coordinator (RRFC) and Rotary Public Image Coordinator (RPIC) in a breezy, social format, emceed by current Z28 RPIC, Michael Caruso. 
 
Log onto this Zoom event on Wednesday, October 6 at 7pm and meet your new Best Friends Forever (BFF) here.
Meet Your New BFFs Michael Angelo Caruso, Zone 28 RPIC 2021-09-25 06:00:00Z 0
4-10 October 2021-09-25 06:00:00Z 0

McRae Peace award recipient Kim Spirou

Posted by Dr. Noel Jackson, PDG D6400
Kim Spirou joined Rotary in 1992 and quickly became an exemplary Rotarian. She has served in nearly every club leadership role, was named Rotarian of the Year, has been president of two Rotary clubs, and has held numerous District leadership positions. Kim is a Paul Harris Fellow, a Major Donor with The Rotary Foundation, a Rotary Benefactor, and a member of Rotary’s Bequest Society.
 
McRae Peace award recipient Kim Spirou Dr. Noel Jackson, PDG D6400 2021-09-23 06:00:00Z 0

Rotary Athletic Park Opens in Olds, Alberta

Posted by Patsy Hickok, Rotary Club of Olds, District 5360 Alberta
The grand opening of the Rotary Athletic Park was held on Saturday September 11. Despite the colder weather, many people came out to the event. The idea of being a major sponsor of the park was presented to us four years ago. We made it our goal to raise $500,000 in five years. It has been worth while endeavor as we can see many community members who walk the paved walkways, children and families play in the fields or in the ball diamonds and also seniors who live close by enjoying the Horse shoe pits. It is a beautiful large park that has 3 soccer fields, a batting cage and 3 ball diamonds.
We are so thankful for all of the community members and business owners who over the years contributed financially to see the park come to fruition. We were finally able to present the Town of Olds with a $500,000 cheque, a year earlier than planned. It took years of fundraising and many volunteer hours by the Rotary members through the Golf Tournaments, Harvest Balls, Shrimp Sales, and Grant Applications including District 5360 Community Development Project Grants and other initiatives. 
We are proud of our small town with big dreams. Rotary Club of Olds members are currently planning smaller projects with a focus on community. 
 
As our District Governor Nominee said at the opening of the park, “Let the Games Begin!”
Rotary Athletic Park Opens in Olds, Alberta Patsy Hickok, Rotary Club of Olds, District 5360 Alberta 2021-09-23 06:00:00Z 0

World Polio Day 2021 LIVE

 
 
Rotary invites the world to watch "LIVE” from Durham College's new Global Classroom on October 21, 2021, from 7:00 PM to 8:30 PM. Tune In Here on Oct 21 at 7 PM, EDT:
 
 
The 10 Rotary Clubs in Durham Region (and the Rotary Club of Port Hope), (in District 7070, on behalf of your co-hosts, the Rotary Clubs of Oshawa and Oshawa-Parkwood and Durham College invite you to District 7070's World Polio Day 2021 - Live from The Rotary Global Classroom at Durham College in Oshawa, Ontario Canada.
 
The event will run from 7 pm to about 8:30 pm live (EDT) from The Rotary Global Classroom featuring Dr Bob Scott, (past Rotary International Vice-President and Immediate Past Chair of the Rotary International Polio Plus Committee), and Mike McGovern, (the current Chair of the Rotary International Polio Plus Committee), and Dr. Tunji Funsho (Rotary International Polio Plus Chair in Nigeria).
World Polio Day 2021 LIVE 2021-09-22 06:00:00Z 0

Interact Convention 2022

 
The Zone 28 & 32 Interact Convention (ZIC), hosted by the Rotary Club of Calgary East, will take place from March 10th, 2022, to March 13th, 2022 at Best Western Premier Hotel in Calgary, Alberta (District 5360).  As the event draws nearer there is an increasing number of questions and concerns. That is why the ZIC planning committee thought it prudent to host a Q&A session amongst the districts of Zones 28 and 32 to answer some of the most asked questions and encourage participation in this event.
 
Our team is looking to host a virtual Q&A session via zoom on September 30th, 2021, from 5pm-6pm MT. Please register here if you are interested in attending the Q&A session. However, there will be plenty of time to ask questions during the session as well. We ask that any questions are emailed to our team at the registration@zoneinteractconvention.org before the session. We also encourage you to take a look at our website (www.zoneinteractconvention.org) to learn more as well.
 
Interact Convention 2022 2021-09-22 06:00:00Z 0
Haiti Earthquake Response - Funds needed Sherry Chamberlain, Zone 28 Assistant Regional Rotary Foundation Coordinator 2021-09-22 06:00:00Z 0
Virtual Zone Summit 2021-09-21 06:00:00Z 0

The Kessler Report

Posted by Drew Kessler, Director Elect
It is official, contracts for all three in person events for Rotary year 2022/23 have been signed with the last being Anchorage, Alaska.
 
Please plan on joining us November 3-5, 2022, at the Sheraton Anchorage, where we will have our second symposium. This event will focus on the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal Life on Land in the beautiful state of Alaska.  You will have the opportunity to hear speakers talking about actionable steps we can all take to preserve our land, life that inhabits it and lead a more sustainable existence highlighted by presentations from the Environment Sustainability Rotary Action Group (ESRAG), United Nations Environment committee representative, Not For Profit Partners (NFP), and Non-Governmental Organizations (NGO).  Both symposiums are open to all Rotarians, community partners and NGOs with a focus on changing the narrative.
 
Look out for more details from chair Diane Fejes in the coming months.  Registration will be open early November. Below please find further details on the amazing event Diane and her team are putting together.  For further information feel free to contact Diane at ndfejes@gmail.com.
The Kessler Report Drew Kessler, Director Elect 2021-09-21 06:00:00Z 0
Rotary Club of G.O.A.L.S. (Global Outreach And Local Service) Courtney Doldron, Innovative Club Advocate, Zone 28 2021-09-21 06:00:00Z 0

October 18-24 is National Estate Planning Week

Posted by Marilyn Bedell, Endowment/Major Gift Advisor Zone 32
If you’ve been putting off your estate planning, I encourage you to do this during National Estate Planning Week, which kicks off on Monday, October 18. The Rotary Foundation has formed a unique partnership with freewill.com that provides a simple and convenient process to create a legal will or estate plan and include The Rotary Foundation as a beneficiary. You can find more information below and at https://www.freewill.com/therotaryfoundation.
 
October 18-24 is National Estate Planning Week Marilyn Bedell, Endowment/Major Gift Advisor Zone 32 2021-09-19 06:00:00Z 0
September 2021 Beyond Borders Newsletter Bruce Goldsen 2021-08-31 06:00:00Z 0
District 7020 Haiti Disaster Recovery Fund 2021-08-26 06:00:00Z 0

Zones 28/32 Empowering Girls Initiative Teams Announced

Posted by Carol Tichelman and Mary Shackleton
As you may have heard or read in our previous Beyond Borders articles, one of Rotary International President Shekhar Mehta’s key initiatives during the 2021-22 Rotary Year is Empowering Girls. This initiative focuses on the empowerment of girls through club and district events and service activities, as well as through RI-sponsored events such as the Rotary International Convention, Rotary Day at the United Nations, presidential conferences, and Rotary Days of Service.
 
We are proud to announce that the following members of our Rotary Family listed below will be helping us coordinate and promote the Empowering Girls Initiative in our Zones. We will be adding at least a few more teammates, so please reach out to Carol or Mary if you are interested.
Zones 28/32 Empowering Girls Initiative Teams Announced Carol Tichelman and Mary Shackleton 2021-08-25 06:00:00Z 0
Virtual Zone Summit PDG Bruce Goldsen, District 6400 2021-08-25 06:00:00Z 0

It's September!

Posted by Valarie Wafer, RIVP and Director Zone 28/32

September is my favourite month of the year.  As we head into Fall and back to school my cherished memories are of new back packs, new shoes, and school supplies.  Reuniting with friends after the summer break and the anticipation of new classes, new subjects, and new skills.

Unfortunately, my cherished memories and opportunities for learning are not shared around the world. More than 775 million people over the age of 15 are illiterate. That’s 17 percent of the world’s adult population. More concerning is that girls represent two thirds of this number.  President Shekhar has made empowering girls one of his overarching themes this year with a focus on improving health, education, well-being, and economic security of girls across the globe. Please read this month’s article by Zone Ambassadors Carol Tichelman and Mary Shackleton to introduce our team of Ambassadors. Please reach out to get more information on how you can help engage in one or more projects that address the inequities affecting girls.

“Teach a mother to teach the world” -  Amarok Society

I first learned of this initiative during a presentation to my Rotary club by founders Dr. Tanyss and Gem Munro, who packed up their children in 2005 and moved from Vancouver, Canada to the slums of Bangladesh to improve the education of children.  They quickly realized the key was to teach the mothers to teach their children.  “If you teach a mother, she invests that learning back into her community. She'll use her empowerment to stand up for women's rights, children's rights, peace, and equality. She'll use her success to improve life for everyone in the slum”

The last 18 months have shown us that fast-advancing digital technologies are transforming ways in which people work, live, and learn, and are generating new skill demands and lifelong learning needs. They are also influencing ways in which education and learning are organized and managed.  Recently I had the opportunity to sit down with PRIP Wilf Wilkinson to discuss a new literacy program.  In Wilf’s presidential year of 2007 he added literacy as an area of focus for all clubs.  He is now leading the effort to support a new literacy initiative to teach anyone with a digital device and Wi-Fi to learn to read.  This new method is being adopted by the Amarok Society as they continue to teach the mothers to teach the children. If your club or district is interested in learning more and supporting this critical program, please reach out to Sharon McConnell, Literacy Chair of the Rotary Club of Belleville.  sharonmcconnell50@gmail.com

September is back to school for our District Governor line and partners as well.  We begin our virtual training sessions to prepare our future leaders. Please mark your calendars and register for our celebration event on September 23rd. Hear from RIPE Jennifer Jones, TRF Trustee Barry Rassin and celebrate our graduates as they prepare for International Assembly.

Be Well and Be Safe!

It's September! Valarie Wafer, RIVP and Director Zone 28/32 2021-08-24 06:00:00Z 0

How Can District Grants Be Used Beyond Borders?

Posted by Kristine David, DG 2015-16, DRFC 2018-2021 EPNC 2021-2023
The Rotary Clubs of East Greenwich, Providence and Wakefield in district 7950 collaborated with the Rotary Club of Pursat, Cambodia in district 3350 to address environmental needs and bring clean water to students at the Preah Theat Primary School during the global pandemic. The school, located 22 kilometers from Pursat, has 376 student (176 girls) and 15 teachers. The district grant project increased the students access to clean water, improved trash management, access to latrines and hand washing stations, and provided education to the students on dental, hand washing and menstrual hygiene.
Members of the Rotary club of Pursat oversaw all aspects of the grant project including meeting with the school principal, four village chiefs, teachers, and parents so they fully understand the projects objectives and how they would need to maintain all the equipment once the project was completed. The project included installation of a garbage incinerator to burn plastic wastes in a more efficient way and leaving less smoke pollution; a large biosand filter system that could produce 2,000 liters of clean water per day; three latrines; and the installation of a handwashing station with mirrors in front of the latrines so students can clean their hands after using the toilet.
How Can District Grants Be Used Beyond Borders? Kristine David, DG 2015-16, DRFC 2018-2021 EPNC 2021-2023 2021-08-24 06:00:00Z 0

The Kessler Report – Silver Linings

Posted by Drew Kessler, Director Elect
I have used this forum before to discuss the silver linings of our current situation.  Now let me be the first to say that a pandemic is not what anyone would want to live through and all the life we have lost is irreplaceable.  We have been unable to travel or are limited in where and what we can do.  We can all agree that there are plenty of negative things that have occurred because of COVID 19.
Forever the optimist, I view every situation for all that it provides not takes away.  The obvious is the ability to connect now like we have never before.  With that in mind I, and my fellow 2022-24 Director classmates, have had access to something that has never been granted before.  Traditionally the first year after a Director is nominated there is limited interaction with the sitting Rotary International Board other than between current and nominated Directors for each Zone and any personal relationships that may exist.  In Zones 28/32 we are extremely lucky as not all Zones have the relationships between the sitting Director and the incoming Director as we do. This affords the ramp-up time to be spent being counseled by the sitting Director as the incoming Director gets ready to take the position.   Director Valarie has spent countless time with me going over the current Board matters and getting me ready for the position.  What traditionally occurs during one’s nominee year is they may attend Council on Legislation as an observer or go to events during the International Convention, but because of economics and logistics an incoming Director does not attend their first board meeting until the January of their elect year (6 months prior to assuming the position).  In that short period of time a Director Elect has to get fully up to speed with all that is going on as they will be charged with making important decisions based on conversations and concepts that are years in the making.
 
Now for the silver lining, due to the convenience and access that Zoom allows, Immediate Past Rotary International Holger Knaack invited all Directors Nominee to sit in on all Board meetings beginning January of last year which is a full year ahead of when access is traditionally granted.  Because of this I have had the opportunity to attend every Board meeting since, which are now occurring monthly, and the experience has been tremendous.  To be in the know so early in the process and be able to sit back and observe is something that is truly amazing, and I am grateful to have this opportunity. 
 
While I can not guarantee this will translate into every decision that occurs during my term on the Board being the right one, I can guarantee that the decisions on items that have been discussed over a long period of time will be understood and the historical perspective (at least 18 months’ worth) will be with me and my fellow Director classmates.
 
We can all agree we are ready to resume life pre-pandemic and that day cannot come soon enough.  But while we wait for that we must take the wins where we can and being able to attend every Board meeting a year earlier than expected is a win.
 
The Kessler Report – Silver Linings Drew Kessler, Director Elect 2021-08-24 06:00:00Z 0

Bala and Roma Murthy Testimonial – The Rotary Foundation

Posted by DGE Bala Murthy, President, Rotary International Travel & Hosting (ITHF) Fellowship
When the 2001 Bhuj earthquake hit in Gujrat India and 20,000 lives were lost in the devastation, our hearts broke. When we saw on Television, towns and villages were decimated, our hearts broke even more. Living in the US, we felt helpless as to how to help the families rebuild their lives. Both Roma and myself have visited Gujrat as tourists and on business, and had fallen in love with the Indian state. I reached out to Rotary International to find out how we could maximize the Rotary aid to this devastated region. Ultimately, multiple districts across the US, Canada and India came together to apply for Rotary disaster relief funding and grants. Because of the generosity of Rotarians through the Rotary Foundation, Rotary was able to help rebuild one of the hardest hit areas of the earthquake and re-erect the community, known today as Rotary Nagar (City of Rotary). The power of the Rotary Foundation was evident when clubs from across the globe came together to help in the time of a crisis.
 
As Rotary Foundation Ambassadorial Scholar, I finished my MBA. The warmth and generosity of Rotary, ignited my passion to give back. In India, there's a saying that you don't just marry your spouse, but you marry the whole family.  My wife teasingly says that when we got married 36 years ago, she didn't just marry me, she married into the Rotary family!  
 
Bala and Roma Murthy Testimonial – The Rotary Foundation DGE Bala Murthy, President, Rotary International Travel & Hosting (ITHF) Fellowship 2021-08-23 06:00:00Z 0

A Successful Strategic Planning Program For Clubs

Posted by PDG Scott MacDonell, Zone 32 Empire Districts ARC, RC Clifton Springs, NY
Since 2018 Rotary District 7120 has offered facilitated strategic planning workshops to those clubs who have chosen to engage in this process.  The purpose of these workshops is to strategically position clubs to “Create an Exciting Vision of the Future”.  Specifically, the process is designed to transform clubs by providing a clear focus on key critical objectives. This is done by defining goals to better set priorities, achieving these goals with less time & money, retaining members thru richer engagement, and attracting new members.  This process has allowed clubs to better use members’ skills, club actions becoming proactive not reactive, service projects becoming more relevant, identifying possible threats to club growth and organization health, renewing energy, creating excitement & restoring commitment, and more effectively using budget dollars.
 
The workshop, usually conducted with anywhere from 8 to 15 club volunteers, is divided into four major sections:  
1) an analysis of the previously completed Club Health Check Survey focusing on examining Club Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities and Threats in five categories: Club Experience, Service and Socials, Members, Image, and Business and Operations.
2) the development of a Vision Statement for the club.
3) A determination of what category to work on first.
4) Action Planning – What specifically to do to get to where the club wants to go.
A Successful Strategic Planning Program For Clubs PDG Scott MacDonell, Zone 32 Empire Districts ARC, RC Clifton Springs, NY 2021-08-23 06:00:00Z 0

Community Assessment - Moving from Response to Engaged Transformation

Posted by Dan Doherty Assistant Rotary Coordinator Zone 28
We often discuss why people join and stay in Rotary, and the conclusion inevitably suggests fellowship and community service. A District 5360 survey led to a new understanding of “Why” people are leaving. Two of the primary reasons included Rotary’s structure/cost/meetings, as well as our broken culture that is often cited as male, pale, and stale. Finally, many that left Rotary felt that we had become “responders and cheque writers” and had lost our ability to proactively engage in our communities.
 
 
These observations underscore the importance of Community Assessments for determining Rotarian Service. The foundational premise behind a community assessment is to have those with “lived experience” in the room with Rotarians as we develop a strategy to Serve. The people who are living with the challenges identified need to be engaged as partners and collaborators in mapping out the full range and extent of the needs and potential solutions. What would have to change in the lives of these people to improve the outcomes that are problematic? Which strengths are there (either active or potential) within this group to build upon? Who else is working with this group and what are they doing? Where are the gaps in services and in the approaches being taken by those who are trying to help?
Community Assessment - Moving from Response to Engaged Transformation Dan Doherty Assistant Rotary Coordinator Zone 28 2021-08-23 06:00:00Z 0

Haiti Needs Our Help

Posted by Jeffry Cadorette, PRID; Board of Directors, ShelterBox USA; Chair, RI Communications Committee
For many of us as Rotarians and Rotaractors, when disaster strikes, the first impulse/question emanating from our head and our heart is, “How can I help?”. That is followed almost immediately with the question of where can I have the greatest impact? Who will be the best steward of my dollars? How can I be sure my assistance will make its way to those most affected? We are fortunate that our official service partner answers all of those questions in a positive and dramatic fashion. How? Because like The Rotary Foundation, ShelterBox has a 4-star rating from Charity Navigator. How fortunate we are that our service partner, ShelterBox, is not only an experienced first responder, but an effective one as well.  The pictures that you see below are from the Haiti earthquake in 2010.
 
 
The devastation, death toll, number of homes damaged or destroyed, and the thousands who have been displaced from the recent 7.2 magnitude earthquake in Haiti, followed by the impact of Tropical Storm Grace, is an evolving story line. Between now, as I write this, and September 1st when you read it, those numbers will surely have grown.
 
 
We have deployed an emergency response team who will assess damage reports, understand from the communities what they need, and work on the challenging logistics of delivering aid in an area with safety concerns, a fluid political landscape, and during a pandemic. We are also in active discussions with local partners in Haiti, Rotarians on the ground, and other disaster relief organizations to understand the shelter needs and how ShelterBox can best respond to help displaced families in Haiti. It is indeed a process.
Haiti Needs Our Help Jeffry Cadorette, PRID; Board of Directors, ShelterBox USA; Chair, RI Communications Committee 2021-08-21 06:00:00Z 0

Hashtags 101

Posted by Amy Luckiewicz, RC Wakefield, MA, Zone 32 Assistant Rotary Public Image Coordinator
When you see the “#” symbol, what’s your first thought? In 2021, depending on your generation, it could have a variety of meanings. However, did you know that this little tic-tac-toe box could help your club leap into the spotlight?
 
Known as a “hashtag” in social media, websites and applications, this symbol serves a serious function. It’s like a digital trigger that groups common content together. And when a bunch of hashtags get used, magic can happen in the digital world. This is called “trending.” In the 2021 digital world, trending is the equivalent of being handed a giant megaphone with a world-wide audience.
 
So how can your club use hashtags to launch your club’s content? Here are a few tips:
Hashtags 101 Amy Luckiewicz, RC Wakefield, MA, Zone 32 Assistant Rotary Public Image Coordinator 2021-08-21 06:00:00Z 0

An Opportunity to Learn and an Opportunity to Lead!

Posted by Liz Fisk, Centre for Coaching registrar
Entering its second year as an engaging and widely praised approach to building positive relationships and helping people maximize their potential, the Centre for Coaching will be accepting registrations starting September 6th, 2021, for two of its offering of the 2021-2022 Rotary year. 
 
Coaching is an innovative leadership model that embraces shifting organizational landscapes while building empathic leaders and agile teams. As Rotarians, we understand our personal goals and feel connected to our international, district or club missions; yet sometimes we wonder if our leadership style or how we approach our Rotary team-work is as effective as it can be.
 
In an interactive and partner-building environment, our certified coaches will help you develop a new mindset and a new skillset. One that helps you improve your emotional intelligence and your leadership effectiveness while helping your team(s) expand their contributions to Rotary’s success.
 
The coaching approach empowers people to maximize their potential by developing creative ideas and solutions through inspiration and innovation.  Through coaching Rotarians become vibrant, inspirational leaders who champion club growth and engagement.
 
The 3-part certificate series will be offered virtually from 10 am. to 12 pm. EST on Saturday, January 22nd, February 26th, and March 26th, 2022. Due to the personalized nature of this learning environment, there are limited spots available.  We request you register for all 3 sessions to maximize the benefit of this innovative approach.  For more information ahead of registration please contact us at rcc@D7090.org. Registration opens in early September.
An Opportunity to Learn and an Opportunity to Lead! Liz Fisk, Centre for Coaching registrar 2021-08-20 06:00:00Z 0

Polio Updates

Posted by Neil McBeth, End Polio Now Coordinator Zone 28 Central
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We made the $50 million PolioPlus Goal again!!!
Well, we made it just slightly - but we made the $50 million!  This means we will receive $100 million match from the Gates Foundation and will be able to provide polio eradication grants for $150 million.  I want to thank all 20-21 and 21-22 EPNCs.  You, working with members of the End polio Now Countdown to History Committee, the Rotary staff, Directors and Trustees made it happen again!  Everyone made it happen.
 
Service Award For A Polio-Free World
Think hard who in your region or zone should be recognized with a Service Award for a Polio Free World.  There is a regional award and an international award.  The following describes the criteria and guidelines and has a link to the online nomination form.  Nominations close October 1.
Polio Updates Neil McBeth, End Polio Now Coordinator Zone 28 Central 2021-08-19 06:00:00Z 0

White Middle-Aged Princess

Posted by Lori Anne Jones - Zone 28 DEI Resource Chair – 2021/22
Yes, I was called this last week during one of my presentations.  To provide context, it was during a District 7820 Systemic Racism Tool Kit Presentation. Since the tool kit has been released, I have made over 150 presentations across the Zone. Mostly well received. 
So, in the middle of such a presentation, where you are earnestly and whole heartedly presenting on a topic you feel passionately about, fueled but a deep commitment for change and one participant’s comments stops you in your well-meaning tracks – what do you do?
 
Well – there were a couple of things I could have done.  I could have ignored the participant and continued with my presentation.  I could have acquiesced and apologized for making the participant upset or I could have been so upset that I ended the presentation prematurely.  I did none of those things.  I acknowledged the comment and thanked the participant for stating the obvious. As it is the obvious realities that sometimes trip us up in these conversations. 
 
I said yes, I am white and yes, I am a middle-aged woman and yes, I know I am privileged, on a whole bunch of levels.  So, thank you for raising those points and lets use that as a springboard to talk about privilege and our responsibility to leverage that privilege to create a bigger stage for all to stand so more voices can be heard. 
 
White Middle-Aged Princess Lori Anne Jones - Zone 28 DEI Resource Chair – 2021/22 2021-08-19 06:00:00Z 0
District Governor Elect Graduation 2021-08-15 06:00:00Z 0

Centennial Clubs for 2021-2022

 
Club Charter DateClub IDClub NameState/ProvinceClub Country NameDistrict IDZone ID
01-Jun-19224702KitchenerOntarioCanada708028
01-Jun-19224721AlbionNew YorkUnited States709028
01-Jun-19226338FrederictonNew BrunswickCanada781028
01-Jun-19226394YarmouthNova ScotiaCanada782028
01-May-1922188Sedro WoolleyWashingtonUnited States505028
01-May-19222890StratfordOntarioCanada633028
01-May-19224550LindsayOntarioCanada701028
01-May-19224586Smiths FallsOntarioCanada704028
01-May-19224771DansvilleNew YorkUnited States712032
01-May-19224814Seneca FallsNew YorkUnited States712032
01-May-19224910Ballston SpaNew YorkUnited States719032
01-May-19224922Glens FallsNew YorkUnited States719032
01-May-19225404Stroudsburgs, ThePennsylvaniaUnited States741032
01-May-19225537MontclairNew JerseyUnited States747532
01-May-19225540MorristownNew JerseyUnited States747532
01-May-19225642Lambertville NJ-New Hope PANew JerseyUnited States747532
01-May-19225964Mt. HollyNew JerseyUnited States750532
01-May-19225977SalemNew JerseyUnited States750532
01-May-19226575MarlboroughMassachusettsUnited States791032
01-May-19226608CambridgeMassachusettsUnited States793032
01-Apr-1922193KamloopsBritish ColumbiaCanada506028
01-Apr-1922214EllensburgWashingtonUnited States506028
01-Apr-19222780Boyne CityMichiganUnited States629028
01-Apr-19224661Port HopeOntarioCanada707028
01-Apr-19225507BellevilleNew JerseyUnited States747532
01-Mar-19222828AlpenaMichiganUnited States631028
01-Mar-19224682TrentonOntarioCanada707028
01-Mar-19224804Penn YanNew YorkUnited States712032
01-Mar-19224891OneontaNew YorkUnited States717032
01-Mar-19226566FraminghamMassachusettsUnited States791032
18-Feb-19225609Cliffside Park/Ridgefield/North HudsonNew JerseyUnited States749032
01-Feb-19224740Lancaster-DepewNew YorkUnited States709028
01-Jan-19223056WayneMichiganUnited States640028
01-Jan-19224819Watkins-MontourNew YorkUnited States712032
01-Jan-19225992WoodburyNew JerseyUnited States750532
01-Jan-19226402St. John'sNewfoundland and LabradorCanada782028
28-Dec-19212922ColdwaterMichiganUnited States636028
01-Dec-19214592HullQuebecCanada704028
01-Dec-19215656The PlainfieldsNew JerseyUnited States747532
01-Dec-19216536North AdamsMassachusettsUnited States789032
01-Nov-1921185Mount VernonWashingtonUnited States505028
01-Nov-19212783CheboyganMichiganUnited States629028
01-Nov-19212811PetoskeyMichiganUnited States629028
01-Nov-19212966ChathamOntarioCanada638028
01-Nov-19214638CobourgOntarioCanada707028
01-Nov-19215040Tarrytowns, TheNew YorkUnited States723032
01-Nov-19215580HobokenNew JerseyUnited States749032
01-Nov-19216624MelroseMassachusettsUnited States793032
01-Nov-19216669New BedfordMassachusettsUnited States795032
01-Oct-19215675WestfieldNew JerseyUnited States747532
01-Sep-19212851OwossoMichiganUnited States631028
01-Sep-19215031OssiningNew YorkUnited States723032
01-Sep-19215387LehightonPennsylvaniaUnited States741032
01-Sep-19215938BridgetonNew JerseyUnited States750532
Centennial Clubs for 2021-2022 2021-08-13 06:00:00Z 0

Incidental but Critical Lessons from the Pandemic

Posted by Marty Pease (La Conner), Paul Grey, and Catherine Riordan (Bellingham)
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Article on behalf of the Rotary International Project Alliance (IPA)
 
The digital divide, in which social and economic inequalities lead to dramatically different access to computers and the internet, remains a serious issue in the U.S. This fact was laid bare recently in North America, where many school districts attempted to move education online to avoid the spread of COVID, only to find computers and smartphones, access to networks, and computer knowledge to be surprisingly uneven and often limited in families of elementary and primary school students. Although the specifics are quite different, a digital divide was also apparent in the work of the International Partnership Alliance (IPA) as students, teachers, school administrators, and Rotarians in the IPA program struggled to sustain education during the pandemic in the Copán region of Honduras. There too, municipalities closed schools and hoped that somehow education could move to online formats.
 
According to a 2021 report by the Wilson Center, the digital divide in Latin America is vast with only 45.5 percent of Latin American households having broadband access and a gap in usage of computers of about 40% between the top and bottom quintile of wage earners. The report also points to a dramatic gap in internet usage between urban and rural regions. In Honduras, particularly in the villages in the Copán region in which the IPA  operates, computer equipment and access to networks are minimal, making a complete and robust shift to online education impossible. The equipment and infrastructure were not there for students, teachers, and schools to switch to online education.
 
Incidental but Critical Lessons from the Pandemic Marty Pease (La Conner), Paul Grey, and Catherine Riordan (Bellingham) 2021-08-05 06:00:00Z 0
August 2021 Beyond Borders Newsletter Bruce Goldsen 2021-07-31 06:00:00Z 0

Donald MacRae Peace Award Recipient Jude Alrahman Alawa

 
Jude Alawa, from Miami, Florida, is pursuing an MD at the Stanford University School of Medicine as a Knight-Hennessy Scholar. He earned bachelor’s degrees in molecular, cellular, and developmental biology and global affairs from Yale University, and a master’s degree in public health from the University of Cambridge. Jude aspires to use his experience treating patients to inform community-based interventions and policy reform that can improve access to quality health services for marginalized communities.
Donald MacRae Peace Award Recipient Jude Alrahman Alawa 2021-07-28 06:00:00Z 0

Bringing the “Fourth Object of Rotary” to Life

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Every year, our Zones honor Rotarians, Rotary alumni or Rotary-based organizations whose lives and work exemplify Rotary’s passion to strive toward international service and peace with the Donald MacRae Peace Award.
 
This tradition started in then-Zone 22 in 2004 to honor Donald MacRae, a Rotarian from the Rotary Club of Halifax, Nova Scotia.  Back in 1921, MacRae pushed for Rotary to expand its community base and think in terms of global service. As a result, at the International Convention held that year in Edinburgh, Rotarians unanimously agreed to incorporate international peacemaking into Rotary’s incorporating documents with these words, “The advancement of international understanding, goodwill, and peace through a world of fellowship of business and professional persons united in the ideal of service.”  Today, we know those words as the Fourth Object of Rotary, and they are the basis for all the international work – from club service trips to Polio Plus – we do today.
Bringing the “Fourth Object of Rotary” to Life 2021-07-28 06:00:00Z 0

The Empowering Girls Initiative – Next Steps

Posted by Carol Tichelman & Mary Shackleton
We are thrilled by the initial response from our Zones regarding one of President Shekhar's key initiatives - Empowering Girls.   Vice President Valarie has asked our team to inspire your projects, connect you with partners/resources, and keep you informed regarding our collective progress.  Many have asked us what this initiative is all about and how they can help.  Since this is a new initiative with a broad mandate, we have the creative space to shape projects that will INCREASE OUR IMPACT.  The sky is truly the limit.  Intrigued?  Please read on to learn more about the initiative and find some suggestions to spark your imagination.
The Empowering Girls Initiative – Next Steps Carol Tichelman & Mary Shackleton 2021-07-28 06:00:00Z 0

Planning for Public Image Success

Posted by Robert Friend, Zone 32 ARPIC, Chair, D7980 Public Image Committee
As we approach the Fall season, club community service projects, public events, fundraisers and membership enrollment initiatives will soon shift into high gear. Will you be ready? Will you be leveraging programs to maximize community public image? Perhaps this is an excellent time to drive “Public Image Impact” into club action plans.
 
The following 7-step guide of best practices is being offered to successfully setup and drive Public Image to elevate a club’s Rotary story and community brand presence:
Planning for Public Image Success Robert Friend, Zone 32 ARPIC, Chair, D7980 Public Image Committee 2021-07-28 06:00:00Z 0

It's August

Posted by Valarie Wafer, RIVP and Director Zone 28&32

August is membership and new club development month. Rotary’s number one internal priority is to Grow Rotary and increase membership. President Shekhar has asked Rotarians around the world to raise their hand and commit to Each One Bring One and increase our membership to 1.3 million by July 2022.

Rotary adds a richness to our life, a richness that is not measured in dollars, but in the tangible benefit that we deliver to others and the personal job and fulfillment derived from collaborating with good, honest, successful people for the purpose of serving. In the process, we get the additional benefit of fellowship with people who believe in honest, ethical business, fairness, friendship, and mutual respect, why wouldn’t we want to share that? Let’s make the commitment to look into our contact list on our phones, look to our colleagues, our families, our partners, and our neighbours and ASK.

These last couple of weeks have been fantastic, I have had the opportunity to visit a few events in person and volunteer in a drive-thru Ribfest. It feels wonderful to be out! Many of us are anxious to get back to a reasonable sense of normal, going out to restaurants bars, sporting events and conferences. Without question we will, but the big unknown is when? It will be up to all of us to do the right thing. We must encourage those who can, to get vaccinated. In fact, we owe it to those who cannot vaccinate to do so ourselves so that others may also get back to normal life as well. 
 
Here in Zone 28 and 32 we have done a remarkable job of fighting this pandemic. As Rotarians who have vaccinated tens of millions of children against. We know, perhaps better than anyone, how valuable and how safe vaccines really are. Sadly though, despite the high number of people who have received at least one jab, numbers are slowing down as it becomes apparent that some individuals and families are hesitant to get vaccinated. 
 
Let’s do everything possible to avoid a fourth wave in North America, a potential pandemic of the unvaccinated. A vaccine is by far the beat way to avoid illness, death or potential life altering conditions. 
 
Thank you, stay safe enjoy the summer and get your jab today.
It's August Valarie Wafer, RIVP and Director Zone 28&32 2021-07-26 06:00:00Z 0

Be Careful What You Wish For

Posted by Ariane Carriere, PDG, Newsletter editor
Last month I decided that instead of writing to individuals to ask for their articles, I would simply put an announcement in the Zone 28&32 Facebook page. I was overwhelmed! Thank you all!
 
We have a great variety of articles in this newsletter. There's also been a change in the Membership articles. The two categories of Membership and Innovative Clubs have merged and they are now broken up by Zone.  Rather than two separate articles from the two groups you will see an article from Zone 28 and one from Zone 32, starting with this issue. 
Be Careful What You Wish For Ariane Carriere, PDG, Newsletter editor 2021-07-26 06:00:00Z 0

Celebrating Rotaractors: The Leaders of Today

Posted by Yvone Joubert, Past District Rotaract Chair and Ciorstaidh Reid, District Rotaract Representative
This past year has brought obstacles and challenges to each of us in the Rotary family. Rotaractors in District 5370 have not let these challenges stop them; Rotaractors have shown courage in the face of adversity and are known to never back down from a challenge. 
 
Rotary District 5370 consists of nine active Rotaract clubs, and two clubs in the process of chartering. These Rotaract clubs continue to actively do meaningful and impactful work despite the obstacles that have come their way during the pandemic. Clubs like the Rotaract Club of Grande Prairie who raised over $12,000 in the last three years to the Woods Animal Rescue and Bandaged Paws, or the Rotaract Club of MacEwan University who partnered with their sponsoring Rotary club to create the first MacEwan Rotaract Financial Relief Bursary to aid in supporting their university based members during the Covid-19 pandemic, and the Peace River Rotaract Club who raised over $16,000 for their local food bank within their first six months of chartering! This is just a small glimpse into the impactful work that Rotaractors have continued to do. 
 
During the 2020-21 Rotary year, the District 5370 Rotaract committee hosted the district’s first-ever World Rotaract Week celebrations. During our celebrations, the Rotaract committee was given a gracious opportunity by Rotary Foundation Trustee, Brenda Cressey, to award ten deserving Rotaractors with a Paul Harris Fellow for their passion and commitment to continuing the good work of Rotary. 
 
 
 
Celebrating Rotaractors: The Leaders of Today Yvone Joubert, Past District Rotaract Chair and Ciorstaidh Reid, District Rotaract Representative 2021-07-23 06:00:00Z 0

District 5370 Partners with the Running Room for Polio

Posted by Linda Robertson, EPNC Zone 28 West
 
District 5370 is holding a “Virtual Run for Polio” fundraising event in early September in partnership with the Running Room. The Running Room has retail outlets in all Canadian provinces as well as Hawaii and Minnesota. Hopefully, this partnership will grow into a significant fundraising opportunity for Rotary.
 
The relationship began when Rotary member Raemonde Bezaner, who plans charity runs with The Running Room suggested a Virtual Fundraising Run to her Rotary Club of Edmonton Riverview. When the club shared their plans with 2020-21 District Governor Elect, Donna Barrett jumped on the idea of making it a district wide event.

DG Donna said, “I was looking for an inexpensive activity early in the Rotary year that all clubs could participate in, an event with no barriers, which would still be Covid-19 friendly and that would also qualify for Rotary Days of Service. There is no better service in Rotary that raising awareness and funds for our number #1 humanitarian effort.

 
 
District 5370 Partners with the Running Room for Polio Linda Robertson, EPNC Zone 28 West 2021-07-23 06:00:00Z 0

Funding for your Canadian Rotary projects

Posted by Ron Denham, President and David Angas, Treasurer, Canadian Rotarian Water Foundation
 
As you know, it's getting tougher to secure funding from The Rotary Foundation for your projects. The requirements are increasingly demanding, and the amounts available for grants are being squeezed. Fortunately, the Canadian Rotarian Water Foundation is here to help!
 
We are offering up to $10,000 (CAD) or 10% of the value (whichever is less) of any WASH project focusing on a hospital, clinic, or other health care facility, in which a Canadian Rotary club plays a leading role.
Funding for your Canadian Rotary projects Ron Denham, President and David Angas, Treasurer, Canadian Rotarian Water Foundation 2021-07-23 06:00:00Z 0

Innovation and Diversity to Rotary’s future

Posted by Diana Nestorova, Innovative Club Advocate, Zone 32 ARC, RC Acton-Boxborough, MA
Thank you, Rotary, for caring!
 
In June, District 7910 and District 7980 in Massachusetts chartered cause-based Rotary clubs created with innovation and diversity at their core. Read about them here:
Innovation and Diversity to Rotary’s future Diana Nestorova, Innovative Club Advocate, Zone 32 ARC, RC Acton-Boxborough, MA 2021-07-23 06:00:00Z 0

The Kessler Report

Posted by Drew Kessler, Director Elect
The Excitement of an “E”
 
Before I talk about my excitement and my path, I would like to recognize and congratulate our very own Director Valarie Wafer on the accomplishment of becoming Rotary International Vice President for the 2021-22 year. Her work moving our organization forward in Diversity, Equity and Inclusion has been nothing short of amazing and I know she will bring the same level of enthusiasm and professionalism to this new role.
 
By the time this article is published I will be 31 days into my Elect year which is such a cool time along the path to be Director and reminds me when I was entering my Elect year as District Governor. The positions are similar from a preparation and timing standpoint as it is the calm before the proverbial storm (mind you an awesome storm, but a storm none the less). As past RI Director and current RI Communications Chair Jeffry Cadorette states “Rotary is a winter sport” so it is this summer that I get to have a more relaxed schedule then what is to follow in the coming months. I can take a breath and appreciate the opportunity ahead of me.
Over the coming months just as when I was a DGE I will spend time selecting individuals to aide in events, trainings and projects that will be happening in the coming Rotary years along with selecting sites for these events and trainings to take place. Some of this work has already occurred but much of it is still to be done. I will continue to sit in on as many Zone Committee meetings as I can to understand what is being worked on and familiarize myself with the Zone team of which many will remain during my term as Director.
 
From my perspective the key to this role as it was during my elect year as Governor and my hope is it is for all of the Elects reading this article is to ensure that during the run up to July 1 and the years that follow the focus is on the three “C’s”, Continuity, Collaboration and Consistency. It is my intention to continue to build off what Director Valarie and all Directors that have come before her have built for our Zones, collaborate with her and the existing Zone team and remain consistent in what we are doing as an organization from a resource, communication, and culture perspective.
 
Having the opportunity to serve as a Governor or a Director gives someone the privilege to sit at the head of the table if you will, but it is a table in which others sit at and provide feedback and direction. It is the team approach that will move our organization forward and ensure its success.
 
It is exciting to know that in eleven short months I will have the opportunity to be part of the decision making that will lead our organization into the future as a Director for the Rotary International Board. For all of those who are 31 days into their Elect year join me in taking a deep breath and appreciate all that is to come.
The Kessler Report Drew Kessler, Director Elect 2021-07-23 06:00:00Z 0

What does The Rotary Foundation Canada do?

Posted by Chris Offer, TRF Canada Board Member, Rotary Club of Ladner, Delta BC, District 5040
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The first thing to understand is what The Rotary Foundation Canada (TRFC) is not. Donations sent to TRFC are not simply cashed and the money sent to The Rotary Foundation in Evanston. It is important to recognize the significant financial responsibilities TRFC has. Canadian law does not allow a Canadian charity to simply pass money to another charity in a different country. The funds must be managed in Canada.
 
 
What does The Rotary Foundation Canada do? Chris Offer, TRF Canada Board Member, Rotary Club of Ladner, Delta BC, District 5040 2021-07-22 06:00:00Z 0

Education - Our Most Powerful Tool to Create Positive Peace

 

Posted by Tamara C Larson, National Chair, Peace Literacy Canada
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In an effort to create a more peaceful and just world, peace literacy equips us with the tools to build strong communities, peacefully confront root causes of problems, navigate change and uncertainty, teach responsible digital citizenship with the end goal of creating peace that is resilient and sustainable allowing us to thrive as human beings.
 
Building on West Point's world class leadership training and disciplined version of civil right's leaders, peace literacy educates people to be as well trained in waging peace as soldiers are in waging war. 
Education - Our Most Powerful Tool to Create Positive Peace Tamara C Larson, National Chair, Peace Literacy Canada 2021-07-21 06:00:00Z 0

Creating Safe Space for DEI Conversations

Posted by Lori Anne Jones - Zone 28 DEI Resource Chair – 2021/22
Creating a safe space to have a meaningful conversation about diversity, equity and inclusion can be challenging and requires some strategic design in setting up the conversation but also a tactical logistics plan to support the conversation while it’s occurring to ensure you are able to maintain that safe space, creating room for all voices to be heard.
 
Never was this more evident than in the expert speakers’ series that was part of the work of the District 7820 Systemic Racism Task Force. Part of the work of this group included both the tool kit, launched in January of 2021, and the expert speaker series that happened over the course of five months. There were three virtual sessions, all well attended with 30-40 participants including Rotarians and community members coming together to discuss issues related to systemic racism. Together, we made a social contract to move the needle on this issue.
 
Creating Safe Space for DEI Conversations Lori Anne Jones - Zone 28 DEI Resource Chair – 2021/22 2021-07-21 06:00:00Z 0

Sharing Stories…Finding Your Rotary Foundation Passion

Posted by Marilyn Bedell, Endowment Major Gift Advisor, Zone 32
What does this red rooster have to do with the Rotary Foundation? 
 
As I think back to when PDG Ron Bedell and I started making consistent donations to the Rotary Foundation, this rooster played a role.  For 23 years, Tom Plumb, a former member of the Rotary Club of Middlebury Vermont has dedicated most of his Rotary and life’s passions to doing sustainable projects in Honduras. 
 
Tom was a part of a team of Rotary District 7850 Rotarians who went to Honduras to see how they could help after Hurricane Mitch in 1998. At the District Conference in 2001, Tom came to report on the projects he had completed and hoped to complete. 
Sharing Stories…Finding Your Rotary Foundation Passion Marilyn Bedell, Endowment Major Gift Advisor, Zone 32 2021-07-18 06:00:00Z 0

Satellite Clubs

Posted by PDG Rick Caron and PDG Paul Sincock, D6400

Satellite Clubs are an opportunity to retain current members as well as developing alternatives in a community to grow Rotary.  There is no one set model for satellite clubs and each host club needs to develop a program that works for their community.  This is an example of a club that has retained members and is growing Rotary.  

The Rotary Club of Windsor (1918) is one of 52 clubs in District 6400 located in Southwest Ontario and Southeast Michigan.  D6400 is the home District of RIPE Jennifer Jones.  The Club’s approx. 120 members celebrated their centennial is 2018.  On May 27, 2019, eight members, including 6 past-presidents, one of them a PDG, got together and agreed to work with the club to establish a Satellite with the purpose of providing an alternate meeting time and place for existing club members and to stimulate club growth.  The satellite was approved by Rotary International on October 1, 2019.  Today, not quite two years later, the Satellite has 31 members with 2 potential members in the pipeline.  Of the 31 members, 11 are new to Rotary, 1 is a transfer from another club, and 19 were existing members of the host club.

Satellite Clubs PDG Rick Caron and PDG Paul Sincock, D6400 2021-07-12 06:00:00Z 0
July 2021 Beyond Borders Newsletter Bruce Goldsen 2021-07-01 06:00:00Z 0

Interact News

Posted by Val Liddle, District 5040 Interact Chair
 
 
We have had meetings to encourage one another during COVID.  Some Districts reported they were not even allowed to hold Interact meetings at all - even virtually.  At these meetings we discussed the health of our clubs, what we could do as a group to improve the program, etc.  The main ideas to come from these discussions were Interact President training; how to organize a project; increase membership; and, how to run a meeting.  Best practices were shared by all.  We will continue to have these meetings every two months.
 
With vaccinations now in place we look forward the "NEW NORMAL" next year.
 
If your Rotary club does not sponsor an Interact Club contact your District Interact Chair. They will be more than happy to help you start one.  It will invigorate your Rotary club, assist in your projects, and keep you on your toes.
 
Interact is the fastest growing area of Rotary. Join the fun!!
Interact News Val Liddle, District 5040 Interact Chair 2021-06-30 06:00:00Z 0

Gift of US $1 Million to PolioPlus

 
The board of directors of the Rotary Foundation Canada announced a donation of US $1,000,000 to the PolioPlus campaign on June 24.
“Remarkably there have been only two cases of wild polio reported in 2021.”
 
“We have the wild poliovirus pinned down in the smallest geographic area in history. There are just two countries that continue to report cases of the wild virus,” said Dean Rohrs, chair of The Rotary Foundation Canada and Trustee of The Rotary Foundation.
“As we work with our partners to apply innovative new strategies to reach more children, and embrace lessons learned, I’m optimistic that the end of polio is within our grasp, but we must remain vigilant in rallying global political and financial support as we push towards a polio-free world.”
 
Barriers to eradication — like weak health systems, insecurity, and mobile and remote populations — must be overcome.
 
Rohrs stated that this donation is because of the generosity of Canadian Rotarians. She further stated, “The Rotary Foundation Canada has had good returns on investments and favorable exchange rates. This has permitted this donation of funds from our unallocated investment earnings to support polio eradication.”
 
If a single child has polio, all children are at risk, which underscores the need for continued funding and commitment to eradication.
Gift of US $1 Million to PolioPlus 2021-06-28 06:00:00Z 0

The Rotary Foundation Global Grants in Malawi 2018-2021

Posted by Cherriney Kondor, Rotary Club of York East D7390
The world has never been more separated, yet at the same time more united, as diseases of our time effect everyone around the globe.  It is also exposing needs that are greater than ever.  There is strong demand for the work of The Rotary Foundation.  One prime example is the $150,000 combination of three Global Grants running from 2018-2021. This unprecedented partnership of Medical, Dental, and Eyecare Vocational Training Teams are led by ARRFC, PDG Connie Spark of York East Rotary, D7390. Once again Spark weaves her international magic, threading 49 compassionate Medical, Dental and Eyecare professionals along with a cadre of volunteers from four countries. The team worked with host Dan Kuwali of Lilongwe Club in D9210, teaching at the only medical school in Malawi. Here they delivered educational seminars, practical experience, and a large dose of hope for a better future.
 
 
The Rotary Foundation Global Grants in Malawi 2018-2021 Cherriney Kondor, Rotary Club of York East D7390 2021-06-28 06:00:00Z 0

Help Wanted

Posted by Ariane Carriere, D7040 Passport
Welcome to our new look Zone newsletter. I hope you like it. If you have any suggestions for changes or improvements, contact me.
 
Valarie has stressed the team approach in our Zones 28 & 32. As newsletter editor, I know what she means. There really should be someone to be my assistant/backup/replacement. I'm the only one who receives articles and news events, and then I figure out how it goes into the newsletter. We have now started an online version, where several people could work on each newsletter during the same month, so collaboration is possible. A reminder that articles are due on or before the 20th of any month.
 
Are you interested? So far, I thought I had two people, but that did not work out. Send me a message if you have any interest.
Help Wanted Ariane Carriere, D7040 Passport 2021-06-27 06:00:00Z 0

WASH Rotary Action Group needs a Newsletter Editor

Posted by Julia Phelps
Forward from:
Julia D. Phelps, Ed.D.
Chair, World Water Summit, 2017 - present
Trustee, The Rotary Foundation, 2017 - 2020
Director, Rotary International, 2014 - 2016
 
Stay safe, wash your hands, and get your vaccine.
 
 
Hi everyone,
 
As you know we are trying to recruit a new newsletter editor.  The job description is on the website.  During our last call we noted as follows:
WASH Rotary Action Group needs a Newsletter Editor Julia Phelps 2021-06-26 06:00:00Z 0

Presenting a Medal of Honour

A Very Small Way to Say Thank You

Langley Central Rotary Club President Annette Borrows with four of the nurses from the Langley Memorial Hospital COVID cohort. Annette is presenting a Medal of Honour to the hospital for their ongoing efforts against COVID.
From TRF Trustee and PRIVP Dean Rohrs:
 
This is my Rotary Club.  The presentation was done with full COVID protocols.  A drive by with all the Fire Rigs and Police Cars, Rotarian vehicles and much honking and banging on pots and pans.  A very small way to say thank you to everyone at Langley Memorial Hospital for the dedication in serving the community during this pandemic.
Presenting a Medal of Honour 2021-06-26 06:00:00Z 0

Zone Interact Convention

 
The early bird registration for the Zone 28 & 32 Interact Convention closes on October 15, 2021.  On behalf of our planning committee, we request that this email please be forwarded to the Youth Chairs and Club presidents of the Rotary Clubs that sponsor Interact Clubs in your district. ZIC (Zone 28 & 32 Interact Convention) is a 4-day Interact conference to empower and enable youth to change the world for the better. 
Zone Interact Convention 2021-06-26 06:00:00Z 0

Centennial Celebrations

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The following clubs celebrated their centennial during the 2020-2021 Rotary year.
 
 Club Charter DateClub IDClub NameState/ProvinceClub Country NameDistrict IDZone ID
 01-May-1921160Prince RupertBritish ColumbiaCanada504028
 01-May-19211383YorktonSaskatchewanCanada555028
 01-May-19212920CharlotteMichiganUnited States636028
 01-May-19214567BrockvilleOntarioCanada704028
 01-May-19214711St. CatharinesOntarioCanada709028
 01-May-19214822WellsvilleNew YorkUnited States712032
 01-May-19215035Port Chester-Rye BrookNew YorkUnited States723032
 01-May-19215039Staten IslandNew YorkUnited States723032
 01-May-19215334CarlislePennsylvaniaUnited States739032
 01-May-19215440NorristownPennsylvaniaUnited States743032
 01-May-19215504West ChesterPennsylvaniaUnited States745032
 01-May-19216460NashuaNew HampshireUnited States787032
 01-May-19216612EverettMassachusettsUnited States793032
 01-Apr-19213021AdrianMichiganUnited States640028
 01-Apr-19214558PeterboroughOntarioCanada701028
 01-Apr-19214576KingstonOntarioCanada704028
 01-Apr-19214873EndicottNew YorkUnited States717032
 01-Apr-19214963HudsonNew YorkUnited States721032
 01-Apr-19215349LebanonPennsylvaniaUnited States739032
 01-Apr-19215598Ridgefield Park-BogotaNew JerseyUnited States749032
 01-Apr-19216502New Britain-BerlinConnecticutUnited States789032
 01-Apr-19216521WillimanticConnecticutUnited States789032
 01-Apr-19216605BeverlyMassachusettsUnited States793032
 01-Apr-19216729GreenwichConnecticutUnited States798032
 01-Apr-19216734MeridenConnecticutUnited States798032
 01-Mar-19211344BrandonManitobaCanada555028
 01-Mar-19214706Niagara FallsOntarioCanada709028
 01-Mar-19215381HazletonPennsylvaniaUnited States741032
 01-Mar-19215660Red BankNew JerseyUnited States750532
 01-Mar-19216683TauntonMassachusettsUnited States795032
 01-Feb-1921227WenatcheeWashingtonUnited States506028
 01-Feb-19214769CorningNew YorkUnited States712032
 01-Feb-19215646Long BranchNew JerseyUnited States750532
 01-Dec-19202932HillsdaleMichiganUnited States636028
 01-Dec-19204893OwegoNew YorkUnited States717032
 01-Dec-19205076Queens BoroughNew YorkUnited States725532
 01-Dec-19205982VinelandNew JerseyUnited States750532
 01-Dec-19206656Fall RiverMassachusettsUnited States795032
 01-Nov-19205341GettysburgPennsylvaniaUnited States739032
 01-Sep-19202781CadillacMichiganUnited States629028
 01-Aug-19205651New Brunswick, N. Brunswick, Highland Park & MilltownNew JerseyUnited States747532
 
Centennial Celebrations 2021-06-26 06:00:00Z 0

Achieving A Polio Free World

Posted by Stella Roy EPNZC
Judith Diment, Leading Polio Advocacy in the UK tells us Advocacy is still important. No other organization gets the 2:1 match from the Gates Foundation.
 
Because of COVID the world and our governments have a much better understanding of the importance of vaccination.
 
Because of our Polio program we know how to run a campaign and the importance of
 
  • Viral transmission
  • Vaccination - Reaching EVERY Child
  • Contact tracing
  • Building trust in the community
  • Surveillance and testing
Achieving A Polio Free World Stella Roy EPNZC 2021-06-25 06:00:00Z 0

The Empowering Girls Initiative

Posted by Carol Tichelman, Zone 28 and Mary Shackleton, Zone 32
The Empowering Girls initiative is one of three Presidential Initiatives for Rotary year 2021-2022 as we Serve to Change Lives.
 
The initiative is focused on club-level projects through which Rotary clubs can create positive change in the lives of girls.
 
Specifically, the initiative challenges clubs to:
  • Engage in a project or projects of their choice that empowers girls.
  • Address the needs and inequities that girls throughout the world face on a daily basis.
  • In addition to implementing a project, monitor and measure the impact of the project.
  • Disseminate and create awareness of Rotary resources and subject matter experts, including but not limited to: Rotary Action Groups, Rotary Foundation cadre and Peace Fellows.
  • Tell the stories of successful projects and their impact to the general public, using a variety of media channels.
  • Share the stories of success and their impact across their region and post them on Rotary Showcase, as well as on social media channels.
The Empowering Girls Initiative Carol Tichelman, Zone 28 and Mary Shackleton, Zone 32 2021-06-25 06:00:00Z 0

The Rotary Quarter Mile

Posted by Scott Boucher , D7790 Polio chair for Maine Clubs
 
 
The Rotary Club of Bangor, Rotary Club of Bangor Area Breakfast, and Rotary Club of Old Town completed a unique fundraiser: Link to news video.
 
These three Rotary Clubs raised over $16,638 (which represents one mile of quarters) to help fund the efforts to end Polio world-wide with the Rotary Quarter Mile fundraiser.
 
The Rotary Quarter Mile Scott Boucher , D7790 Polio chair for Maine Clubs 2021-06-25 06:00:00Z 0

Service Above Self 2020-2021

Service Above Self Award

Rotary's highest honor recognizes Rotarians who demonstrate Rotary's motto, Service Above Self, by volunteering their time and talents to help others. The award is internationally competitive and is granted to no more than 150 Rotarians worldwide in any one year.
 
The recipients in our Zones 28 and 32 for 2020-2021 are:
 
    5050 Sean Hogan
    5060 Sherry Chamberlain
    6380 Vineet Katial
    6400 Richard Caron
    7010 Brian Menton
    7040 Ariane Carriere
    7070 William Mackay
    7230 Lawrence Cohen
    7475 Lynn Arnold
Service Above Self 2020-2021 2021-06-25 06:00:00Z 0
Cruise to Bermuda 2021-06-25 06:00:00Z 0

Director's Message

Posted by Valarie Wafer
 

And now we welcome the new Rotary year!  -Serve to Change Lives

As I write this, we have just passed the summer solstice, the longest day of the year and the beginning of summer.  In recent weeks as I have travelled virtually through our Zones, I sense an awakening, hope and expectation of what is to come.  We are literally emerging from our homes. For many of us it has been a long hibernation of necessary protocols to keep us safe and do our part to stop the spread of this pandemic.
 
And yet, in our clubs, districts and zones we have flourished. We have found new ways to connect, new ways to fundraise and new ways to experience Rotary. Our changeover and celebration events have reinforced our core value of fellowship, our Rotary family has never been so important.
 
“What a wonderful thought is that some of the best days of our lives haven’t even happened yet” -Anne Frank
I hope you each enjoyed our 2021 Virtual Convention. Congratulations are certainly in order to PRIP Holger Knaack and the team that put together incredible speakers, energetic entertainment and some fabulous breakouts.  The online platform will remain available until December 31, 2021, in order to view the presentations on demand. 
 
Remember to register for the Houston convention at convention.rotary.org and stay tuned for further details on our Beyond Borders Event to take place at the convention.
As we begin to Serve to Change Lives, let us set personal, club and district goals.
 
My personal commitment is to wear my Rotary pin every day, continue to support the Annual Fund as a Paul Harris Society Member and support the end of Polio. 
 
This year I am going to ask everyone to continue to explore new innovative club models.  To bring diversity into our clubs and reflect our communities. Let’s each commit to Each One Bring One and invite a new member into Rotary to reach President Shekhar’s goal of 1.3m members.
 
I hope to visit with many of you this coming year and look forward to sharing many of your special events with you.
 
Until then be well and be safe!
Director's Message Valarie Wafer 2021-06-24 06:00:00Z 0

The Kessler Report

Posted by Drew Kessler
 
 

Like Yogi Berra once said, it is deja vu all over again.

I would like to take this opportunity to announce the plan for events during the 2022-2023 Rotary year and it will be like déjà vu all over again.  Back in the winter of 2019, in a hotel lounge in Michigan, Director Valarie came up with an amazing concept to hold the pre institute training traditionally associated with a Zone Institute into a separate event and have two separate Zone functions focused on the United Nations Sustainable Goals.  The events being planned for the 2020-2021 in Bermuda and Alaska were going to focus on Life Below Water and Life on Land.  A tremendous amount of work went into the planning of all three events which due to the pandemic did not come to fruition.
 
It is with the foundation and inspiration that Director Valarie set forth that we will be replicating the three events in the 2022-23 Rotary year.  In the coming months I will use this forum to highlight these events in order.  To kick off this I will begin with the first Zone event for 2022-23 – Life Below Water being chaired by Melissa Ward-Rathbun. 
Please plan on joining us September 1-6, 2022, where we will depart NYC on the incredible Norwegian Joy for a 5-night cruise to Bermuda. While onboard the Norwegian Joy, you will have the opportunity to hear speakers talking about actionable steps we can all take to preserve our oceans, sea life and lead a more sustainable life highlighted by presentations from ESRAG, NFP Partners, and NGOs.  Look out for more details from Melissa in the coming months.  We encourage you to book now for the best availability and cabin selection. You only need a refundable deposit of $250 to receive your space.
 
Below please find further details on the amazing event Melissa and her team are putting together.  For further information please follow this link and feel free to contact Melissa at MelissaWardRotary@gmail.com.
 
I can not begin to tell you how excited I am for this in-person event in which we can all come together and enjoy the fellowship that our Zones provide.
The Kessler Report Drew Kessler 2021-06-24 06:00:00Z 0

Foundation Giving

Posted by Frank Adamson, DG 7090, Rotary Club of Fonthill
As a District Governor I know the importance of OUR Foundation to the humanitarian work of Rotary around the globe, the fight to end Polio, funding for District grants, Peace Fellow scholarships, VTT and more. 
 
I had the good fortune of being a committee member of our Million Dollar Dinner in 2017 and agreed to solicit major gifts from fellow Rotarians on both sides of our bi-national border.
 
As a former long-time volunteer and staff member of the United Way I quickly learned that if one is soliciting donations one had better make the commitment to give themselves.  My wife, Judy and I decided to make an endowment gift to TRF from our estate on our death.  I had already joined the Paul Harris Society and decided to contribute a major gift to be used for Water and Sanitation.
Foundation Giving Frank Adamson, DG 7090, Rotary Club of Fonthill 2021-06-24 06:00:00Z 0

Growing Membership: The Year Ahead in Our Zones

Posted by RCs Doug Logan (Zone 28) and Herb Klotz (Zone 32)
Since last August, we’ve been working closely together (thanks Zoom!) to prepare for our years as Rotary Coordinators. We’re especially thankful for the strong support we’ve received from Director Valarie Wafer, Incoming Director-Elect Drew Kessler and out-going Rotary Coordinators Bill Robson (Zone 28) and Melissa Ward-Rathbun (Zone 32).
 
At this time, we wanted to share some of the key principles that have been driving our preparations and which will guide our teams’ efforts going forward and, perhaps most importantly, invite your feedback on these.
Growing Membership: The Year Ahead in Our Zones RCs Doug Logan (Zone 28) and Herb Klotz (Zone 32) 2021-06-24 06:00:00Z 0
June 2021 Beyond Borders Newsletter Bruce Goldsen 2021-06-01 06:00:00Z 0
May 2021 Beyond Borders Newsletter Bruce Goldsen 2021-05-01 06:00:00Z 0
April 2021 Beyond Borders Newsletter Bruce Goldsen 2021-04-01 06:00:00Z 0
March 2021 Beyond Borders Newsletter Bruce Goldsen 2021-03-01 07:00:00Z 0
February 2021 Beyond Borders Bruce Goldsen 2021-02-01 07:00:00Z 0
Rotary International 2022-24 Director Bruce Goldsen 2021-01-25 07:00:00Z 0
Rotary International President 2022-23 Bruce Goldsen 2021-01-24 07:00:00Z 0
The Rotary Foundation Trustee 2020-23 Bruce Goldsen 2021-01-24 07:00:00Z 0
The Rotary Foundation Trustee 2017-21 Bruce Goldsen 2021-01-24 07:00:00Z 0

January 2021 Beyond Borders

Click image to read the January edition of the Director's Newsletter
PDG Ariane Carriere is the editor of the Beyond Borders Newsletter
packed with information and ideas from a number of leaders in Zones 28 & 32 .
 
 
Send submissions by mid-month to Ariane: ariane.carriere@rotary7040.com
 
Need to update or add an email address?
Contact Bruce Goldsen: bruce@goldsen.com
 
The newsletter is emailed monthly to Rotary leaders in Zones 28 & 32.
January 2021 Beyond Borders Bruce 2020-12-29 07:00:00Z 0

December 2020 Beyond Borders

Click image to read the December edition of the Director's Newsletter
PDG Ariane Carriere is the editor of the Beyond Borders Newsletter
packed with information and ideas from a number of leaders in Zones 28 & 32 .
 
 
Send submissions by mid-month to Ariane: ariane.carriere@rotary7040.com
 
Need to update or add an email address?
Contact Bruce Goldsen: bruce@goldsen.com
 
The newsletter is emailed monthly to Rotary leaders in Zones 28 & 32.
December 2020 Beyond Borders Bruce Goldsen 2020-12-01 07:00:00Z 0

November 2020 Beyond Borders

Click image to read the November edition of the Director's Newsletter
 
 
PDG Ariane Carriere is the editor of the Beyond Borders Newsletter
packed with information and ideas from a number of leaders in Zones 28 & 32 .
 
 
Send submissions by mid-month to Ariane: ariane.carriere@rotary7040.com
 
Need to update or add an email address?
Contact Hans Granholm: 
hgrdane@telusplanet.net
 
 
The newsletter is emailed monthly to Rotary leaders in Zones 28 & 32.
November 2020 Beyond Borders 2020-11-01 06:00:00Z 0

Rotary International 2020-22 Director

Posted on Jul 01, 2020

Valarie K. Wafer

 
Valarie Wafer joined Rotary in 2005 in order to fuel her passion for making an impact that matters. Valarie was District Governor of RI district 7070 covering the Greater Toronto Area in 2013/14. Now residing in Collingwood, her home club is the Rotary Club of Collingwood South Georgian Bay, RI district 7010.
 
Valarie has continued to serve Rotary in a number of international roles. She is an International Trainer, a member of the Host Organizing Convention Committee Toronto 2018, representative of the Rotary International President, and is an elected member of the Rotary International Board for 2020-2022.
 
During Valarie’s tenure as a Rotarian she has participated and led many initiatives including a recent mission to Kosovo with Gift of Life International. She has also served as the Vocational Training Team leader to Australia in 2010 focusing on youth mental health, a National Immunization Day in India in 2012, and has travelled to Kenya and Tanzania to audit long-term Rotary Foundation grant activity.
In her non-Rotary life, Valarie had a 27-year career as a restaurant owner in Toronto. The brand, Tim Hortons, is the most recognized and iconic franchise in Canada. The Wafer’s operation was best known for its inclusive hiring practices and accessibility, especially in the area of employment.
 
Valarie, and her husband of 33 years, Mark are Paul Harris Fellows, Bequest Society members and Major Donors to The Rotary Foundation.
Rotary International 2020-22 Director 2020-07-01 06:00:00Z 0

DGs 2022-23

Posted by Hans Granholm on Jun 22, 2020
 
ATTENTION ALL DGEs IN ZONES 28 & 32
 
By now your district should have made your choice of governor for the Rotary year 2022-23. So, we congratulate the DG class of 2022-23.
 
If your district is a ClubRunner subscriber, notification of your selection is very easy and will serve two purposes:
  1. Your district executive for 2022-23 will be updated.
  2. Simultaneously, the ClubRunner zone directory will be updated
Ask you district administrator or web administrator to post the update on the district web site  by following these simple steps:
After login and on the district admin page, in the menu bar click on [Organization]
In the sub-menu bar click on District Organization Chart
Click on Next Year till you reach 2022-23
On the 'District Governor' line click Edit
First you select the club the DGND belongs to and then select the member
Finally, click Save
And you're done
The administrator might as well double check and see that the DGs for 2019-20 and 2020-21 are properly listed as well.
 
Your district and zone directory is now updated.
 
If every district cooperated this way it would also make life easier for BJ Metz who work tirelessly at updating and publishing the printed version of the Zone Directory.
 
For the three districts not subscribing to ClubRunner, please send the names of your incoming DGs directly to BJ Metzbjmetz470@gmail.com and copy me, Hans Granholm, hgrdane@telusplanet.net
For technical assistance, contact Hans Granholm anytime. 780-918-1079 or hgrdane@telusplanet.net
DGs 2022-23 Hans Granholm 2020-06-22 06:00:00Z 0 directory

Bringing the “Fourth Object of Rotary” to Life
 

Posted by Marty Helman on Jun 20, 2020
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Bringing the “Fourth Object of Rotary” to Life
 
Every year, our Zones honor Rotarians, Rotary alumni or Rotary-based organizations whose lives and work exemplify Rotary’s passion to strive toward international service and peace.
 
This tradition started in then-Zone 22 in 2004 to honor Donald MacRae, a Rotarian from the Rotary Club of Halifax, Nova Scotia.  Back in 1921, MacRae pushed for Rotary to expand its community base and think in terms of global service. As a result, at the International Convention held that year in Edinburgh, Rotarians unanimously agreed to incorporate international peacemaking into Rotary’s incorporating documents with these words, “The advancement of international understanding, goodwill, and peace through a world of fellowship of business and professional persons united in the ideal of service.”  Today, we know those words as the Fourth Object of Rotary, and they are the basis for all the international work – from club service trips to Polio Plus – we do today.
 
When our two Zones came together in 2011, it was decided that two Awards – one in each Zone – would be presented. Then, last year, senior Zone leaders once again reviewed and rethought the criteria to be more in keeping with a changing Rotary, and it was decided to create one expanded judging panel for the award.  With this change, the judges are drawn from senior Rotarians across our two Zones who are themselves committed to international service and the ideals of peace, and they will serve three-year terms on a revolving basis. 
 
The judging panel was led this year by Past RI President Wilf Wilkinson.  Members of the panel were past RI Director Ken Grabeau; past Trustee Carolyn Jones; PDG and WASRAG chair Ron Denham, and Rotarian David Ives.  The group includes three past Donald MacRae recipients and one Nobel Peace Prize finalist.  Rounding out the Donald MacRae team are administrators Dan Doherty (Zone 28) and Marty Helman (Zone 32). She stayed on one final year to assist with transition.  The Administrators will also serve revolving three-year terms in the future. 
 
This year, during their deliberations, the judges decided to present awards for 2019 as well as 2020.  As a result, the four winners recently selected are:
  • Dr. Benjamin Doz, Rotary Club of Edmonton West, District 5370 – ophthalmologist who has led service teams that provide eye care in Guatemala annually since 1998 - 2019 Zone 28 selectee.
  • Emily Gould, Rotary Club of Lebanon, NH, District 7850 – co-director of African Peace Partners, founding member of Mediators Beyond Borders - 2019 Zone 32 selectee.
  • Nabil Oudeh, Rotary Club of Ottawa, District 7040 - president and founder of Conflict Resolution International - 2020 Zone 28 selectee.
  • Lonnie Hackett, nominated by the Rotary Club of Brunswick, Maine, District 7780 – Global Grant Scholar, president and founder of Healthy Learners, Zambia - 2020 Zone 32 selectee. 
Profiles of all the selectees will appear in future months. Profiles of all past winners are available on the Zone website: https://portal.clubrunner.ca/50077/SitePage/donald-macrae-award.
 
Do you know a Rotarian, Rotary alumni or Rotary-based organization that should be honored in this fashion?  Read about the Donald MacRae award on the Zone website and look for the call for nominations next spring. 
Bringing the “Fourth Object of Rotary” to Life  Marty Helman 2020-06-20 06:00:00Z 0 MacRae

Best Practices for Zoom Meetings

Posted by Marty Helman on May 01, 2020
 
Best Practices for Zoom Meetings

By PDG Marty Peak Helman, District 7780 Growth Chair

We’re all getting to be experts at Zoom and GoToMeeting, but an informal poll suggests that some clubs are having a more successful time with online meetings than others. At a recent Growth meeting in District 7780, Rotarians shared best practices for virtual meetings, and we all learned a lot! In fact, some clubs are getting better attendance at their virtual get-togethers than they did before COVID! Here’s how they are doing it:

Provide the Zoom info/call in data three times. Announce the call/speaker/agenda at the beginning of the week, repeat it a couple days in advance, and also an hour or two in advance. Each time provide the call-in info.

Consider a (slight) change in meeting time. There’s no point in having a Rotary meeting at mealtime if Rotary is not providing a meal - it just keeps the Rotarian away from his/her family meal. So consider running your breakfast meeting at 8:30; your lunch meeting either at 11:00 or 1:00, and a dinner meeting at 5:00 pm. or so.

Keep all electronic meetings to one hour.


Learning curve:

Some of your members use Zoom and other teleconferencing platforms in their work life. For others, it’s brand new technology. Offer a primer session during which a seasoned Zoom user can help newbies through the basics – logging on, finding the video, finding the audio, screen sharing, hand raised, et cetera. Explain that there is a first time for every-thing.

If problems persist, "pair" a member having technology issues with another Rotarian who can guide them through the process. This makes the people for whom technology is an issue feel valued, and it doesn’t overload a few (generally younger) members with everyone asking them for help.

Urge members to log in on computer with video so they are not a disembodied voice. That said, members who are having continued trouble logging on – or who do not have a speaker or camera on their computer – should be made to feel that the phone-in option is a welcome choice.

Security. Zoom has its issues, as recent headlines have indicated. Consider using a security code for your meetings.

Record meetings and post them on your website. This will keep involved the members who miss the meeting and may let others know that your Rotary
Best Practices for Zoom Meetings Marty Helman 2020-05-01 06:00:00Z 0 zoom

PolioPlus Responding to the COVID-19 Challenge

Posted by PRIVP Mike McGovern & PRIP John Germ on May 01, 2020
PolioPlus Responding to the COVID-19 Challenge
 
 
By Mike McGovern, Chair of the Rotary International PolioPlus Committee and John Germ, Past Rotary International President and Chair of the Polio Countdown to History Committee.

A program begun by Rotary is employing thousands of health workers to address the COVID-19 pandemic. The program is the Global Polio Eradication Initiative (GPEI) which includes Rotary’s PolioPlus program. From the earliest days of polio eradication in the Philippines, the generosity and advocacy of Rotarians and our partners has nearly stopped polio, stopped Ebola from becoming an epidemic in Nigeria and now re-sponds to Covid-19.

Over the next four to six months the polio program is offering its tools, workforce and extensive surveillance network to support countries as they respond. Globally, the polio surveillance network is being trained on COVID-19 case detection, contact tracing, laboratory testing and data management. GPEI is deploying its coordination mechanisms such as emergency operations centers and sharing physical assets like vehicles, computers and mobile phones to combat the pandemic. In Nigeria, an extensive network of polio commu-nication assets including 20,000 volunteer community mobilizers are working across the country to promote handwashing to reduce transmission. In Pakistan, polio staff have sensitized more than 6,000 health workers on Covid-19 and repurposed a helpline originally used for polio related calls to also address COVID-19 ques-tions. The polio surveillance team in Angola is training health care staff on case management of COVID-19 . Polio staff in Benin are developing a pandemic preparedness plan for that country. Each day we hear of more deployments of polio staff to address COVID-19 issues in additional countries.

So what about polio itself? The Polio Oversight Board made the hard decision to pause house to house vac-cinations knowing that this may lead to an increase in polio cases. Polio surveillance will continue while also supporting COVID-19 surveillance. The GPEI is working to ensure that once it is safe to do so, countries can be supported to rapidly resume polio immunization campaigns. We will have a message in every country that vaccines, including the polio vaccine, stop viruses from attacking children and adults. We must seize the moment to let every village understand that the polio vaccine saves lives.

For over 40 years, Rotarians have never wavered in fulfilling our commitment to the children of the world to end polio. Today, in contributing to PolioPlus we are also addressing this evil Covid-19 pandemic. The goals this year for contributions to PolioPlus have not changed. The opportunity to do good in the world has only increased. If you or your club have not given to PolioPlus lately, today is the day to do so. All funds donated are matched 2 to 1 by the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation. If your District has underutilized District Designated Funds, any allocation is matched 6 to 1 by the Rotary Foundation World Fund and the Gates Founda-tion. And if you want to know more about how Rotary and the GPEI are addressing Covid-19 while not los-ing focus on eradicating polio, see Polioeradication.org and endpolio.org
 
PolioPlus Responding to the COVID-19 Challenge PRIVP Mike McGovern & PRIP John Germ 2020-05-01 06:00:00Z 0 polio

Call for Donald MacRae Peace Award nominations

Posted by Marty Helman on Feb 26, 2020
 
 
Call for Nominations for Peace Award
 
Do you know a Rotarian or Rotary organization that deserves plaudits for the international work it does?
 
Every year, a Rotarian or Rotary organization is celebrated in each of our Zones for outstanding achievement consistent with the ideals expressed in the Fourth Object of Rotary: “The advancement of international understanding, goodwill and peace through humanitarian activity of international significance.
 
Every Rotary Club and District in Zones 28 and 32 is encouraged each year to submit an application for the Donald MacRae Peace Award.
 
Candidates for the awards will have demonstrated the advancement of international goodwill, understanding and peace through peace-making efforts or humanitarian activity of international significance.  The award is open to Rotarians and non-Rotarians, but the applicant must have a relationship with the Club or District that is nominating him/her.
 
Complete details, a list of past recipients and application are available on the Zone website. DOWNLOAD 2020 APPLICATION FORM.  Deadline for applications is May 15, 2020.  Email the completed application to:
 
In Zone 32:
PDG Marty Helman, martyrotary@gmail.com
 
In Zone 28:
PDG Dan Doherty, dohertyd@telus.net
 
 
The award honors the contributions of Halifax Rotarian Donald MacRae who, at the International Convention in 1918, proposed that Rotary become an agent for the promotion of goodwill and peace among nations.  This was the first time that an international vision of Rotary was publically expressed.
 
Call for Donald MacRae Peace Award nominations Marty Helman 2020-02-26 07:00:00Z 0

Rotary International President 2020-21 

Posted on Feb 04, 2020

Holger Knaack

Rotary Club of Herzogtum Lauenburg-Mölln Germany

Knaack is the CEO of Knaack KG, a real estate company. He was previously a partner and general manager of Knaack Enterprises, a 125-year-old family business.

He is a founding member of the Civic Foundation of the City of Ratzeburg and served as president of the Golf-Club Gut Grambek. Knaack is also the founder and chair of the Karl Adam Foundation.

A Rotary member since 1992, Knaack has served Rotary as treasurer, director, moderator, member and chair of several committees, representative for the Council on Legislation, zone coordinator, training leader, and district governor.

He is an endowment/major gifts adviser and was co-chair of the Host Organization Committee for the 2019 Rotary International Convention in Hamburg.

Knaack and his wife, Susanne, are Major Donors to The Rotary Foundation and members of the Bequest Society.

Rotary International President 2020-21 2020-02-04 07:00:00Z 1 Holger,Knaack,RIP

Hurricane Relief Efforts

Posted by Jeffry Cadorette on Sep 02, 2019

HURRICANE DORIAN RELIEF EFFORTS

Hi everyone,
 
This morning (Monday) I texted with Past President Barry. While Nassau was spared the full force of Dorian, and he and Esther are fine, other parts of his country are devastated having been dealt a blow with Dorian’s full fury. Dorian is now headed toward the US and other parts of our neighboring  Zones 33 & 34.
 
Whether you want to help Barry’s District, the Bahamas, or one of the states in the southern part of the US that are awaiting Dorian, the link below will give you information on how to do that.
 
At the bottom of the link is a form telling you additional ways you can donate. The Rotary Foundation Donor Advised Fund (DAF) is set up in North Carolina and is able to make international donations. You can designate where you would like the funds to be directed in the memo portion of the check you write. A representative from each district in Zone 33 &34 will determine where to allocate the funds. They have experience with this DAF and process having had multiple hurricanes last year. Share this link on social media wherever you deem appropriate
 
       Thanks
       Jeff
 
Hurricane Relief Efforts Jeffry Cadorette 2019-09-02 06:00:00Z 0 dorian,hurricane

Rotary International President 2021-22

Posted on Aug 20, 2019

Shekhar Mehta

Rotary Club of Calcutta-Mahanagar, West Bengal, India

Shekhar Mehta has been selected as the Rotary International President for 2021-22.

Mehta acknowledges that current membership trends are a challenge and says that membership development should be Rotary’s highest priority. He believes that focusing on regional plans, successfully transitioning Rotaractors into Rotary clubs, and increasing diversity and female members could yield a 5 percent net growth in membership each year.

“A major brainstorming is needed to find effective solutions suited to different areas of the world,” says Mehta. He adds that regional ethos and culture have to be taken into account to find localized solutions, as “one size does not fit all.” He believes Rotary can extend to new geographical areas and countries.

As a strong proponent of Rotary’s strategic plan, Mehta says he will encourage clubs to use action plans and reinforce the core values of Rotary.

Mehta says Rotary needs to become more contemporary and adaptable by focusing on partnerships with governments and corporations, expanding partnerships with organizations that specialize in Rotary’s areas of focus, and investing in technology.

Rotary International President 2021-22 2019-08-20 06:00:00Z 0

The Boys of 1905

Posted on Sep 29, 2018
Thanks to Harald Kuckertz, RC Edmonton Strathcona, D-5370 for capturing this video during a make-up meeting to the Rotary eClub of the South West USA
 
 
The Boys of 1905 Hans Granholm 2018-09-29 06:00:00Z 0 Rotary One

DGs 2020-21

Posted by Hans Granholm on Jan 01, 2018
 
ATTENTION ALL DGEs IN ZONES 24 & 32
 
By now your district should have made your choice of governor for the Rotary year 2020-21. So, we congratulate the DG class of 2020-21.
 
If your district is a ClubRunner subscriber, notification of your selection is very easy and will serve two purposes:
  1. Your district executive for 2020-21 will be updated.
  2. Simultaneously, the ClubRunner zone directory will be updated
Ask you district administrator or web administrator to post the update on the district web site  by following these simple steps:
After login and on the district admin page, in the menu bar click on [Organization]
In the sub-menu bar click on District Organization Chart
Click on Next Year till you reach 2020-21
On the 'District Governor' line click Edit
First you select the club the DGND belongs to and then select the member
Finally, click Save
And you're done
The administrator might as well double check and see that the DGs for 2018-19 and 2019-20 are properly listed as well.
 
Your district and zone directory is now updated.
 
If every district cooperated this way it would also make life easier for BJ Metz who work tirelessly at updating and publishing the printed version of the Zone Directory.
 
For the three districts not subscribing to ClubRunner, please send the names of your incoming DGs directly to BJ Metzbjmetz470@gmail.com and copy me, Hans Granholm, hgrdane@telusplanet.net
For technical assistance, contact Hans Granholm anytime. 780-918-1079 or hgrdane@telusplanet.net
DGs 2020-21 Hans Granholm 2018-01-01 07:00:00Z 0 2020-21,directory

Donald MacRae Peace Award For Rotary Zones 28 & 32

 
   
Leo Seguin                                     Dr. Jerry Lowney
 

 
 
The Rotary Zone 24-32 Donald MacRae Peace Award is an annual award presented to recipients from each of Zone 24 and Zone 32, to recognize and honor an individual or organization for outstanding achievement in international service.  The Award reflects the ideals of Rotary as expressed in the Fourth Object of Rotary, which is: The advancement of international understanding, goodwill, and peace through a world fellowship of business and professional persons united in the ideal of service.
 

Click to visit the Donald McRae Award site page 
for information on the Award and previous recipients

Donald MacRae Peace Award For Rotary Zones 28 & 32 2017-11-01 06:00:00Z 0 MacRae

Celebrating Sam Owori


Rotarians from Zones 24 & 32 join those around the world to remember and to mourn the loss of President-Elect Sam Owori, who died from complications following surgery.  Rotary Vice President, Dean Rohrs, a friend of Sam Owori, represented Rotary International at his celebration of life in Uganda.
 
Celebrating Sam Owori 2017-08-06 06:00:00Z 0

Sad News

Posted by dean Rohrs on Feb 11, 2017
 
It is with great sadness that I must report that this morning, Feb 11, 2017, District Governor Vern Nielsen finally succumbed to the cancer that he has been fighting since last April.  He was surrounded in his final days by his family, and you must all know that he was fighting with everything he had left to make it to his District Conference and his Million Dollar dinner.  He lived for you, he lived for Rotary.  As our Rotary International Director Dean Rohrs has said, "Rotary and Rotarians were the wind under his wings".
 
He will be sorely missed.
 
There will be more information about contributions and/or recognitions in Vern's name, and as we know things we will let you know.
 

Peter Schultz, PhD - Rotary Club of Kelowna

     District 5060 Governor 2019-2020
     Chair, Rotary Leadership Institute
     District Conference Chair 2017
Peter.Rotary5060@gmail.com  -  250.470.9228

Sad News dean Rohrs 2017-02-11 07:00:00Z 0

Rotary and UNHCR

 
Rotary has a passion for service and has a range of areas of focus, from promoting peace, fighting disease, supporting education and growing local economies.

UNHCR has similar aims and promotes these focus areas throughout our day-to-day activities. UNHCR’s mandate is to aid and protect people that are forced to flee their homes due to violence, conflict and persecution. To achieve this objective, UNHCR employs 9,700 people and works in 126 countries to provide on-the-ground assistance in emergency and refugee situations. Through this presence in host countries and transit refugee camps and cooperation with various stakeholders, we promote peace every step of the way as refugees flee violence and look to resettle.
 
Please don’t hesitate to contact me with any questions.
 
Alexia Krepiakevich, Development Associate
t: 416 926 7963   e: krepiake@unhcr.org 
Rotary and UNHCR 2016-12-24 07:00:00Z 0

AKS Canada Day

Posted by Chris Offer on Apr 27, 2016
All Canadian Arch Klumph Society Day planned for April 2017
 
AKS Canada Day Chris Offer 2016-04-27 06:00:00Z 0

New Rotary and TRF video website

Posted on Oct 07, 2015
 
 
Introducing a dedicated web site for a comprehensive library of video clips for everyone to use in their publications and promotion material.
Visit the Zones 24 & 32 Resource Page for direct access.
New Rotary and TRF video website 2015-10-07 06:00:00Z 0
Celebration of Life - Zone 24-32 Remembers Chris Offer 2015-09-28 06:00:00Z 0
PDG Al Bergsma Hans Granholm 2015-08-10 06:00:00Z 0

Web Site Upgrade

Posted by Hans Granholm on Jun 10, 2015
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Please be advised that we are planning to upgrade to ClubRunner version 3.0 on Monday June 15, 2015 between 1500 and 1700 (3:00-5:00 pm) EDT

During this time the web site may not be operational.

Web Site Upgrade Hans Granholm 2015-06-11 00:00:00Z 0

TRF Resource Guide.

Chris Boyce, Annual giving Officer for Zones 24 & 32, has provided this very helpful guide to different Foundation systems, including forms and other information.

Click the logo to open.

TRF Resource Guide. Hans Granholm 2015-03-17 06:00:00Z 0

Bill Gates Receives First “Dr. Bob Scott Award”

District 7070 in southern Ontario, home District to Bob Scott, has created the Bob Scott Disease Prevention Award to be presented to an individual or organization that is making a difference in the fight against disease. The first recipient of the award is Bill Gates, who was on hand to receive it late last month.

                              Image

Rotary District 7070 named the award to honor Dr. Bob Scott, past PolioPlus Chair and past RI vice president, for his work as Rotary’s global ambassador in support of Rotary’s fight to end polio. During his eight years as RI PolioPlus Chair, Bob and his wife Ann traveled thousands of miles around the globe. He is credited with having raised millions of dollars from world leaders in the fight to end polio.

Bill Gates Receives First “Dr. Bob Scott Award” Hans Granholm 2015-03-01 07:00:00Z 0

Monty J. Audenart Endowed Fund

Special friends of Trustee and Past R.I. Vice-President Monty J. Audenart are invited to contribute to his endowed fund within Rotary’s Endowment Fund in memory of his many years of leadership and dedication to Rotary.

Contributions to the Endowment Fund will be invested and reinvested to be used for many years to come to support the Foundation’s programs. All contributions are welcome. And with an initial contribution of US$1,000 or more, to the Endowment Fund (in memory of Trustee and PRIVP Audenart) you are eligible to receive Benefactor recognition of The Rotary Foundation. Each Benefactor receives a distinctive certificate, as well as an insignia which can be worn in conjunction with a Paul Harris Fellow or other appropriate pin.

ImageThe spendable earnings from your gift shall flow through the SHARE system. The appropriate split will be made between funds sent to the World Fund and funds directed as District Designated Funds (DDF) to District 5360. Make a contribution to the Monty J. Audenart Endowed Fund today.

Join us in honoring Trustee and PRIVP Audenart for his many years of Rotary service and leadership.

For more information on making a donation, please click here

Monty J. Audenart Endowed Fund Reid Asselstine 2015-02-28 07:00:00Z 0
Fundraising Opportunities Hans Granholm 2015-02-25 07:00:00Z 0
Canadian MP celebrates Rotary's 110th birthday. Hans Granholm 2015-02-22 07:00:00Z 0
MPP and Rotarian Yvan Baker addresses Ontario Legislature. Hans Granholm 2014-07-10 00:00:00Z 0

Beyond Borders Newsletter.

Posted by Hans Granholm on Jul 09, 2014

Image

 

PDG Marty Helman is the new editor of the monthly Beyond Borders Newsletter. She has worked hard and put together an exciting new format packed with information and ideas from a number of Zones 24 & 32 leaders.

Please make submissions for publication before the middle of the month to Marty: martyrotary@gmail.com

The newsletter is distributed by MailChimp to all Rotary leaders in Zones 24 & 32. You can also download the current or, eventually, older copies from the 'Beyond Borders Newsletter' site page listed in the left column or from the 'News' item in the menu bar.

 

Beyond Borders Newsletter. Hans Granholm 2014-07-10 00:00:00Z 0
Zones 24 & 32 Beyond Borders Cocktail Party in Sydney Hans Granholm 2014-05-12 00:00:00Z 0
Winners Zone Photo Contest Chris Offer 2014-04-11 00:00:00Z 0

Sue Foley

Posted by Hans Granholm on Mar 31, 2014

 

Image

 

Sue F. Foley, Governor of District 5010 (Alaska and the Yukon) died unexpectedly on March 6. A long-time community leader and banker, Sue envisioned a world where no child will be hungry or without adequate housing, clothing, education or care.

 

Sue Foley obituary

Sue Foley Hans Granholm 2014-04-01 00:00:00Z 0

Spring Ahead -- Daylight Saving

Posted by Hans Granholm on Mar 03, 2014
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Don't forget to set your clocks one hour ahead this week-end!?!?!?!?
This is also a good time to remember to change the batteries in your smoke alarms.

 

Spring Ahead -- Daylight Saving Hans Granholm 2014-03-04 00:00:00Z 0

Zone 24 East, Million Dollar Dinner

Posted by James Goit on Mar 02, 2014

District 7820 invites you to their Million Dollar Dinner.

 It is a pleasure to welcome you to the idea of our Million Dollar Dinner. It is an opportunity for us to show that we believe in the idea of Rotary and our ability to “Do Good in the World”. Throughout this website you can find out more details on how this concept works

Open the website for more details Image

Zone 24 East, Million Dollar Dinner James Goit 2014-03-03 00:00:00Z 0

Zone 32 Million Dollar Dinner

Posted by Arnold T Quaranta Jr on Mar 02, 2014

 

Image

 

Rotary District's 7210-7230-7255-7980

On behalf Foundation Vice Chair and the DRFC's of the sponsoring districts please join us on Monday May 12, 2014 at the New York Athletic Club to raise over ONE MILLION DOLLARS for the Rotary Foundation

 

LINK TO WEB PAGEImage

 

Zone 32 Million Dollar Dinner Arnold T Quaranta Jr 2014-03-03 00:00:00Z 0

Zone logo updated

Posted by Hans Granholm on Feb 28, 2014
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A big Thank You! to PDG Elly Contreras for providing us with an updated Zone Logo incorporating the new Rotary wheel.

Zone logo updated Hans Granholm 2014-03-01 00:00:00Z 0

Janice McElroy

Posted by Alan Stein on Jan 26, 2014

 

Image

 

 Sad news to report. Sad for Zones 24-32, Sad for District 7870, Sad for her 2011-2012 Classmates and sad for Rotary. PDG Janice McElroy passed away Saturday night, January 25th after a prolonged illness. She will be greatly missed by her friends.

Janice McElroy obituary

Janice McElroy Alan Stein 2014-01-27 00:00:00Z 0

United Airlines 10 million Airmiles Give-Away

Posted by Hans Granholm on Jan 02, 2014
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The results are in and despite being in the lead by some 4,000 votes early on New Years Eve, our Shriner friends edged us out in the end leaving Rotary in second place.

Thanks to all for your effort. We can be proud of being the Runner-Up and if the opportunity arises again, we will do better.

 

 

http://10millioncharitymiles.com/

 

United Airlines 10 million Airmiles Give-Away Hans Granholm 2014-01-03 00:00:00Z 0

Rotary Photo Contest

Posted by Chris Offer on Jan 01, 2014
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2014 is starting across Zones 24-32 with a little fun - the first Zone 24-32 photo contest. This is an opportunity for the Rotarians across Zones 24-32 to boast with photos about the Rotary service projects and fellowship events they have held or will hold this Rotary year.

Rotary Photo Contest Chris Offer 2014-01-02 00:00:00Z 0

2013 COUNCIL ON LEGISLATION UPDATE

Posted by Julius Buski on Dec 08, 2013
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At the 2013 RI Council on Legislation, a number of resolutions were referred to the RI Board of Directors and the Trustees of the Rotary Foundation for consideration. These two bodies have now had an opportunity to consider the resolutions and report on action taken, as summarized below:

2013 COUNCIL ON LEGISLATION UPDATE Julius Buski 2013-12-09 00:00:00Z 0

Paul Osimo

Posted by Hans Granholm on Dec 08, 2013

 

By Jeffry Cadorette

 

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It is with sadness and regret that I share the news of the passing of Zone 32, District 7450 PDG (2001-2002) Paul Osimo. Paul passed away on Saturday, December 7th.

There will be a celebration of Paul Osimo's life on Sunday, December 15, 2013 at 2:00 PM at the Providence Friends Meeting.

The address is 105 North Providence Road, Media, PA 19063. Directions can be gleaned from their website at the link below. http://providencemeeting.org/

Paul Osimo obituary

 

 

Paul Osimo Hans Granholm 2013-12-09 00:00:00Z 0

Bernie Carriere

Posted by Mark Starratt on Nov 07, 2013
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It is with profound sadness that we pass on the news that PDG Bernie Carriere passed away November 6 at the age of 61, due to complications from cancer.

Bernie will be remembered as a good-natured , loving and passionate husband, father, community leader, Rotarian and our friend.

We will miss him profoundly and his impact in the community and around the Rotary World will be measured long into the future.

Bernie’s funeral will be held Tuesday November 12, 1 PM in Lethbridge at Southminster United Church, 4th Ave and 11th St South (Catholic Service)

 

The prayer service will be Monday November 11, 7 - 9 PM at Martin Bros Funeral Home. (6th Ave and 4th St South)

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Our Rotary Foundation or the Jack Ady Cancer.

For further information and to sign a guestbook, please open the Martin Bros Funeral Home website:

http://mbfunerals.com/lethbridge/

 

On behalf of his wife Susan, sons Justin, Tom (Maria) and Luc, your prayers and thoughts are deeply appreciated.

Bernie Carriere Mark Starratt 2013-11-08 00:00:00Z 0

NID opportunity to Nigeria

Posted by Hans Granholm on Sep 28, 2013
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Dear Friends and fellow Rotarians,

 

What an exciting and historic time to be a Rotarian and to be part of the tremendous legacy of polio eradication!  We are closer than ever to reaching our goal and fulfilling our promise of a world free from polio.  The numbers of polio cases being reported globally are low in the endemic countries.  However, polio outbreaks such as we are experiencing in Somalia, Kenya and Ethiopia are a reminder of why we need to succeed in the interruption of the transmission of the wild poliovirus in the endemic countries as soon as possible.  Our work must continue and you can be a part of the efforts.

NID opportunity to Nigeria Hans Granholm 2013-09-29 00:00:00Z 0

Sydney 2014 Beyond Borders

Posted by Hans Granholm on Sep 24, 2013
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Information on the Zones 24 & 32 Beyond Borders function in Sydney, will be posted very shortly and you will be able to purchase tickets online.

 

Come back soon!

Sydney 2014 Beyond Borders Hans Granholm 2013-09-25 00:00:00Z 0
2014 Zones 24 & 32 Institute, Toronto Hans Granholm 2013-09-21 00:00:00Z 0
WELCOME TO PHILADELPHIA ! Hans Granholm 2013-09-16 00:00:00Z 0

2014 Sydney Convention.

Posted by George Camp on Aug 21, 2013

 

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Please visit the 2014 Sydney Convention site page.

Click this LINKImage for updated information.

2014 Sydney Convention. George Camp 2013-08-22 00:00:00Z 0
First Canadian E-club to Charter on Paul Harris’ Birthday. Hans Granholm 2013-01-07 00:00:00Z 0

2013 Zones 24 & 32 Institute, Philadelphia

Posted by Hans Granholm on Nov 10, 2012
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Early bird pre-registration is now closed. Please proceed to register and pay online from THIS LINK. Image

Want to see if your friends have registered and for what? Check this  LINK  Image (Have patience, slow file (35> sec) to open)

Check out the exciting Institute Program scheduleImage

To register for the Rotary Training Programs with NO Institute, go to www.RotaryZoneTraining.org Image

 

Local Rotarians, sign up for lunch with Rotary International President, Ron Burton on Saturday. You can also sign up to attend a Membership retreat Saturday morning. Click HERE Image to sign up for either or both.


 

 What to see and do in Philadelphia, including the pre-arranged guided bus tours?

Want to visit with local Rotarians?

"Shoot for Polio"
Be sure to register for the Friday afternoon Philly tours (registration closes on August 20th) and unique events at the 
Special Activities Image site page.

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Minute of Silence - Moment of Peace

Rotarians Join a Global Observance at the Zone Institute on September 21st 

Read More...Image

 

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Are you arriving on or before Tuesday September 17th?

Wanna spend some quality time with the less fortunate of Camden?

Here is your chance to volunteer a couple of hours to do just that.

 

Read more... Image

 

Do you wanna create some funky clocks for a worthy cause?

 

Read more... Image

 


 

 

Join Us To Celebrate

"The Promise of Rotary"

 

at the 2013 Zones 24-32 Institute in Philadelphia

www.RotaryZoneMeeting.org

Crowne Plaza Hotel
Cherry Hill, NJ

September 16 - 22, 2013

Make accommodation reservations now at the Institute facility, the Crowne Plaza, from THIS LINK.Image

If you have difficulties with your hotel reservation request, please call Joe Laureni directly at:
+1 201-390-3470.

 

Cherry Hill - Philadelphia will be a great venue for the 2013 Rotary Institute combining the laid back atmosphere of suburban NJ with the hustle bustle of one of the World's most historic cities. We are committed to providing a memorable Institute rich with Rotary fellowship, and full of Rotary moments. The Institute which commences with the opening plenary session on Thursday, September 19 will be preceded by our Forum for district leaders. Rotary institutes bring future, current and past RI officers together to learn about the latest Rotary developments, including RI policies and programs. Of course, Rotary at its best is supposed to be fun and so we plan to provide ample time and opportunites for you to enjoy the wonders of Philadelphia. Most people know about the Liberty Bell, Independence Hall even the "Rocky" stairs. Philly is all that plus the great restaurants, amazing museums, art galleries and lets not forget the World Famous Philly Cheese Steaks - we'll even teach you how to order one like a Philly native. 

 

Quick access to Institute site page and registration information HEREImage

 

2013 Zones 24 & 32 Institute, Philadelphia Hans Granholm 2012-11-11 00:00:00Z 0
Zones 24 & 32 Beyond Borders Dinner in Lisbon Hans Granholm 2012-10-05 00:00:00Z 0

September Institute Newsletter

Posted by Chris Offer on Sep 11, 2012
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Great new information on events in Vancouver for Institute 2012 - only 4 weeks away!!

September Institute Newsletter Chris Offer 2012-09-12 00:00:00Z 0
2012 West Africa Project Fair Bryn Styles 2012-07-20 00:00:00Z 0
ROTARIAN FLAVORS OF THE WORLD COOKBOOK Hans Granholm 2012-07-04 00:00:00Z 0
Open House for Canada's newest e-Club Elly Contreras-Vermeulen 2012-06-12 00:00:00Z 0
Past RI President Glenn Estess Sr. dies Hans Granholm 2012-02-08 00:00:00Z 0

Rotary's Challenge reaches US$200 million milestone!

Posted by Hans Granholm on Jan 16, 2012
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Rotarians around the world have helped Rotary’s Challenge for polio eradication reach the US$200 million milestone. Rotary Foundation Trustee John Germ, chair of the challenge committee, made the announcement on 17 January at the International Assembly in San Diego, California, USA. Although this important financial milestone has been reached, the goal of global polio eradication remains.  

Rotary's Challenge reaches US$200 million milestone! Hans Granholm 2012-01-17 00:00:00Z 0
Polio Awareness Initiative: Polio Wake-Up... Tanya Wolff 2011-12-11 00:00:00Z 0
10th Anniversary of the World Trade Center Disaster. Hans Granholm 2011-09-07 00:00:00Z 0

Zones Website new look!

Posted by Hans Granholm on Aug 15, 2011
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The Zone 22 website developed back in 2003 was the genesis of the ClubRunner club, district and zone management system. 

Zones Website new look! Hans Granholm 2011-08-16 00:00:00Z 0
2011 Rotary Institute, Boston Massachusetts Hans Granholm 2011-06-22 00:00:00Z 0
Special Rotary Announcement - Disaster Relief Hans Granholm 2011-03-13 00:00:00Z 0

Japan Tsunami/Earthquake ShelterBox Response Team Deployed

Posted by Hans Granholm on Mar 11, 2011

ShelterBox Response Team members are on the ground in Japan less than 24 hours after the earthquake and tsunami struck yesterday. Rotarians Lasse Petersen, Mark Pearson, John Diksa and David Eby are now working with local authorities to assess the areas of most need.

Japan Tsunami/Earthquake ShelterBox Response Team Deployed Hans Granholm 2011-03-12 00:00:00Z 0
Bryn Styles, RIDE [2012-14] Hans Granholm 2011-02-10 00:00:00Z 0

RI President-elect Kalyan Banerjee announces the 2011-12 RI theme

Posted by Hans Granholm on Jan 16, 2011
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Once Rotarians find their inner strength, they can accomplish great things in their communities and around the world, says RI President-elect Kalyan Banerjee. See an excerpt from his 17 January speech at the International Assembly, and watch as he unveils the next RI theme,
Reach Within to Embrace Humanity .

PLAY THE VIDEO

RI President-elect Kalyan Banerjee announces the 2011-12 RI theme Hans Granholm 2011-01-17 00:00:00Z 0
ROTARY HIRES NEW GENERAL SECRETARY Hans Granholm 2011-01-12 00:00:00Z 0
2010 London Institute PDG Survey Results Hans Granholm 2010-11-28 00:00:00Z 0
Canadian Clubs School Project in Afghanistan Hans Granholm 2010-11-03 00:00:00Z 0
Polio Eradication Hans Granholm 2010-09-23 00:00:00Z 0

Canadian RotaryCentennial Project

I am pleased to announce that funding for the Canadian Rotary Centennial Afghanistan Project is now complete, and fundraising for the school will not carry on into the next Rotary year.

We will continue to receive those funds promised to the project.

Canadian RotaryCentennial Project Hans Granholm 2010-07-04 00:00:00Z 0
Obituary for Joan Wilkinson Hans Granholm 2010-03-23 00:00:00Z 0
Passing of PRID Bill Gant Hans Granholm 2010-02-02 00:00:00Z 0
Final Draft Decisions of the November 2009 Board of Directors Meeting Hans Granholm 2009-11-15 00:00:00Z 0

Zone 24 Institute 2009

Posted by Hans Granholm on Jul 18, 2009
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The July Rotary Institute Zone 24 newsletter.  An update on special events, program and speakers.

Zone 24 Institute 2009 Hans Granholm 2009-07-19 00:00:00Z 0
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