Posted by District Governor Irene Kelly (Eden Prairie AM)
Don Draayer (Excelsior) answered my literacy question and inspired me to allocate District Governor dedicated funds to educational projects that combat literacy and highlight STEM study. Each year our district sets aside $10,000 for a project selected by the District Governor. With my passion for education and youth development, I’m excited to apply the DG allotment to projects that support youth, reduce the achievement gap and promote peace.
Community and Economic Development, Rotary International's October theme, can show up in a number of ways. Developing youth is one of them. Your club can engage in these projects while supporting development in your community.
The literacy project: Retired Superintendent Don Draayer has committed a $10,000 personal challenge grant. Don and Dr. Sylvia Sekhon, pediatrician, in partnership with REACH OUT and READ MN, train MN Health Clinic doctors to add an “education piece” to visits with preschoolers. They can impact brain development by encouraging parents to read to and with their children. At the end of each visit, the child is gifted an age-, language-, and culturally appropriate book. For more info, contact Don at dondraayer@comcast.net.
The STEM project: Mark Boyd (Buffalo) is a retired astronomer. He authored and received a grant to place telescopes, that will be loaned, in the Great River Regional Library. This expands traditional library offerings, assigns focus to STEM study, and supports hands-on learning. Mark’s dream is to partner with other 5950 clubs to place telescopes for loan in as many libraries in 5950 as possible. You can reach Mark atboyd1477@yahoo.com.
My thanks to Don and Mark for “cooking up” these two amazing Be the Inspiration recipes! I’m excited to see community and economic development at work in 5950.
Be sure to share your projects, fund raisers, quest for partners with Cheri Ashfeld so we can help clubs connect with each other. Criteria: 100 words maximum with an action picture/logo to go with it!
Posted by Lloyd Campbell (Glenwood), District Membership chair
Growing local economies is a Rotary focus. The Rotary Community Corps (RCC) is a tool to accomplish that task. RCC teams work in partnership with Rotary clubs to improve their community. RCC is open to adults in a community that shares the Rotary commitment to service.
For example, Glenwood is a bike-friendly community. The city is completing a $10 million dollar ”Complete Street” project that provides easy biker access to state and local bike trails.The Glenwood Rotary Club received a D5950 grant to help design and construct a mountain bike course in the local historic Glacial Ridge Park. The club is forming an RCC to further develop this and grow the local economy. Mountain bike racing is a billion-dollar industry. Local community leaders and developers would like to see Glenwood join other Minnesota cities as a premier biking travel destinations. Stay tuned!
“Two Drops of Patience” is Rotary’s new three-minute virtual reality film that emphasizes the polio and peace, and how Rotary’s work to eradicate the disease is increasing stability across the world.
Through the power of virtual reality, viewers follow the extraordinary journey of a child whose world has been torn apart by conflict. Viewers experience the impact that small acts of compassion, protection, and kindness can have on others.
The film is being widely released in time for World Polio Day on October 24.
Posted by Greg Beckstrom (Minneapolis City of Lakes), Program Coordinator
Rotary International promotes innovation and leadership. District 5950 is embarking on a new leadership development initiative, Rotary Leadership Fellows Program. The program will offer leadership development through practical applicable for participants’ professional, personal, community, and Rotary lives. Participants will gain increased self-awareness, a personalized self-assessment and coaching support.
How can you be involved? We are looking for volunteers who would be willing to assist the program team with financial, logistical, and administrative support needs. If you are interested in serving on the program staff or participating in the inaugural session, contact District Governor Irene Kelly atirene.kelly@prismallc.com or 612-240-0223, or Program Coordinator Greg Beckstrom (Minneapolis City of Lakes) at gab4254@gmail.com or (612) 619-6851.
Posted by Sam Thompson (Edina) Camp Enterprise marketing chair
Clubs across Rotary Districts 5950 and 5960 are sponsoring 120 business-oriented high school students at this year’s Camp Enterprise. The three-day business camp is Nov. 1-3 at Camp Ihduhapi, in Loretto, MN. Students are divided into teams and provided a case study (or business). In “Shark Tank” fashion, the teams develop a business and marketing plan they present to the venture capitalists (Sharks) on the last day of camp to secure financing for their business.
Rotary volunteers are key to Camp Enterprise’s ongoing success. Throughout the weekend, volunteers with business experience mentor the teams. A full schedule of dynamic business speakers motivate the youth. Evening activities include a “Family Feud” and a dance.
Are you interested in a volunteer role – either all three days or a Saturday-only role? Visit CampEnterprise.org or contact marketing committee chair Sam Thompson (Edina) at sthompson@transitionsib.comor 612-282-1750.
Posted by Ellen Kennedy (University), Global Scholars chairperson
District 5950 has international scholarship opportunities for people wishing to pursue a master’s degree in one of Rotary’s six major areas of focus:
Promoting peace
Fighting disease
Providing clean water
Saving mothers and children
Supporting education
Growing local economies
The academic programs typically include coursework, internships and applied experiences, and research and preparation of a master’s thesis. Students can receive up to $30,000 to study for one or more years in a country other than the United States, where the institution of study is in a Rotary district. Individual Rotary clubs have no financial commitment; the scholarships are supported by our district and The Rotary Foundation.
Application information and timeline documentsare on the District website. Applications are due to Rotary clubs by October 10, 2018 for study beginning in fall 2019. Applicants must reside in District 5950 or, within three years prior to application, they must have resided in, worked in, or attended an educational institution in District 5950 for at least two years.
For additional information, contact Ellen Kennedy atkennedy@worldwithoutgenocide.orgor 952-693-5206. This program is in its fifth year in our district. Scholars have studied in Belgium, England, the Netherlands, and Spain.
Posted by Tom Gump (Edina), Hamburg Assistant Zone 28 Coordinator
#1: Catch-up with Rotary friends and make new ones. Meet your former exchange students and/or project partners from around the world.
#2: Attend sessions that will inspire, motivate, provide new perspectives, and generate new ideas to bring back.
#3: Recharge your Rotary batteries.
#4: See, meet and hear the RI President. Learn from the people who run our organization.
#5: Attend fabulous events!
#6: Tour Hamburg, the second largest city in Germany. It is located at the head of the River Elbe and known for its famous harbor area.
#7: Travel the Alter Elbtunnel, a pedestrian, bicycle and motorist tunnel that goes underneath the River Elbe. Art lines the tiled walls.
#8: See amazing architecture while touring with your Rotary friends.
#9: Walk! No need for long bus or shuttle rides to and from sessions. There are amazing parks, town halls, a fish auction house and the world’s largest model railroad.
#10: See the Hamburg mascot and share a Rotary pin!
The Rotary Club of North Minneapolis (RCNM) is proud of two members receiving honors this month. VJ Smith was named to this year’s 50 over 50, a recognition of 50 of the most inspiring and accomplished leaders across Minnesota. The 2018 list celebrates significant contributions and achievements in their communities. The awards event is on Wednesday, October 10 with tickets available at201850over50.eventbrite.com.
Another honor goes to RCNM Past President Natalie Johnson Lee who is a finalist in the “Outstanding Mentor” category of TeamWomen 3rd Annual WaveMaker Awards. These awards recognize up-and-coming, high-potential women who demonstrate outstanding achievement, an entrepreneurial spirit, and initiative through leadership within their profession and community. Tickets to the October 11 event are atteamwomenmn.org/wavemaker-awards-2018.
District Governor Irene acknowledges Mike Thomas, Eden Prairie Noon Rotary, for his video creation that was shown at the Zone Institute. "Of the videos submitted,it was one of the only ones I heard get applause," she reported. "It got several positive comments and was a STANDOUT!!!" You can view the video on the 5950 website or go to https://youtu.be/bmNjxpGkvpw.
Buffalo and Monticello Rotary Clubs have teamed up with the Great River Regional Library to install twenty telescopes targeted for children and families. Quality optics pair with zoom eyepieces and easy-to-use red dot finders. This makes the telescopes fun and easy to use for an introduction to the fascinating hobby of astronomy. Based on a very successful national program instituted by the Astronomical League, these telescopes have become “best sellers” in libraries across the country. Want to be a Rotary Champion for this idea? Contact Mark Boyd (Buffalo) at boyd1477@yahoo.com for more details.
Dr. Abul Sharah gave a shout out to Burnsville Breakfast Rotary while he was on the North Shore radio station WTIP. Dr Sharah (pictured on right with Sam Dalal) was talking about work the International Village Clinic, a clinic he began in 1996, is doing in rural India. He expressed appreciation to his Rotary contacts and supporters. In 2017, the clinic served 60 villages and 28 schools with prevention programs. The clinic provided 412 pregnant women with prenatal care and family planning assistance. Its 12-bed hospital staff provides urgent care, performed 56 surgeries, delivered 25 babies and treated 68 tuberculosis patients.
Club Runner has a mobile app This app is a great too, making accessible to you a full directory of your club members and District 5950 executives. It also has club and district calendars so you can look up any District 5950 club for meeting days and times. Find the Club Runner app in the Apple store or wherever you download apps.
Don Draayer (Excelsior) answered my literacy question and inspired me to allocate District Governor dedicated funds to educational projects that combat literacy and highlight STEM study. Each year our district sets aside $10,000 for a project selected by the District Governor. With my passion for education and youth development, I’m excited to apply the DG allotment to projects that support youth, reduce the achievement gap and promote peace.
