May is Youth Service Month
in the Rotary World!!!

DG Lance May Message

Greetings District 6580 Rotarians.

Wow! What a District Conference. This year's District Conference brought together Rotarians in Terre Haute Indiana to celebrate our past achievements and look ahead to the future. This year we had some excellent speakers including Xavier Ramey, who spoke about Beyond Best Practices and Good Intentions: New Practices for 21st Century Membership Associations, Mitty Chang, who spoke on Changing Club Culture to Attract Multiple Generations, and the Past RI President John Germ, who spoke about Life of Service and the Importance of Giving Back to Our Communities.

In addition to these inspiring speeches, we also had numerous breakouts that helped clubs work to move forward. Some of the sessions that Rotarians were able to participate in included Diversity Equity and Inclusion; Rotarians Moving Forward, Membership; How to Do an Each One Bring One Event to Attract New Members, Serving Our Communities Ideas That Work, and Disaster Response; Rotary Responds to Disasters – You Can Too! I would especially like to thank all the Terre Haute Rotarians that helped make this conference such a success. This year's conference allows us to Imagine Rotary.

One of the highlights from this year’s conference was the inclusion of the first annual Youth Summit. This was a fantastic opportunity where the Interactors and RYLA participants from throughout our district came together to take part in sessions on topics that were important to them. Some of the topics include mental health, community engagement, and leadership. They also were able to participate in the flag ceremony during our luncheon.

It seems only appropriate that May is Youth Services in Rotary. Our youth are not only the future of Rotary, but they also are the future leaders of our world. Certainly, the interaction with them during the District Conference makes me feel good that the world would be in great hands. I would encourage all clubs to reach out to the local Interact clubs, invite them to your weekly celebrations or allow them to participate in some of your service projects. You will not regret it.

Thanks again to all Rotarians that participated in the District Conference. Let us use this renewed enthusiasm to continue our growth in membership of Rotary and the growth of our Foundation.


Thank you for all of your service.

Lance Eberle
District 6580 Governor 2022-2023
1405 N. College Ave.
Bloomington, IN 47404
812-360-0357
lance.district6580@gmail.com

TOASTMASTERS AND ROTARY PARTNERSHIP
HELPS MEMBERS GROW

As Rotarians and Rotaractors, you joined Rotary to make a difference and connect with others in your communities.

To help you achieve your personal and professional goals, Rotary International and Toastmasters International have formed an alliance to provide opportunities to grow your networks, your leadership and communication skills, and your impact within the community.

This alliance with Toastmasters is different from Rotary International's relationships with other organizations: It enhances your membership experience through professional development opportunities and making connections beyond your club.

A local Rotarians's experience: 'The Partnership between Toastmasters and Rotary offers a wealth of opportunities for personal and professional growth.'

by Chaze Patrick, President of Evansville Morning Rotary Club
As a dual member of both Toastmasters International and Rotary International, I am proud to serve in leadership roles within both organizations. I currently serve as the President of the Evansville Morning Rotary Club and the Vice President of Education for the Crescent City Toastmasters Club.

My involvement in Toastmasters and Rotary began several years ago, when I was looking for ways to develop my personal and professional skills while also giving back to my community. I was drawn to Toastmasters because of its focus on public speaking and communication, which was an area that I had always struggled with. Through Toastmasters, I was able to overcome my fear of public speaking and become a more confident and effective communicator. In addition, I discovered a supportive and welcoming community of individuals who were all working to improve their communication and leadership skills.

Similarly, I was drawn to Rotary because of its commitment to community service and its focus on making a positive impact in the world. I was impressed by Rotary's international reach and the wide range of service projects that it undertakes, from providing clean water and sanitation in developing countries to supporting local education and literacy programs. Through Rotary, I found a community of individuals who were passionate about making a difference in the world and who were dedicated to living Rotary's motto of "Service Above Self."

Chaze Patrick, President of Evansville Morning and Gretchen Ross, Social Media Chair

Over the years, I have become increasingly involved in both Toastmasters and Rotary, taking on leadership roles within both organizations. As President of the Evansville Morning Rotary Club, I have had the opportunity to lead a dynamic and engaged group of professionals who are committed to making a positive impact in our community. I work closely with other club members to develop and implement service projects that address the most pressing needs of our community. In addition, I work to promote Rotary's core values of service, leadership, and fellowship through our club's activities and events.

As Vice President of Education for the Crescent City Toastmasters Club, I am responsible for overseeing the club's educational programs and ensuring that our members have the resources and support they need to develop their public speaking and leadership skills. I work closely with other club officers to plan and organize club meetings, provide feedback and guidance to members, and promote Toastmasters' mission of helping individuals become better communicators and leaders.

Serving in leadership roles within both Toastmasters and Rotary has been a deeply rewarding experience. I have had the opportunity to develop my own leadership skills while also helping others to develop theirs. Through my involvement in both organizations, I have been able to make a positive impact in my community and beyond.

In conclusion, I would like to encourage anyone who is interested in personal and professional development, community service, and leadership to consider joining Toastmasters International and Rotary International. These two organizations offer a wealth of opportunities for personal and professional growth, and they provide a supportive and welcoming community of like-minded individuals who are committed to making a positive difference in the world. By becoming a dual member of both organizations, you can experience the best of both worlds and make an even greater impact in your community and globally based on the Rotary/Toastmasters alliance.

District Conference 23:

The Inaugural Youth Summit was......FANTASTIC!

By Joy Harter, Youth Summit Committee, AG Area 4, Bloomington Rotary Club

What a fantastic inaugural Youth Summit at this year’s District Conference! 18 high school students were in attendance, representing the Interact clubs from Bloomington North HS, Benjamin Bosse, Lincoln High School, New Albany, and Columbus. Thank you to the sponsoring Rotary clubs, including Bloomington Rotary, Columbus Sunrise, Evansville Morning, Franklin, New Albany, Terre Haute, and Vincennes.

The day started with socializing and interactive ice breaker activities led by RYLA Chair Loren Snyder. The Bountiful Books Community Service project followed with everyone having a great time sorting books for elementary schools. After the service project, the participants rehearsed for the Flag Ceremony, which is always a conference highlight. After the Flag Ceremony, the Youth Summit participants joined Rotarians at their lunch tables for fellowship and conversation.

The afternoon consisted of three amazing sessions, starting with Aubrey Seader, who facilitated a brainstorming session on community engagement utilizing the IEP’s 8 Pillars of Peace. Social Worker Melissa Stone led a workshop on mental health, followed by Mitty Chang’s interactive and dynamic session on leadership. Fun was definitely had by all!

Many thanks to the Youth Summit Committee consisting of Alain Barker, Janie Whaley, Joy Harter, Loren Snyder, and Bettye Dunham for organizing this year’s event. Based on the enthusiastic participant feedback, a Youth Summit is surely to be repeated at next year’s District Conference in Evansville on April 20!

One of Center Grove’s Impact Days
helps individuals with Autism Learn New Skills

Center Grove Green Team members: Dan Planker, Captain, Jack Rubush, Charles Miller, Mike Crumbo: Purple Team Members: Randy Johnson - Captain, Daren Johnson, Andy Fisher and daughter,
Executive Director, Stephanie Smith

by Mike Crumbo, AG Area 2, Center Grove Rotary member

The Center Grove Rotary Club launched its Impact Day events on April 8 when the Green Team and the Purple Team joined forces to do a project at The Hope Gallery in Bargersville, Indiana. The teams cleared a new area next to the gallery and installed five new raised planter beds, filling them with a starter load of topsoil.

The Hope Gallery is dedicated to helping individuals with autism learn new skills by helping the public discover the Gallery’s ice cream, the Gallery members’ handmade gifts, soaps, and now fresh herbs and flowers.

Andy Fisher and daughter, Darren Johnson in the truck, and Randy Johnson

The Hope Gallery is sponsored by the Alex and Ali Foundation. The Alex and Ali Foundation empowers the lives of young adults with autism and other developmental disabilities by supplying job skill opportunities through their chain of businesses: The Hope Gallery and Happy Hounds."

District Conference 23:

Outstanding Rotarians Honored at the
2023 District Conference

22-23 Rotarian of the Year Awarded to
Dave Colter of the New Albany Rotary Club

l - r: New Albany Rotarians: Joe Hagedorn, Peggy Peter, Fran Fach, Matt Millies,
Dave Colter, Bettye Dunham, Shaunna Graf

Dave Colter joined Rotary in 1996, a 27-year member and has served both the New Albany club and District 6580 with distinction.

Club and Vocational Service: Dave is retired from the banking industry but he continues to use his financial skills to the betterment of the district and the club. Dave served as the district’s treasurer for four of District Governors. He also served as the New Albany Club’s Foundation treasurer (for more years than they can count!), and as the club’s treasurer since 2015. He continues to bring innovation to the position of treasurer, finding ways to build in convenience and accuracy for both the members and the club.

Dave has been involved in club leadership as a board member for 10 of his 25 years and continues to do more every year. In addition to serving the district as treasurer, he has also attended and participated in at least 10 district conferences. During these conferences, he’s been an active participant where he has added new skills and connections that allow him to further serve the club and district. Dave has also served on the New Albany Rotary Club Toast and Benefit Banquet Committee for many years. He is instrumental in contacting sponsors for the Ambassadorial Committee and he also receives all of the funds, pays the bills, and makes the seating arrangements for this yearly event.

Community Service: Whenever the club has committed to a local project, Dave is always one of the members that can be counted on to participate. He has served on our Community Service teams since joining first Rotary.

International Service: Dave is a Paul Harris Fellow plus+6, a Benefactor and in 2021, he joined the Paul Harris Society. He has also overseen the club’s international projects through his work on the board and as treasurer.

Youth Services: Dave served as an advisor for finances for the IU Rotaract Club as well as the New Albany and Floyd Central Interact clubs. In addition, he has also been active in advocating for vocational education by helping plan and execute a yearly club visit to the Prosser School of Technology and has been an active volunteer on the local annual scholarship banquet that recognizes the top 10% of students in the local high schools.

On any Thursday, you will find Dave at the “welcome” table at club meetings greeting the members with a smile and cool reserve. On many other days, you will find Dave riding his bicycle on daily 50-60 mile tours of southern Indiana.

David is humble, wise and a true Rotarian who lives his entire life with the understanding of our motto, “Service Above Self.” He has proven his commitment to Rotary at both the club and district levels and is deserving of the recognition this award brings.

Santhana Naidu honored as the Orphie Bridges
Award Recipient

Terre Haute Rotarians: Craig McKee, Thom Foster, Santhana Naidu, and
DG Lance Eberle

Santhana Naidu was honored as the 23-24 Orphie Bridges Award recipient.

Santhana currently serves as Vice President for Communications and Marketing at Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology, a world renowned educational institution and a national leader in engineering education. He previously served in a similar capacity at Indiana State University. Santhana earned both baccalaureate and master’s degrees at ISU before starting his career in marketing and analytics. He has been a member of the Terre Haute club since 2004 and has been a gifted and faithful servant for non-profit organizations such as the Union Hospital Foundation, Untied Way, Wabash Valley Art Spaces, the Wabash Valley Community Foundation, and Wabash Valley Goodwill.

Santhana quietly supports and represents the district in various leadership positions. Santhana has attended district conferences, Zone events, and Rotary International Conventions. Santhana was featured in Rotary magazine as an up and coming young district governor to watch for future Rotary International leadership roles. When asked, Santhana immediately accepts a new challenge, and he is asked quite often because Santhana can be counted on to complete the task at hand. He is a past assistant governor, past district governor, district vice-governor, district finance chair, RLI graduate and district conference chair, to name a few roles. Santhana is currently serving at the Rotary Zone level as Assistant Regional Foundation Coordinator.

Santhana has received the Avenue of Service Award and has passionately served and represented the district as chair for the Rotary Youth Exchange for many years. He supports the Rotary Foundation by being a PHF+5 and a PHS member.

In conclusion, Santhana continues to lend his support and commitment to Rotary through leadership roles for the district and as zone coordinator. As stated by the emcee, Craig McKee 'there is no Rotarian for whom I have higher regard or greater affection than this remarkable representative of the Terre Haute Club'.

CONGRATULATIONS, DAVID AND SANTHANA.
Thank you for your service to Rotary!

Department of Defense - Innovative Readiness Training (IRT)
leverages military contributions and community resources to multiply value and cost savings for services to community residents.
(Note: This was a breakout session at the recent 23 District Conference.)
IRT Planning Committee: l to r: Lt Col Jennifer McKay, Lt Chris Park, Lt Col Derek Melton, Capt Francisco Rivera Hernandez, Lt Col Patricia Hoogeveen, MSgt James Hammock, Angie Burch, THSRC member, Keith Madley, THSRC member and past club president

By Ken Menefee, Terre Haute South Rotary Club

During May of 2021, Terre Haute South Rotary, like many Rotary organizations, was struggling through the COVID-19 pandemic year. Keith Madley was the club president during that time. James Wright, a new Rotary member, gave a presentation on the Department of Defense program Innovative Readiness Training (IRT). James felt this exciting opportunity for the club would not only benefit the Terre Haute community but also engage and increase Club retention.

James Wright is a member of Terre Haute South Rotary Club and is a Chief Master Sergeant in the Indiana Air National Guard stationed at Joint Force Headquarters in Indianapolis. After his IRT presentation, James and Keith met to discuss the IRT program and the benefits it could provide. They felt IRT was worth pursing and assembled a planning team to begin the process of applying for an IRT mission. IRT is a collaborative program that leverages military contributions and community resources to multiply value and cost savings for participants. Communities typically provide materials and basic services (e.g., facilities), while military units contribute personnel and training resources. IRT missions produce mission ready forces, civil-military partnerships, and stronger communities. Past Club President Brandon Halleck and Chief Operating Officer of Chances and Services for Youth, applied for the IRT mission for the Terre Haute community to help local residents with much needed no-cost medical services.

l to r: CMSgt. James Wright, Club President Brady Hansel, Club member
and IRT Volunteer Coordinator Becky Busse.

Early in 2022, Terre Haute South Rotary Club learned that they were selected out of 26 other applicants for an IRT mission to deploy to the Terre Haute community in the summer of 2023! A community partner committee was formed composed of Rotarians Keith Madley, Angela Burch, Becky Buse, Brandon Halleck and committee chair James Wright. Planning started under Ken Menefee’s presidency. Brady Hansel became club President during the summer of 2022 and further defined the plans. Three-day joint planning meetings were held in December of 2022 and February of 2023 at the 181st Air National Guard Base in Terre Haute. A final three-day planning meeting will be held at the base in April, before “Boots on the Ground” in June of 2023. The future mission has been named Hoosier Care and dates of operations are scheduled for June 7-14, 2023. The services provided at Hoosier Care will be Vision, Dental and Basic Medical Services at no cost to the civilian community.

The Terre Haute Boys and Girls Club will host the operation of the mission and the 181st Air National Guard Base will house the military personnel participating. The Terre Haute Boys and Girls club is in the center of low economic neighborhoods that have some of the biggest needs for its residents and homeless populations. On the military side of the operations, Hoosier Care is a unique IRT mission because there is the luxury of a military base at the location of the mission. Many of the military personnel participating in the Hoosier Care mission are from the 181st Intelligence Wing; however, there will be many military personnel from various branches of the military involved in the mission. From dental extractions to eye wear being made on site for patients, Hoosier Care will be a much-needed service for Vigo County and surrounding area residents. Transportation will be coordinated to help bring people in need of services to Hoosier Care operations daily and no proof of income is required.

During Hoosier Care operations, there will be approximately 20 community and Rotary volunteers helping with various tasks daily. Hoosier Care will be 8 days of people in need of medical services having their needs met, while military personnel receive real-world training, they need to support future contingency operations throughout the State of Indiana as well as overseas. Hoosier Care will truly be Service Above Self!

Rotary Responds - Doing Good in times of Disaster

Welcome to the NEWEST Club in District 6580
Rotary Club of Gibson County

The Rotary Club of Gibson County has been formed with 24 members!! Only one of those members is a current Rotarian, so we will have 23 new Rotarians added to Rotary International. We meet on the second and fourth Thursday of each month at Dick Clark’s Family Restaurant in Princeton. Our community service focus will be elementary and middle school education and inspiring community service in the younger population.

Many THANKS to Dr. Ron Dempsey, President of the Oakland City University, from the Evansville Rotary Club and Bryan Hane, District Membership Chair for their work in starting this new club and introducing Rotary to many new members!!

Departed Friends Remembered: April 22 - April 23: District Conference Memorial Service

Each year at the District Conference at the end of the business meeting, Rotarians that have passed away since the last District Conference are remembered. Several weeks prior to the District Conference, club officers are requested to send information on members that have passed since the last district conference,along with a picture. After the business portion of the meeting, Peggy Peter, Annual Funds Chair and New Albany Rotarian, remembers and honors them by reading this information while their picture is shown.
This year the following members were remembered:

Ed King, Batesville
Harom Baldwin, Bloomington
Del Brinkman, Bloomington
Ron Jenson, Bloomington
Owen Johnson, Bloomington
Marc Kellams, Bloomington
Ken Sparks, Bloomington
Mark Dougherty, Bloomington Sunrise
Jay Carter, Brown County
Kerry Dorsey, Center Grove
PDG Oscar Ozete, Evansville Morning
Jack Johnson, New Albany
Dale McKee, Terre Haute
Charles Williams, Terre Haute
Scott Michael Kyrouac, Terre Haute South
James Wood, Terre Haute South