Rotary District 6860

October 2015

            As we approach October, fall is in the air with shorter days and cooling temperatures.  School is back in session and football season is in full swing.  In Rotary we turn our thoughts to Vocational Month or as identified in the “New” monthly themes, the October focus is called “Economic and Community Development”.  This month offers clubs a unique opportunity to promote vocational service activities, share successful projects with others, recognize outstanding vocational leaders in our communities and highlight Rotary's vocational service efforts through social and local media.

            The “100 Members in 100 Days” Membership Challenge continues and we in District 6860 strive to increase our member numbers.  New member inductions are being tracked from August 15^th to November 30^th.  Share Rotary with your friends, business partners, and family members.

            I am excited to announce that Nigeria has been removed from the polio endemic countries making Africa a polio free continent.  This good news now leaves only two countries, Afghanistan and Pakistan, which are not polio free.  To date this year, 41 cases have been detected with 32 of those cases in Pakistan.  Efforts have increased to provide immunizations against polio in these countries.

            Our district has received grant funds from Rotary International and checks have been issued to 37 clubs for 46 grants.  Congratulations to the clubs who applied for and received district grant funds.  Remember grant applications are open to all clubs with the completion of two requirements.  Clubs must donate to the Rotary International Foundation in the year prior to applying for a grant and attend a current year grant training seminar. 

            Roger and I have now completed visits to thirty-six of the fifty-two clubs in District 6860.  We have made many new Rotarian friends and admired so many humanitarian deeds Rotarians have provided their communities.  Rotary members truly are “A Gift to the World”.  And in President Ravi’s words, this is our time; our hour, our day, our year to make real changes in the lives and hearts of generations.