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ROTARY DISTRICT 5300
THE MILLENNIUM TIMES
NET EDITION
(web address: http://www.district5300.org)

Highlighting the World of Rotary, District Activities,
Club Events and the People that Make it Happen!

ROTARY 2000:  ACT WITH CONSISTENCY, CREDIBILITY, CONTINUITY 

FEBRUARY SET AS SHARE ROTARY MONTH IN DISTRICT 5300

To honor Rotary's 95th birthday on February 23, 2000, Governor Garbis has declared February 2000 as "Share Rotary Month."  On this occasion, he urges each District 5300 Rotarian in Southern California and Southern Nevada to invite a prospective member to a club meeting. In every club, there are many Rotarians who readily accept the pleasure of being a Rotarian without ever sharing that privilege with another qualified individual.     Everyone must know at least one person who merits the honor and privilege to belong to the greatest service organization in the world. Have you ever accepted your obligation to share Rotary?

AN ADVANCE TO REMEMBER FOR A MILLENNIUM
JANUARY 21-23 CLUB PRESIDENT'S ADVANCE
By Jerry &  Marci Smith (Covina)

District Governor Garbis and his wife, Angela, played the roles of gracious hosts to current club presidents and their partners at the beautiful UCLA Conference Center at Lake Arrowhead.  Situated lakeside in the midst of the whispering pines, the lodge was the perfect setting for reenergizing and renewing old acquaintances.

Friday evening set the tone for the weekend.  Everyone met in the lodge for cocktails and the beginning of a strange game of human bingo.  Dinner soon followed and revealed what was to be a reoccurring theme throughout our time there:  good food, loaded with calories and lots of it!

Saturday morning's meetings were definitely informative and fun to boot.  The human bingo game came to a rousing conclusion with the winner choosing among prizes ranging from gift certificates to The Derby Restaurant to a jar of homemade pickles.  There were great ideas on fund raising and community projects as well as updates on the Flo-Jo Invitational Track Meet, and the Foundation Recognition Dinners.  A Rotary Trivia game took on a different twist when Rotary partners had to participate on each of the four teams.  Many thanks to Tom Hale, President of the Sierra Madre club, for answering all of the hard questions correctly--our team won!  The afternoon was dedicated to relaxation and in our case - shopping.  The festivities began again in the lodge with cocktails and a really strange game of human treasure hunt!  At dinner a toast to Garbis was made possible through a generous donation of wines from the Pahrump Winery.  The highlight of the evening, though, was the square dance and line dance shindig that had everyone kickin' til the late hours of the night.

The Sunday sessions were as dynamic as those on Saturday.  Panel discussions regarding membership and group discussions concerning the future of Rotary encouraged dialog among those present.  Any club president who could not attend this retreat really missed out--not only the informational material, but the feeling of camaraderie among peers.

Thank you to Garbis and Angela for the commemorative polo shirts; to Assistant Governors - Paul Finchamp (Pasadena Sunrise), Lee Coleman (West Covina), Roger Schulte (Upland) and Gary Chapin (LV North) - for their valuable presentations; and to PDG's, Jim Speer (Covina) and Conrad von Bibra (South Pasadena) for sharing their time and expertise.  Most of all, a BIG THANK YOU! to Keith and Dottie Hillard (Glendora) for all of their hard work in getting this unforgettable event together.  It was a great weekend and a terrific start to the next six months of Rotary in District 5300.

ROTARY FOUNDATION CELEBRATION EVENTS
From Garbis Der Yeghian, District Governor

I am pleased to announce that two important District-wide Rotary Foundation Celebration events will take place in the month of April, 2000.  The first is scheduled for April 14th at the Industry Hills Sheraton (speaker: Dr. John Grant, Regional Rotary Foundation Coordinator) and the second for April 19th (speaker: Richard D. King, Esq., Rotary International 2001-2002 President) in Las Vegas at the Opportunity Village.

These events will serve several objectives:

1. To Celebrate the worldwide accomplishments of The Rotary Foundation.

2. To recognize the continued support of Paul Harris Fellows, Foundation Benefactors and Major Donors from our District.

3. To recognize new 1999-2000 Paul Harris Fellows, Foundation Benefactors and Major Donors from our District.

4. To honor "Foundation's Rotarian of the Year" from each club.

5. To share the accomplishments of The Rotary Foundation with non-Rotarians, especially corporate/business leaders in our respective communities in our District.

To ensure the success of these events, I invite all Rotary clubs and Rotarians in Southern California and Southern Nevada to support the endeavors of the Organizing Committee by implementing the following action plan:

1. Promote this important event in your clubs and your communities in order to maximize attendance.

2. Sponsor a table by selling tickets to Rotarians and non-Rotarians alike, and/or inviting potential contributors from the corporate/business world.

With your strong participation I am confident that District 5300's tradition of magnanimity in support of The Rotary Foundation will shine again in this Millennium Year. 

To reserve space, clubs are asked to turn in Club Registration Form by March 17th.

PDG (PRIDE, DETERMINATION AND GRATITUDE)
GOVERNOR'S MESSAGE
By Dr. Garbis Der Yeghian, District Governor (La Verne)

We have launched the second half of our Rotary Millennium Year with high hopes and great expectations for the future.  We are heartened by witnessing the continued enthusiasm of our clubs and the soaring spirit of the rank and file which has been elevated to unprecedented heights.

We joyfully celebrate three important events in February:

1. Rotary's 95th anniversary,

2. World Understanding Month, and

3. Share Rotary Month in District 5300.

At this time of celebration, it is fitting to take note of the accomplishments of our District thus far as reported by our clubs at the recent Presidents' Advance weekend in Lake Arrowhead.  Our mid-year achievements present the following formidable profile:

Net Gain of 148 new members
Thirty-three new Foundation Benefactors
Three new Major Donors
Thirty clubs participating in Matching Grants
Net gain of seven new youth clubs
Twenty-one exchange students
Eighty new Paul Harris Fellows
More than 1700 Rotarians and Rotary Partners registered for our
Millennium District Conference

I am pleased to report that our clubs' mid-year goals and objectives were realized beyond expectation under the capable leadership of our dynamic and visionary club presidents.  For me, the Presidents' Advance constituted a spiritually uplifting experience which heightened the sense of admiration I have felt toward my club presidents and fellow Rotarians.  I am deeply grateful to all the organizers and participants for making the Presidents' Advance a most memorable event. I wish to make a special mention of the efforts of our dynamic committee chairs Keith and Dottie Hillard, Past Rotary International Director and Past District Governor Jim and Jean Speer, PDG Conrad von Bibra, Assistant Governors Paul and Debbie Finchamp, Lee and Maria Coleman, Roger and Kitty Schulte, Gary and Marjory Chapin, Governor's Representative Sandy and Barry Simon and all the presenters.

Our great achievements in the first half of the Rotary year should provide us a strong launching platform to reach even higher levels of accomplishment worthy of our District's traditional reputation of distinction in the Rotary World.  Our next agenda of activities includes more than ten major events and programs outlined in The Millennium Times and the District Directory.  I am confident that we will together excel in the implementation of our programs.

I was deeply touched when bidding farewell to our India-bound Group Study Exchange team which departed on January 15, 2000.  We all look forward to the opportunity to welcome them back and to hear about their experiences.  We are gratified that for the first time in our District's history we are sponsoring a second GSE team to visit Lebanon and District 2450, mid-April through mid-May, 2000.  I look forward to joining our Lebanon-bound team in Beirut at their District Conference.

I am also pleased to take note of the enthusiasm generated by the Dan Stover Music Awards competitions and the Four-Way Speech Contests as they reach the Regional levels.  We all look forward to saluting the Regional winners at our District Conference.

I would like to express my personal appreciation to the twelve Rotary clubs in our District which were recently recognized in the Los Angeles Times as participants in the Reading by 9 program.  We are all proud of them for their efforts to promote literacy among our school children.

In closing, I wish to extend my congratulations to the Rotary clubs of Pasadena, Chino, Industry Hills and Victorville which are planning to celebrate their 80th, 75th, 70th and 50th anniversaries respectively  in the months of March and April, 2000.  We proudly salute all Rotarians and their families in these clubs for their unique contributions to Rotary's cause.

My fellow Rotarians, inspired by our collective pride in our accomplishments, let us go forward to greater levels of dedication and "Service Above Self."

CONGRATULATIONS, PASADENA ON YOUR 80TH ANNIVERSARY

On March 18, 1920, the 14 founders of Pasadena Rotary met in one of the organizer's office to formally start the club which will be 80 years old in 2000.  In 1921, club member Charlie Prisk acted as club delegate to the International Convention in Edinburgh, Scotland.  In the intervening years the club has grown to a membership of over 280 members.

The club has prided itself on the amount and variety of service its members have provided, and continue to provide to the local community and internationally, as well.  Pasadena Rotary is proud of its sponsorship of the Teachers of Excellence Program for the public recognition of outstanding Pasadena public school teachers, and of its involvement in "Project Dolores," where fresh water was piped into a small, remote Mexican village.

Club member, James K. Ingham, was the first of several District Governors.  Bob Lauer, "Gleason L. Tyge" Payne, Carl H. Hoelscher, C. Harold Sexsmith, Harvey C. "Harv" Christen, Paul G. Bryan, Myron Stolp and Taro Kawa have all served in the capacity of District Governor.

After years of solely male leadership, Pasadena Rotary has enjoyed the presidency of two women, Sammi McCubbins and Sonia Lagomarsino during the last two Rotary years.  Our 1999-2000 president is Bob Monk, CEO of the Boy's and Girl's Club of Pasadena, and following Bob, is another woman, a leading member of the Pasadena Community, Christie Balvin.  Pasadena Rotary looks forward to another 80 years of service!

A KEY ELEMENT TO MEMBERSHIP STABILITY
One in a Series: From  Jiim Speer, Past Director, R.I. (Covina)

 There is no one factor which quarantees a club membership and stability.  However, personal experience has indicated that an active club Membership Development Committee is essential.  What do we mean when we say ACTIVE?  Our world Rotary International president has urged us to carry on our service objectives with CONSISTENCY, CREDIBILITY AND CONTINUITY.  President Carlo must have been thinking of membership growth when he suggested this R. I. theme!

Membership awareness of the need to share Rotary does not just happen.  It takes a few dedicated members who have a membership growth plan which permeates and inspires the entire club.  Without a working plan the club is doomed to have membership losses which affect the morale, future leadership and finances of the club.  Remember, it takes a combination of positive efforts to guarantee club stability.

ROTARY FOUNDATION SETS JUNE 30, 2000 GOAL OF $66 MILLION
From Wayne Whistler, PDG (Glendora)

In 1998, there were 5,994,000,000 people living in 232 countries in the world.  Nearly 1.5 billion of the world's population live in dire poverty, consumed with hunger, ravished by disease and war.  Many have no one to help them.

In this year 2000, there are nearly 1,200,000 Rotarians living in 162 countries who are making a difference in this world.  The lives of nearly 500,000,000 of the world's children and needy people will improve significantly this year. WHY? Because Rotary is there to help.

But all this won't happen unless we do our part.  Your gift of $100 to the annual support campaign will help make it happen.  The goal is to have every one in our District contribute to the campaign.  If you are strapped for funds give what you can.  However, if you are able to contribute a little more, do it to make sure we meet this goal.  Remember!  The Rotary Foundation's goal is $66,000,000 by June 30, 2000.

WHAT'S HAPPENING IN CLUB SERVICE?
From Heidi Larkin-Reed, District Club Service Chair (Apple Valley)

The Club Service Plenary session for the District Conference will feature Rotary Trivia, but with a slight twist.  Each club will be asked to send their Rotary Trivia Champion to answer Rotary questions.  Club Presidents should receive a flyer from District Governor Garbis about the competition.  Send your best champion and your club could win the trophy.  If you have not received a flyer, please let me know (Heidi Larkin Reed, 760.242.2753, email, avchamber@aol.com.

Membership:  The committee is meeting to develop their plans for the final push for the year.  So far the committee has held two seminars, one in Nevada and one in La Verne.  They are working on promoting a plan for membership recruitment that worked well for the Arcadia Sunrise-Sunset Club.  The club held a Membership Fair.  Here is how it worked:  Club President Paul Lambert asked every club member to turn in two or three names and addresses of potential Rotarians.  These people were invited to the Membership Fair, which was held in a hall.  Invitations were sent out with a follow-up phone call.  The District Governor and other VIP's were invited.  Booths were set up with displays, which outlined each Avenue of Service.  Food and drinks were served.  There were speakers who spoke on various Rotary projects, such as the India Limb project.  Interested persons were then asked if they would like to be proposed for Rotary.  Some said yes and others are considering.  Everyone left the fair with something, including a special publication, which outlined what Rotary is, how much it costs and what we do.  This publication, developed by the club, can be used anytime they want to explain Rotary to a potential member.

Club Extension:  The District's goal this year is two new clubs.  With your help we can meet this goal if each club president would challenge themselves and their Board of Directors to answer these three questions: 1.  Is your club serving more than one community?  2.  Will adding a new club that meets on a different day and time in your area provide the opportunity for qualified candidates to join Rotary?  3. Can your club name one community where a new club would be beneficial?  If you can answer yes to any one of these questions, please contact Cliff Earp, Rotary Club of  Apple Valley, 760.242.4217.

Program Speakers:  Need a speaker? Pamphlets are available by calling Heidi Larkin-Reed, 760.242.2753.  Do you want to be a speaker?  Contact Brad Underhill @ 760.243.9599, or Heidi.

Club Bulletin:  In the works from the committee is "Suggestions for a Great Bulletin."  The committee hopes to have available in about three weeks some outstanding suggestions on what to include in your club bulletin - articles, photos, humor, etc.  If you need assistance before this info comes out, please contact Rueben Merchant @ 702.565.3935.

Chairpersons Under Club Service:  MEMBERSHIP - Jenni Del Castillo, 626.442.4470; PRLS - Steve Garrett, PDG, 626.294.0802; CLUB EXTENSION - Clif Earp, 760.244.4818; PROGRAMS/SPEAKER BUREAU - Brad Underhill, 760.243.9599; ROSE PARADE - Jerry Tambe, PDG, 626.449.7406; SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA GOLF ASSOCIATION - Bob Tinsley, 760.242.3684; ROTARY PARTNER SUPPORT GROUP - Annette Whistler, 626.335.3072; ROTARY MENTOR PROGRAM - Austin Weston, 626.797.5693; CLUB BULLETIN - Rueben Merchant, 702.565.3935; COMPUTER/INTERNET LITERACY - Ed Holley, 760.241.0036; MUSIC COMMITTEE - Dr. Janice Hoffman, 909.625.9785; DISTRICT QUARTERMASTER - Keith Van Vliet, 626.335.5538; AUDIO VISUAL LIBRARY CONSULTANT - Lyman Ellis, 909.866.8987.

POTENTIAL PARTNERSHIP OPPORTUNITY WITH MT WILSON OBSERVATORY

The Mount Wilson Observatory represents a unique opportunity for Southern California Rotary Clubs.  Mount Wilson was founded in 1904 by George Ellery Hale under the patronage of Andrew Carnegie and the Carnegie Institution of Washington, D. C. In less than two decades it became a presence that would dominate astrophysics for more than half a century.

The Observatory is located in the San Gabriel Mountains above Pasadena.  This is an ideal site for burgeoning fields of high-performance adaptive optics and interferometry - two high-tech enhancements of the power of a telescope that will probably be at the cutting edge of 21st century astronomy.  Its location, at 5700 feet above sea level, provides the sharpest and clearest telescope images in the continental United States.

A number of Rotarians recently had the opportunity to have special tours of the facilities up at Mount Wilson. The tour group included District Governor Garbis Der Yeghian, Dr. Tim Siu and his wife Dr. Annie Siu, Dr. Elliott Katz, Dr. Robert Severtson, and Stan and Sheila Yonemoto.  Based on their positive response, we are exploring the possibilities of a partnership between Rotary international and Mount Wilson.  You will be informed of joint activities that are being planned for later this year.

GOVERNOR'S SPECIAL AWARDS TO RECOGNIZE PDG'S
From Gary Fox, District Awards Chair (Alhambra)

(Note: Refer to "District 5300 Awards 1999-2000" information materials for eligibility and requirements).

One of the highlights of the annual District Conference is the presentation of awards to clubs and individual members.  The RI Presidential Citation, Governor's Award, Governor's Special Awards and Outstanding Rotarian of the Year provide recognition for outstanding service.

This year, the Governor's Special Awards will be in honor of a Past District Governor (PDG).  Awards and honored PDG's are as follows:

 District Membership Award, PDG Jim Speer (Covina)
 Club Attendance Award, PDG Roy McDaniels (Covina)
 Club Newsletter Award, PDG "Joe" Buckley (Las Vegas)
 Club Display, PDG Art Ferris (Altadena)
Quality Rotary Program Reports, PDG John Fee (Arcadia)
 PRLS Award, PDG Steve Garrett (Sierra Madre)
Youth Service Award, PDG "Jerry" Tambe (Claremont)
 International Youth Service Award, PDG Richard Miller (Dist. 6298 - Michigan)
 Foundation - Sustaining Membership Award, PDG Eldon Osborn (Pasadena Sunrise)
 Foundation - 100% Paul Harris Club, PDG Tim Siu (Alhambra)
 Foundation - Major Donor Club, PDG Taro Kawa (Pasadena)
 Foundation - Benefactor Club, PDG Conrad von Bibra (South Pasadena)
Club Extension Award, PDG Kirk Isitt (Barstow)
Teacher/Educator Award, PDG Lee Mothershead (San Marino)
Volunteer Award, PDG Don Aiken (Las Vegas)
Community Leader/Public Official Award, PDG Wayne Whistler (Glendora)
Rotary Family Award, PDG "Chris" Lyman (Glendora)
Most Make-Ups - With Club Flags, PDG Walter Lack (San Dimas)
Best Fundraising Program, PDG Ken Miller (Las Vegas)
Most Improved Club Award, PDG Ernie Jensen (Arcadia)
Outstanding Club Award, PDG Myron Stolp (Pasadena)
Distinguished Club Millennium Award, In Honor and Memory of PDG "Bill" Walk.

HOSTS NEEDED FOR INCOMING GSE TEAMS
From Chris Montan, GSE Chair (Alhambra)

The District GSE Committee is looking for hosts for both the in-bound team from India-District 3240, and the in-bound team from Lebanon-District 2450.  Both teams will be in our district at approximately the same time - April 22 to May 24, 2000.  You can look for all four GSE teams at the GSE session at this year's District Conference.  If you are interested in hosting activities or can provide housing for any of the visiting GSE team members, please contact GSE Chair Christine Montan @ 626.308.4880.

TEAM MEMBERS SOUGHT FOR GROUP STUDY EXCHANGE TEAM TO DISTRICT 1200 - ENGLAND
From Chris Montan, GSE Chair (Alhambra)

Sound familiar?  Yes, Rotarians!  This will be the third time this Rotary year that you've been asked to participate in recruiting quality candidates from your community for a GSE Team!

In Rotary Year 2000-2001, our District is paired with District 1200 - south England, and the exchange has been set for our outbound team to travel the month of October, 2000, inbound GSE teams will be hosted in our District from April 22 through May 24, 2000.

Group Study Exchange materials were mailed to your club President in January - the details are as follows:  a qualified candidate is any young professional between the ages of 25 and 40 who lives or works in District 5300, is in good health, well-spoken, and can commit to the Group Study Exchange Programs requirements:  several pre-trip orientation meetings scheduled on week-ends, a month of travel, completion of a post-trip written report, and ability to share the experiences post-trip with District Rotary Clubs through speaking engagements.  Travel expenses are paid by the Rotary Foundation, and team members stay in the homes of Rotarians.  Have a candidate?  Call Committee Chair Chris Montan @ 626.308.4880 fpr an application form, and additional information

DEADLINE:  MARCH 10, 2000

SUMMER 2000 SHORT TERM HOST FAMILIES NEEDED
From Dick Miller, District Short Term Exchange Chair (Henderson)

 Arrangements for Short Term youth exchange students for the summer of 2000 is now a top priority for our committee.  Each Rotary club is asked to bring up the subject of Home Hosting for a 3 week period this summer.  Hosting periods vary from June through August and can be adjusted to fit almost any schedule.  During this past Rotary year we HOSTED 26 students from 6 different countries.  For further information contact Dick Miller @ 702.558.5476, or Frank Carroll @ 702.294.3173

TIM SIU & DAUGHTER TINA SIU RECEIVE RECOGNITION

Both PDG Tim Siu (Alhambra) and his daughter Alhambra Rotary President Tina Siu have been recognized for their tireless community efforts.  Tina received a Certificate of Recognition from the California State Senate in honor of her contribution to the "Chinese Americans in San Gabriel Valley" exhibit of the Chinese American Museum.  

Tim Siu has been selected as the USC School of Pharmacy's Honorary Alumnus for 2000.  The Board of Directors of the Alumni Association selected Tim for his "many contributions to the school and the pharmacy profession."  The award will be presented at the annual Alumni/Senior Awards Banquet, which will be held on Sunday, May 7, 2000 at the Ritz-Carleton Huntington Hotel located in Pasadena, California.

HENDERSON ROTARY GIVES GRANTS TO SCHOOLS
From Henderson Home News, Green Valley View, Las Vegas Sun Newspapers

The Rotary Club of Henderson gives a limited number of mini-grants with a maximum of $500 amount for special projects to individual schools in the city of Henderson.  The Mini-Grants provide risk capital to enrich student classroom experience.  The Awards go to schools that would not otherwise have sources of funding or who would have to use personal money to support their projects.  All elementary schools in the city of Henderson are encouraged to apply for Mini-Grants.

The Henderson Rotary Club sponsors the program with funding coming from the club members, other local service clubs, and local businesses who are appropriately recognized at the awards ceremony.  The actual number of grants awarded depends on the qulaity of applications and funds available each year.

Due to its nature and application for all 550 students at Hinman Elementary school, additional funds were approved for the "Hands-On Science Equipment Project" in the amount of $1,000. Other recipients and their respective projects included: McCaw Elementary project to establish a Drama Club for 3rd to 5th graders, and Weekly TV News Broadcasts to all students and personnel by 4th and 5th graders was awarded $500; Sewell Elementary School's "Literacy Intervention For Excellence (LIFE) project which reinforces children's strengths and introduces skills and strategies that will break ineffective patterns of at- risk students, received $500; Taylor Elementary School's "Books in the Hands and Homes: project to expose students to reading, and at the same time involve the families of kindergarten to 5th graders was awarded $500;  White Elementary was given three separate grants for the purchase of equipment to assist int eaching computer literacy to 7th grade students, $500 to help teach 70 students with learning disabilities and physical handicaps, and $250 for the purchase of four computer music education programs to improve students' skills at reading and interpreting music.

COVINA & WEST COVINA CLUBS TO SPONSOR ROTARACT CLUB
Press Release

Local Rotarians are working to develop leaders for the 21st century.  The Rotary clubs of Covina and West Covina are set to sponsor a service club, called ROTARACT, for men and women in the 18-30 age range.  The concept is new to the East San Gabriel Valley, but not new to Rotary International worldwide.

 Rotaract was first started in the early 1960's. Now, there are 5,759 Rotaract clubs in 119 countries.  The purpose of Rotaract is to provide a networking opportunity for young adults to serve their communities, widen their friendships, professional contacts and increase their understanding of the world. A Rotaract club meets biweekly.  The first orientation event will be a complimentary buffet luncheon on Saturday, March 11th.  For further information contact West Covina Rotary representative @ 626.358.5298 or Jim Speer of the Covina Rotary Club @ 626.335.0934.

 FIVE CLUBS HOST BRAZILIAN STUDENTS DURING JAN/FEB
From Dick Miller, District Short Term Exchange Chair (Henderson)

Our district Short Term Youth Exchange effort is still alive and active!  As the result of committee efforts, eight students from Brazil were provided an international home hosting experience in the district during January and February.  Five Rotarian families and one friend of a Rotarian family served as host families and all have certainly enjoyed the experience.  Sponsoring clubs included: Boulder City - 2 students, Green Valley - 2 students, Pahrump - 2 students, LV Paradise - 1 student and Pasadena Sunrise- 1 student.

NOTE:  The 2 students per family arrangement has proven to be a new and very successful way for Rotarian families with no children, working parents or single Rotarians to serve as a host family.  Try it, it works!

DUARTE CLUB "LOVES" MATCHING GRANT PROGRAM
From Steve Biagini, President (Duarte)

The Rotary Club of Duarte, with the support of seven other Rotary clubs (Covina Sunrise, Monrovia, Monterey Park, Pahrump Valley, Rancho Cucamonga, Upland and Victorville) turned $9000 from fund raising efforts  into $34,000 through the assistance of two matching grants from Rotary International.  The funds were raised for a water well project in Nigeria. 

About a year ago our club heard about the desperate need for water in the village of Foron, Nigeria.  Mr. Nash Pwol, a member of the Duarte club suggested that we apply for an International Humanitarian Project grant that would provide clean, sanitized drinking water to the community of about 30,000 people.  As our project moved forward we heard of the hunger, disease and desolate conditions caused by a lack of water.

President Steve and member Nash Pwol have traveled to Nigeria to gain a first hand understanding of the impact that their water well project will have on the people of the community.  If you would like to hear more about our project in Nigeria, please visit our clubs morning breakfast meeting.  We meet at Denny's Restaurant, in the Target shopping center, 7:30 am every Wednesday.

PDG'S FORM DISTINGUISHED SPEAKERS' BUREAU

CHALLENGES FOR ROTARY IN THE 21ST CENTURY - GARBIS DER YEGHIAN (LA VERNE)
CLUB SERVICE - JOE BUCKLEY (LAS VEGAS)
CLUB TURN AROUND - STEVE GARRETT (SIERRA MADRE)
COMMUNITY SERVICE - JOE BUCKLEY (LAS VEGAS), GARBIS DER YeGHIAN (LA VERNE)
CONFLICT RESOLUTION - JOE BUCKLEY (LAS VEGAS), GARBIS DER YEGHIAN (LA VERNE)
INTERNATIONAL SERVICE - JOE BUCKLEY (LAS VEGAS), GARBIS DER YEGHIAN (LA VERNE),
JERRY TAMBE (CLAREMONT), CONRAD VON BIBRA (SOUTH PASADENA)
LEADERSHIP DEVELOPMENT - "THE ART & SCIENCE OF LEADERSHIP" -  GARBIS DER
YEGHIAN (LA VERNE)
"LOOK BEYOND YOURSELF" - CHRIS LYMAN (GLENDORA)
MEMBERSHIP DEVELOPMENT - STEVE GARRETT (SIERRA MADRE), JIM SPEER (COVINA),
 JERRY TAMBE (CLAREMONT), WAYNE WHISTLER (GLENDORA)
 

A SPIN AROUND THE WHEEL
By Anne Donofrio-Holter (Montebello)

EDITOR'S NOTE: This new feature provides a brief summary of club activities from around our district compiled from club bulletins..  If you would like your club's events and highlights included in "A Spin Around The Wheel'" please send your weekly club edition to Anne Donofrio-Holter, PMB 145, 1012 W. Beverly Blvd. Montebello, Ca. 90640.  LE

The Montebello club has paid surgical and physician fees to restore the eyesight of a seven year old Ensenada boy.  The club had been providing financial assistance to the boy's family for the past three years.  The boy's parents and grandparents were by his side during the procedure, which was performed at Beverly Hospital in Montebello.  Upon completion of the surgery, which was deemed a success, the boy was presented with a stuffed animal and a Montebello Rotary banner.  Now recuperating at his Ensenada home, the boy plans a return visit to the Montebello Rotary club sometime this year.

The Boulder City club presented a check for $500 to M. P. King Elementary school to be used to continue their after school tutoring program.  The tutoring grants provided by Rotary help students who have difficulty completing homework by providing assistance to the student.  Mini grants awarded to teachers at the school last year have been used to teach students ways to resolve conflicts without violence, purchase music computer software, and a grant for a spelling bee has helped students improve their spelling skills.  In addition, the club presented a check for $1,000 to benefit the Children's Art Museum at St. Jude's Ranch.  This makes the club the first corporate member of the new museum.

Once again, the Pomona club provided a Christmas party for many of the handicapped and disabled children at Casa Colina.  The club donated drinks, cookies, candy canes, music, and a picture with Santa for 35 children and their families.

The Alhambra club has awarded local teachers mini-grants worth $7,284 towards the purchase of books, CD's for science projects, and computer software.  The club held its annual senior's holiday luncheon for approximately 35 seniors who are not fortunate enough to  have a family to spend the holidays with.  Members have also been collecting used eyeglasses to be sent to the Cape Haitian Eye Clinic.

Altadena club members sent their Christmas cards to St. Jude's Ranch for Children where they will be used by the kids to create new cards.  Funds raised will help finance trips for the children.

The Laughlin Interact club helped make the roadside a bit nicer when they collected, and hauled away, ten bags of trash along the Emerald River Golf Course.

The Laughlin club gave away several new bikes to needs children this past Christmas.  Club members also repaired used bikes which they also donated to needy children.

South Pasadena Interact students helped decorate the Rotary International float for the Rose Parade, collected over 200 toys for donation to needy children over the holidays, and are planning a blanket and clothing drive in order to make a donation to a homeless shelter.

Boulder City Sunrise President Eric Estes reflects on the recent Presidents' Advance.  Presidents' Advance is a mid-year sabbatical for all Presidents in District 5300.  The intent of the weekend is for us to exchange ideas and thoughts about our first six-month's in service, as well as develop friendships with our peers.  Governor Garbis was once again an inspiration to all of us in attendance.  I will carry many memories with me from the weekend, but the best may be my personal time with Garbis.  Not only has Garbis made a tremendous personal sacrifice to serve as our Governor, but also a tremendous financial sacrifice.  And he does it without thinking twice.  Governor Garbis Der Yeghian personifies the spirit of a Rotarian and I am proud to have served under his leadership.

The Boulder City club has been the recipient of up-to-the-minute information on Nevada's latest political happenings, as a result of presentations by two recent guests.  U. S. Rep. Jim Gibbons, R-Nev, gave his "thumbnail sketch" on the recent Congressional session.  On his recent visit, Las Vegas Mayor Oscar Goodman says that he loves his job, and that he looks to  Boulder City as his "adopted city." 

THE MILLENNIUM DISTRICT CONFERENCE INFORMATION
From Caroline Reinhard, District Conference Chair ( East Los Angeles)

SPEAKERS:

GOVERNOR GEORGE DEUKMEJIAN TO BE KEYNOTE SPEAKER ON MAY 20TH 

Michael Josephson of The Josephson Institute for Ethics and Character Counts.
Lee Baca, former San Marino Rotarian and current Los Angeles County Sheriff.
James Bruce Joseph Seivers, motivational speaker, will present "An American in Love With His Country."  

SCHEDULE:  Subject to change:

For more information, contact: Caroline Reinhart @ 323.263.5165 or @ creinhard@earthlink.net.

MILLENNIUM DISTRICT CONFERENCE PRE-REGISTRATION UPDATE
NUMBER OF REGISTRANTS (ROTARIANS AND PARTNERS) AS OF 01.31.00  - 1718 
OUR MILLENNIUM GOAL IS 2000
CLUBS WITH 100% MEMBERSHIP REGISTRATION

R.I. CONVENTION & DISCOVERY TOUR TO SOUTH AMERICA
12 days 10 nights exclusively for District 5300
From Rosie Wong, Innovative Travel Services (No Cal Rotarian)

Tour Price: $3,646 per person twin sharing.  $1,228 single supplement.  Included:  round trip Air, Hotels/taxes,  Daily Buffet Breakfast, Return transfers in each city.  Does not include gratuities. 

Deposit $400, Full payment by February 15, 2000.  For additional information: 800.698.6881; Fax 925.939.1138;

Email info@its-travel.com; Website www.its-travel.com.

ON-GOING PROGRAMS

1999-2000 AWARDS PROGRAM - Contact Gary Fox, Awards Chair (Alhambra): Telephone, 562.429.8696; Fax, 562.425.6245;  e-mail, foxlairxx@aol.com. 

CHARACTER COUNTS -  Contact Rev. Butch Fahnestock, Character Counts Committe Chair (Victor Valley Sunrise)

DAN STOVER & FOUR-WAY SPEECH CONTESTS -  Dan Stover:   Contact Francis Moore, Chair (Alhambra) or Jim Veltman, Chair (LV Northwest).  4-Way Speech:  Contact Sam Howe, Chair (San Dimas) or Tom Novotny, Chair (LV West). 

DISTRICT FOUNDATION -  Contact PDG John Fee (Arcadia),  PDG Conrad von Bibra (South Pasadena)

EXCHANGE STUDENT HOSTING - Contact  Dick Miller District Short Term Exchange Chair, (Henderson)

 We are currently putting in place a 3 week Hosting in January and February for students from Brazil.  Governor Garbis has stated that over 50 clubs have filled a goal sheet indicating that they will be supporting the youth exchange program this Rotary year.  We need the names of HOST FAMILY PROSPECTS!!!
For additional information contact Dick Miller, Chair, @ 702.558.5476 or Frank Carroll, Vice Chair @ 702.294.3173.

GEORGE R. HENSEL PRIZE IN ETHICS ESSAY CONTEST FOR HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS
First prize will be $1000; 2nd prize $500; 3rd prize $300, and honorable mention $100.  For additional information, qualifications and requirements contact: Governor Garbis Der Yeghian, 5507 Los Robles, La Verne, Ca. 91750.  Telephone: 818.548.9345.

INTERACT CLUBS - Contact Ed Jasnow, District Interact Chair (Altadena) 626.395.3044.

JUNIOR ACHIEVEMENT - From C. Ray Carlson, Junior Achievement Chair (Altadena) 626.798.0404.

KIDERACT CLUBS -  Contact Dave Beltran Youth  Service Chair (East Los Angeles) 323.722.4870.

MEMBERSHIP DEVELOPMENT - Contact Jenni Del Castillo, District Chair (South El Monte) Telephone, 626.442.4470; Fax, 626.444.2763, e-mail, jdelcast@sprintmail.com

MENTOR COMMITTEE - Contact  Austin Weston, Club Mentor Chair (Pasadena), Telephone, 626.797.5693; Fax, 626.791.7066.

POLIO PLUS  PARTNERS - Contact Ken Au - PolioPlus Partners Chair (Covina)
Additional information can be obtained from Ken Au @ 626.335.0968, or PDG Conrad von Bibra, District Foundation Chair.  Ken Au is also available for PolioPlus presentations at club meetings.

ROTARACT CLUBS - Contact John Najarian, Rotaract Chair (Claremont)  909.626.6199.

ROTARY PARTNERS SOCIALS - Contact Jerry and Marci Smith (Covina)  626.339.7300; Sharon or Frank Kautzmann (LV Northwest) @ 702.256.6549.

RYLA SELECTION AND FACILITATOR TRAINING - Contact Barbara Risher- Welch, Chairperson (Montebello) Telephone, (W) 562.699.0916, (H) 562.431.1426.

UP-COMING ACTIVITIES & EVENTS

DISTRICT 5300 & LA5 ROTARY CLUB SPONSOR CHINESE NEW YEAR BANQUET & VALENTINE DANCE - The date is Saturday, February 12, 2000 at the Golden Dragon Restaurant in the Chinatown area of Los Angeles.  No Host Bar begins the evening at 6:30; 9-course dinner at 7:15; Chinese entertainment at 8:00 and Dancing until 10:00 p.m.  The per person cost is $38.00 or $350 for a table of 10.  For further information and reservations contact Rotarian Pedro Chan @ 323.721.0774.

DISTRICT INTERACT CONFERENCE - Saturday February 19th, Claremont High School 8:30 to 1:00.

AMBASSADORIAL SCHOLARSHIPS APPLICATIONS ARE NOW AVAILABLE - From Sylvia Whitlock (Duarte)  Deadline is March 15, 2000.  Contact Sylvia @ 909.596.3586 or Email Sylvia5@msn

CULTURAL DIVERSITY APPRECIATION DAY MARCH 26, 2000 - From Linda Holman-Konieczny (S El Monte)

In honor of Cultural Diversity, Governor Garbis has called for a day of celebration.  This event is in the planning stages and is scheduled for Sunday, March 26, 2000.  The Day will include dancing groups, music, games, and delicious foods from the many different cultures that make up our communities.  This will be a special day of fun, fellowship, and festivities to promote understanding and appreciation of our differences.  We need input from your club.  Does your club have a cultural aspect that you would like to contribute.  We need committee members.  To be in on the planning or to share your ideas, please contact Linda Holman-Konieczny @ 626.443.8733; Fax 626.443.1939; Email www.LindaAims@aol.com.

LAUGHLIN ROTARY CLUB GOLF TOURNAMENT - Bob McLean Club Director

All Rotarians are welcome to try their luck at the $$ Million Dollar $$ "Hole in One" Golf Tournament.  The Tournament will be on March 26th in Laughlin, Nevada and is considered the premier tournament in the Tri-state area.  Contact Joe Cleary @ 702.299.0090 or Chuck Winn 702.298.0055 for information/reservations. All Rotarians are invited to the Laughlin Rotary for make-up meetings when visiting.  Wed @ 7:30 a.m. at the Harrah's Hotel buffet.

INAUGURAL FLO-JO MEMORIAL/ ARCADIA INVITATIONAL -  From Ron King, Event Chair (Walnut Valley)

On April 8, 2000, District 5300 will host the Inaugural Flo-Jo Memorial/Arcadia Invitational  at Citrus College in Glendora, Ca.  Honored Olympians and Rotarians worldwide will come to welcome their new millennium commitment to America's youth.  This Invitational will not only honor one of America's greatest female track athletes, but will also honor all future Olympians and their quest and dreams for the Olympic Gold Medal.  Proceeds from this event will benefit The Rotary Foundation Scholarship Fund and the Flo-Jo Foundation.

This is expected to be a World Class Event!  There will be a number of featured track and field events for that day.   Included will be: the 100 meter dash, 200 meter dash, 100 meter relay and the long jump.  In addition, the event will be host to many activities in which the participants and spectators may indulge themselves.  There will be a food court, game tents, TV lounge and over 20 convention booths for local and regional sponsors to display or sell products.

We need your support for this event!  We want every Rotarian within the District to purchase at least one ticket!  The stadium at Citrus College seats over 10,000.  Ticket prices range from $8.00 to $20.00 for VIP tickets.  There is still sponsorship and booth space available.  For further information contact Ron King @ 714.288.1977 or www.district5300.org.  Contributions should be made payable to R.I. District 5300, P.O. Box 4134 Diamond Bar, CA. 91765.  Contributions are tax deductible.

LEBANON GSE TEAM LEAVES APRIL 10TH - From Chris Montan, GSE Chair (Alhambra

The Lebanon team is composed exclusively of educators.  The team, under the leadership of Dr. Michael Fels, (East Los Angeles) will travel to Lebanon April 10 to May 10, 2000.    Team members include the following:

ROTARY FOUNDATION DINNER APRIL 14, 2000 @ INDUSTRY HILLS
ROTARY FOUNDATION DINNER APRIL 19, 2000 IN LAS VEGAS -  From Ken Au, Events Coordinator (Covina)

The Governor has set aside Friday evening April 14, 2000 (California) and Wednesday, April 19, 2000 (Nevada), for gala dinner events to honor our contributors and raise district Rotarian and non-Rotarian awareness of the work of The Rotary Foundation.  Please mark these important dates in your calendar.  More information will be forthcoming. 

BOULDER CITY ROTARY TO SPONSOR BBQ CHALLENGE - From Frank Carroll, President Elect (Boulder City)

We know it is well into the future, but some people need to plan well in advance.  We expect 30-40 cookers at our first annual BBQ cookoff to be held in Boulder City.  The event will benefit the children of St. Jude's Ranch, and the Rotary International Foundation.  The event will be held at St. Jude's Ranch on May 12-13, 2000.

We would like District 5300 clubs to participate. How? We would like your club to field a small team and send them to a special contest to be held on Friday evening May 12th.  Each team will cook a rack of ribs, and then have them judged by the other cookers in the contest.  We already have entries from District 5450, and the Rotary Club team from Taos, New Mexico.  The Team entry fee is $100.  You will also have the opportunity to judge in the contest next day.  Watch the District Millennium Newsletter for additional information.

DISTRICT 5300 MILLENNIUM ACTIVITIES
DATES TO REMEMBER

DISTRICT CALENDAR -   FEBRUARY  &  MARCH 

FEBRUARY 2000 - WORLD UNDERSTANDING MONTH

February Planning Tips:

• Observe the RI Anniversary on February 23rd - World Understanding and Peace Day.

• Begin preparations for Magazine Month in April.

• Remind members to make reservations for RI Convention. Continue promotion.

• Promote members to sign up for Millennium District Conference.

MARCH 2000

March Planning Tips: 

• Encourage members to sign up for the Millennium District Conference 

MILLENNIUM NEWSLETTER EDITOR - A. C. LANI EXTON (GLENDORA)  (B) 626.792.2186