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ROTARY DISTRICT 5300
THE HIGHLIGHTER
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 2000-2001:  CREATE AWARENESS - TAKE ACTION 

 DEVLYN FOUNDATION DINNER A SELL OUT

Governor Sal and his hard working Foundation Dinner staff have completely sold out the 700 seat ballroom at the Pasadena Hilton. The February 2nd Celebration will feature RI President Frank Devlyn as keynote speaker. The black tie optional dinner and dance will provide an opportunity for fellowship and recognition.  The Major Donor Reception begins at 6:00 p.m. with the doors to the dining area opening at 7:00 p.m.

The evening will provide a unique opportunity for the recognition of Rotarians who support The Rotary Foundation.  The evening's schedule will be as follows:  1.      Major donors will be invited to attend a reception for President Devlyn prior to the dinner event.    2.   New Major Donors will be recognized and greeted at the podium as a part of the dinner program.    3.  New Paul Harris fellows will be recognized during the dinner program.  4.  New Paul Harris Fellows will have the opportunity to have their picture taken receiving their recognition certificate and medal from RI President Devlyn following the dinner.

The District 5300 Rotary Foundation Committee is providing this dinner in cooperation with the Rotary Club of Pasadena who will act as the host Rotary club.   It is certain that RI President Frank Devlyn will be duly impressed with the efforts of District 5300 Rotarians.  A great evening should be enjoyed by all who attend.

PRESIDENT'S RETREAT - A GREAT SUCCESS

The mid-year President's Retreat was held at the Primm Resort in Primm, Nevada.  A record 54 Club President's and their partners joined Governor Sal and Julie for a weekend of fun, as well as, workshops regarding club issues.  Governor Sal's decision to move the retreat from Arrowhead turned out to be a good choice considering the snow fall at Lake Arrowhead the weekend of the Retreat.

It was fellowship (some gambling and shopping) and everyone had a good time.  Governor Sal led the President's in a Caribbean Line Dance, which rumors have it, was videotaped and may find its way to the District Web page??  Julie hosted the Partners (male and female) in a tea while the President's were busy in their workshops.  The Assistant Governors and Group Reps worked with Retreat Chairman Roy York and his wife Kathy to insure that the participants returned home with many fond memories of the weekend.  The District wishes to thank Roy and Kathy York and all Rotarians who worked to make this weekend TERRIFIC!

DISTRICT MOURNS THE LOSS OF PDG WAYNE WHISTLER

Wayne was a Rotarian for only 15 years, but accomplished more in a short time than many Rotarians with many more years of Rotary membership.  His devotion to the ideals of Rotary, leadership skills and dedication to the work of the Glendora Rotary club, District 5300 and The Rotary Foundation exemplify what Service Above Self meant to him.  He will be truly missed by the many Rotarians with whom he was associated.

Wayne's wife Annette and daughter Vivian took his lead and became active members of the Glendora Rotary Club.  Following his successful leadership within his club's Avenue's of Service, he served as club President in 1993-94.  He developed the very successful Trivia Challenge, Glendora Library Literacy program, and initiated an area immunization program. 

Prior to his year as District governor (1997-98), Wayne served the District as Awards, Directory, Polio Plus and District Assembly Chairman.  With his year as Governor behind him, Wayne became a member of the District Budget Committee in 1998-99, District Foundation Board member, Governor's Nominating Committee in 1999-2000, and was serving as Chairman of the District Budget Committee and as a member of the District Membership Committee before his untimely passing.

Wayne's wife Annette has asked that Rotarians wishing to make contributions in Wayne's name, send them to the District Office, 1963 Myrtle Ave, Monrovia, Ca. 91016.

REGISTER NOW FOR 2001 DISTRICT 5300 CONFERENCE
From www.district5300.org 

The Doral Palm Springs Resort is the site of the District Conference on June 7-10, 2001.  Fill in the Registration Form located on the District Web Page ( www.district5300.org ) and avoid the rush.

DISTRICT CONFERENCE TO BE SCENE OF "WHO KIDNAPPED THE GOVERNOR" - A GAME OF WHO, WHAT, AND WHERE 

A REAL MYSTERY, WITH REAL PEOPLE, REAL WEAPONS, A REAL CRIME SCENE, AND ONE REAL VICTIM...SEVEN SUSPECTS, TEN WEAPONS, SIX CRIME SCENES, AND ONE VICTIM.

CAN YOU SOLVE THE MYSTERY? 

RULES AND PRIZES TO FOLLOW

PLAN NOW - CLUB AWARDS DUE DATE IS APRIL 10TH

How will other clubs know about great projects?...By your club submitting your club projects for the various awards available on the district and International level. It's very easy to participate:  Your Club can submit your projects and accomplishments for awards in the following categories:

21st Century Challenge
Presidential Citation
District Governor's Awards
Governor's Special Awards
Club Outstanding Rotarian
International Award 

Your club can choose to apply for recognition on one of the above, or shoot to take home kudos in all of the above listed award categories.  Your Club President should have received information on all of the requirements for each of the award categories.  Each category has different requirements, so make sure you have the criteria on hand. If you are missing criteria on any of the above, please contact Heidi Larkin-Reed (Apple Valley): Phone: 760.242.2753, Fax: 760.242.0303, e-mail: larkinreed@yahoo.com.

MATCHING GRANTS CYCLE
From Sal Briguglio, District Governor (Rancho Cucamonga)

The following cycle was established by the Trustees to create a systematic means for Rotary clubs and districts as well as The Rotary Foundation staff to process Matching and Helping Grant Applications, Grant Awards and Reports.

WHY A CYCLE?

Provide an opportunity for Rotarians to appropriately plan and Implement a project in a given time period.
Promote effective stewardship of Foundation funds.
Provide improved management of the Matching Grants Program. 
Enable staff to better assist Rotarians in successfully completing grant applications.

*  Any applications received after the March 31st deadline will be returned to sponsors who can update the request and reapply the following Rotary Year.

DISTRICT ASSEMBLY AND FELLOWSHIP DINNER DATES ANNOUNCED
From Margaret Cooker, DG 2001-2002 (Victorville)

Save Friday, April 27th for the Fellowship Dinner at Felipe's Winery in Rancho Cucamonga and Saturday, April 28th for the District Assembly at the Marriott Hotel near the Ontario airport.  Carolyn Anderson (Rancho Cucamonga) is planning a great evening of fellowship and friendship for the Friday event.  She indicates that if you want to stay over Friday night, you need to make reservations early as hotel space in the area is limited.

Steve O'Neill (Rancho Cucamonga) has gathered a great team for planning the District Assembly.  There will be special sessions on Membership Development and Retention, Foundation (how to complete those drated forms and the process for Matching Grants), the RYLA club process update, as well as Avenues of Service information.   Presidents for 2002-2003 will have time with their District Governor, Lee Harlan (Claremont).  If there are any session topics that you would want to have included, please contact DG Margaret or Steve O'Neill as soon as possible.

A great leadership speaker is planned for Saturday lunch.  2001-2002 Presidents need to get their teams on board for this event.  Assembly Signup Forms will be mailed to each club. 

ARE YOU READY FOR THE FIESTA?
From Margaret Cooker, DG 2001-2002 (Victorville)

The Rotary International Convention for this year is being held in San Antonio, Texas - an easy trip for us all - June 24-27, 2001.  In case you have missed the information, the January issue of "The Rotarian" is devoted to the Convention, San Antonio, and Texas.  You can access all the RI registration forms via the Rotary International web site www.rotary.org , then "click" on the FIESTA logo.

As to getting there, some are using their RV's and joining the Fellowship of RV-ers like Glen Pierce (Victorville) to extend the fellowship of the Convention even further.  Some are planning to join the "Rotary Train" that Cliff Houser (Altadena) is organizing - a wild Rotary party across the west to Texas - and fly back!!  Some are flying, some are driving....however you plan to get there- PLAN ON IT!!!  If you have never participated and wonder about it - ask someone who has been to an International Convention to share - what a FELLOWSHIP!! What a PARTY!!!

Remember to sign up for the Far West Breakfast on Monday, June 25th ($25) - this form is also available through the same links.  See the International aspect of Rotary striving for World Peace one person at a time!!! Go early and sit in on the Youth Exchange, Rotaract, Foundation or World Project sessions.  Meet new people and make new friends (and maybe extend your business contacts!!) Drop in on Governor Sal at his hotel close to the Convention Center!!

When you know where you are staying let me know so that we can make sure that we can all PARTY!!! PARTY!!! Party!!! (one of the complaints we always have is not knowing where all our friends in the District are staying and being able to expand the fellowship even further).  Any questions or suggestions, please call (760.243.5928), fax (760.243.8012) or e-mail me (mcooker@rotarymail.net ).

GSE EXCHANGE FOR 2001-2002 ANNOUNCED
From Margaret Cooker, DG 2001-2002 (Victorville)

We have just heard that our GSE (Group Study Exchange) pairing for 2001-2002 Rotary year will be with District 4500 - Brazil.  This is exciting news since we have not had a team exchange with this area since 1968 (incoming) and 1970 (outgoing) when the area was identified as District 464.

The District is in the Northeastern area of Brazil (the hump that sticks out into the Atlantic ocean), and includes the fantastic beach area of Recife (which has 16 Rotary clubs).  With 85 clubs and 2,377 members, the district encompasses 3 states: Rio Grande do Norte, Paraiba and Pernambuco, and is in Rotary Zone 20.  Our district is in Zone 24.

The Northeast covers 18% of the country.  It was once the center of the sugar industry during colonial times.  Life-threatening droughts are responsible for the lack of development in this area, but it is not under-populated.  Some of the best beaches in Brazil are located in the northeast, a long coastline blessed with year-round sunshine.  Among the best coastal resort cities are Recife in Pernambuco, Joao Passoa in Paraiba, Natal in Rio Grande do Norte.  Portuguese is the official language of Brazil - so we may need to take advantage of the crash language course through RI. 

As I get more information about the area I will keep you posted and, with the able assistance of Tim Harris (Victorville), I will be setting up a web link to information in the near future.  Ram Kumar (Arcadia) has agreed to be my GSE Chair in California.  If you have an interest in being considered as team leader please contact either Ram or myself - please start thinking of young business and professional people who you consider to be good candidates for this exchange.

RI TECHNOLOGY TASK FORCE UPDATE

Online Learning renovated and expanded.  The Technology TF Online Learning web site has just been renovated and significantly expanded.  The site is http://www.frankdevlye.org/technology/learning .  Now the site offers four types of Online Learning.  First, look for new Rotarians.  What's new on the Net promoting the work of the Task force, Club Meeting Program Materials for use in regular club meetings, and Special Resources for specific training and unique resources.  We believe "distance learning" or "Online Learning" as we choose to name it, has vast potential for Rotary and our continuing efforts to educate and train Rotarians and Rotary leaders.

New First Look for new Rotarians.  In Online Learning we introduce First Look, a new series of modules designed to compliment the orientation for new Rotarians done by their club.  Clubs should be encouraged to invite new members to access the web site www.frankdevlyn.org/technology/learning  and review the courses to learn more about Rotary .  This new series might also be useful to those of us who are "not so new" Rotarians as well!!

Electronic Version of ABCs of Rotary.  Few Rotary publications have been as popular as Past President Docterman's "ABCs of Rotary."  Now Online Learning features an electronic version of this outstanding source.  The book has such wide application that we offer it twice:  In First Look for new Rotarians and in Special Resources for all of Rotary.

The Rotary Foundation.  Online Learning now offers a useful overview module explaining our Rotary Foundation.  This is good material for a club program, and also is useful material to help a new Rotarian know more about our Foundation.  The module uses a business-like approach to explain how the Foundation functions, and more clearly sets out how contributions come in to the Foundation, and then how money is spent in the many programs of the Foundation.

ROTARY FOUNDATION INCLUDED IN ESTATE PLANS
From PDG Tim Siu (Alhambra)

The following Rotarians have chosen to include the Rotary Foundation in their estate plans thus making them eligible for Request Society Membership at their respective level. 

Nelson C. Bell, M.D. and Lorraine M. Bell - Level 2, Rotary Club of Claremont

George E. Newton and Edith C. Newton - Level 2, Rotary Club of Apple Valley

Katy Welsh - Level 1, Rotary Club of Pasadena Sunrise

They join nine other Rotarians who have become Bequest Members in the year 2000.

Herbert & Elizabeth Heslep,  Level 4 (Monrovia)

Darlene R. Howard-Treat, Level 5 (Pahrump)

PDG Myron Stope, Level 4 (Pasadena)

PDG Conrad & Patricia von Bibra, Level 4 (South Pasadena)

Fredd Halpert, Level 1 (Pahrump)

Robert D. Jugan, Level 1 (Montebello)

Kenneth & Lena Au, Level 1 (Covina)

E. Burdette & Helen Boileau, Level 1 (Pomona)

Dr. & Mrs. Harold Kattell, Level 1 (Arcadia)

Robert Eichel, Level 1 (San Marino)

It is because of gifts like these that the Rotary Foundation is able to carry out an array of programs throughout the world and stimulate an awareness of giving within the club and district.  Thank you all Bequest Society Members and all Major Donors to the annual Giving and Permanent Fund Initiative for your significant gifts.

AMBASSADORIAL SCHOLARSHIP APPLICATIONS AVAILABLE
From Sylvia Whitlock, Committee Chair (Duarte)

It is time to start recruiting scholars for Rotary's most prestigious scholarship program.  This is your chance to get some young person started on a career of value.  Just look around at your colleges and find those students who would be ambassadors of goodwill for Rotary

For additional information or applications, please e-mail Sylvia Whitlock at sylvia5@msn.com or call 909.596.3586.  Completed applications will be due the end of March 2001.

LAS VEGAS NORTH WOMEN TO MEXICO
From Charlotte Leas (Las Vegas North)

Two North Las Vegas women represented Rotary District 5300 and the North Las Vegas Rotary club on a fact finding and goodwill trip to Choquita, Mexico.  Charlotte Leas and Annette Hardy left on January 17th and met with 8 other Rotarians from District 5730 from the South Texas area.  The group proceeded to Choquita to establish a protocol for the Feed the Children Project sponsored by Rotary International.  Charlotte has been an active member of the Las Vegas North club since 1995, Annette is the wife of Eldon Hardy, long time member and two times President of the Las Vegas North club.  The two returned to Las Vegas on January 22nd.

Rotary District 5300 has sponsored a number of benefits to raise money to provide dehydrated food to supplement the diet of the school children in Taharamara Indian Village of Choquita.  The North Las Vegas Club sponsored a Souper Supper in September, at which time the Rotary clubs of Southern Nevada collectively raised over $7,000 to purchase the food supplements from Breedlove Food Processing Center in Lubbock, Texas.  Other clubs from California and a Helping Grant from Rotary International will add additional money, which should bring the project to about $18,000 to $20,000.  The Breedlove Food Company is also establishing a measuring program, which will track the physical and educational development of children being given the foods.  The food supplements are mixed with water and when cooked can become either a soup or casserole, which contains all the daily nutrients that growing children need.  This project is also part of the Feed the World Project sponsored by Rotary International.

GLENDORA MINI GRANT CAMPAIGN RAISES $23,000

This marks the 16th year of the Glendora Rotary clubs Teacher Mini Grant Program.  The Teacher Mini Grant program is one of the major fund raising efforts of the club.  The Program awards competitive grants of up to $300 per teacher, for special classroom enrichment projects that would not otherwise have a source for funding.  This year's Program was expanded to allow groups of not more than 3 teachers to apply together for a grant that would total up to $900. 

A panel of representatives from Glendora Rotary, education and local businesses review and rank all applications, and then evaluate them for innovation, benefit to students, and clarity.  Teacher Mini Grants are then awarded based upon available funding.

Glendora Rotarians solicited funds within their club, from community business people, and from members of the growing number of community residents who support the program. This year's three-month funding campaign raised contributions in excess of $23,000 that allowed the club to award 86 individual grants to deserving teachers.

2ND ANNUAL GEORGE R. HENSEL PRIZE IN ETHICS ESSAY CONTEST FOR HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS
From Kathy Brandes, Assistant Governor, Region B (Monrovia)

The second annual District 5300 George Hensel Ethics Essay Contest will be held in the spring of 2001, with the winners announced at the District Conference in June.  As with last year's contest, this essay contest is designed to challenge high school students to analyze urgent ethical issues confronting them in today's complex world. 

The contest is open to high school students throughout District 5300, with prizes of $100 to $1000 awarded to the winners.  Applications with additional information and requirements will be mailed to all presidents in the the District in late January.

5 POINTS PRESIDENT AUTHORS PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE BOOK

Rosa Espadas, Five Points Rotary Club president, has written a book titled "I Pledge Allegiance to the Flag" that helps individuals who want to become American citizens learn about the flag, freedom and the American way of life.  Rosa fulfilled her dream of becoming an American citizen in 1996, and feels very blessed to live in a great country like the United States.

Sixth grade students at Miramonte Elementary School in El Monte recently gathered for a special school assembly where patriotic items were presented to the school. Rotary president Rosa Espadas presented her

"I Pledge Allegiance" book; an American flag that flew over the U. S. Capital in Washington D. C. was presented on behalf of Congresswoman Hilda Solis; and a California State flag that flew over the State Capital in Sacramento was presented by El Monte Assemblyman Ed Chavez.

LV ROTARIANS TAKE PART IN HABITAT FOR HUMANITY HOUSE
From Patricia Miller (Las Vegas)

The Las Vegas Rotary Club recently took part in the Habitat for Humanity Project.  This was the second house that the club has been involved with.  Starting early in the morning club members first moved and stacked concrete blocks.  Then it was on to cutting, fitting and hanging sheet rock.  This was a whole new experience for many of the members.  Fortunately there were extra pieces of sheet rock!  Other activities included building cabinets and general clean up of construction materials.

The highlight of the day came during a dedication ceremony for one of the home recipients.  This really brought home the significance of Habitat for Humanity and reminded all Rotarians that service above self is really what it is about.  The club also made a financial contribution to Habitat for Humanity and is looking forward to working on another house in the spring.

TOP 10 CLUBS IN ATTENDANCE:  June 30th - DECEMBER 31st
From District Web Site, www.district5300.org

The leader is Claremont with 91.35%. Followed by: South El Monte 90.67%, Rancho Cucamonga 86.50%, Sierra Madre 86.00%, Virgin Valley Sunrise 85.33%, Five Points 84.17%, Boulder City 84,17%, Rancho Del Chino 82.78%, Altadena 80.89%, Boulder City Sunrise 79.83%. Good job, keep it up!    Congratulations!

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

Montebello Rotarians Mike Penilla, Saul Penilla, Many Franco, Gabe Robles and George Pacheco delivered 350 pairs of sweats, medicinal items, blankets, and pajamas to children in four Tijuana orphanages last month.  The items were purchased through donations by club members.  The club also made a $1,000 donation to the Montebello Family YMCA in support of the new George Hensel Healthy Lifestyle Center scheduled to open later this year.

The Sierra Madre club is helping seniors learn to surf the web.  With assistance from the Sierra Madre recreation department, one computer was purchased to get the City/Rotary-sponsored project off the ground.  The recreation department then obtained grant money allowing the purchase of two additional computers.  The City currently provides unlimited Internet access for the program.  Rotary's contribution was (and is) to underwrite the funds needed to hire an instructor who specializes in teaching computer and Internet skills.  Since the first class last October, the program has been expanding.

The Altadena club spent Martin Luther King weekend planting ground cover along the parkway in front of a local high school as part of a community beautification project.  Not only did club members participate in the planting, but also contributed $285 to purchase all the plants used in their designated area.  Participants began by rotor-tilling compost with the soil, and then the area was smoothed and graded.  The actual planting was accomplished assembly line style with one group making holes at the proper intervals followed by another group placing the plants in the holes, and the final group covering the plants with soil.  The club has now formed a committee yhat will make itself available to the Altadena-Pasadena area for projects involving beautification and enhancement of the neighborhood.

Arcadia Rotarians Penny Aaseby, Ed Beranek, Roger and Barbara Gewecke, Ken Mallory, Dick and Katie Martinez, Mike Real, Jim Rider, Garland Robertson, and Jeff and Kathy Swensson, along with members of the Tijuana Rotary, participated in a weekend of renovations at several Tijuana orphanages.  Projects included the painting of the study hall at the Santa Teresita Girl's Orphanage and the painting of the dorm hallways of the Emmanuel Boy's Home.  Dorm flooring at the boy's home was also repaired.  The fresh coat of paint brightened the usually dim hallways and increased the reflected light.  Following the renovations, a hot dog lunch was served and the Rotarians presented each child with a large personalized bag of presents and goodies.  They also distributed gift bags for the staff.  In the evening, club members were joined by members of the Montebello and La Canada Rotary Clubs who were in the area working on their own projects.

The Rotary Club of Boulder City is sponsoring a "pig distribution" to benefit the local Interact Club.  They have placed "cute little blue banks" in the shape of pigs mounted on bricks at a number of businesses around the city to collect donations that will be used to benefit the Interactors.

The Las Vegas University club received 14 thank-you cards from students at the John S. Park School for shoes the students received through the club's Happy Feet program.  The club is currently collecting books to be donated to Desert Pines High School.

The Monterey Park club has purchased $2,000 worth of books that will be delivered to three local schools through the Reading by 9 Program.  With a two for one dollar match by Scholastic Books, the club's $2,000 in reality purchased $4,000 worth of books.

DISTRICT 5300 ACTIVITIES DATES TO REMEMBER

UP-COMING ACTIVITIES & EVENTS

INTERACT SYMPOSIUM From PDG Steve Garrett (Sierra Madre). 
The second Interact Symposium May 18, 2001 will be held at the Cottontail Ranch, Calabasas, California

READING BY 9 PROGRAM Contact Kathy Brandes, Assistant Governor Region B (Monrovia) or Steve Baer, Assistant Governor, Region C (Upland).

DISTRICT MEMBERSHIP DEVELOPMENT TEAM SEMINAR , From Cliff Houser, Membership Chair (Altadena).    
Future date:  April 21, 2001.

BOULDER CITY CLUB SPONSORS PANAMA CANAL CRUISE, From Frank Carroll (Boulder City)
The Rotary Club of Boulder City is sponsoring a 14-day cruise from Miami to Los Angeles via the Panama Canal.  The cruise will be on the Carnival ship Ecstasy, embarking Miami on May 4th and debarking in Los Angeles May 18, 2001.  Contact Frank Carroll @ 702.294.3173 for further information, and complete itinerary.

DISTRICT CALENDAR - FEBRUARY & MARCH

FEBRUARY 2001   WORLD UNDERSTANDING MONTH

MARCH 2001

DISTRICT OFFICERS & COMMITTEE CHAIRS
Refer to District Directory for Further Information

Editor for both Net and Home Edition is A. C. Lani Exton (Glendora)
He can be reached at (W) 626.792.2186 - (H) 626.963.0578 - (Fax) 626.440.9414 - e-mail lbesaga@aol.com

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