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

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

BRITTAN'S REP DISTRICT IN KOSOVO

Editors Note:  Ron Brittan (Monterey Park) and his son Mike (Cal State LA Rotaract) left for Tirana, Albania on June 14, 1999.

They were under the auspices of the Rotary Volunteers of the RI Foundation program which assists Rotarians and Rotaractors who wish to participate in International Service Projects. The Mission of the project is to assist victims of the Kosovo conflict, both refugees in other countries, such as Albania and Macedonia, and help rehabilitate them on their return to Kosovo.  Strict neutrality is to be observed, with no regard for who started the conflict.  Relief assistance will be offered in collaboration with the local Rotary Clubs and coordination with the Red Cross and other relief agencies.  Ron and Mike were initially assigned to assist with international family tracing and to help run  a refugee camp established by the Rotary Club of Tirana, Albania and also assist with the refugee camp in Skopje, Macedonia  They have expressed appreciation for financial assistance and morale support received from numerous clubs in the District.  Special thanks go to the Monterey Park Club, Alhambra Club, Kathy Bianco (San Marino), Susan Nunnery (Sierra Madre) Joan Overturf (Claremont),  Dr. Lee Goldstein (Claremont), PDG Lee Mothershead (San Marino), and Governor Garbis Der Yeghian (La Verne).  They have filed "Kosovo Reports" since June 26th.  These Reports appear on the District Web Page.  Excerpts from the August 27th Report #10, which is their most recent,  appear below.  

There are 40 schools in the Municipality of Gjakova, Kosovo where Mike and I are providing humanitarian aid.  Thirty of the schools were badly damaged in the conflict....Mike and I would like to ask Rotary Clubs to adopt a school in Kosovo and provide morale support and cheerful communication.  In some cases you may wish to donate school materials such as books and laboratory equipment....By adopting a school and communicating with them you will take some of the pain away, and they will be thrilled at association with Americans, who they look on as being their beloved liberators....Most children know some English, and they will take pride in writing letters of appreciation to you....There is a great demand for English classes.  Mike and I are conducting a summer school with 250 participants....

The plight of the teachers is pathetic.  Eight years ago all Albanian-speaking teachers were fired by the Serb government.  Most of them have been teaching on a volunteeer basis ever since....For any Rotary club that is interested we can provide a list of the 40 schools, showing extent of damage; the NGO (Non-Governmental Organization) who is doing the reconstruction; and the school contacts; or we can choose for you based on our assessed priority.  Of the four High Schools only one is standing, the Gymnasium High School....USAID is due to receive a few hundred computers in the near future and they have authorized the Rotary Volunteers delegation to take care of assignment and distribution to the high schools....Incidentally, we are forming youth service clubs in each high school, styled after Interact clubs.  One hundred high school volunteers are already active in many projects during their summer vacation....They are extremely fond of soccer in Kosovo.  They call it football.  We just received a few hundred soccer balls which were donated by a British Rotary club.  They will need uniforms, and this is where US Rotary clubs may be able to help....PLEASE OFFER YOUR HELP BY ADOPTING A SCHOOL!  SHOW ROTARY CARES ABOUT KOSOVO!  For further information or to express your interest contact:  Ron & Mike Brittan, Rotary Volunteers Program - Kosovo, 625 E. Newmark Ave, Monterey Park, Ca 91755, Phone/Fax @ 626.573.9282.

GOVERNOR'S MESSAGE
By Dr. Garbis Der Yeghian, District Governor (La Verne)

Rotary's celebration of the "New Generations Month" offers us a unique opportunity to rededicate ourselves to the regeneration of our youth.  As an educator, I have been privileged to help shape the tender lives of young people.  Indeed, there is no greater honor and no higher calling than to succeed in sharpening the minds and uplifting the character of the new generation.

As leaders in their communities, our District's Rotarians are committed to helping young people prepare for the future.  Our clubs support a variety of youth oriented projects and programs that include mentoring, tutoring, leadership development, vocational training, local and international scholarships, and urban peace initiatives.  Throughout the years, service to youth has been a major focus of our Rotary clubs' projects.  In 1949, the slogan "Every Rotarian an Example to Youth" was adopted by the Rotary International Board of Directors as an expression of commitment to children and youth.

There is nothing more important to Rotarians than to take an active personal interest in youth.  Our mission is to give the new generations a legacy we can be proud of.  We must all work together -- from the youngest to the oldest -- dedicating ourselves to the generations that will succeed us. They are our future.  They will determine the direction of our world and of Rotary as well.  Rotary cannot endure unless constantly vitalized by the infusion of youth.  We can teach them to set goals, and work toward them.  And in return, they can pass these life-confirming values to the next generation.   We need to shape youth for the PATH rather than the  path for the youth.

 In his wisdom, our very own William E. Walk Jr., 1970-71 Rotary International president, stated in the July, 1970 issue of The Rotarian: "The generation gap between young people and adults can be bridged through support of youth organizations, career conferences, and community programs."  These instructive words are even more relevant and meaningful today as we confront the problems facing the youth in the 21st century -- drugs, gang violence and social deviance. 

In the course of my club visits I have been extremely pleased to witness the ongoing effort of our club presidents and Rotarians in advancing our noble cause on a variety of important fronts -- Rotary Youth Leadership  Awards (recognized as Rotary World's best); Dan Stover Music Competition; Four-Way Speech Contest; Rotaract, Interact, Youthact and Kideract Clubs; Rotary Youth Exchange Program; Ambassadorial Scholarships (largest source of privately-funded international scholarships by the Rotary Foundation of RI); Health Care and Education Projects and Peace and Peer Mediation Programs.  Moreover, I have been impressed by our clubs' success in sponsoring numerous hands-on projects in support of youth --  Adopt-A-School, Happy Feet, Red Ribbon Rally, CHAMPS, Santa Clothes, Christmas in April, Literacy, Career Workshops, Student Scholarships, Student of the Month, Job Game, Substance Abuse Education, Adopt-An-Orphanage, Adopt-A-Park, Classroom on Wheels,  Athletic Events, Health Care, Shelter Program, Sponsoring Children's Homes and many more

What makes Rotarians so fascinating is their ability to constantly innovate.  This spirit of creativity can be seen in the emergence of the following four new youth programs in our District in celebration of the Millennium Year:

1. Character Counts -- focuses on building the six pillars of character amongst school children by instilling trustworthiness, respect, responsibility, fairness, caring and citizenship.

2. Junior Achievement --- prepares youth to become tomorrow's entrepeneurs.

3. Rotary Youth Track Meet -- promotes competitive sportsmanship among high school students.

4. Reading by 9 -- in partnership with the Los Angeles Times, it promotes literacy among school  children.

We need to remind ourselves that Rotary's stewardship of youth is an enduring mission for all seasons.  Let us persevere in our path of selfless service to our youth consistently, credibly and continuously.

DISTRICT FOUNDATION OVERWHELMINGLY APPROVED

The Rotary clubs in District 5300 have overwhelmingly approved the establishment of a district charitable foundation.  The proposal was initially presented by the Rotary Club of La Verne at the May 1, 1999 District Conference Business Meeting in Palm Springs.  A mail ballot was recently completed, and PDG John Fee (Arcadia), Chairman of the 1998-1999 District Resolutions Committee, reports that of fifty clubs submitting votes, 44 (88%) approved of the foundation.

Goals & Objectives of the Rotary District 5300 Charitable Foundation are as follows:

1. Provide matching grants to clubs for community projects.

2. Provide local or domestic Scholarship funds for qualifying candidates.

3. Provide a means to receive charitable donations from corporations or individuals not usually available to clubs.

4. Receive directed funds not possible for the R.I. Foundation to accept.

5. Augment RI Foundation Funding for Club Projects.

6. Provide funds for District events where the District acts in the interest of the clubs.

7. Provide a means for accepting and passing along funds from clubs working on Fund Raisers for the RI Foundation.

 POLIO PLUS  PARTNERS - R.I. CONTINUES EFFORTS TO ACHIEVE GOAL
From Kenneth Au, District PolioPlus Partners Chair, (Covina)

Many Rotarians joined Rotary after 1990, when the official fund raising campaign for PolioPlus ended.  These Rotarians never have had a chance to participate in the greatest humanitarian effort ever embarked upon by Rotary International; the effort to eradicate polio from this planet by year 2000, and to obtain the certification from the World Health Organization that this world is indeed polio free by year 2005, when Rotary celebrates its 100th anniversary.

Rotary International has emphasized again and again that PolioPlus has a priority of the highest order.  Both RI President Carlo Ravizza and immediate past RI President Jim Lacy have stated that in order to win this war against polio in these final years, we must continue our support to Rotarians in the endemic countries who are staging National Immunization Days, and purchasing much needed laboratory equipment.

RI has established PolioPlus Partners so that new and old Rotarians can continue to participate in this humanitarian effort which was called "Rotary's grandest achievement" at the recent Singapore Convention. This is also one of the easiest requirements for a Rotary club to obtain the Presidential Citation.  Just write a check to Rotary Foundation - PolioPlus Partners.  Your donation counts towards your Paul Harris Fellow recognition. 

I strongly urge everyone in our District to donate $100 for the year, above and beyond what District Governor Garbis sets for his goal in the Foundation annual giving campaign.  This is a small sum to pay to rid the world of this crippling disease forever, and to have a legacy that you will be proud of, for generations to come.  Please give this your consideration. 

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.

START A KIDERACT CLUB FOR A GREAT EXPERIENCE
From Dave Beltran, Community Service Chair, (East Los Angeles)

Kideract began at Fourth Street Elementary School in East Los Angeles in 1995.  Since it's inception the club has become stronger each year.  The club depends on one Rotarian liason and three caring faculty advisors for it's foundation.  In the second year the club voted on their own name of "Kideract."  The main goals of the club are to teach the kids to value and respect their own community, to recognize their own place in the world by first hand meeting people from other countries, and finally to know that the professionals who work in their own community are people who care and want to help them reach for their goals.

The Kideract Club is active in all four Rotary Avenues of Service.  Club Service in Kideract means games, projects, and fun educational field trips.  Under Community Service the kids visit the local senior citizen home for almost every holiday to exchange gifts and sing songs.  Every week they pick up litter in their school, and soon they will paint a mural on one of the school walls.  Vocational Service is easy in Rotary because we just tap into the wealth of professions in Rotary to invite guest speakers to the club to talk about what they do and what they like and do not like about it.  We also take field trips to places of business when possible.  International Service is where Rotary cannot be beat!  For the past three years the Kideract Club has met SCANEX exchange students from all over the world as well as enjoyed unforgetable heart warming meetings with the last two years of GSE Teams.

The cost of maintaining a Kideract Club is minimal.  The only real expenses have been getting busses for the field trips.  So far we have been able to get these once a month excursions covered by the school budget.  Currently, our most pressing expense is official shirts for all club members.  Thanks to the Danish GSE Team, Ted Henderson (LV University) and Annette Whistler (Glendora) we will have shirts this year.

ROTARACT SEEKS 18-30 YEAR OLD MEMBERS
From John Najarian, Rotaract Chair, (Claremont)

A little known, but key aspect of Rotary's future is Rotaract.  Clubs for persons age 18-30, Rotaract groups must be sponsored by local Rotary Clubs.  Modeled after Rotary, they elect their own officers.  With our strong support they can make it.  You'll hear more about Rotaract over the course of this year, including how your Club can sponsor one in either a college/university or community setting.

RI records show just two active Rotaract clubs in District 5300:  CSU, Los Angeles, and Southern Nevada.  Four Clubs sponsor the CSU, Los Angeles club: Alhambra, East Los Angeles, Monterey Park and San Marino.  Amish Patel is the club's current president.  The Las Vegas Paradise Club sponsors the Southern Nevada club.  The president is Juanita McAfee.  For further information contact John Najarian @ 909.626.6199.

SAN GABRIEL CLUB SEEKS PARTNERS FOR BRAZIL PROJECTS
From Don Decker, International Service Chair, (San Gabriel)

The San Gabriel Rotary is looking for other clubs to participate in a Rotary International Service Project in Brazil.  There are two very worthwhile projects available: A Medical Clinic and an Irrigation Project.  Both the Clinic and Irrigation project have received the approval of FUNAI, the Federal Agency responsible for Indian Affairs.  At this point, the total cost of constructing the Medical Clinic is between $8,000 and $9,000 US.  The estimated cost of the Irrigation system could be as low as $5,000 US to $8,000, depending on how elaborate it is developed.

The Projects are for the Maxakalis Indians who are a semi-nomadic tribe numbering about 800, located in the northeastern part of the state of Minas Gerais, Brazil.  They have their own language which has been reduced to writing.  Government agencies are attempting to provide basic health and other benefits for members of the tribe. 

The San Gabriel Rotarians have selected the Medical Clinic to support, because it willl provide a location for professional Rotarians and others to volunteer their skill and time.  For example, at the present time, there are doctors, dentists, nurses and nutrition volunteers who would donate their time but do not have a facility available with suitable access to the tribe.  The nearest hospital is in Aguas Formosas, 15 kilometers awsay.

Don Decker, the clubs International Service Chair has put together a video that he would be happy to present to any Rotary club interested in participating in either of the projects.  Don can be contacted @ 626.281.4824.

LV NORTHWEST'S "SHADOW PROGRAM" A WINNER
From Rossi Loper, Vocational Service Chair, LV Northwest)

The Shadow Program matches Rotarians with professional  and business expertise with high school level students who think they might have an interest in the same career or occupation as the Rotarian.  The high school student spends a morning or a day "Shadowing" the Rotarian to get a sense of what a particular career realistically entails. Working closely with Guidance Counselors at Palo Verde High School, students from the Career Classes were selected to participate in the Program.

Students who were selected were invited to the club's breakfast meeting to meet the Rotarian that each would "Shadow."  Two students were assigned to each Rotarian.  Participating Rotarians represented the following careers: catering, TV production, surveying, engineering, interior decorating and demolition.  The Project provides a service to high school students who may not have an opportunity to have a brief exposure to the world of work.  

REGION D PRESIDENT'S COUNCIL MEETING
By Gary Chapin, Assistant District Governor (Las Vegas North)

 PDG Joe Buckley (Las Vegas) discussed the upcoming nomination for a representative to the RI Legislative Council.  Nominations should be submitted by January 15, 2000, for forwarding to the District level by January 30, 2000.  The nominee should have been a District Governor or holder of a higher Rotary office.  The Council will meet in the Spring of 2001.  Joe also told us of a meeting with Dr. Carol Harter, president of UNLV.  The meeting will take place on September 20th and will be for the purpose of advocating an honorary degree to be presented to the President of Rotary International.  Accompanying Joe will be District Governor Garbis and Assistant District Governor, Gary Chapin. 

Marshall Darnell (LV Southwest) presented a list of all the high schools in the Las Vegas area.  Schools were assigned to Rotary Clubs for Interact and RYLA  involvement.  John Kubiak (Boulder City) and Roy York (LV Fremont) discussed GSE.  Nominees have been submitted for the India trip.  The next selection process will be for the trip to the Lebanon.  Nominations should be made before November 6th.  The trip will be for educators (preferably from the elementary level).  The only cost for the nominating club will be to provide the team clothing ($500 or less).

Bob McBrien (Las Vegas) presented details of the Santa Clothes program that his club has participated in for the last few years.  Now available are the J. C. Penney stores at the Gallaria Mall and the Meadows Mall.  Clubs are encouraged to combine their resources to participate in this project.  Penney's will give a 25% discount plus the store will open early for Rotarians and the children they are sponsoring.  For further details contact Bob McBrien @ 702.243.6203.

The ushering project at the Las Vegas Motor Speedway has been taken over by the YMCA.  Rotarians wishing to volunteer to help the "Y" should contact Executive Director Joe Watz (LV Northwest) @ 702.240.9622.  Randy Pote (LV North) stated that Rotary is still the parking attendant organization for the Las Vegas Invitational Golf Tournament on October 13th.  Clubs should participate in order to share the revenue that is earned.

Membership development was discussed, and all clubs seem to be on track with their recruiting.  An appeal was made to send funds to district offices for Turkish earthquake relief.  Relief for victims of the Apple Valley fire was also discussed.   Awards were discussed: Significant Achievement Award, Four Avenues of Service Citations, and the new Service Above Self and Public Relations.

Upcoming Fund Raisers and projects:  Boulder City - Tree Planting - October 23rd; Southwest - Tailgate Party - September 18th; Pahrump - Dinner and auction at The Winery - October 2nd; Green Valley - 2nd Friday of each month - Rotary Round-Up.

SUMMER ROTARY EXCHANGE STUDENT HOSTING A SUCCESS
From Dick Miller District Short Term Exchange Chair, (Henderson)

With summer over, and our thoughts of our recent exchange student guests still fresh in our minds, I would like to extend a personal word of thanks to all Host Families and sponsoring Rotary clubs for their support of this exciting program.  A total of 17 students from 6 different countries were hosted.  Clubs which were actively involved included: Boulder City, Henderson, LV North, LV Paradise, LV University, Laughlin, Pahrump, and Rancho Cucamonga.  This was a real achievement in world understanding and peace.

IF YOU MISSED OUT ON THE SUMMER EXCHANGE!  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.

ROTARY PARTNERS SOCIALS
From Jerry and Marci Smith (Covina)

 ATTENTION ALL CLUB PRESIDENTS, PDGs,  AND PARTNERS!  The first Rotary Partners Socials are approaching fast!  Here are the dates!

This is a FUN place!  Great food and lots of it!  Dress casual and enjoy the company of fellow District 5300 Rotarians.  This is a social and a "no speeches" zone will be strictly enforced!  For info/registration call Jerry or Marci Smith @ 626.339.7300 (W) or 909.629.0273 (H).

For details on this event please contact Sharon or Frank Kautzmann (LV Northwest) @ 702.256.6549.

COVINA ROTARY FUN RUN V
From Jerry Smith (Covina)

The Covina Rotary Club is sponsoring the 5th Annual FUN RUN on Saturday, October 23, 1999 at the City Park, Covina.  Registration opens at 7 AM. The 1 Mile Kids Walk/Run will begin at 8 AM; the 5K Run/Walk will commence at 8:30 AM.  Entry fees are $20 for adults and $15 for kids 14 years old or younger.  All registrants will receive a custom T-Shirt; the kids will also receive a Pancake Breakfast and a Finishing Medallion.  The FUN RUN supports Covina Rotary Club's funding of Teacher Mini-Grants.

This year the FUN RUN is being held in conjunction with the Covina Family Fair.  There will be lots of booths offering food and crafts, so come join the FUN in Covina!  For details and Entry Forms contact Jim Stepheson @ 626.335.2707, Perry Hom @ 909.620.7697 or Ron Brown @ 562.430.3684.

WEST COVINA CLUB STAGES RED RIBBON RALLY
From Steve Fish, Vocational Service Chair,  (West Covina)

The Rotary Club of West Covina has set Saturday, October 23rd @ 7:30 AM, for their free pancake breakfast to recognize Red Ribbon Week, and the efforts the community to make West Covina drug free.  Over the last 5 years Rotarians have joined forces with City, Business and School entities to feed almost 3,000 individuals. Those attending will be treated to a complete pancake breakfast, entertainment from local youth performance groups, and law enforcement displays from local and neighboring agencies.

The half-day event truly exemplifies the spirit of Rotary and vocational service to the youth of the Community.  Rotarians will work side-by-side with Interact members, cooking and serving the public.

MILLENNIUM CELEBRATION CRUISE SAILS OCTOBER 29TH
From Caroline Reinhard, District Conference Chair,  (East Los Angeles)

Join Governor Garbis and Angela for a weekend "Millennium Celebration Cruise" aboard the beautiful Viking Serenade sailing from San Pedro on Friday, October 29 to November 1, 1999. Relax with fellow Rotarians as you are pampered and entertained.  Enjoy gourmet dining, fun in the casino, disco dancing, and starry nights at sea.  Spend Saturday in Ensenada, golfing, shopping or meeting with local Rotarians.  Don't forget about the special kids' program and Halloween costume event.  Rates start at $329 for inside and $398 for ocean view cabins.  Contact Caroline Reinhard @ 323.263.5165 to sign up.

"An Affair to Remember"
The New Year's Eve Millennium Gala
From Marci Smith (Covina), Patti Webber (Arcadia)

There is still time to reserve your spot on the dance floor at the beautiful Verdugo Hills Country Club, as District 5300 celebrates the New Year's Eve Millennium Gala.  As midnight approaches, sway in the arms of your honey to the smooth sounds of the Lloyd Hebert Orchestra.  Mr. Hebert hails from the Louisiana Bayou Country, and graduated from the University of Southwestern Louisiana with a degree in music.  His experiences are impressive:  he performed with the famous Levee Dixieland Band, the Dallas Jazz Orchestra, and toured with Harry James and his orchestra.  Currently Mr. Hebert performs at various festivals as well as clubs, and teaches contemporary jazz at U.S.C. Fight on!  The Cost is an incredible $99 per person.  Remember, because of space we are limited to 250 people, so get those reservations in now!

NEWS FLASH!!  For those of you worried about driving to Glendale, Patti Webber has secured bus transportation at an unbelievable rate of $10 per person!  There will be two separate pick-up/drop-off sites:  one in Arcadia and one in Covina.  For additional information and answers to your questions, please contact Marci Smith (Covina) @ 626.339.7300 or Patti Webber (Arcadia) @ 626.446.3023

ROTARY HOSTS INAUGURAL FLO-JO PREP TRACK INVITATIONAL
From Ron King, Event Host, Walnut Valley)

On April 8, 2000, District 5300 will host the Inaugural Flo-Jo Memorial Prep 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 is not only to honor one of America's greatest female track athletes, but also to honor all future Olympians and their quest and dreams for the Olyumpic Gold Medal.  Proceeds from this event will benefit the Rotary Foundation Scholarship Fund and the Flo-Jo Foundation.

This inaugural event, will feature the top 10 invitees from across America.  It is being coined, "The Best of the Best," which will exemplify Florence Griffth Joyners accomplishments.  For further information contact Ron King @ 714.288.1977.  Contributions should be made payable to RI, District 5300, P.O. Box 4134 Diamond Bar, Ca. 91765.  Contributions are tax deductible.

GOVERNOR'S MILLENNIUM CHALLENGE
DISTRICT GOALS

GOVERNOR'S CLUB VISITATION SCHEDULE - SEPTEMBER & OCTOBER

SEPTEMBER 

OCTOBER

DISTRICT CALENDAR - SEPTEMBER & OCTOBER

SEPTEMBER  1999 - NEW GENERATIONS MONTH

September Planning Tips:

Promote Interact and Rotaract sponsorship
Promote possible World Community Service Projects
Plan for RI Convention
Review club's membership goal and importance of meeting it
Remind Board of available SHARE Humanitarian Program Allocations                   

 OCTOBER 1999 - VOCATIONAL SERVICE MONTH

October  Planning Tips:

Plan a Club Assembly to discuss committee work and plans
Begin promotion of R.I. Convention

SUBSCRIPTION & SPONSORSHIP STATUS
(As of September 1, 1999)