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 

HAPPY NEW YEAR!  HAPPY NEW CENTURY!
TO ALL DISTRICT 5300 ROTARIANS AND THEIR FAMILIES

ROTARY SUPER BOWL SUNDAY EVENTS BEING PLANNED

 SUPER BOWL SUNDAY, JANUARY 30, 2000 2:15 P.M. (KICK OFF 3:00 P.M.)

CALIFORNIA: GEORGE HENSEL'S  MOUNTAINTOP ESTATE,  HACIENDA HEIGHTS
NEVADA: SPANISH OAKS CLUBHOUSE IN LAS VEGAS

WHO:  CLUB OUTINGS AND/OR ROTARIANS AND PARTNERS
WHAT:  GAME ON BIG SCREEN T.V.'S, FOOD, DRINKS, FUN, GAMES, PRIZES
WHY:    FUN, FELLOWSHIP, FUND RAISING FOR THE ROTARY FOUNDATION - CREDITED TO CLUB
HOW:    SIGNUP TO COME.  SIGNUP ON A GAMEBOARD AT YOUR CLUB

TO:   ALL DISTRICT 5300 ROTARIANS

FOR PRESERVING THOSE SPECIAL FAMILY AND COMMUNITY MEMORIES, AND SHARING YOUR ROTARY WORLD WITH THE ROTARIANS OF TOMORROW.

TO MAKE AN ENTRY TO THE ROTARY DISTRICT 5300 TIME CAPSULE, PLEASE FAX YOUR MESSAGE TO GOVERNOR GARBIS AT 818-548-9342.  ENTRIES WILL BE ACCEPTED UP TO DECEMBER 31, 1999.

THE TIME CAPSULE WILL BE PROUDLY SHOWCASED IN A SPECIAL DISPLAY CASE DEDICATED TO ROTARY AT THE LA VERNE COMMUNITY CENTER.

LEAVE YOUR LEGACY FOR FUTURE GENERATIONS

NEW YEAR'S GREETINGS

To our great Millennium Team--Club Presidents and their families; District and Club Officers, Past District Governors and to all District 5300 Rotarians and their families.

May God's Grace make each day of the New Year bright for you and yours.  May the joy of the season remain with you all year 'round.  Thanks for the great opportunity to serve you in the millennium year.

Garbis, Angela, Jimmy and Johnny Der Yeghian

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

BRIGHTEN THE MILLENNIUM . . . THE ROTARY WAY

At the threshold of the 21st century, it is instructive to take a retrospective glance at the 20th century - - a period of great technological innovation mixed with human misfortunes on a grand scale.

On the positive side, the past century witnessed an unprecedented upsurge of scientific knowledge, the landing of American astronauts on the moon, the spread of modern education and technical know-how, great strides against the carnage of epidemics and dreaded diseases and the proliferation of democracy among the newly-independent states of the world.

Humankind's quantum advances in the 20th century were overshadowed by an unprecedented number of wars, civil conflicts and genocidal acts.  The exact casualty figures will never be known, but the best estimate suggests that at least 155 million people died in this century's conflicts.  About 100 million people died in the two World Wars and probably three-quarters of all the deaths were among civilians.  Three of the most bloody civil wars took place in Europe: Russia (1918-22), Spain (1936-39) and Yugoslavia (1900's) in addition to the Greek civil war and the Soviet intervention in Hungary and Czechoslovakia.  Another zone of conflict was Asia, in particular the thirty-year war for an independent and united Vietnam, together with three Indo-Pakistan wars, the Korean War and the major revolts in Kashmir and East Timor.

Another zone of conflict was the Middle East.  There were six Arab-Israeli wars, along with almost continuous low-level conflict involving the Palestinians.  In addition, there were the Turkish invasion on Cyprus, the Lebanese civil war, the Gulf War of 1991 and the conflict between Iran and Iraq, which lasted eight years.  In Africa many of the problems were internal, but there were conflicts between Libya and Chad, and Tanzanian interventions in Uganda.  In addition, there was widespread inter-tribal fighting for decades in Angola and Mozambique, which after the mid-1970s involved outside powers, especially South Africa.  Apart from a few border disputes, the only major conflict in South America was between Britain and Argentina in 1982 over the Falklands/Malvinas.  In Central America there were many internal conflicts with numerous interventions by the United States including Guatemala (1954), Cuba (the 1960s), Nicaragua, El Salvador, Grenada and Panama (1980s) and Haiti (the 1990s).

Discrimination, segregation and persecution of minorities during the twentieth century are not new in human history.  Nor was the mass destruction of people in war, although the twentieth century brought this to new heights of barbarism, with saturation bombings and nuclear weapons.  The deliberate killing of whole groups of people because of their ethnic or religious origin emerged as a policy priority.  The first of the deliberate, ideologically motivated twentieth century genocides occurred during World War I in the Ottoman Empire, when 1.5 million Armenians were massacred in the period 1915-1920.  The emergence of newly independent nations and states across the world led to similar massacres.  The partition of India in 1947 resulted in an outburst of communal violence, a form of "ethnic cleansing", in which probably about 500,000 people died.  In Sudan a civil war between the Muslim north and largely Christian south began soon after independence in 1956 and has continued on a large scale until today.  Sudanese army operations in the south created millions of refugees and over a million people were deliberately killed.  The collapse of the Portuguese empire led to a declaration of independence by East Timor in November, 1975 and invasion by Indonesia resulting in the death of 200,000 people.

The creation in 1947 of a Pakistan divided into East and West, separated by hundreds of miles of Indian territory, was bound to produce a divided country.  What may have begun as a repression by the west of the population of the east, rapidly turned into genocide as ethnic violence mounted and the army turned on the local population.  By the time the massacres were stopped about 3 million people had been killed.

The worst legacy of the colonial period, leading to one of the largest modern genocides, came in the former Belgian colonies of Burundi and Rwanda, between the majority Hutu tribe and the minority Tutsi tribe, amounting to a death toll of over 1 million people.  As the Rwandan genocide was taking place, another massacre, on a much smaller scale, was under way in Yugoslavia.  The ethnic and religious conflicts in this artificial state reflected deep historical differences and the clash of rival nationalism between the Catholic Croats, the Orthodox Serbs and the Muslims of Bosnia dating back to the medieval period and the subsequent Turkish occupation.  During World War II about a million Serbs were killed by Nazi Germany and its Coratian, Bosniana and Albanian Allies.  After Yugoslavia's breakup in the early 1900s about 750,000 people fled as refugees and about 200,000 were killed.  In the twentieth century national conflicts and genocides in Yugoslavia probably killed about 1 million people.  In 1999 NATO attacked Yugoslavia in a bid to protect the Kosovo Albanians.

In 1950 China invaded Tibet justifying its invasion on the basis of dubious claims to ultimate sovereignty.  The Chinese Communists deliberately set out to destroy as much of Tibetan culture as possible turning Tibetans into a minority in their own country.  Over 1 million Tibetans perished.

The most massive of twentieth-century genocides was the German extermination of about 6 million Jews during the second World War.  This genocide was qualitatively different not just because of the scale on which the killings were carried out, but because of the construction of camps and facilities that had no purpose other than to kill people on a massive scale.

In addition to these terrible genocidal acts, the Soviet Union purposely starved to death as many as ten million Ukrainians between 1932 and 1933; fifty million Soviet citizens of different nationalities were exiled and thirty million of them were executed by Stalin between 1928 and 1937 and in 1949; in 1965 Indonesia murdered

up to 600,000 alleged communists; and the Khmer Rouge slaughtered between one and three million Cambodians during the years 1975 through 1979.

The former Soviet regime could claim that its actions in incarcerating millions of people in the Gulag were only directed against those it accused of breaking the law, even though the end result was death on a greater scale than the numbers of Jews killed in the Holocaust.  Others might argue that some of the actions of the Soviet government, particularly against some of the minority groups in the country such as the Chechens, the Volga Germans, Tartars and Meskhetians among others, were very close to committing genocide.

In addition to wars and genocidal acts, the four key revolutions of the twentieth century occurred in Mexico (1911-1920), Russia (1917-1921), China (1935-1949) and Iran (1979).

The hope for our future is that "our conscience will catch up with our reason."  Everywhere in the world people now live longer than their predecessors.  A majority has become literate, and most have benefited from recent technological progress.  Nevertheless, democracy is unavailable to the preponderance of the world's people, and the century's final year the chasm between rich and poor continues to expand.  Twenty percent of the world's population enjoyed 80 percent of its wealth.  The overwhelming majority of humanity lives in abject poverty with few material possessions, subject to the continual threat of hunger and starvation and war and civil conflicts.

The need for cooperation, understanding, and goodwill among nations has perhaps never been greater.  After all, some of mankind's greatest dangers are still untamed -  the nuclear threat, the population explosion, food shortages, venereal disease, drug abuse, limited energy resources, a despoiled environment, and violations of human rights to name a few.  But this is also an age of dynamic discovery and creativity.

Rotary International has participated in a number of global forums with governments and other organizations similarly concerned with peace.  Through the efforts of its official representatives and local membership, Rotary monitors major international meetings to learn and share the best practices for addressing the root causes of conflict such as hunger, homelessness, illiteracy and poverty.  Rotary International maintains a formal relationship with the United Nations which dates back to the founding of the UN in 1945.  Nearly 50 Rotarians attended the 1945 Charter Conference in San Francisco and, with other non-governmental organizations, influenced the text and focus of the Charter, particularly on economic, social and humanitarian issues.  Many objectives of the two organizations are parallel, and today Rotary enjoys consultative status with several UN agencies.  Throughout its history, Rotary has made important contributions to international peace and understanding.

Through International Service, every Rotarian has a unique opportunity to work to ensure a more livable world.  As individuals alone we are limited in what we can do.  But by joining together with more than 1,200,000 Rotarians in some 180 countries and geographical areas around the world, who represent a great pool of talent and experience in diverse fields, we become part of a dynamic force united to serve all mankind in the cause of world understanding, goodwill, and peace.  This is the ultimate goal of Rotary International, and we as Rotarians and peace-loving citizens are destined to make a difference in our communities and in the world.

At the dawn of a new century, I invite all Rotarians of District 5300 to redouble their efforts to become instruments of peace in their communities, in our blessed nation and in the world.

LET THERE BE PEACE ON EARTH, AND LET IT BEGIN WITH ME AND WITH YOU.
HAPPY NEW YEAR!  HAPPY NEW CENTURY!

MARGARET COOKER NOMINATED FOR 2001-2002 DISTRICT GOVERNOR   

The District Nominating Committee has selected J. Margaret Cooker to be District Governor of District 5300 of Rotary International for the year 2001-2002.  Rotarian Margaret is a member of the Rotary Club of Victorville, California, with the classification of "Health Care Management" and is owner of Health Ventures, Inc.

Margaret's Rotary history includes:  President of the Victorville Rotary club, 1996-97; Assistant Governor,

1998-99; Ambassador at Large, 1999-2000; GSE Team Leader to India (D3240) January, 2000.  She is also actively involved in RYLA and Interact at both the District and Club level.  Congratulations Margaret!

DISTRICT 5300 PROMOTES GLOBAL FRIENDSHIP
From Dr. Tim Siu, PDG, Permanent Fund Chair, (Alhambra)

Rotary International District 5300 delegation's recent friendship journey to China let by Governor Garbis and PDG Tim Siu is beginning to bear fruits.  The goals of this historic sojourn were four-fold: (1) to establish people to people contacts; (2) to promote peace and friendship with the Chinese people; (3) to foster greater understanding of Chinese culture; and (4) to develop educational, social and humanitarian opportunities.

At a recent reception held in Monterey Park, California in honor of Chen Huan You, Governor of the Jiangsu Province in China, Ambassador An Wen Bin of the Consulate General of China in Los Angeles informed  District Governor Garbis and PDG Tim Siu that the possibility of Rotary's return to China appears to be very promising and strong.  During his visit, the Chinese Governor signed $106 million worth of business agreements between several Chinese and Southland firms.  The reception was hosted by Lily Wong, managing director of the US-China Chamber of Commerce, who was the main force in making District 5300 delegation's Friendship visit to China a huge success.

During our visit to Shanghai, we were delighted to have the unique opportunity of meeting with a Rotary legend, Percy Chu, who served as President of the Rotary Club of Shanghai in 1934, and who recently celebrated his 101st birthday and the 50th anniversary of Rotary in China.  We tremendously enjoyed our meetings with Shanghai and Beijing Rotary Friends whose generous hospitality will be long remembered.

High-ranking officials of the Ministry of Health in China were very generous with their data on the Polio Plus Program, giving credit to Rotary International and the World Health Organization for their efforts to complete the eradication of Poliomyelitis in China.

I would like to acknowledge the following individuals for making this historic invitation and our delegation's historic visit a big success:  Past Rotary International Director and PDG Jim Speer, PDG Wayne Whistler,

PDG Joe McMullin, PDG Leland Mothershead, Governor Garbis, Past Alhambra Rotary Club President, Stanley Yonemoto, Steven Sham, Walter Tang, Lily Wong, Herbert Klein, Past Montebello Rotary Club President, Byron Lee, T.P. Yang and all 41 members of the 1999 Friendship Delegation to China.

HISTORICAL LOOK AT AMBASSADORIAL SCHOLAR PROGRAM
From Tim Siu,  PDG (Alhambra)

Rotarians around the world give generously to the Foundation to accomplish a wide range of educational, cultural and humanitarian programs.  These gifts ensure that dreams of a better life become reality for thousands of deserving people throughout the world.  Without the continuing commitments from Rotarians, there would be no Ambassadorial Scholars, no Group Study Exchanges, no matching grants, and no 3H grants.

In 1941, we saw the first fellowships for advanced study given.  Eighteen young men from the U. S., Belgium, England, France, Mexico and China were chosen to pursue their particular fields of study in another country.  Of the 18, one became a physician, several went into engineering and another became a successful author.

In 1951, Sadako Ogata studied in Washington D. C., as the first Rotary Scholar from Japan.  She went on to serve as High Commissioner at the United Nations.  In 1951, Paul Volcker from New Jersey studied in London and went on to be President of the U. S. Federal Reserve Bank.  Bill Moyers, 1956-57 Rotary Scholar was Lyndon Johnson's Press Secretary, the architect of the Peace Corps, and a Pulitzer and Emmy Prize winner.  There were many Rotary Scholars who became ambassadors: to Saudi Arabia, Netherlands, Iceland, France, Israel and Nambia.

This year we were indeed fortunate to have Rotary Scholar Dong Eui Change from Seoul, Korea with us.  Dong has come a long way, after leaving Korea for his first trip out of his native country.  Dr. Tim met him upon his arrival and took him to Pasadena's Caltech to get him housed.  Since then he has adjusted to the American way of life and is now driving himself around.

Dong is studying Controlled Engineering at Caltech.  He is a fine young man and in his honor a book has been given to the Alhambra Library in his name.  We wish him well in his stay in California.  (see picture on Collage page).

AN ELEMENT TO MEMBERSHIP STABILITY
One in a Series: From Past Director, R.I. (Covina)

A lot of the club membership development strategy deals with how to stimulate membership proposals.  Past R.I. President, Sir Clem Renouf from Australia, once indicated, "that it is of little value to turn on the tap of membership increase if we do not put the membership loss plug into use."  In other words, along with membership development are we doing those things which help to RETAIN our valuable members?

To stimulate good club stability, growth and retention requires a quality product.  Such things as good organized fellowship, stimulating programs and meaningful club projects indicate we have a worthwhile product to insure club stability.  These elements require a president and Board of Directors which is always searching for new ways to improve our image and enjoyment of membership.

We lose people from our clubs for many valid reasons.  But there are those situations which concern me.  This is when our product does not measure up to the demand for my time, energy and money to belong.

To assist in membership retention it is essential we have a program of post-induction activities which will help the new member to better understand and appreciate the organization.  This involved strategy requires informed past presidents who can provide club service in the following meaningful ways:

1. Four one hour luncheons, one per month on each Avenue of Service.

2. The above luncheons are repeated in the second half of the year.

3. Encourage new members to attend one club Board of Directors meeting to witness how the club's business is handled.

4. New members attend a Club Assembly where all activities are reviewed.

5. Encourage new members to attend all or part of the district conference where ideas are shared beyond the club level.

The above takes team work among qualified club leaders.  The result is a better informed member who suddenly becomes a dedicated Rotarian.

ROTARY FOUNDATION DINNERS SET FOR APRIL, 2000
From Ken Au, Events Coordinator (Covina)

For Rotarians, the month of November is designated as Foundation Month.  Governor Garbis encourages all District Rotarians to join together to celebrate what Rotarians have accomplished through the programs of The Foundation, and to give recognition to all who have contributed so generously to The Rotary Foundation's Annual Program Fund, Permanent Fund and PolioPlus Fund.

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. 

GROUP STUDY EXCHANGE TEAM TO LEBANON SELECTED
From Chris Montan, GSE Chair (Alhambra)

The District GSE Committee has selected four candidates and two alternates for the District's second GSE exchange for this Rotary year.  The other GSE Team will be leaving for India on January 15, 2000.

The Lebanon team is composed exclusively of educators.  The team will travel to Lebanon April 10 to May 10, 2000.  The Team leader is Dr. Michael Fels (East Los Angeles).  He is Director of International Student Services at Cal State University at Los Angeles.  Team members include the following:

1. Katherine Fundukian, 37, (sponsored by Walnut Valley Rotary). She is an assistant principal with the Walnut Valley Unified Schools.

2. Clare Frances Ryan, 27, (sponsored by the Temple City Rotary). She is an elementary school teacher.

3. Jennifer French, 30. (sponsored by the Green Valley, NV Rotary Club).  She is an elementary  school teacher, and college course instructor.

4. Stephanie Hom, 39, (sponsored by the Victorville Rotary Club).  She is a Clinical Nursing Instructor at Victor Valley Community College.

5. Alternate: Keith Gage, 33, (sponsored by the ELA Rotary Club).  He is an elementary school teacher.

6. Alternate: Monique Jenkins, 31, (sponsored by the Barstow Rotary Club).  She is an Alternative High School Teacher.

A special thank you to all the Rotary clubs who searched for qualified candidates for this very important and significant international program.  The District GSE Committee now turns our attention to hosting 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.

RI DIRECTOR SAMUEL GREENE, INTERACT SYMPOSIUM SPEAKER

The keynote speaker at the November 14th Interact Symposium was Samuel Green, Rotary International Director for 1999-2001.  A Rotarian since 1957, Sam is currently a member and past president of the Rotary Club of Westlake Village, California.  He is a past member of the Rotary Club of New York City and past director of the Rotary Club of Santa Monica, California.  During his many years as a Rotarian he has served virtually every responsible position at the club and district level, including district governor, representative to the 1998 Council on Legislation and chairman of the Rotary Rose Parade Float Committee.  Sam has received Rotary's highest recognition, the Service Above Self Award, and The Rotary Foundation's Citation for Meritorious Service.  Mr. Green is President and owner of S.L. Greene Associates, an international consulting firm.  He and his wife Caki have three children and three grandchildren.

Sam left the Interactors who attended the Symposium with the following ideas, "as you leave here today, I would like to give you a little mental gift to put in your memory bank.  It is a small drawstring pouch.  Inside are several priceless gems.  Priceless because they are reminders of valuable lessons.

1. The first gem you will find is a toothpick-- this is to help you pick out the good qualities of others.

2. The second gem is a rubber band--to keep you flexible--so that when life doesn't always go the way you want, you'll know you can work it out another way.

3. A pencil will let you list your daily blessings.

4. The eraser reminds you that everyone makes mistakes and it's OK.

5. Chewing gum helps you stick to it.

6. A candy kiss reminds you that everyone needs a kiss or a hug."

CHANGES SET FOR DAN STOVER MUSIC & FOUR-WAY SPEECH CONTESTS
From Dennis Ortwein, District Vocational Service Chair (LV Northwest)

The Dan Stover Music Contest and the Four-Way Speech Contest will operate much as usual through the regional level.  At that point, there is a major change.  The winner in each of the four regions will receive a $1,000 scholarship.  The second place winner and the runner ups will receive lesser amounts (as described in the district guidelines).

Among the reasons for this change are: a) equitable distribution of money throughout the regions; b) insurance that 12 students (rather than 4 last year) will receive assistance; and c) a guarantee that prize money will be allocated at or shortly after the District Conference.

First place winners of both contests must participate at the District Conference in order to receive their checks.  Each will play or speak, but not in a contest format.  It is hoped that this change will create more interest at the regional level, and that those planning events will consider ways to both get greater participation and generate more funds.

For the music contest, planners might consider using a "concert" format at the region level, advertising to get a large attendance and seeking sponsors from the business community (perhaps $250, the cost of one entrant).  Names of sponsors could appear in club bulletins, on the printed program, in newspaper articles, etc.  The pool of potential entrants is endless, but requires a diligent effort to contact them.  Besides public and private schools, other contacts can be made with private teachers, music stores and youth orchestras.

SMALL BUT MIGHTY - 17 MEMBER FIVE POINTS CLUB
From John Wolsdorf, Club Service Chair (Five Points)

Our club has spearheaded projects that have met the needs of children, seniors and families, from the City of El Monte to the world community. The following are a few examples of the types of projects that our members have accomplished:

1. We have raised $28,000 to purchase a fully loaded fire engine that we donated and delivered to        Zamora, Mexico.  We have also provided a teacher and musical supplies for school-aged children in the Philippines.

2. Another project was to replace an old pickup truck used as an ambulance serving an impoverished rural community in the Philippines.  We acquired and equipped an ambulance for their use.  Along with the ambulance, we delivered a cargo container with much needed medical supplies, from band-aids to cruches, wheelchairs, and gurneys.

3. We support the People to People food bank located in Rosemead, California.  They serve communities throughout the San Gabriel Valley.  We recently held an event and asked that each person bring dry goods as their admission fee.  Over 800 people participated.

4. With our Happy Feet program, an average of 14 children are provided a pair of shoes each month.  The shoes are not presented as an act of charity, but are a reward for something the child has accomplished either at school, for another student, or their community.  The thrust of the program is not only to provide shoes  for needy children, but to help build their self-esteem through their participation in projects and the pride of accomplishment. The program has also been expanded to include school uniforms for children in need.

5. In cooperation with the El Monte Police Department, we have purchased over 300 bicycle helmets for the local Head Start program.

6. We are currently trying to raise $18,000 to purchase and install a walk-in refrigerator/freezer as part of our senior/community center remodeling project.

7. Each year we send 4 students to the RYLA leadership weekend.

PASADENA CLUB ENJOYS BUSY FALL
From Kenneth Hill, Public Relations Committee Chair (Pasadena)

CLUB SERVICE: 

Membership is a major thrust of President Bob Monk this year.  The club's goal is to raise the membership to 300 by the end of the fiscal year.  Assuming no major disaster with Y2K, Chairman Bob Rosenberg is expecting to meet that goal.

Dr. Irene Sang and Judy Smith arranged for a tour of the Norton Simon Museum on November 5th.  One hundred and fifty members and guests attended special tours of the newly refurbished museum.  Following the tours, a reception was held at Rusnak Motors where Rotarians munched hors d'oeuvres and viewed the latest in fine automobiles.

COMMUNITY SERVICE

The Done-in a-Day project this fall was scheduled to be a cleanup project at Eaton Canyon Nature Center.  However, the nature center's squirrels acquired fleas contaminated with the plague. Pasadena Rotary members, at this time, do not clean up the plague!

President Bob Monk initiated a Bulldog Award this year to honor local students who have overcome obstacles in their lives and excelled in school.  Two students have been honored this year.  The first recipient is a student at La Salle High School who overcame the death of her mother, from breast cancer, to help her father raise her younger brother; yet, has been able to excell in school both academically and socially in campus groups and volunteer work.  The second recipient is a student at the Frostig Center in Pasadena who has worked to overcome autism and other emotional problems to become a responsible and productive young man on his way to college.  Both students were recognized at Rotary meetings with each receiving a plaque and a $100 check.

The club's Happy Feet project was begun last year with the purpose of raising money through member contributions to provide shoes for needy children in the Pasadena USD.  This year the members reached into their pockets and donated close to $5,500 at two meetings.  The money will purchase 700 pairs of shoes and socks this year.  The program is run in conjunction with Payless Shoe Stores who are providing the shoes at below cost to the club.

VOCATIONAL SERVICE

Pasadena Rotary member Phil Miles, an active member in the musical life of Pasadena, is running this year's Dan Stover competition.  Ten candidates have been identified for competition, more than can be accommodated at Pasadena's annual meeting for the Stover competition.  A preliminary screening is planned to select three to four candidates for the club's annual competition meeting. 

INTERNATIONAL SERVICE

Pasadena Rotary members hosted foreign students from several colleges in Pasadena for Thanksgiving dinner in their homes.  The colleges include Caltech, Pasadena City College, Fuller Seminary and Art Center College of Design.  This experience gives these students a very positive perspective of American Life.

Finally, the Pasadena Rotary Club is contributing $20,000 for the construction of a sewing center at an orphanage in Uruapan, Mexico.  The center will house commercial sewing machines on which the girls from the orphanage will learn a skill for future employment.  The Uruapan Rotary Club is managing the project.

Vic Cuadra of the Pasadena club just delivered the first $4,000 installment for the project.  Matching grants will help to complete the project.  (see photo on collage page).

"CHARACTER DOES COUNT"
From Rev. Butch Fahnestock, Character Counts Committe Chair (Victor Valley Sunrise)

We have one of the most exciting opportunities ever laid before us as Rotarians.  We are going to be able to join in a project for our schools that we hope, over the next few years, will be the beginning of a character revolution.  Dr. Michael Josephson has developed a nationwide program for our schools that involves the return of "character building" to our children.

Nationally, there are over 310 member organizations, 119 of which are schools or school districts.  Rotary District 5300 is coveting and encouraging your support as we embark on this exciting program in our 5 county district.

The program consists of educating our elementary school children in the "6 Pillars of Character":

Trustworthiness, Respect, Responsibility, Fairness, Caring, Citizenship

The "Character Counts" program is a complete package of information that can be implemented at a school.  The main component of this program is you and your willingness to work to help our youth reclaim "Character."

If you would like more information so that you, along with your Rotary Club, can implement this program in an elementary school in your area, please call me or one of my committee members.  Our wonderful District Governor Garbis and I want to thank you for caring. 

HENDERSON CLUB "WORKS WITH" THE LOCAL PRESS
From Ronald Hilford, Membership Chair (Henderson)

Working with the editor of the local Henderson Home News provides our club with a valuable avenue for Rotary public relations.  The newspaper distributes 15,000 copies to homes and newsstands on Tuesdays, and 20,000 on Thursdays, which includes an additional 5,000 newspapers for Boulder City.  Two examples of recent articles that appeared in the newspaper are included below:

1. "Rotary Club...The Henderson Rotary Club was chartered on May 5, 1952 and assembles every Tuesday at the Wave Runner Restaurant, 15 E. Lake Mead Dr, between Water Street and Boulder Highway for a noon luncheon.  Rotarians that have relocated to the area are invited to attend, and individuals that have interest in their dynamic agenda may contact Ronald Hilford @  702.436.9373."

2. Richard Lyons, Las Vegas operations manager of Southwest Addressing Service, acting with Nicholas Montalvo in the capacity of One Heart Ministry, made available 26,000 pounds of fresh frozen salmon, brought from Alaska....A large refrigerated truck trailer was used for transportation and bulk distribution to numerous predesignated organizations on Saturday...as well as in family-size quantities to indigent members of the public on Sunday....The Henderson Rotary Club, as part of its ongoing commitment to the community, aided in the organization, availability, and delivery of the salmon to many of the local organizations.

70TH ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION FOR INDUSTRY HILLS CLUB
From Ronald McPeak, President (Industry Hills)

A Celebration Lunch Meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, February 1, 2000 to recognize the club's 70 years of service to the local community.   Local City and Chamber of Commerce officials, as well as past Industry Hills club members will be extended invitations.  We feel that the Celebration will be an excellent opportunity to raise our visibility within the City of Industry.  Governor Garbis will be the guest speaker.

COVINA SUNRISE BEGINS 6TH YEAR OF OPERATION SANTA CLOTHES
From Jon/Pam Pomeroy, Operation Santa Clothes Chairs (Covina Sunrise)

It is hard to believe that in our communities there are children who have never possessed a new pair of shoes in their entire lives!  Each year many volunteers who accompany the children to Kmart are brought to tears when they see so many children beaming with pride and sporting smiles because they have for once put on new clothes that fit and are bought just for them.  Unbelieveable to most of us, yet true nevertheless.

Operation Santa Clothes began with members of the Covina Sunrise Rotary Club taking 73 needy children from one school in Covina to Kmart to buy new clothes.  The next year 282 children from nine different schools were part of the program.  In 1997, the program proved to be so successful that it was expanded to include almost 2,000 children from 35 elementary schools in the communities of Covina, West Covina, Charter Oak, Glendora, Azusa and Irwindale.  Due tp the generosity of Kmart, each fifty dollars raised provides: one pair ot tennis shoes, three pair of socks, three pair of underwear, and two complete clothing outfits, including pants, shirts, skirts or dresses. 

November 15th marked "opening day" of shopping with the children through the Operation Santa Clothes program.  Our goal in 1999 is to again clothe 2,000 children.  If you have any questions regarding this program or would like to make a donation, please call 626.966.7521, and ask to speak to Jon or Pam Pomeroy.

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 conducted eye exams on 154 first graders at La Merced Elementary School.  This was the first project at the school which club members have adopted for the next three years.  Principal Rosa Solis said she was "honored and grateful" for the screening and for selecting her school as part of the club's ADOPT- A - SCHOOL program.  Letters will be sent to the parents of those students requiring a follow-up visit with an eye care specialist.  Teachers were also informed as to which children did not pass the screening.

Altadena Rotarians delivered four and one-half tons of food and supplies to the Hagar Los Ninos orphanage in Tijuana which houses 75 orphans from ages one to 18.  When the Rotarians arrived, the pantry was nearly empty.  Upon their departure, it was literally stacked to the ceiling with dried milk, cheese, beans, rice, flour, and canned goods.  In addition to the supplies, the club delivered a toy to each child.

The Boulder City club sponsored a tree at the 3rd annual Christmas tree auction to benefit the Boulder Dam Hotel.  The tree, will be decorated in the Rotary colors of blue and gold with the theme "Let there be peace on earth." The club also included gifts worth over $1,000.

Members of the Las Vegas University Rotary served dinner to residents of the Shade Tree Center for abused women and children.  In addition, the Rotarians entertained the crowd with a hand puppet rendition of The Owl and the Woodpecker.

The Duarte club will place signs bearing the Rotary emblem near all 18 schools in the Duarte School System reminding residents to drive carefully.  The signs will read "Drive Safely.  Protect our Children."

Alhambra Rotarians participated in this year's Alzheimer's Association three mile Memory Walk and raised $1,830 for the cause.

The Covina club raised $11,500 at its annual Fun Run.  This year, there were 100 more participants than last and the club sold twice as many pancakes ($500 worth).  Proceeds will benefit the club's mini-grant program.

The Duarte High School Interact Club along with Interact clubs from San Gabriel, Gabrielino, and Upland high schools joined in this year's City of Hope "Walk for Hope."  The combined clubs raised over $1,000 for breast cancer research.

At a recent Kudos for Kids Foundation Annual Awards dinner, the Five Points Rotary Club, under the leadership of President Art Barrios, was honored for the club's many projects.  Particular attention was given to the "Happy Feet " program which provides for the emergency needs of children in the Mountain View School District.

Monterey Park Rotarians hosted their First Annual Vocal competition and Bring-A-Guest-To-Lunch Program.  Youth Chair Jim Roberts came up with the idea of the Vocal Competition using the rules of the Dan Stover Musical Competition. The three contestants are all students at the Los Angeles High School for the Arts. 

HOW YOU CAN MAKE A  GIFT TO THE ROTARY FOUNDATION WITHOUT SIGNIFICANTLY REDUCING YOUR ESTATE
From Frank Hall (Sierra Madre)

Many Rotarians have IRA accounts that they have built up over the years.  If you are like me, you hate to pay taxes, so you avoid drawing funds out of your IRA even if you are old enough to do so without penalty, because you will have to pay Income Tax on the money you withdraw.  IF THIS IS DESCRIPTIVE OF YOUR CASE, TOO, THEN YOUR IRA CAN BE A "TICKING TAX TIME BOMB."

If you die before you withdraw your IRA it could be subject to both Income and Estate Tax at your death.  That $100,000 you thought you were leaving your heirs, can end up being $20,000 or less after Tax, so that Uncle Sam is your major beneficiary. 

Here's an alternative:  You've probably thought about leaving a bequest to The Rotary Foundation in your will, because of the great meaning Rotary has for you.  I know I have.  Instead, consider naming The Rotary Foundation as the Beneficiary of your IRA account.  In this way you'll deprive the IRS of a windfall and help carry out the objectives of The Rotary Foundation into the next millennium.

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

There is only one way to celebrate this momentous Rotary year - at an equally momentous District Conference.  Make plans now to attend the Millennium District Conference to be held at the Hyatt Regency Long Beach, May 18-21, 2000.  This year's theme is "Back To The Future" and we will look back at our district over not only this year, but also the past fifty, with a series of celebrations.

While the tradition of great fellowship, fun, and Rotary spirit will prevail, as always, there's lots of new things going on.  Many of them are the direct result of suggestions of your fellow Rotarians, who expressed interest in more interactive plenary sessions and completing a project.  You won't want to miss:

Friday: The afternoon's Grand Reunions when past District Governors and their fellow presidents can reunite and reminisce.  The Green Dots (Rotarians without Partners) will also return, to encourage friendship among all involved.  That evening, you will have a chance to show off your talents at the Talent Show and Beach Party.

Saturday: We will have a new plenary session on "Dreams for the Future," where you will have the chance to hear and talk about the future of our District.  The afternoon will feature two new programs: a hands-on project and the Family Fun Games.  And of course, the highlight of any District Conference is the Governor's Ball on Saturday evening.  Dress to the nines, practice your dance steps, and be ready for a magnificent evening.  Keynote speaker will be The Honorable George Deukmejian former Governor of California.

Sunday: This morning, we culminate with the Outstanding Rotarians of the Year, and a special performance by the Long Beach Children's Choir.

Throughout the conference, we will feature our Four-Way Speech and Dan Stover Contest Winners, and the achievements of all the Clubs.  You'll have a chance to meet our four GSE teams (incoming and outgoing), and settle a friendly club rivalry at the golf and tennis tournaments.  There will be something for everyone.  A District Conference is not only a celebration, but also a chance to reconnect with old friends, to make new ones, and to help new members see the magnitude of what they have joined.  Won't you plan to be there?

5 Tips to Get Your Club Members there:  Governor Garbis has set a goal of 2000 attendees at the Millennium Conference.  Support him and boost the enthusiasm of your club members by...

1. Pre-registering the entire club at only $7 per member for registrations sent in by the President's Advance.

2. Scheduling the regular club meeting for the week of May 15 to be at the District Conference.  Why not do a "club make-up" at the Friday or Saturday lunch.

3. Encouraging new Rotarians to bring their families for Saturday for the hands-on project and the Family Fun Days.

4. Organizing a group of your most talented Rotarians to have an entry in Friday's Talent Show.

5. Honoring your club's Outstanding Rotarian of the Year by attending the Sunday brunch to support him or her.

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

MILLENNIUM DISTRICT CONFERENCE PRE-REGISTRATION UPDATE
NUMBER OF REGISTRANTS (ROTARIANS AND PARTNERS) AS OF 12.1.99  - 1314
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: Telephone, 562.429.8696; Fax, 562.425.6245; e-mail, foxlairxx@aol.com .

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.

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

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.

SAN GABRIEL CLUB SEEKS PARTNERS FOR BRAZIL PROJECTS -  Contact Don Decker, International Service Chair (San Gabriel).  Don can be contacted @ 626.281.4824.

 UP-COMING ACTIVITIES & EVENTS

DIST GOVERNOR HOMESTAY PROGRAM SEEKS HOSTS - From PDG Conrad von Bibra (South Pasadena).

Next February, 528 District Governor Elects, from all over the world will attend the International Assembly at the Anaheim Hilton for seven days of intensive training to prepare them for office as District Governors for the 2000-2001 Rotary Year.  Last year, Southern California and Southern Nevada Rotarians provided a few days of Homestay before or after the Assembly for 67 of the 1999-2000 District Governors.  This year it is expected that over 100 will apply for the Homestay Program offered before the Assembly from January 30 to February 3, or after the Assembly, from February 11 to 15.

Homestay involves hosting one of these Rotarians, usually with their spouse, for a few days in your home.  Besides lodging, meals and overall hospitality, the host provides for visits to their areas cultural and scenic interests, vocational visits, Rotary club meetings, and a liberal dose of American family life.  In many areas of our district, several Rotarians get together to share transportation and visit arrangements for the daily activities. Hosts are currently being sought who are interested in this aspect of Rotary's objects of advancing world understanding and fellowship.  Deadline for applications is December 1, 1999.  A brochure and application will describe the program in more detail.  Interested Rotarians should contact PDG Conrad von Bibra.  Telephone, 626.441.2279; Fax, 626.441.4048; e-mail,  bibra@compuserve.com .

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 .

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.

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 cook off 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 -   DECEMBER & JANUARY

DECEMBER 1999 - LAST MONTH OF 20TH CENTURY

December Planning Tips:

Remind Board that the halfway mark in the year is approaching and that a club assembly should be held to review the club's progress.

Alert club to plan for World Understanding Month in February and the RI Anniversary on 23 February which  is designated World Understanding and Peace Day.

Plan for Family Week, the second week in February.

JANUARY 2000 - ROTARY AWARENESS MONTH

January Planning Tips:

Encourage incoming Presidents and Board members to attend the District Assembly.

Intensive promotion of the Presidents-elect Training Seminar (PETS), the District Assembly, District Conference and the RI Convention.

Review club's membership goal and importance of meeting it.

Remind Board of available SHARE Humanitarian Program Allocations.

SUBSCRIPTION & SPONSORSHIP STATUS

(As of December 1, 1999)

$10 SUBSCRIPTIONS

5 YEAR MEMBERSHIP HISTORY JULY 1,1995 TO JULY 1, 1999

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