The
Highlighter
April 2010
Vol 83 No 10
Table of Contents
Governor's Message
Tom Novotny
Rotary
International has designated the month of April as Magazine Month.
Thinking of The Rotarian magazine makes me reflect back on a recent experience. I received a call from a Rotarian friend asking me about an article in The Rotarian. When I took the call I was engrossed in Haiti Relief and had trouble comprehending what he was talking about. He then assumed I had not read the article, and he lightheartedly ridiculed me for not reading the magazine.
At first I was offended that he would make such an accusation, but after I thought about it, he was absolutely right. Rotarians, including the District Governor, who have not read the monthly magazine should be ashamed of themselves. The Rotarian is, and should be, the primary source for all Rotarians on what Rotarians and RI are doing in our communities and around the world.
Many clubs, including clubs in our District, use The Rotarian as a recruitment tool and a way to build awareness about Rotary. I know of clubs in our District that pre-print labels with their club’s contact information and meeting time and affix the label over the Rotarian’s personal address. They then deliver these magazines to local businesses and doctors’ offices for customers and patients to read while they are waiting. What a great recruiting tool! And at only the cost of a label and the time to deliver the magazines around town!
In my travels and visits around the District, I am always amused when
the Sergeant at Arms is using the latest issue of The Rotarian as the
source for fines. It is almost a no win proposition as you need to have
total recall or the same interests as the Sergeant. It is a way,
however, of getting members to read their magazines. Who knows?
Someday they might be fining members about articles touting the great
works of Rotarians and clubs in our District. Selfishly speaking, I wish
that every month there would be an article in the publication about a
club in our District. While I wish it simply out of pride for all that
the District 5300 clubs do, I know that it is unrealistic to expect an
article every month given the number of Rotary clubs around the world.
Several years ago I was surprised to read an article in The Rotarian
about two friends of mine from
The Rotarian is such an excellent source of information on what
Rotary Clubs are doing in their communities. Take the time to read the
magazine in depth this month. Who knows? You may read an article
about someone you know or about a Rotary club you have visited or even
about your own Rotary club. I guarantee that if you read The Rotarian
you will come away with renewed pride in your Rotary club and in Rotary
International.
Mouse over and click for more information
April 10
District Assembly
and Varsity Dinner
April 24
D5300-Leadership Academy
"The Art of Public Presentations"
The Grumpy Golfer
Victorville.
A
Noon to 4:30 PM
May 8-15
The 6th Rotarian Week of Ibla Baroque
May 15
Pasadena's "Gala Like No Other"
5:30 to 9:30 p.m
South Field of the Rose Bowl
For information or reservations, please call (626) 432-5631
June 21
Far West Reception
from 5-7 PM at the Montreal Science Center Perspective
235° Hall in Old Monterey.
RI's Public Service Campaign Update
“This Close” Public Service Announcements (PSAs)
In order to encourage further public support for its effort to eradicate polio, Rotary International is welcoming a select group of A-list celebrities and other major public figures into a new public awareness campaign called "This Close.” The campaign is a unique way to promote Rotary’s End Polio Now campaign and its $200 Million Challenge (to match a $355 million polio eradication grant from the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation).
These public service announcements emphasize that Rotary is 99 percent toward its goal to eradicate this crippling childhood disease. The PSAs encourage the public to support the effort to finish off the final one percent. The campaign’s tagline is: "We’re this close to ending polio."
The centerpiece of the campaign is a print advertisement built around the tagline and a portrait photograph of each participant doing the signature “This Close” gesture with their thumb and forefinger, with display type providing the context.
Rotary’s goal is to recruit an all-star lineup of high-profile public figures of impeccable character from the major sectors of society, including entertainment, sports, philanthropy, science, and world leadership. The top tier of participants thus far includes such notables as Nobel Peace Prize Laureate Desmond Tutu, violinist Itzhak Perlman, golfer Jack Nicklaus, and environmentalist Dr. Jane Goodall.
Another grouping consists of notable figures who are well known nationally or regionally, especially in polio-threatened countries, such as African singers Zeynab Abib (Benin) and Dan Maraya Jos (Nigeria).
The benefit to the participants is that it links them to Rotary - a well-established international humanitarian service organization poised to make history (with its partners, World Heath Organization (WHO), UNICEF, and Center for Disease Control (CDC) by eradicating only the second disease ever stopped by human intervention -- and also to each other by way of their shared commitment to this extremely important global health effort.
These individuals have reached and have remained at the pinnacles of their respective professions and arts, and their solid reputations can only be burnished by their support of Rotary’s global effort to End Polio Now.
Challenge Thermometer Now Available on the RI Website
There is now a thermometer available on the Rotary International website which will be updated monthly after the books have closed.
The Final Inch (excerpt taken from The Final Inch website)
The Final Inch is a 38-minute film that chronicles the challenges health organizations and government face during the final stages of polio eradication. “Irene Taylor Brodsky’s documentary short film, “The Final Inch” follows Polio workers across India as they vaccinate children in an effort to eradicate the virus. Community health workers travel from disenfranchised Muslim communities to rural Ganges River villages to the bustling city of Mumbai, in an effort to dispel misunderstandings and resistance - and thus lower the refusal rate.
The Global polio Eradication Initiative is a priority in the world health community. The poliovirus, or poliomyelitis, can cripple or even kill its victims, most commonly children. The virus was eradicated from the United States over 50 years ago when Jonas Salk developed a vaccine. The film is a provocative look at the effort to immunize every single child in some of the world’s poorest and hardest to reach areas. The Final Inch has been selected for the Academy Award short-list for best documentary short.”
How to Participate:
As part of our efforts to incorporate the support of celebrities and notable individuals into Rotary’s ongoing work to end polio, Rotary International has developed a new public service campaign called “This Close.”
These public service announcements (PSA) include notable figures around the world, who emphasize that we are 99% of the way to polio eradication, and encourage the public to support the effort to finish the final 1%.
The campaign is a unique way to promote the End Polio Now campaign/ Rotary’s US$200 Million Challenge.
So far, Archbishop Desmond Tutu, Dr. Jane Goodall, violin virtuoso Itzhak Perlman, and golf great Jack Nicklaus have signed onto the campaign.
We would like to work with you to identify notable figures—particularly those with a connection to polio or Rotary-- who might be willing to participate in this campaign by having their photograph taken while making the same “this close” hand gesture and lending their name/image to the PSAs.
1. Work with RI public relations to identify the best candidate for the PSA.
2. Have a professional photographer take a photograph (from the chest-up), with the person holding their thumb and index finger in a “this close” gesture. Also take a few shots of the person holding both index fingers in the same manner.
a. As you know, the words, “We’re ‘this close’ to ending polio” will be inserted, so attempt to make the fingers as horizontal as possible.
b. Have the notable pose with their fingers separated various distances so that editors can pick the image that will make the best fit for the words.
c. Include several photos of just the person’s arm and hand making the “this close” gesture for use in editing.
3. If video capabilities exist, also record 3 or 4 takes of the person reading the following script:
We’re “this close” to ending polio.
After immunizing more than two billion children, Rotary and its partners are “this close” to wiping this crippling disease from the face of the earth.
But we need your help.
Soon, no child will have to suffer the devastating effects of polio.
Together, we can help to End Polio Now.
4. Upon obtaining a proof of the photograph, please share it with the celebrity/notable figure, and get their approval, by signing the attached release form which allows Rotary to use the print (and/or) video public service announcement.
5. A template (EPS format) will be available
from RI for insertion of the photo to create the final product.
Attention Sergeants-at-Arms!
How many dollars can you raise
The
Rotarian
Rotary International’s monthly magazine, The Rotarian, was first published in January 1911. It began as a 12-page tabloid, considered the best way to distribute an essay written by Rotary founder Paul Harris. The first edition included club news and advertisements along with the essay. About 2,000 copies were produced. [Editor’s Note: The Highlighter is emailed to over 2000 Rotarians in D5300 each month]
Today The Rotarian is a 64-page full-color magazine, with a monthly circulation of about 500,000. The main objective of The Rotarian is to report Rotary news and subjects directed to the interests, loyalty, and involvement of its member audience. The magazine also carries a variety of articles which cover business, travel, health, education, environment, management and ethics, sports, and adventure.
The typical Rotarian reader is a 58-year-old college graduate who is married and works full-time. Most readers (64%) live in households with incomes above $100,000. Average household income is $158,000. The affluence of these readers is evident – their average net worth is $1,036,000.
TIP: One way to encourage readership and build awareness of the good works of Rotarians around the world is to have a weekly club quiz, with questions picked from the pages of the current month’s edition. In our San Diego Rotary club, we gave out tickets each week. The person whose ticket was drawn had to answer a question coming from information in The Rotarian. If they could answer correctly, their name was entered for a monthly drawing. The prize was small – a bottle of wine, a box of candy – but the payoff in terms of “Rotarizing” the members of a small and fairly young club was huge.
According to Rotary International, nearly nine out of ten readers (89%) have read at least one of the four most recent issues. Almost half (49%) have read all four. Most readers (67%) consider receiving The Rotarian an important part of their membership in Rotary International.
The Rotarian is also available online—this might be a good way to introduce potential members to Rotary too.
Do you think if you read The Rotarian every month you’d become richer? You betcha!
Happy Feet in
On
Thursday, February 25th, the Happy Feet committee presented $20 Payless
gift cards to the selected kids of
The
Payless gift cards work well for a few reasons. Because Rotary is a
non-profit, the kids don’t get charged tax on their purchase.
Additionally, our club is only charged for the amount used on the $20
card. For example, if a child’s bill comes to $18, our club is only
billed
the
$18, not the whole $20 card value. In actuality, the club is billed
$16.20 because Payless gives us a 10% break on the purchase.
Thank you to Sally Jameson and Desiree Alvarado, fellow Happy Feet committee members.
Youth are S.H.O.C.K.’ed by Apple Valley Rotarians
The
Rotary Club of Apple Valley has partnered with the Apple Valley Police
Department and Apple Valley Police Activities League to sponsor the
latest session of S.H.O.C.K. This boot-camp style academy
emphasizes Self Discipline, Honor, Obedience, Character, and Knowledge.
Kids having a hard time at school and home receive 90 hours of
instruction, discipline, physical fitness, career guidance and training
in a multitude of valuable topics.
The S.H.O.C.K. program helps youth understand the consequences of
their actions by providing positive role models from law enforcement,
the military,
The Apple Valley Rotary Club is proud to fund the current session of S.H.O.C.K. with an award of $5,000. As many as 30 kids will graduate in April, with Rotarians there to cheer them on.
DEBUT Runway Show & LA Fashion Gala
Fashion Institute of Design & Merchandising (FIDM) proudly presented
the DEBUT 2010 Runway Show March 11-13, 2010. The only show like it on
the West Coast, DEBUT annually attracts more than 10,000 people over 3
days and features designs by graduating students in FIDM’s Fashion
Design and Theatre Costume Design Advanced Study Programs as well as
work from the Interior Design, Digital Media, and Textile Design
Students.
It
was a proud moment for Altadena Rotary as our very own Zambian fashion
design student Kapasa Musonda, who earned one of the only 10 coveted
Fashion Design Advanced Study scholarships, absolutely thrilled the
audience with her sensational styles. Though she only started on the
dozen outfits last July, Kapasa’s Rolling Dunes of the Sahara collection
had been years in the making.
After a successful World Bank/Rotary pilot project in Uganda, Ray
Carlson (Altadena) and Tony Bloome (Washington DC) in 2005 submitted a
grant proposal to the US Department of State to teach youth in Zambia
about Information & Communication Technology, HIV AIDS awareness, and
Entrepreneurship skills with a Citizens Exchange component. Awarded to
Altadena Rotary Charities, this $130,000 grant would change the lives of
many across the globe. Americans, some of them Rotarians, traveled to
Zambia to assist in implementing the program. In turn, Zambian youth,
the chosen winners from a business plan competition, came to the USA to
become acquainted with American culture and way of doing business.
204 youth in all went through the Youth IT Project, coordinated by
the Rotary Club of Lusaka — the capital of Zambia. Among them was an
eager yet soft-spoken 17-year old high school student Kapasa Musonda
whose business plan was “self designed and tailored clothing with a
mixed culture vibe, Le’ Kay Fashion Design fuses fashion from different
parts of Africa with an influence from the Western Style.” Hers was one
of the top three business plans submitted, and I made it a point to meet
her personally during my visit to Zambia in February 2007.
Click here for complete article & photos pp 2-5
Las Vegas West’s Cox Family Sports Four Generations of Paul Harris Fellows
Photograph by Bernard Hunt
Four generations of the family or Las Vegas West Rotarian Ken Cox are
all now Paul Harris Fellows. From left, son Kenneth Cox, Jr., with his
son Quinn, 6 months; daughter-in-law Tiffiany (CQ) Cox holding daughter
Kennedy, 4; Ken and wife Virginia (Gina) with the picture of Ken's
parents, Orlo and Joann; daughter-in-law Alysia Cox; and her husband,
Ken's youngest son Randall. DG Tom Novotny presented the PHF regalia to
the latest fellow, little Quinn, at a special club meeting on Feb. 23,
the 105th birthday of Rotary.
Quick, count the number of Paul Harris Fellows in the picture. Wrong! There are 10. And yep, that was a trick question.
This handsome group represents four generations of the family of Ken Cox, long-time member of the Rotary Club of Las Vegas West, and 2009-2010 District 5300 membership chair.
Each, thanks to Ken’s generosity and love for Rotary and its ideals, is now a PHF. And that includes Orlo and Joann Cox, Ken’s late parents, shown in the picture he is holding.
Through his years of Rotary membership, Ken has added members of his family to the rolls of Paul Harris Fellows.
At the Feb. 23 meeting of Las Vegas West, it was the turn of the youngest member of the clan, six-month-old Quinn Cox, infant son of Ken’s son Ken, Jr. and his wife Tiffiany.
Quinn’s coming on board brought Ken to the honored status of a Rotary Major Donor.
The club had planned for months for a special meeting to mark that milestone and honor Ken and his family.
DG Tom Novotny, himself a member of the Las Vegas West club, was on hand to award the PHF medallion and ribbon to baby Quinn. His parents took charge of the regalia. No point in giving it to the boy at this point. He’d only try to eat it.
Also honored at the meeting was Linda Link, wife of Rotarian Mike
Link. DG Tom awarded Linda a PHF+1 pin.
The date was auspicious for the Links: It was not only the 105th birthday of Rotary itself, but Mike’s birthday, too. He refuses to reveal how old he is, but with typical generosity of spirit, coughed up four score and 10 dollars for the Foundation.
He challenged others to do the same. The timeless Ted Gurr, who confessed a birthday a few days before, rose to the challenge and also donated $90 to the Foundation.
2010 GSE to
On
April 17, 2010 the GSE team of Joseph Lawrence, Jacqueline Maples,
Clarissa Cassandra, and team leader, Adrienne Cox will depart for
District 4390 in
For more information about the team members, click here to go to the GSE webpage.
The team will post a daily blog on blogspot so you can track their adventures for the month they are gone.
2011 GSE Selection Process & Calendar
Between April 12 - May 12, 2011 the outgoing 2011 GSE Team is
scheduled to go to
Each of the regional GSE Committee members needs to promote and advertise this opportunity to the clubs in their areas. It is, as we all know, a fabulous opportunity, and we want many qualified candidates for both Team Leader and Team Member.
DGE Roger and I have confirmed the following:
Submittal of Team Leader application: 5pm, Wednesday June 30, 2010
Team Leader interviews: Sunday, July 18, 2010, times and location to be determined - accommodation will be made around applicant’s worship schedule as may be necessary.
Submittal of Team Member application: 5pm, Tuesday, August 31, 2010
Team Member interviews: Saturday September 25, 2010 - times and locations to be determined
Team Member Orientation: Saturday October 9, 2010 - times and location to be determined. This is a new process that DGE Roger suggests:
The top 6 or 7 team member candidates will be invited to a half day orientation that will include team building activities. As such, we’ll be able to better access applicants’ strengths and ability to work together. The final selection of team members will be made in consideration of both the interview and the orientation.
I’d be interested in hearing of your availability and interest in contributing to the selection processes for both Leader and Member. Let me know what you’re interested in!
Mail applications to me at.
Students from Montebello and Schurr High Schools spent three days courtesy
of the Montebello Rotary Club at AstroCamp in Idyllwild California
where they participated in team activities designed to
promote leadership skills, communication and problem
solving, cooperation, respect, tolerance and personal
growth.
The 16 students joined several hundred of their peers at
this year’s Rotary District 5300 RYLA (Rotary Youth
Leadership Awards) leadership camp designed to provide
education and training for young people with outstanding
leadership potential. The program, founded in 1971,
aims to demonstrate Rotary’s respect and concern for youth,
provide an effective training experience for selected youth
and potential leaders, encourage leadership of youth by
youth and recognize young people who are rendering service
to their communities.
The goals of the program are to develop leadership skills of youth with emphasis on how to motivate others, ethics of positive leadership, teamwork and group dynamics, how to deal with peer pressure and developing self confidence and self esteem.
The students were selected through interviews conducted by a committee comprised of Montebello Rotarians and spearheaded by club program advisor Christopher Robles.
The students were guests of the club upon their return and described their experiences to the members.
“When we arrived at camp, I was a bit uneasy about being separated from my friends,” said one participant. “But before the weekend was over, I made so many new friends.”
“I really learned a lot on how I can become a better leader,” said another. “Ideas I’ll take back to school and share with other students.”
“The games were really cool,” said yet another participant of team building activities including the trust fall and egg drop.
“Rotarians believe in the potential of youth and the importance of investing in youth leadership,” said Robles. “RYLA gives participants an opportunity to develop leadership skills, increase self confidence, gain exposure to a variety of issues and people, meet community leaders and mentors and make new friends.”
“RYLA introduces a large number of young people and their families to the ideas of Rotary each year,” said a district spokesperson. “It helps bridge the communication gap between the generations and helps improve relationships among youth groups, families and the community.”
RYLA participations are also exposed to values that Rotarians deem essential for those who hold leadership roles such as ethical behavior, integrity and a commitment to community service.
The students thanked club members for providing them with this unique leadership training experience stating that without Rotary’s support they would not have had an opportunity to participate. The students also received certificates of recognition for their participation on behalf of local and state officials.
Rotaract Club of Las Vegas Update
The
Rotaract Club of
In
addition, the annual World Rotaract Week was celebrated by
the Rotaract Club of
Continuing the celebration of World Rotaract Week, the
Las Vegas Rotaract hosted a joint Rotary and Rotaract
meeting at the Las Vegas PBS. General Manager of Vegas PBS
and President-Elect of the Las Vegas Rotary Club, Tom
Axtell, took the Rotarians and Rotaractors on a behind the
scenes tour of the new eco-friendly building. Everyone was
amazed at the technologies that were going to be used in the
state of the art building as well as the recycled materials
that were used in constructing the facility. Upon conclusion
of the tour, the club voted on the 2010-2011 executive board
and chair positions. Congratulations again to those that
were selected. You will do an incredible job!
To complete World Rotaract Week, the club hosted a blood
drive on March 16th on the UNLV Campus. This is the 3rd
blood drive that the club has hosted. All three have been
successful with the number of people who show up to donate.
The club is getting ready for a very full month of April
with meetings, community service projects, and an end of the
semester party.
World Affairs Seminar
The 2010 World Affairs Seminar, an initiative of Rotary District
6270, will be held at
As you may already know, the World Affairs Seminar, (www.worldaffairsseminar.org) is a unique 6-day global education
program that brings together hundreds of high school students from
around the world. The theme for 2010 is “The Global Fresh Water
Challenge.” Fresh water scarcity is one of the greatest threats to
global security and human health. Students benefit from
college-level lectures given by renowned experts, documentary films,
Global Forum simulations and group discussions. Recreational
activities, including an international talent show and a night of global
music, are annual student favorites, as well. Students share their
unique perspective with others from around the world and make lifelong
friendships—all while being inspired to make the world a better place!
Highlights of the 2010 seminar include:
Examination of cutting-edge topics in the areas of globalization,
climate change, emerging water technologies, water privatization, global
security, and human rights.
Presentation by Peter Annin, author of Great Lakes
Water Wars
http://www.greatlakeswaterwars.com/
Day trip to Discovery World on Lake Michigan for interactive displays
and expert speakers on the global water crisis, urbanization, pollution
control and the Great Lakes ecosystem
http://www.discoveryworld.org/
Tuition is $600 (US &
For over 30 years, World Affairs Seminar has provided an opportunity for high school students from around the world to explore issues of global significance and learn how they affect change. Please let me know if I can be of further assistance.
Go Online for Council on Legislation News
From April 25 to 30, the Rotary International Council on Legislation will meet in Chicago to debate more than 200 proposed enactments and resolutions. Among the items under consideration are proposals to change how often clubs meet, amend rules for transferring to a new club, increase per capita dues, amend the duties of a RI Director, and establish an Environmental Protection Awareness Day.
The triennial Council on Legislation is where Rotary Clubs have their say in the governance of the organization. Each club and District was entitled to submit legislation to the Council. Rancho Cucamonga Rotary/District 5300 submitted proposed legislation to consider corporate membership as a new type of membership. This legislation is co-sponsored by the Rotary Club of Melbourne, Australia. Among the important work that has resulted from Council action is the PolioPlus program and the introduction of women into the organization.
The Council is made up of more than 500 representatives, one elected from each Rotary District in the world. Past District Governor Christine Montan will represent District 5300.Visit www.rotary.org for Council news, updates and daily vote totals. Find proposed legislation and read more at www.rotary.org/col.
Parting Shot - A Note from Anna
It’s a rainy day here in Olavarria. It seems that fall decided to come because ever since this weekend it has been cold windy and, today, rainy. Which is not fun when you have to walk to school in a jumper and knee high socks. I’m off to choir, which starts again today (breaks over the summer) in about fifteen minutes...
But mostly I wrote you all because I just wanted you to know that
there is a pigs head in my freezer. When I asked my host mom what it
was for, she said to cook. And I’m thinking subsequently eat. It still
has teeth. And little hairs. And every time I open the freezer it’s
looking at me. It’s the little things that never make me forget I’m in
Anna