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August is Membership & New Club Development Month!

Helpful Links

Rotary Membership
Public Image
The Rotary Foundation
Rotary Foundation Grants
President Elect Information & PETS
Information for Life Leadership Chairs
Rotary Youth Exchange
District 6290 Interact
District 6290 Rotaract

Upcoming Events

D6290 Inbound Youth Exchange Fall Conference
Camp Daggett
Sep 09, 2016 – Sep 11, 2016
 
Rotary Leadership Institute
Baker College of Cadillac-Main Campus
Sep 16, 2016
8:00 AM – 4:00 PM
 
D6290 Assistant Governor's Meeting
Ralph A. MacMullen Conference Center
Oct 14, 2016 5:00 PM
 
D6290 Strategic Planning & Public Image Summit
Ralph A. MacMullen Conference Center
Oct 15, 2016
9:00 AM – 3:00 PM
 
Third Annual Multi-District Rotaract Conference
Oct 22, 2016
 
Rotary Foundation Centennial Concert & Dinner
Severance Hall
Oct 23, 2016
 

District 6290 Club visits have been inspiring!

Re-tracing my first four weeks of club visits, it has been a privilege and great opportunity to meet with club presidents, club board members or committee representatives and representing our district 6290 at their regular club meetings.

The hard work in raising funds for local and international projects, and the cooperative spirit among Rotarians represented in each club, is visible in the many projects serving their local communities, and providing funding for international project of their choosing.

It has been an honor to participate in presenting Paul Harris Fellow awards to club members, or to induct a new member into the family of Rotary International.

I hope you'll read on for highlights on student scholarships, innovative fundraisers, membership growth through satellite club, and a stunning list of successful fundraising events which enable community good works.

Learn more about my travels to Mancelona, Petoskey Sunrise, East Jordan, Sault Ste. Marie Michigan, Sault Ste. Marie Ontario and Sault North . . . 

Read more...

Happy August Anniversary!

  
 
Club Chartered # of Yrs Chartered Member Current Members
Grand Rapids 01-Aug-1913 103 83 215
Charlevoix 23-Aug-1985 31 14 46
Fremont 31-Aug-1962 54 10 48
 

Remembering A Great Rotarian

My lasting memory will be this past Wednesday evening [Jun 29] at Doug and Betty-Lou's home - because that is where we had our President's Night - a BBQ at their place. There was Doug, in his BBQ apron, along side Neil , cooking up burgers and sausage for our club. 

He had a beautiful wheelbarrow that he paints every year, filled with pop and ice. Also present was one of our inbound students - Brenno from Brazil - who had on his wish list: to hug a bear. Well in true Doug McChesney fashion, Doug donned an A & W Root Bear costume and toddled out to give Brenno a huge hug. That was Doug. Little did we know that would be the last time we would laugh with him. He was a wonderful host . . . so generous, so big-hearted, so hard-working.

- Carol Columbo, Sault North Rotary Immediate Past President

Doug's Rotary Moment [VIDEO] Doug leading the group with "Sunrise - Sunset" at our June Life Leadership Conference [VIDEO]
 
We are always at a loss for words when we lose a Rotarian, especially one with a heart as large as Doug McChesney. He was a stellar individual, gracious host, a phenomenal Rotarian who loved youth - both youth exchange and, youth leadership where he had been the cornerstone of our Canadian program, RYLAC in addition to serving on the LLC USA committee. He was beloved by so many. Sadly, we lost him on Canada Day when we could imagine him singing 'Oh Canada' to the pleasure of anyone within earshot.
 
A strong contingent of D6290 leadership traveled to SSM ON to pay respects to his wife Betty Lou and their three children, and to extend our support to his home club Sault North where he served as President, and leaves very big shoes to be filled.  We are confident our northern Rotarians will be up to the challenge. We are here to help.
Read more...
The Art of Caring
[A favorite guiding verse for Doug McChesney]
 
Open your eyes and seek another human being in need of a little time, a little friendliness, a little company, a little work.
It may be a lonely, an embittered, a sick or an awkward person for whom you can do something, to whom you can mean something.
Perhaps it will be an old person or a child. Or else a good cause that needs volunteer workers.
Do not lose heart, even if you must wait a bit before finding the right thing, even if you must make several attempts.
 
None of us knows what he accomplishes and what he gives to humanity.
That is hidden from us, and should remain so, though sometimes we are allowed to see just a little of it, so we will not be discouraged.
~ Albert Schweitzer
 
"The purpose of human life is to serve, and to show compassion and the will to help others"

Save-the-Date

You won't want to miss a great opportunity to connect with District volunteers and club leaders for our annual Fall brainstorming and idea exchange -- this time focused on a review of the District Strategic Plan combined with a Public Image Summit. We will meet Saturday, October 15th at the Ralph A. McMullen Center on Higgins Lake in Roscommon, MI. Join us the evening prior for dinner and fellowship, or arrive Saturday morning in time for 9am start (registration prior). We will adjourn at 3pm. More specific details are forthcoming.
 
Strategic Plan Review -- Each 3 years we revisit our Strategic Plan to adjust as required to ensure we continue to support our mission. Our Strategic Plan is focused on four major areas: Leadership Development, Membership, Foundation and Public Image. The first session of the day on Saturday will be to review and make recommendations.
 
Public Image Summit -- For the remainder of the day we are going to shine the spotlight on Public Image. In addition to reviewing Rotary's current brand standards, we will highlight success stories in the areas of social media use, leveraging the Public Image matching grant, and effective event/fundraiser promotion. We will also review the role of effective public image relative to member attraction. Club Public Image chairs, website administrators, social media admins and newsletter editors are encouraged to participate, as are any Rotarian's interested in helping promote this great organization so we can have a greater impact in our communities.

Take Advantage of our 2016-2017 Public Image Grant

Rotary District 6290 is making $16,000 USD available to its clubs via a matching grant program to fund Public Image Projects/campaigns. Clubs may apply for one of these two available grants:
  1. Rebranding/Logo Update Initiative (NEW!) - Up to $250 available in 1:1 match for projects that update club supplies (e.g. banners, brochures) with Rotary’s new brand/logo. Total project may exceed $500 but District funding is capped at $250.
  2. Outreach/Awareness Initiative - $750 District match for $500 club minimum investment to support campaigns focused on membership & awareness e.g. online advertising, social media advertising, print/TV/radio/outdoor advertising.
The guidelines, application, reporting instructions and financial reimbursement forms are available at District website under Public Image > District Grants
 
Applications are due September 30, 2016.

Join us in Cadillac for high-energy learning

This multi-district leadership development program is an outstanding opportunity to build on Rotary knowledge through a highly interactive exchange of ideas. It's a 3-part series and on September 16, 2016 (FRIDAY) the Rotary Leadership Institute comes to Cadillac, MI. Club committee chairs, officers and directors are encourage to participate - as are any Rotarians interested in knowing more.
 
 
 

Youth Programs In Action

Rotary International Vice President Jennifer Jones led a dance party at the Central States Youth Exchange Summer Conference.
This isn't your grandfather's Rotary any more :-)
 
The rousing flag ceremony, complete with soundtrack including the Olympic theme, Indiana Jones, and Star Wars Imperial March!
2016 Life Leadership Conferees - our amazing future leaders!
Students were organized into 'families' for the duration of the conference. Each family produced a video illustrating a character trait. Below is our first example. You'll be impressed!

D6290 interactors will be building houses in El Salvador

Our District Rotary Interactors have begun to plan for their next INTERNATIONAL SERVICE TRIP to the community of Talnique in El Salvador.  This trip is sponsored by the Noroeste Rotary Club of San Salvador, El Salvador and will be held in March/April of 2017.  The goal of this service trip is to build no less than 4 and possibly 6 multi-generational homes for 4 to 6 multi-generational families in what is known as the 100 house Rotary Village.
 
The cost of a home  will be $3000.  We are asking our Rotary Clubs to consider assisting in this International project by financially assisting our youth with a donation for  the cost of the building materials.  A donation for the cost of a home or a portion of a home will  help to reduce the overall cost to the students and Rotarians going on this trip. 
 
As things stand, all of the materials cost is paid for by those attending.  Because of this increased cost, some are unable to attend.  It is our request that your club and or any members of our District, consider a donation to this District-wide event.
 
If your club or any of its members are willing to financial help, we ask that you make out your checks to:
 
SOUTH KENT ROTARY CLUB
c/o Doug Mealey Rotary Interact Coordinator
1327 Madrid Dr.  SW.
Byron Center, MI. 49315
 
Questions? Contact our District Rotary Interact Coordinator Doug Mealey at cldlmealey@gmail.com.
 
Above image is linked to a 25-minute video of our past District Rotary Interact trip so that you will get an idea of what this trip is all about. If you need the actual video file please contact Doug directly.

Honoring Rotary Foundation Supporters!

 
 
Holland Rotary recognized five Rotarians who became members of the Paul Harris Society, individuals who pledge annual support to Rotary Foundation of at least $1,000 annually.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
DG Gernot had the pleasure of recognizing three new Paul Harris Fellows while attending the Petoskey Sunrise Rotary Club meeting!
 
Clockwise from top left are Sarah Darooge, Sue Malone and Stephanie Baldwin.
 
Thank you for your support of Rotary Foundation!
 
 
 
 
Holland AM Rotary Foundation Chairman Bob Rydell (right) presents his son Shawn Rydell with a Paul Harris Fellow certificate. Helping with the presentation is Ed Swart, Rotary District 6290 District Governor Elect.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Lowell Rotary Club's latest Paul Harris awards, Betty Morlock and Tony Pearson; awarded by Kevin Kelly of Rotary International. Tony and family
 

Social Media Tips for Business & Clubs

The Rotary Foundation is Turning 100!

Join us in commemorating our Foundation’s century of achievement. Rotary has launched a special website to give you the information you need to plan your own event, promote the anniversary, and brush up on your Foundation history. Explore the Centennial website to learn more.

Celebrate Rotary at the 2017 Convention

 
Over 22,000 people are already registered for the 2017 Rotary International Convention and some of the special evening events are already selling out. As a special celebration of Rotary Foundation's Centennial, this promises to be the best and biggest party in a hundred years! If you are the least bit interested, it's best to register now. There are reasonable cancellation policies if your plans should change. There are already over 50 people from District 6290 that are registered.
 
Our District is working to secure a group reservation at one of the designated hotels. If you are interested in being part of that block of rooms please contact Wendell Christoff at wchristoff@litehouseinc.com or 616-581-1104.
 

Get Caught in the Act of Doing Good!

 
Show us how you do good in your community by sharing your #‎100ActsofGood‬.
Check out all the amazing things going on at this fun web page.

GRANTS … Rotarians making a difference in the world

  
 
When the City of East Jordan needed to replace old, worn out playground equipment at Watson Field, the Rotary Club of East Jordan stepped up to the plate to help. After raising $1500 to contribute to the project, the Club applied for and was awarded a $1500 District Local Grant, which allowed them to contribute $3000 towards the new playground equipment. With new swings, slides and a merry-go-round, the youth in East Jordan and beyond will enjoy countless hours of fun, physical activity, leading to happier and healthier children.

Congratulations East Jordan Rotarians, on making a positive impact in your community!
Increase your Club's Visibility

Have you ever checked out the link on our home page that allows searching for clubs by day & meeting time?

If you're wondering why you don't see your club on the map, ask your ClubRunner admin to update the 'Club Info' details to include Latitude and Longitude. If you're not sure how to find that out, use this free service.

Go Green

Rotarian magazine is a first-class publication that, cover to cover, is filled with stunning photos and inspiring stories. Members automatically receive hard copy. If you prefer to receive the magazine in electronic form it's easy to change the subscription. You'll need your member id (in your member profile, or printed at top of magazine mailing label).

If you prefer hard copy, consider covering the mailing label with a club-specific label that has contact info and leave past editions in areas around town (e.g. entry areas of doctor, dentist, attorney, auto service etc).

Manage your online subscription

JOIN A PROJECT VERIFICATION TEAM TO UGANDA

Rotary Global Grant # GG1525797 was undertaken to support the Uganda Rotary Water Plus initiative to provide universal access to water in Uganda.  It was funded to provide hygiene education and safe water to 24 villages in Apac, Uganda and has moved forward successfully. The project was initiated by the Spring Lake Rotary Club and was funded by contributions from: nine Rotary Clubs in District 6290 (Michigan); the Rotary Club of Lira, Uganda (District 9211); and the Rotary Foundation.
 
As the project progressed we learned some valuable lessons and gained much insight. In celebration of the project’s success, Rotarians from Michigan will visit Lira, Uganda this Fall to join our partners in Lira and visit project sites, review the processes used to accomplish the work, and document the steps that have been taken to assure the sustainability of the project.
 
Keep reading for the details of this upcoming trip, and for contact info.
Read more...

We Saw You On Facebook

Frankfort Rotarians were spotted in their 4th of July parade taking advantage of some great advertising for the upcoming chicken BBQ. 
Great job!
 
Grand Haven Rotary placed 150 flags at dawn on July 4th and removed them at sundown.
Ludington Rotary club had a Suitcase Brigade in Fourth of July Parade today. They are pictured here pausing in front of Rotary Park.
Traverse City Rotary's precision Chair-Y Fest Drill Team made their annual appearance at the Cherry Festival Cherry Royale Parade.
 
 
 
 
 
Rotary Club of Sault Ste. Marie, ON celebrated the opening of their new barrier-free playground.
 
Gaylord Rotarians staffed a food concession at the annual Alpenfest. They had lots of fun giving away donated Traverse City Beach Bums tickets to kids spotted wearing a 'Future Gaylord Rotarian' sticker. Above are Jack Drummond and Shane Foster of Gaylord!
Big Rapids Rotary grilled up a heaping pile of chicken at the annual Mecosta County Fair. This was their 'last call'
Fires - hot, chicken - cook'n, drinks - icy cold, weather - PERFECT! Why cook on a night like tonight?? Boring old take out - No Way! This is your last call for the BR Rotary BBQ before we have to shut'r down for the season, come join us before 7pm tonight to dine in our open & comfortable dining room, or simply swoop through our super convenient drive through on West Ave...it's all happening down at the Rotary BBQ Shack tonight, hope to see you soon...!
"Hundreds of cyclists participated in the Grayling Rotary Club's Black Bear Gran Fondo - a retooled version of the Black Bear Bicycle Tour - on Saturday, completing a 101-mile loop or a 57-mile loop, both of which started and finished at Hanson Hills Recreation Area."
 
 
RotaryFest took place in Sault Ste. Marie, ON. Known as "The Sault's Summer Festival" it is a massive endeavor that includes children's activities, live musical performances, a ribfest, carnival rides, movies, parades . . . it's just amazing! (check out all the details at http://rotaryfest.com/)
The Rotary Club of Cadillac Literacy program recently donated 67 books to the Oasis Family Resource Center. These books are then given to children who stay at the Oasis Shelter. When people, Civic Groups and Helping agencies come together for the good of community, great things happen. Pictured are the current Executive Director and Rotarians Andy & Jessica
 
Chippewa Sunrise Rotary was caught performing Service above Self. It is always an honor to provide and serve the Sunday lunch at the Soup Kitchen. Under the leadership of Sherry Brooks our club served @ 50 meals to individuals and families at the Presbyterian Church. A great way to start the week.
 

The Human Toll of Polio Eradication

By Pat Killoran, Zone 24 West End Polio Now Coordinator, Edited by Al Bonney

 

The iconic polio story, a story told often and told well, makes a deserving headline. Rotary and its partners have achieved success in the fight to eradicate polio beyond measure. We can be proud of the results: only 76 cases in the world last year.  We can be proud of the mobilization as the World Health Organization leads the eradication effort that blankets the globe. We can be proud of the fundraising as all the partners including Rotary and Rotarians, WHO, governments, Bill Gates and others consistently meet the financial needs of the polio eradication campaign. We can be proud of the 15 billion doses of vaccine since 2000 that have been delivered to over 2.5 billion kids around the world. And we can be proud of the $1.5 billion Rotarians have donated since the beginning of the eradication effort in 1985,

BUT, as the world celebrates, we must not forget that the price of polio eradication is measured by more means than money.

Read more...

Global Polio Eradication At-A-Glance

 

Polio this week as of  3 August 2016

  • On 24 July Nigeria marked two years since the last case of wild poliovirus. On the 11 August, it will have been two years since the last case of polio had onset of paralysis on the African continent. This highlights strong progress made towards eradication. However, much still remains to be done to keep the Nigeria and the entire region polio-free. 
  • In Pakistan, both the oral polio vaccine and the inactivated poliovirus vaccine are being used hand in hand to boost immunity; and committed healthcare workers are going to great lengths to build trust and ensure every child is vaccinated. More.

  • The third meeting of the Islamic Advisory Group has taken place at the Islamic Development Bank’s headquarters in Jeddah and has reaffirmed their commitment to the global eradication of polio and the lifesaving role of vaccines in line with Islamic rulings. More

KEEP READING FOR AN Endemic Country Summary (as of 8/3/2016)

Read more...

District 6290 Membership and Foundation Giving

 
* All numbers reported through June 30 2016 - unfortunately membership info not currently showing in Evanston reports. Look for updated info in next newsletter.

Monthly Newsletter Deadlines

Our goal is to release the District newsletter at the start of each month. If you have a contribution, we appreciate receiving the materials no later than one week prior to the first of the month. If you have an example of a 'best practice' or have other great news to share, please complete our 'Club News' submission form (found at www.ridistrict6290.org under Public Image. Electronic photos are encouraged. Please try to limit your submission to 300 words or less.

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District Office
Kathy Hegedus Administrative Assistant
PO Box 381
Grand Haven, MI. 49417
616-935-9559
616-638-8769 (cell)

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