August Newsletter: Membership and New Club Development – Why do I Care?
Rotarians of District 6290:
The Rotary year has been off and running for 2020-2021! I have a hard time believing how fast the first 6 weeks of this Rotary year have flown by. It might be due to the miles, the great weather, or more than likely the people. Rotary is about people helping people, opening opportunities and having fun while doing it.
So far as of this writing I have visited 25 clubs, I am have been honored to help induct a new member in Reed City, award a long time Rotarian with their Paul Harris Fellow plus 5 in Wawa, watch Grand Haven inducted another generation into their Club, watch a mother and daughter team help to lead their club in Traverse City Sunrise and reconnect with Rotarians that I have known in other Clubs in Elk Rapids. I love this organization and I hope you do!
August is membership and new club development for Rotary. Why should you care? Well, in order to keep growing our Clubs (not just in size, but in new, fresh ideas) we need to ask likeminded individuals to join us for the service and for the fun and fellowship that we enjoy.
Another way to help expand the reach of Rotary is to consider the formation of another Club in your community. Not everyone can make your meetings. Life, work, or family commitments make it hard for many to join a lunch club, mornings (well not everyone is a morning person) some clubs are just a happy hour club, or a successful club that started recently in England meets on Sunday Morning at a Coffee Shop and kids are encouraged to attend! There are many types of clubs from the traditional club, to satellite clubs, passport clubs, e-clubs, and now a caused based club (in this month Rotarian magazine they give some great examples). If you are interested in learning more about the formation of a new club or have general membership questions, we have a team at the District Level that are here to serve you!
I have been so impressed with the Clubs and their making of their lemonade with what has been happening this year. Fundraisers are happening, albeit with a little pivot, Clubs are meeting, some only via Zoom right now and some out in parks and shelters that Rotary help to finance and build, great additions to their communities.
It is not someone else’s responsibility to help recruit nor retain the Rotarians in our Club, it is all of our responsibility. My Youth Exchange Officer, when I was an exchange student, was my sponsor into Rotary and without our relationship over 6-8 years when he saw me graduate college and start my career path I am not sure that other Rotarians knew who I was, but he saw something in me. I am forever grateful for Dr. Donald Carlsen that he asked me to join and mentored me in Rotary. Because of his friendship and guidance I am the current District Governor. Who should you ask and what could they do in your club and beyond?
Rotary members have played an invaluable role in the effort to rid the African region of wild polio. We should be proud of all the hard work that we’ve done to eliminate the wild poliovirus throughout Africa and in nearly every country in the world.
This progress is the result of a decades-long effort across the 47 countries of the African region. It has involved millions of health workers traveling by foot, boat, bike and bus, innovative strategies to vaccinate children amid conflict and insecurity, and a huge disease surveillance network to test cases of paralysis and check sewage for the virus.
Over the last two decades, countless Rotary members in countries across the African region and around the world have worked together to raise funds, immunize children, advocate with local and national leaders, and raise awareness about the importance of vaccination, enabling the Global Polio Eradication Initiative (GPEI) to effectively respond to and stop polio outbreaks.
This milestone is an incredible public health achievement for Rotary members, the African region, and our GPEI partners, and a huge step forward on the road to global polio eradication. But we still have important work to do in order to eradicate wild polio in the last two endemic countries.
We have faced many challenges in our journey to eradicate polio. But we’ve made remarkable progress, and the polio infrastructure that Rotarians helped build will serve as a lasting legacy that will continue to help protect vulnerable children against other diseases for decades to come.
We are calling on you today to recommit yourselves to ending polio. We need each and every one of you to help finish this fight and continue raising $50 million each year for PolioPlus. The eradication of wild polio in the African region shows us that polio eradication is achievable, and shows how our hard work, partnerships and financial commitment continue to propel us forward, even during a global pandemic.
Thank you for your continued efforts, for achieving a wild polio-free African region, and for remaining committed to fulfilling our promise of a polio-free world.
Sincerely, Holger Knaack K.R. Ravindran President, Rotary International Chair, The Rotary Foundation
Rotary International President Holger Knaack and Nigeria National PolioPlus Chair Dr. Tunji Funsho congratulate Rotarians on eradicating wild polio in the African Region. Watch here.
When Chris realized the award was for her! Her husband, Dennis Lindeman with her award!
Distinguished Service Award
The Distinguished Service Award is an internationally competitive award granted annually to a maximum of 50 Rotarians (world-wide) who have exhibited exceptional active service to The Rotary Foundation. Financial contributions to the Foundation, however notable, are not relevant to this award.
On July 22, 2020 the Rotary Club or Petoskey awarded PDG, Chris Etienne with the Distinguished Service Award. PDG, Jane Millar presented Chris with this award under the pretense that both Chris and Jane would be speaking on The Rotary Foundation. The club wanted to make sure that Chris was present at the meeting. Due to a scheduling conflict they had to re-arrange the order of the meeting. Jane described what the Distinguished Service Award was, and what a Rotarian needed to achieve in order to be honored with this prestigious award. The club then recognized Chris Etienne as the recipient.
Here is a little history on Chris:
Since attending her first district conference in 1992, where is met a Group Study Exchange team, Chris was intrigued with the work of The Rotary Foundation, which resulted in her becoming a zealous advocate for TRF. She has been actively involved in PolioPlus humanitarian trips, implementation of grants, TRF presentations and trainings, scholar and alumni advocacy, and fundraising. What matters most to Chris is the outcome of her efforts, making the world a better place in which to live.
The following is what Chris has done for our district and TRF:
Co-chairperson of District 6290 Grant Management Seminars (2-3 per year) - 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016
District 6290 Rotary Foundation Training Seminars - 2011 and 2012
District 6290 Rotary Foundation Break-out sessions at District Training Assemblies - 2014 and 2015
One Rotary Summit Training Events:
District 6290 – 2015 and 2017
District 6380 – 2016
District 6630 – 2015
Giving Rotary Foundation presentations at district or regional events:
Great Lakes Rotary PETS: 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015 and 2019
District 6380 District Conference Speaker: 2018
District 6380 Rotary Foundation Gala: 2017
District 6290 District Conference Speaker: 2016
District 5610 PETS: 2012
Rotary Club of East Lansing, 50th Anniversary Dinner: 2011
District 6290 District Conference Speaker: 2009
President’s Rep Assignments with TRF presentations:
District 6510 – 2019-20
District 6540 – 2018-19
District 6250 – 2016-17
District 7280 – 2015-16
District 7710 – 2013-14
District 5960 – 2012-13
District 5870 – 2011-12
District 6400 – 2010-11
District 1070 – 2009-10
Organizing and carrying out successful fundraising efforts at the district or multidistrict level:
Chris chaired District 6290 Rotary Foundation Gala events in 2011, 2012, 2013. Keynote speakers were PRIP Ray Klinginsmith, Scholar Alice Chapman, Past Trustee Mary Beth Growney Selene, Past RRFC Neil McBeth
She assisted in the 2008 and 2010 Galas. Keynote speakers included PRID Tom Thorfinnson and Past Trustee Carolyn Jones.
During her years as District Rotary Foundation Chair, she introduced a matching program using Rotary Foundation recognition points. The contributions raised during this promotion in each year are the following:
2015-16: $39,500
2014-15: $27,500
2013-14: $39,500
2012-13: $32,000
2011-12: $32,500
In 2015, District 6290 won one of the top ten districts worldwide in giving on a single day (#Giving Tuesday), which resulted in a personal visit from Ray Klinginsmith, who attended District 6290’s Governor Exchange of Officers event in 2016.
Providing exceptional leadership in PolioPlus projects and activities:
Chris participated in a National Immunization Day for Polio eradication in February 2004 in the State of Uttar Pradesh, India, immunizing children at several NID stations throughout Varanasi and surrounding villages.
She also participated in a National Immunization Day for Polio eradication in Nigeria in 2015. In doing so, she traveled throughout the areas of Kaduna state visiting schools, local markets and going door-to-door to immunize children.
She has presented to clubs and districts on polio eradication, including NID participation, promoting Gates Foundation match, and purple pinkie projects.
Participating in other special projects or activities in support of The Rotary Foundation:
In the 2014-2015 Rotary year while Chris was the District Rotary Foundation Committee Chair, D6290 broke all past records by surpassing one million dollars in total giving. The district was recognized by Zone 29 for being
1st in total contributions to PolioPlus in Zone 29
1st in cash contributions to PolioPlus in Zone 29
Donating 20% of its total DDF to Polio Plus
During her tenure in the above position, District 6290 consistently surpassed its Annual Fund and PolioPlus giving goals by significantly growing the number of Paul Harris Fellows, Major Donors and Endowment donations.
Chris worked side-by-side with the District Grants Chairperson to organize and implement the plan to lead District 6290 to the New Grant Model in 2013.
On behalf of all the Rotarians of Rotary International District 6290, we congratulate you Chris on your achievements. We are lucky to have you part of our district.
Chris, I am very lucky to have you as my friend, travel partner and mentor. Chris has introduced me to so many wonderful Rotarians from all over the world. I am in awe every time I am in your presence. Kathy Hegedus, CAO, District 6290
The Shelby Rotary Club has had a golf champion in our club for decades. Not the kind of champion that wins golf tournaments although he has won his share of matches and tournaments. Fred Sanford has been a Shelby Rotarian since 1979 and our Golf Tournament Chair since 1985. He was a very young new Shelby State Bank employee and was encouraged to get involved in community activities. At the time Fred joined the Shelby Rotary Club, he joined a group of mature Rotary members that were his grandfather's age. At the time Fred joined, he was followed by several more young new businessmen who are now are the mature members of our club. Fred was elected President in 1985 and again in 2011. The same year he became President for the first time, Fred created and then chaired Shelby Rotary's 1st golf tournament. He worked with the local golf course, the Oceana Golf Club, to establish the calendar and the structure of the tournament. As of the first week in May 1985, the tournament was started and turned into a 35 year annual event. In the early years, Fred worked hard to solicit golf teams to participate in the area's first golf event of the season. There were years that it tried to snow, it rained and at times had light frost on the greens that delayed the start but never interrupted the tournament. As the tournament years rolled by, the 50 plus teams looked forward to the annual event. As the tournament years went quickly by, the moment Fred released the sign-up times, the 4 man teams filled the tournament schedule. He arranged for a simple but tasty menu for the two day event. The menu included brats with all the fixings on Saturday and sloppy joes on Sunday. Shelby Rotarians manned the kitchen each day to serve the hungry golfers. Fred also organized a Hole in One Contest and got the local businesses to sponsor the contest on Saturday. The contest required 3 shifts of 2 Rotarians as witnesses for the Hole in One contest. As of last year, without exact numbers, Fred's chairmanship of this event has raised about $100,000. Then, the year of 2020 happened and any chance of an early May golf tournament was gone. However, Fred was not going to have his 35 year streak broken. He met with the golf course and arranged for an alternative date in early August and hoped for the best. He informed the teams of the calendar date change and kept his fingers crossed that some of the teams would agree to play. Before he knew it, 39 teams signed up. He then held his breath that the golf course would be allowed to stay open. The morning of August 8th, 37 teams showed up and supported Shelby Rotary's Golf Champion Fundraiser, Fred Sanford for the 35th time. Fred recently retired from the Shelby Bank in January, 2020 but he is still a Shelby Rotarian and is our Golf Champion Fundraiser.
Rotarian Shari Paulsen is the current Secretary of the Fremont Rotary Club where she has been an active member since June, 2009. She most recently served as the District 6290 Secretary. Shari and her husband, Randy, are Co-Owners of Paulsen Heating & Cooling in Fremont. They have two sons and three grandchildren.
Shari is always one of the first Rotarians to volunteer for service, offer advice, "connect the dots" among Newaygo County organizations, and jump in to help. In addition to her work and Rotary responsibilities, Shari is the Current President of the Fremont Area Chamber of Commerce, Committee Chair for the Chamber's annual Harvest Festival, Outreach Committee Chair for the Fremont Christian Church Disciples of Christ, and a member of the Friends of the Fremont Area District Library. She is what every Rotarian should strive for in "Service Above Self."
Shari and Randy are in "pre-retirement mode" as she says, and spend as much time as they can with their grandchildren and traveling.
Grayling would like to showcase Natasha Wheeler. Tasha is fairly new to the club but she has already proven herself as a very valuable member. Tasha was awarded Rotarian of the year by our club back in June in recognition of all her efforts towards the Black Bear Grand Fondo and Halloween Trunk or treat. Neither of these events would have been a success without Tasha’s dedication.
Tasha is a mother of two and a newlywed! Her high energy, and positive attitude make Tasha a pleasure to be around. We are lucky to have her in our club.
Grayling would like to showcase Natasha Wheeler. Tasha is fairly new to the club but she has already proven herself as
Bos, Thomas G. 3/8/1939 - 7/27/2020 Holland, MI and Malibu, CA Thomas G. Bos, husband, father, step-father, grandfather, businessman, Rotarian and captain passed away at his home in Malibu, California at the age of 81 on July 27, 2020. Tom was born on March 8, 1939 in Holland, Michigan and married the love of his life, Jane, on August 16, 1991. Tom graduated from Holland High School in 1957 and went on to receive a B.A. from Hope College in 1961. He later received a M.A. in Education from Western Michigan University. After teaching high school for several years, Tom joined his father in the family business, A.D. Bos Vending, and became President in 1972, serving as Chairman until his death. In 1994, Tom was named Holland's Small Business Person of the year and was further honored as Michigan's Small Business Person of the Year in Washington D.C in 1995. Tom was a life-long volunteer and active member of Holland Rotary, and served as District Governor of the greater Michigan area. He completed service and Polio immunization projects around the world, including in India, Africa, Mexico, Honduras and Jamaica. Tom and Jane received the G.W. Haworth Strength of the Community Lifetime Achievement Award in 2013 from the Ottawa County United Way. Tom had a lifelong passion for boating and sailing and was an able captain. He notably completed the 8,500 mile "Great Loop" on his boat, Lady Jane, in 2007 over the course of 34 months with the help of Jane and other friends and family. Tom was baptized on May 14,1939 at Third Reformed Church, of Holland, and joined the church on June 29, 1952, where he served as Deacon many times and was a member of the choir. Tom was preceded in death by his parents, Alvin D. and Eunice Bos, and his brother, A. David Bos. Tom is survived by his wife, Jane, and their two dogs, Nike and Izzy, his brother, Philip Bos (wife Barbara) of Hudson, OH, sister-in-law Johanna Bos of Louisville, KY, his sons, Thomas J. Bos (wife Laurie) of Holland, MI and John Bos (wife Janna) of Locust Grove, GA, and step-children Matthew Schroeder (wife Shahna) of Washington D.C. and Joanna Schroeder (husband Ivan Stoilkovich) of Malibu, CA. Tom is also survived by his beloved grandchildren; David, Megan and Tommy Bos, Hailey and Heather Bos, Amira and Ruan Schroeder, and Izac, Boden and Rae Stoilkovich. Given COVID-19, a celebration of Tom's life will be held at a later date. If you'd like to be notified, please join the mailing list here: cutt.ly/tomg The Bos family asks that any donations in Tom's memory be made to the Rotary Club of Holland (Rotary Club of Holland, Rotary Charities Thomas G. Bos Scholarship Fund, P.O. Box 2278 Holland MI, 49422), where a scholarship has been established in his name, or to the Holland Museum.
Published in Grand Rapids Press from Aug. 1 to Aug. 2, 2020.
Meeting online is a great way to stay connected when meeting in person isn't feasible or convenient. Clubs can still provide service and fellowship in virtual settings. Clubs all around the world are embracing the flexibility that comes with meeting online. Find tips, resources, and best practices below.
Best Practices for Conducting Online Meetings
As the organizer:
Choose the best technology for your needs. Some free services limit the number of participants or the length of your meeting.
Use video but provide an audio dial-in option. Seeing and interacting with fellow participants via technology – like Zoom, GoToMeeting, Google Hangouts, LINE, Skype, WhatsApp, Tencent, and Microsoft Teams – helps keep everyone connected and engaged. However, not everyone will be able to join your meeting via video. Provide an audio option and consider recording the meeting and sharing it later.
Stick to meeting basics. Use an agenda, set meeting ground rules, and clearly outline next steps at the end of the meeting. If background information is required, be sure to share it with all participants beforehand.
Rethink your meeting for an online format. If some parts of an in-person meeting don't work well online, adjust your meeting content to maximize your online format.
Keep it engaging. Minimize presentation length and maximize discussion. Include polls, open Q&A, best practice sharing—anything that focuses the participants' attention on the content and each other.
Ask for support: Building a team allows people to contribute to the success of your meeting. Ask others to monitor chat boxes, answer questions during the call, and troubleshoot technical issues.
Be prepared. Practice with any presenters so they know how to request control and share their screens. Log on early to test your audio and make sure all presenters are on.
