The District Dispatch

 

The Monthly Newsletter of Rotary District 6250

August Edition

Important Note: Deadline for district newsletter submissions is the 25th of each month.
The newsletter will be distributed by the first full week of the month.

District Governor's Message
 

One month into our new Rotary year!  Wow! Time is flying.  I know it is for me.  By the time you read this, I will have visited over 20 clubs throughout our district.  I have been amazed and proud to see how each club is truly making a difference in their own community and around the world.  Whether the club has 10 members or hundreds, each one is truly impacting people and changing lives.  It is a privilege to be able to witness this first hand.  

As many of you know, my message is about telling our story and letting everybody know what an amazing organization we belong to.  Most don’t have the opportunity to visit with all the clubs and learn about what everybody is doing.  So, remember, shout out what you are doing and tell your story!  Use Facebook, media, members, fundraisers, and every single opportunity to remind the Rotarians and the Non-Rotarians what it is you and the club are doing.  I guarantee that when people know what we do, they will want to not only support us, but will also want to be a part of us.

During my travels, I have found that when a club has strong youth programs, they have a strong club.  I was lucky enough this year to go to Grand Rapids, Michigan for 4 days in July to attend the Central States Rotary Youth Exchange Conference.  This is every inbound, outbound, and rebound youth not only in our district, but from every Central States District.  The energy of this conference was amazing.  If they are a part of your club, you cannot help but be a better and stronger group.  These youth are truly the future leaders of our world.  However, they couldn’t do this without the help of the sea of volunteers that are helping make our youth programs a reality.  There is so much they do for our clubs and our district.  If you are interested in helping, let your club or the district know.  Also, don’t forget to thank the current volunteers already helping 6250 have such strong youth programs.  Whether it is Rotary Youth Exchange, Rotary Youth Leadership Awards, Interact, or mentoring, we are truly lucky to have their commitment.

August Rotary Theme is Membership and New Club Development Month.  As I have been sharing with the clubs and Rotarians I have visited with, it is up to all of us to grow our membership.  I would ask that each one of you ask 1 person this year to attend Rotary and let them know what we do.  Perhaps have them come to a project with you and not necessarily a meeting for their first experience.  Once they know that we are people of action, they will want to join us.  Also, don’t forget to take advantage of the membership grants we have available allowing your club to get up to $2500 to do a project to engage your new members.  Don’t miss out!  If you have any questions, reach out to Kaylynn Stahlbusch or Mark Broses, your membership chairs.

Most of you may have heard of the sudden passing of Rotary International President Elect Sam Owori on Thursday, July 13, 2017.  In a message from Rotary International President Ian Riseley, Riseley commented how Rotarians and members of the public have been sharing memories and recalling how Sam inspired them through his hard work with Rotary and as a dedicated civil servant.  Very clear that his impact and legacy were felt worldwide.   2017-2018 Nominating committee will select a new president elect in addition to a new president nominee at it's scheduled August 2017 meeting.  Memorial contributions in honor of Sam will be directed to the Sam F. Owori Memorial to Polio. This fund has been established to honor his commitment to Rotary’s polio eradication efforts. Sam was a member of both the Africa Regional PolioPlus Committee and the International PolioPlus Committee. You can make online contributions to the fund here.

With the passing of President Elect Owori, it shows the importance of club continuity.  Things happen in life that are unexpected and that we have no control over.  That is why I am asking each and every club to have their President Elect already selected as well as their President Elect Nominee.  We are already beginning the communications and the trainings with these individuals, so as you get them, please send the contact information to me and we will get them in the database.  We are finding that clubs as small as 10 members have this in place and it is truly helping them be a stronger club with the leadership team working together for multiple years.  Also, let them know to mark down March 2 – 4 for PETS/PENS training in Itasca, IL.  

I continue to be humbled, excited, and honored to serve as your District Governor for the 17-18 Rotary Year.  I am here to walk with you and help you, your club, and your community reach their goals of Making a Difference.  If there is anything that you need help with, know that I and the 50+ district team members are here ready to serve you.  Our job is to not tell you what to do.  Our job is to ask you what we can do to help you.  So, as your partner and advocates, we are here to serve.  Now, let’s go Make a Difference and have a great Rotary year.
 


Joe Ruskey
District Governor 2017-2018
Rotary District 6250
 

District News, Events and Announcements

 

District Website Information

The district has been updating website information for the 2017-2018 year. 

You will find the District Calendar available with most locations secured for the next fiscal year. Please click here for further information.

The Governor's 2017-2018 District Strategic Goals have been posted. The district will provide support, expertise, and resources as we work together on each goal. Please click here to review these strategic goals.

The two programs that Joe Ruskey introduced at PETS for the fiscal year are as follows:

Meeting Grant Program:
- The meeting grant program is available to the first two clubs in the district to set up and register a Satellite/Alternate Meeting with the district by June 30, 2018. This Satellite/Alternate Meeting are clubs meeting at a different time than the sponsor club. Further information on this grant program available here.

Membership Grant Program:
- The membership grant program is a new program for the first five clubs to recruit four or more new members between July 1, 2017 and April 30, 2018. These clubs will be eligible for a $1000 grant for these new members to use for a project of their own. Visit here to lean more. 
 

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What's the Million Dollar Journey All About?

Rotarians are people of action and our Rotary Foundation has always transformed your gifts into service projects that change lives both close to home and around the world.  When you donate to our Rotary Foundation your gift makes a difference to those who need help the most.  More than 90% of funds donated go directly to supporting our chosen projects around the world. 
 
To commemorate the 100th anniversary of our Rotary Foundation, our District has set a goal of raising $1 million in new major contributions ($10,000 or more) and bequests.  For many Rotarians, a commitment of this magnitude may require some thoughtful consideration and planning, hence the “Journey” description. 
 
A bequest is simply a promise to leave a gift upon your or your and your partner’s passing.  Setting up a bequest is oftentimes done with the assistance of an attorney but signing up to be a part of our Bequest Society is as simple as filling out a short form.  Once your intention has been shared with our Rotary Foundation, you will be recognized with a personally engraved crystal display piece and a special pin and/or pendant.  Couples may be recognized jointly.  As of today, our district has 40 Bequest Society members.
 
A major gift can be made in one or multiple payments over the course of three years (with as few as 3 -$3,333.34 or as many as 36 - $277.78 installments).  For those wishing to take advantage of extended payments, a personalized pledge form would be drafted and upon making the initial payment, Major Donor status would be received.  Major Donor recognition includes a personally engraved crystal and a special pin and/or pendant.  Couples may be recognized jointly.  As of today, 68 of our district’s Rotarians have achieved Major Donor status.
 
In celebration of reaching our goal, an intimate dinner will be held for all who have made a new major gift or bequest or have increased an existing bequest by $10,000 or more.  This celebration will be held on Saturday, November 4, 2017 at Trappers Turn Golf Course in Wisconsin Dells. Those who attend will be treated to an exclusive and intimate dinner including fellowship and a special keynote address by Rotary International General Secretary John Hewko.  This event is unlike any we’ve ever hosted.
 
For additional information on being a part of this historic effort, please contact District Rotary Foundation Committee Chair David Warren or Rotary Foundation Major Gifts Officer Rachel Greenhoe.  The time to take action is now.  Your gift can truly change or even save a life.   Thank you for your generosity and commitment to our Rotary foundation!

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RI Convention - Toronto - June 23-27, 2018
 

Registration is now open for Toronto -2018!    Key Early Bird deadines are below.

 

Support District 6250 Charitable Trust by Shopping

What if I told you that with every purchase you make on Amazon, a donation could be made to the District 6250 Charitable Trust?  It’s possible with AmazonSmile!  When you shop at smile.amazon.com, you’ll find the exact same prices as amazon.com, with the added bonus that Amazon will donate a portion of the purchase price to a charitable organization of your choice.  It costs you nothing and is simple to set up.  Follow these easy steps:

1. Click here and login with your existing Amazon account, or create an account if you don’t have one yet!
2. Press the “Select” button next to “Rotary District 6250 Foundation Inc” (Note: this is the legal name of the District 6250 Charitable Trust.)
3. You can verify you have selected our Trust by confirming "Supporting: Rotary District 6250 Foundation Inc" is shown right under the Amazon search box.
4. Make sure to use  smile.amazon.com from now on whenever shopping on Amazon — shop to your heart’s content! All the prices are the same, but every purchase will support Rotary!

     
 
 

Club News, Events and Announcements 


La Crosse Apple Blossom Bike Tour

August 12 - Veterans Park

The La Crescent Rotary Club is hosting its 5th annual Apple Blossom Bike Tour. 5 rides vary in length from 15 miles to 67 miles. Beginning at 8am at Veterans Park on the north end of La Crescent on Saturday, August 12. Cost is $35 per person with proceeds going to Polio Plus and Lung Cancer Research. Come ride with 3 time Tour De  France winner – Greg LeMond. You will not want to miss this!  



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Beaver Dam Rotary Fundraiser


August 16-20 - Dodge County Fair

The Beaver Dam Rotary Club is having a fundraiser at their food booth at the Dodge County Fair for five days August 16 - 20. Serving hamburgers, Cheeseburgers, Hot Dogs, Brats, soft drinks, and more.. All funds donated to local charities. Located on hwy 33 east of Beaver Dam.





 


2nd Annual Like Mills Rotary Cheese, Chocolate & Wine Tasting

Saturday, August 12, 2017
5:00-8:00 p.m.
 
Lake Mills City Hall, 200 Water Street, Lake Mills, WI
 
Join us as we celebrate “the fabric of Wisconsin” at the Lake Mills Rotary’s Second Annual Cheese, Chocolate & Wine Tasting.  Our event will take place at the beautiful City Hall in Lake Mills.  Sample local cheese, chocolate and wine.  Watch as we produce handcrafted fresh mozzarella.  Enjoy an abundance of fresh cheese – taste some old Wisconsin favorites and meet some new ones.  Sample local handcrafted chocolates from James J. Chocolate and others.  Relax and enjoy a variety of Award Winning Wisconsin wine.
 
A summer night to remember! Proceeds will be used for a variety of Lake Mills Rotary projects.
 
Advance Tickets $35 until 8/10/17
Tickets $40 At the Door
 
Tickets available from Rotarians, at Lake Mills Market, and at Countryside Jewelers
 
(Must be 21 or over to attend)


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RI News

The Rotarian Magazine

The Rotarian Magazine is our link to the greater Rotary world. The pictures and stories tell us of the wonderful work that is being done, in and through Rotary, to make the world a better, safer and a more peaceful place…all because we are advancing the key elements of social justice, health projects, and educational opportunity and alleviating the dire effects of poverty.

A person is not free if they are hungry. A man is not free when he has to watch his children die because of the lack of clean water or adequate food. A mother will not be free if her sick child cannot receive medical care and when people are not free they will seek social justice even if it means going to
war to achieve it.

Our magazine, paid for in our RI dues, is not junk mail. It makes you and me “literate” in the great story of Rotary. Read it. Share it with others. Drop it off in
a public area where literature is offered, a dentist's reception area, the waiting room at your local hospital or when you go to your accountant's office to pick up your tax filings. Plant the seeds of Rotary by sharing our great story.

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Friendship Exchange News

We had a successful experience hosting 8 Rotarians in our district.  We had traveled to Gujarat, India in January, and they came to visit us late in May.  They enjoyed visiting Chicago, Dells, La Crosse area and Madison area.  Many homes were opened in our district, while our Rotarians hosted and showed them around. 

We are looking for persons interested in hosting a group of Rotarians from Peru.  It may be a small group, from 4-10 persons, arriving on Tuesday, August 15 and leaving on Thursday, August 31.  If you and your club would like to be a host for a day, a few days or more, let me know.  Please send an email to Dave Clemens, drdave@dellsdental.net, and let him know of your commitment.  You will be expected to pick them up from the previous club, provide a room, meals and entertainment, then make sure they make it to the next community on their itinerary.  It is great fun, which we want many clubs to enjoy.  Don't miss this chance to enjoy the fun of a Friendship Exchange.


 

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Zone News

 

Update on Annual Giving

New RI Foundation Donation Forms

Club executive members can now download a Multiple Donor Form that is pre-populated (filled out) with details of club members including their ID number. This form is on Rotary.org at member access. Club presidents and club secretaries have access to this form. Also club treasurers and club Rotary Foundation chairs can get this form if they have been registered on member access by the president or secretary. Select the club members who have donated and add the amount of each donation. The new form makes it easy to forward donations from a group of club members who contribute weekly, quarterly, etc. More Info.

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Attendance Report

Reporting Tool for District Attendance

Check out the reporting tool for District Attendance!

Clubs can view each month’s attendance in a visual graph. Also Club Secretary’s can request access to update their information directly online!

Click here to submit your club's attendance report

Click here to see the full Attendance Report.

 

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