issue 2010-02 · issue 2010-02 august 2010 - membership month for inviting guests (our friends, our...

1District 5240 - Rotarians in Motion

Issue 2010-02 August 2010 - Membership Month

Editor B r a d H e n d e r s o n

[email protected]

Publisher W a y n e S n y d e r

[email protected]

Communications Committee V i c k i A r n d t

Te r r y B e c k e tA n d y L u p a n o w

D a v i d S a i n t - A r m a n dW a l t S t e p h e n s

B r e n d a C r e s s e yB r a d H e n d e r s o n

W a y n e S n y d e r

District Governor D e e p a W i l l i n g h a m

District Governor-Elect W a d e N o m u r a

District Governor Nominee Elect F r a n k O r t i z

District 5240 Websitew w w . r o t a r y d i s t r i c t 5 2 4 0 . o r g

Website CommitteeTe r r y B e c k e t ( C h a i r )

W a l t S t e p h e n sW a y n e S n y d e r

Editor’s/Publisher’sCorner

Article SubmiSSion criteriA

• Articlesmustbeoriginalandnotpublishedelsewhere.

• ArticlesshoulddealwithRotarysubjectsonly.

• Articlesshouldbee-mailedinMicrosoftWord

formatonly;appropriatepicturesareencouraged.

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dayofthemonthprecedingdesiredpublication.

• Authorsacceptthattheirarticlesmaybeedited.

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RotaryClubmembershipshouldbeapparent.

• AllsubmissionsshouldbesenttoBradHenderson

Rotarians in Motion. What a great title for your new magazine. Congratulations and thanks to Brian Angel of the Moorpark Morning club for his inspired message to

us all. We applaud him and his efforts to deliver a message that sums up all that we do in three simple words. Kudos to you, Brian. Thank you!

A few days ago, I had a conversation with a fellow Rotarian in my club. We discussed Rotary and Rotarians. We spoke about projects, the club in general and other fellow Rotarians. I asked her why she became a Rotarian and what keeps her going—what causes her passion for Rotary and her club involvement to continue?

I believe there comes a point in many Rotarians minds where they question why they are a Rotarian. Some cannot answer the question and leave Rotary. Others believe they stay because they believe in their contribution to making the world a better place; enjoy the people and have made life-long friends; enjoy working on projects... basically, they find some fulfilment in their membership.

August is “Membership Month.” I have had the honor of bringing members into the club and those that got involved have thanked me for introducing them to Rotary. It is a source of honor and privilege to share my passion with others and be a part of something much, much larger than myself.

There are those that show up at meetings, have a meal, and leave before the program starts. There are those that show up for the camaraderie and there are those who get involved in the club and projects it does.

Remember, you are a Rotarian! We make a difference in peoples lives—a HUGE difference. If you are not active already, consider getting involved in a project; bring someone to a meeting and share your Rotary experience. Share the bug that bit you so it can bite another; become INSPIRED.

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2 District 5240 - Rotarians in Motion

August 2010 - Membership Month Issue 2010-02

Deepa’s Message

My dear Rotarian colleagues: Can you believe it? August is upon us! I hope, by now

all you Presidents are feeling a little more comfortable in your new role as your club’s leader. Yours and my journey together has begun and I have to tell you that it is scary and yet fabulously exhilarating as I dream of the possibilities that our collective efforts can produce!

August is an exciting Rotary month for me as it is designated by RI to be the Membership Month. Those of you who know me well, know, how much Rotary means to me and how it is my mission to spread the Rotary “message” to as many people as I can, particularly during my year as your Governor. So, of course, I don’t have to tell how delighted I was when, one of my idols PRID Sam Greene, RI’s Centennial Year’s Membership Chair, agreed to serve as the 2010-2011 Membership Committee Advisor. I hope all of you, who were there at the District Assembly, were as thrilled as I was listening to Sam, his rich 50+ years

of Rotary experience is fascinating and his commitment and dedication to bringing the Rotary message to all the world is awe inspiring. I hope you felt inspired and have decided to accept Sam’s challenge of achieving the goal of 4000 members for the district by June of 2011. Sam, thank you for your continued contribution to Rotary…we are fortunate to have you in our district!

We are also blessed to have PP Nick Frankle (RC/WLV Sunrise) as the Chair of the Membership Committee, PP David Saint-Amand (RC/China Lake) as the Chair of Public Relations and immediate PP John Weiss (RC/Morro Bay) as the Club Extension Chair for this year. Membership and Public Relations go hand in hand and Nick, David and John are fully committed to be your resource persons helping your club’s Membership and PR Chairs in these areas. Nick is particularly committed to retention issues and he is absolutely right! Retention is almost more important than recruitment! We recruit them and then we find that members are leaving…why? Because we have failed to engage them…we have failed make them feel welcome…we have failed to offer value for their time…and we have failed to make Rotary relevant in their lives! Please seek Nick’s advice ([email protected]) and shore up your retention program and

contact EAG David Saint-Amand ([email protected]) for club publicity needs.

We are also fortunate to have immediate PP John Weiss as the Club Extension Chair. John knows recruitment…the net gain for his club was 8 new members in 2009-2010. John knows recruitment and his messages about Rotary are inspiring... he speaks from his heart and people listen. I have asked John to serve as this year’s Extension Chair helping some of you, who may be interested, to establish at least one new Eco-club (PDG Jock MacKenzie’s suggestion) and with the help of EAG Terry Schaeffer establish one new New Generations club and a few community-based Rotaract Clubs. Please contact John ([email protected]) and Terry ([email protected]) if you are interested about these ideas.

Finally, by now you may be asking, “Deepa, why are you so hung up about bringing in new members?” My answer is this; I came from a country where I have seen firsthand how poverty, hunger and ignorance can rob human beings of all that is good and decent ending up with hatred, anger and fear.

For example, in 1998 there were 877,000,000 human beings illiterate in the world…that was 1/6th of the human population and yet literacy creates opportunities, improves people’s lives, spawns hope and contributes to world peace. There is a direct correlation between humanitarian services, which Rotary is all about, and peace. So it is natural for me to want to spread the word about Rotary and recruit more like-minded people who are committed to making our world a better place. So please use my club visits as a day for fun, day

(Continued on Page 3)



for inviting guests (our friends, our neighbors, our families, and our co-workers) and make it a day of media blitz! Remember that membership matters because…

“Never in the history of the world have the principles,

For which Rotary stands, been needed as they are today,

And when we have carried the message of Rotary to the entire world,

We will have made a great contribution to modern times.”

- Albert S. Adams,

RI President, 1919-20

Deepa’s Message(Continued from Page 2)

Club Announcements

Rotary Club of Paso Robles

1 2 t h - A n n u a l P a s o R o b l e s Ro t a r y Winemake r s’ Cooko f f Title Sponsor, Date and Location Announced.

Heritage Oaks Bank Renews as Ti t l e Sp o n s o r o f 2 0 1 0 Eve n t Winemakers’ Cookoff to be Held August 7 at River Oaks Hot Springs.

On the heels of record attendance and proceeds from its 11th-Annual Winemakers’ Cookoff scholarship fundraiser held last August, the Paso Robles Rotary Club announced Heritage Oaks Bank has renewed its title sponsorship for the 2010 Cookof f. Once aga in , Es t re l l a Associates will host the event at its River Oaks Hot Springs in Paso Robles on Saturday, August, 7, 2010 from 6-9 PM.

“Our event benefits local high-school seniors, who are in increasing need

of financial assistance to continue their education,” said Sharon Ross, 2010 Rotary Winemakers’ Cookoff chair. “We’re pleased to once again have Heritage Oaks Bank’s support as our title sponsor in the Rotary’s effort to help deserving youth in offsetting the rising cost of college and vocational education.”

“Our bank has a longstanding commitment to our local community,” stated Larry Ward, president of Heritage Oaks Bank. “We feel this fundraiser lead by the Paso Robles Rotary makes a very positive impact in the continued educational opportunities for local students each year and we’re delighted to lend our support again in 2010.”

During its twelve-year history, the Paso Robles Winemakers’ Cookoff has become one of Paso Robles’ most-popular wine, food and music events. It is also one of its most unique featuring not just wine, but the culinary talents of 30 local winemakers pairing their culinary creations with their finest wines and competing for both Judges’ Choice and People’s Choice awards the day of the event. Since the first Winemakers’ Cookoff in 1999, proceeds from the Winemakers’ Cookoff have been deposited in Rotary’s Harlow Ford Scholarship Foundation building a perpetual fund that has enabled the Paso Robles Rotary Club to award scholarships approaching $300,000. For more information

Rotary Club of Bakersfield West

Invites you to join them, and District Governor Deepa Willingham, on a three day Carnival cruise from Long Beach to Ensenada. We’ll be sailing Friday afternoon, 1/21/2011 and returning Monday morning, 1/24/2011. Prices start at just $309

per person (double occupancy) for a vacation that includes great food, entertainment and onboard activities that range from casino action to fabulous spa options. You won’t be surprised that this trip will follow the great Rotary tradition of combining a great time with helping others. While we’re in Ensenada, Rotarians will have the chance to engage with a local club for a service project.

It may seem like January of 2011 is a long time coming, but Carnival will only hold our group space and fantastic rate if we act now. Just $50 per person holds your cabin, and you can contact John or Danielle at Uniglobe Golden Empire Travel to make your reservation. Call

Rotary Club of Kern River Valley Hosts its annual charity golf tournament at 9am Saturday, August 14 at the Kern Valley Golf Course as a fundraiser for the Rotary Club of Kern River Valley’s humanitarian, intercultural & educational activities. Tournament Prizes: 1st, 2nd & 3rd Place teams, Longest Putt, Longest Drive, Closest to Pin & Hole in One car give away. There will be a raffle and raffle prizes and a 50/50 raffle. FEE: $50 for non-Kern Valley Golf Course members (Kern Valley Golf Course members, $20). Lunch will be served. Sign-in starts at 8:30am. Breakfast burritos will be available with coffee for $6. INFO: Rotary KRV Paul Cromwell (760) 417-1008 [email protected]. Kern Valley Golf Course is a 9-hole regulation length golf course along the Kern River at 9472 Burlando Road just outside of Kernville. It features 3,184 yards




Editor’s Note: Here’s a brief synopsis of Inspiration given at the 2010 District Assembly. For those that missed this opportunity, the emotion of belonging to a great organization like Rotary International was stimulating.

Let me ask the members of our District 5240 —

Who sponsored you into Rotary? Every one of you received the greatest gift of rotary membership. Someone saw something in “you” that inspired them to have you in Rotary.

I recall some years back my company; Burroughs Inc. transferred me to New York City in 1956 to be manager of computer sales for that area. In early 1957 my supervisor, A.Y. Wilson, invited me to a New York City Rotary meeting. He soon after sponsored me.

At that time, Rotary had a classification called “additional active.” This was incorporated so that any Rotarian could automatically bring in a younger member of his firm. Hence, A.Y. Wilson gave me this wonderful gift of rotary membership. The club was large, over 500 members.

Who’s Your Buddy? The c lub had a birthday table to recognize its members. On my birthday, September 16th each year I was invited to sit at the Birthday Table. To my surprise, sitting next to me with the same birthday, was J.C. Penny. On my other side was Norman Vincent Peale. Later, Mr. Penny got me to volunteer to go to Harlem for four straight Saturdays to escort a young person to a Rotary dentist for treatment. This started my service in Rotary. Look around your community; you have to know a person who would

make a great Rotarian. Invite them to a meeting. Then sponsor them.

Sam GreenePast Rotary Int’l Director

Westlake Village Rotary Club

A gift from rotAry

Editor’s Note: The following excerpt of President Carol Smith’s inaugural Club meeting (RC Bakersfield Twilight) was inspiring as it was interesting to learn how business people evolve into Rotarians.

My first encounter with Rotary was when my late husband Greg was asked

in 1987, by his long-time friend Bill Jones, to become a Rotarian with the Rotary Club of Bakersfield Breakfast. He [Greg] held several offices in the club and in 1993-1994 served as its President. In May of 1993 we had the privilege of attending the Rotary International Convention in Melbourne, Australia. If I hadn’t been hooked on Rotary before that time, I certainly was by the time we left Australia. Opening and closing ceremonies at RI Conventions are memorable, to say the least. The speaker that I remember the most from that convention was then Rotary International President Cliff Dochterman. I’m sure many of you have heard him speak…what an inspiration!

The Family of Rotary. After Greg’s sudden passing on New Year’s Day in 1998, Rotarians from the Breakfast

Club supported me and my family in so many ways. The first Rotarian from the Breakfast Club to stop by to pay his respects and [offer] to see how I was doing and how he or the club could help, was Jerry Starr. The Rotarians from the Breakfast Club made sure that my family and I had plenty of food and we were well cared for… even to providing the caterer for the reception after Greg’s service.

At Charter night in February of that year, the Club bestowed a Paul Harris Fellow in Greg’s name and presented it to me that evening. What an honor! Later that year I became an Honorary Rotarian – which meant I could attend Club meetings and other functions, if I so desired. And I so desired and I did….and I always felt very welcomed.

Rotary Recruitment and Retention. In 1999, Paul Cooper [RC Bakersfield Breakfast] sponsored me as a Rotarian into the Breakfast Club. It has been

stated that you may not remember who was the International President or even the President of your club the year when you joined…but the one person you will remember, even in years to come, is the person who sponsored you. In 2004, I began a five year stint as [the Club]

secretary. The position of secretary lets you meet and greet members (even with big hugs) when they come in the door for the weekly meetings, plus it allows you to become very familiar with the inner workings of Rotary and especially your own Club.

Rotary Extension. At the beginning of 2009, I was approached by several members of the Breakfast Club

Inspiring Rotary Membership

(Contined on Page 11)



On July 29th Jinny Deangelis (District Group 1 Rep) attended a Rotary Club

lunch meeting in Tehachapi. The good news is that they are all doing well. One member, Jay, lives near where the fires are, but after being evacuated, has now returned home and is fine but watchful. The fire is actually almost eight miles out of town and not affecting life and business in the community. There has been no identified need from the community at this point other than to support the Salvation Army. They are not looking for food or clothing. They are providing vouchers for hotels. Club members are still recommending to “wait and see” where the real need is. If the Club receives any donations they are forwarding them to the Salvation Army.

Kern River Bull Fire. Local Fire Departments responded to a vegetation fire in the area of Burlando Road, west of the Kern River in Kernville. Upon arrival crews were faced with a developing fire in grass and heavy vegetation in Bull Run Creek. The fire was an estimated 2,000 acres. Approximately 500 personnel were d i spa tched on the s cene , w i th approximately 200 firefighters battling the fires on ground with assistance from 7 water dropping helicopters and 7 air tankers.

Several structures were threatened by the fire on both sides of the Kern River, and residences in the community of Riverkern (above Kernville) were evacuated as well as Camp Owens (a juvenile detention facility). Some “structure protection groups” were assigned to these areas to control the brush fires, if needed. There are no reported injuries.

Tehachapi Fire Status



The Race to Eradicate Polio is in the staging process. Organizers are busy setting up the route and making arrangements for the pit stops. Clubs are collecting their polio funds and

members are busy polishing their cars to join the race. You won’t want to miss out on all the excitement!

The Race to Eradicate Polio is the 2010 District 5240 Conference. It is a progressive party and among other things is intended to make it easier and less expensive for all Rotarians to participate. The Race will also raise funds for polio eradication and focus attention on specific club projects. You can sign up to join just one pit stop or to participate in the entire race

The pace car for the Race will be our own District Governor’s car. It has been

entirely wrapped with Rotary and Polio Eradication signage. Following the pace car, Sally Crain (RC of Ventura) has donated a flatbed truck which will carry an iron lung with signage about the progress we have made toward eliminating polio worldwide. For members who want to race from stage to stage, but don’t want to drive themselves we intend to have a bus or busses (including a support RV donated by Carl Alaniz and Greg Kaapuni (both of RC of West Lake Village Sunrise). And then, of course, all individual race participants in their own race cars are invited to join in and drive from pit

stop to pit stop.The festivities will start with the PDG’s

(the Past Driving Graduates?) who will gather in San Luis Obispo for their own meeting and dinner on Thursday, October 21st. Then on Friday, October 22nd, those who wish will gather for a district business meeting (perhaps to discuss the rules of the road?) followed by a reception for north-coast Rotarians to meet the Race Grand Master (aka RI President’s Rep), Ed Futa, General

Secretary of Rotary International. After the social, the participants w i l l p r o c e e d t o Bakers f ie ld to be ready to start the Race to Eradicate Polio on

Saturday, October 23rd.At the starting line and at each “Pit

Stop” we will have the opportunity to mix socially and enjoy presentations meant to entertain and informous. Regional Rotary Clubs will present the polio eradication funds they have collected and the spotlight will be shown on some select club projects.

Race day will find us at the starting line in Bakersfield for breakfast the opportunity for the RI Rep to visit with Rotarians from the eastern side of the district. Then the flag will drop and the race will be on! In caravan style we will head south on Hwy 99 then

west on Hwy 126 behind our pace carFirst pit stop: Ventura. Here we will

join an already “in progress” family picnic. We will gather with Rotarians from the south-coast part of the district. In addition to good picnic food, we will have games and activities that the whole family can enjoy. Meanwhile, the pit crews will be doing tune-up and maintenance to set us all on the road again

The race continues – this time to Lompoc for a late afternoon wine and cheese social with Rotarians from the central-coast part of the district (hopefully more cheese than wine for our drivers!). We anticipate some special presentations will interrupt the otherwise purely social time at this pit stop.

The final leg of the race will take us from Lompoc to Buellton where we will have a brief rest before we gather together for a cocktail party and a dinner banquet. After dinner we will have some entertainment and then reward the winners of the Race to Eradicate Polio.

The winners will be the people we help with our polio eradication funds and district Rotarians who enjoy mixing socially. We are trying to make it easy for everyone in the district to attend. You are welcome to run the entire race or to join in only the most convenient pit stop. We are bringing the party to you and hope you take advantage of this unique District Conference opportunity.

RACE DAY: Sat. Oct. 23, 2010R a c e f r o m B a k e r s f i e l d t o Ventura to Lompoc to Buellton Mo r e I n f o r m a t i o n t o Fo l l o w

Rotarians,

Start Your

Engines!!!



Butterflies are Free!

Do you remember your 5th grade science, the part about the metamorphosis of cocoon larvae that emerge to become butterflies? Well, becoming a

Club President is somewhat like this. You are a neophyte when you entered Rotary International, comfortable and secluded in your retreat, protected from uncertainty and an unfriendly environment.

But you will grow in knowledge, belief and reassurance that all things are possible with help of fellow Rotarians. You will blossom. You may take on all challenges and offerings to be of service to those who otherwise cannot help themselves. You will broaden your wings and become like the butterfly – a prestigious monarch.

A few of our newly indoctrinated Club Pres idents have acquired the same level of apprehension as a Butterfly. They made it past their first series of meetings and a few of them were able to capture it with a smile of success.

As with all challenges it’s time to change your life the moment you stop having butterflies in your stomach.

“I am glad that one is over . . . it went well and we had some laughs as well as some positive Rotary reinforcement.

It just dawned on me... OH NO!!! There’s a meeting next week too?”

“It was absolutely FUN today. We even raised 50 happy dollars today towards high school scholarships for next year. Wow. It worked. Everything you [Vicki Arndt] and Deepa

taught us is paying off. Thank you!!!”

“As for fun... a short time ago (2 weeks?) I videotaped some of the “gun fight” event at the Chili Cookoff

here in Tehachapi. Part of it included one of the players, Jerry Hildreth (our President Elect) in Western outfit doing “the Twist.” I was set up with computer and projector to make my presentation any way, so I showed that clip first. Great amusement on the part of each and all!”

“Awesome, Scary, Exciting, Every Emotion is Turning. It’s GREAT!!!”

“Had my first board meeting this evening and it is a pleasure to be surrounded by great people, with good ideas.”

“We are having fun. Everyone wore cowboy hats and boots for my first

meeting (we live on a cattle ranch). I wore a tie and then I played President Ray’s new theme some, Cowboy Logic, and took off my tie and jacket and put on a cowboy hat. It was fun.”

“A big, big, thank you to those “Twilighters” who were able to be at the meeting last evening. I certainly

c o u l d f e e l y o u r support and it is very much appreciated. And I missed the five members who weren’t there. After our program on the ShelterBox Project, four members from Twilight and one from the Breakfast

Club went together and purchased a ShelterBox . . . how, absolutely inspiring is that??”

So, as you can see, it doesn’t take but a little courage to stand before multitudes of fellow Rotarians, and share the inspiration coming from others and from within. All new Club Presidents should be relishing in their respective glory after their first Club meeting. After all, we didn’t get any alerts that anybody quit, cried or died. Good luck for the rest of the Rotary year!



Club Announcements(Continued from Page 3) The Rotary

Foundation Newsof golf from the longest tees for a par of 36. The course rating is 71.3 and it has a slope rating of 116. Designed by William F. Bell, ASGCA, the well-maintained Kern Valley golf course opened in 1960. It is a parkland type golf course with plateau fairways lined by tall mature trees. The premium is on accuracy more than length. The course has beautiful true rolling greens, long renowned as best in the region. It offers refreshing golf with mountain, river, and blue sky views — unique in Kern County, California. Kern Valley Golf Course has lots of wildlife — beavers, rabbits, deer, quail, and a resident Bobcat.The small but active Rotary Club of Kern River Valley has weekly dinner meetings every Thursday at 6pm at the Kern Valley Golf Course. It is one of over 33,000 Rotary clubs in more than 200 countries. Last year, the Kern River Valley Rotary Club raised close to $20,000 to support dozens of groups, projects and events in the Kern River Valley and around the world.If you are interested in joining Rotary, call Rotary Club of Kern River Valley President Paul Cromwell (760) 417-1008 [email protected] or check www.clubrunner.ca/kernrivervalley.

Rotary Club of Santa Barbara SunriseCome to our Fiddlers Festival in October. The Rotary Club of Santa

THE ROTARY FOUNDATION HAS STRONG ROTARIAN SUPPORT

Thank you!

The Rotary Foundation and 2009-10 District Governor Luz Maria are pleased to report that the world wide Annual Programs Fund has surpassed its goal of US$96 million for the 2009-10 Rotary year, thanks to the continued hard work and generosity of Rotarians worldwide. Your annual support enables Rotarians to continue improving health, supporting education, and eliminating poverty. Thank you!

Please note that 2009-10 final contribution figures are not yet available but will be shared as soon as thye are know. We are pleased that many of our clubs will receive due recognition from The Rotary Foundation at the upcoming District Conference.

2010-11 Worldwide Annual Programs Fund Goal Announced

This is also a thank you to all the 2010-11 Club President’s for submitting their personal goals for 2010-11. Our District has achieved 100% compliance due to your timely submission of your goals to The Rotary Foundation. As we celebrate the achievements of last Rotary year, we also look forward with great excitement and momentum.

At the 2010 RI Convention in Montreal, Rotary Foundation Trustees announced a goal of US$95,500,000 for the Annual Programs Fund for 2010-11. With a financial contribution from every Rotarian, we will exceed this goal.

And Remember, Every Rotarian, Every Year really means:

• Every child everywhere can learn to read and write.

• Every community everywhere deserves access to clean water.

• Everybody everywhere may live in a world at peace.

Brenda CresseyPast District Governor

District Rotary Foundation Chair

(Continued on )



August is Membership month. It’s a great time to look at the benefits that you have received because you are a member of a District 5240 Rotary Club.

Sometime in the past, someone gave you a gift that keeps on giving—the gift of Rotary. Rotary is not a gift like clothes or jewelry or even a tool from Home Depot where you know what it is and what to do with it. The gift of Rotary is a box of Legos – full of potential to be many things but waiting for you to turn it lovingly into a finished work of art.

Do you remember the moment that you became a true Rotarian ? Perhaps it was when you helped improve your community by feeding the hungry, tutoring a child, cleaning parkland, or painting the fence at the local Boys and Girls Club. Was it when you went on international project to see first hand the difference that your club is making in the world? Maybe you were on a National Immunization Day and gave two precious drops of polio vaccine to a young child. Your gift of Rotary changes your life, your community and your world.

What have you received along with your gift of Rotary? Did you make new friends who share your commitment to Service Above Self? Has your business grown because of people who want to do business with people of high ethical standards? How much pride do you get when you look around your local community and show your friends and family the changes that you and your Rotary club have made. In the past, you didn’t even know where Honduras or Niger or Zambia were and now some child in one of these countries has a greater chance of survival and success because of something that you and your Rotary club has done.

What a wonderful gift you received. So, I ask you -- with whom have you shared your gift? Each of us knows someone who should and could be a Rotarian. The biggest reason that people do not join Rotary is that they have not been asked. Before you begin to list the difficulties with asking someone to a Rotary meeting, let me ask you about your business. Most Rotarians are (or have been) successful business owners or business leaders. Each day you have been concerned with the basic questions of a successful business. Who knows what I do? How do I attract new customers when there is so much competition for their time and money? How do I

recognize a dissatisfied or indifferent customer and what do I do about it? If you substitute member for customer, it sounds a lot like Rotary.

The next time that you meet someone who you think might make a great Rotarian, remember your gift and all it has meant to you; treat them as you would a new addition to your business, and invite them to join you at your next Rotary meeting. You will be surprised at how quickly your club will grow.

Nick FrankleRotary Club of Westlake Village

Membership Chair, 2010-11

The Gift



ROTARY INTERNATIONAL - 2010 Council on Legislation

As of April 2010, the 2010 Council on Legislation concluded its actions, affecting how Clubs and Districts do business. Of major significance is the gradual increase in Rotary Club annual per capita dues structure,

beginning in the 2010-2011 year Rotary International dues will increase to US$50, as established by the 2007 Council on Legislation; followed by a $1 increase for the three subsequent years, setting per capita dues at $51 for 2011-12, $52 for 2012-13, and $53 for 2013-14. (Note: Club Treasurer’s may need to adjust billing programs).

The 2010 Council took several other actions that have taken affect July 1, 2010:

• E-clubs will become a permanent part of Rotary International after years of participating in a pilot project. Districts will be allowed up to two e-clubs, which are defined as Rotary clubs that meet through electronic communications. Some of the pilot e-clubs have been meeting solely through online forums, while others have combined electronic with in-person meetings.

• New Generations Service will join the other Avenues of Service -- Club Service, Vocational Service, Community Service, and International Service as the fifth avenue of service . Before starting a project, Rotarians are asked to think broadly about how their club and its members can contribute within each avenue.

• Rotarians in North America will have the choice of receiving either an electronic or print version of The Rotarian magazine. Rotarians living at the same address may qualify for a joint subscription.

Here are some changes that will primary affect Rotary clubs:

• No Club may limit membership based on sexual orientation.

• Clubs must inform their District Governor of a proposed change to the Club name or locality at least 10 days before voting on the proposal.

• The immediate Past Club President will be considered a Club Officer and a member of the Board.

The RI Board may suspend or terminate the membership of any club that retains any member who has misused funds from The Rotary Foundation or who otherwise has breached the stewardship policies of the Foundation.

Clubs accepting a transferring or former Rotarian must first secure a certificate from the former member’s Club confirming that person’s membership. The former club is obligated to verify that the member does not owe any debts to the club. A prospective member cannot join a new club until all debts have been paid.

Brenda CresseyPast District Governor

District Rotary Foundation Chair

Barbara Sunrise produces a greatly anticipated local fundraising event, and this year the 39th Annual Old Time Fiddlers’ Convention and Festival will be held on Sunday, October 10th (10/10/10) from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM on the grounds of the historic Rancho La Patera & Stow House in Goleta, CA, 10 minutes north of Santa Barbara.The Festival is a family friendly celebration of American Traditional Music—it’s Roots & Shoots! Since 1972, the Festival has enriched the local community and brought thousands of visitors from all over the country to the area.The Rotary Club of Santa Barbara Sunrise is committed to making music accessible to young people. Free workshops and outreach to schools are central to the event. The event is wheelchair accessible and offers BBQ & beverages for sale. Vendors dot the perimeter (you can even buy yourself a fiddle), and a variety of local groups are on the grounds to entertain and offer activities for kids and adults alike. It’s hard to find someone whose feet aren’t tapping to the music and enjoying the good company.All proceeds and sponsorship donations fund Sunrise Rotary’s local and international community service projects www.clubrunner.ca/santabarbarasunri se . So come join us for a fun day and support a good cause! Detailed information can be found at: www.fiddlersconvention.org.

Club Announcements(Continued from Page 8)



indicating that Bakersfield was in need of an evening club – either for dinner or light hors d’oeuvres – plus throw in some drinking - and we have a Club. These fellow Rotarians wanted to know if I would be willing to come join them. I jumped at the chance to become a “Charter Member” of a new club. How exciting!! On May 15, 2009 the Rotary Club of Bakersfield Twilight was chartered by Rotary International and on Saturday night, June 6th we celebrated along with other Rotarians and District Governors, our first Charter night. Thus, the Rotary Club of Bakersfield Twilight began and established [its own, unique character]. In most cases - as Presidents of Rotary Clubs – we only get one chance to “do it right.” In addition, the unofficial President’s prayer is – “Oh, Lord, don’t let it fall apart in my year.” And trust me; I have said that prayer more than once already. In fact, about five times on my way here this evening.”

Rotary Leadership. Carol embraced the challenge we are often face with when we are called to serve: What do I do now? Well, I was there to hear her outlook on Rotary – past, present and future. By example, Carol and members like her, share their experiences with “would-be” Rotary candidates – promoting the enthusiasm and sharing of commitment to Rotary and its principles and practices.

She concluded with this phrase: “The business of Rotary is ‘serious.’ But doing the business of Rotary should be ‘fun!’ As Rotarians... Let us go forward this year ‘having fun’ – “Building Communities and Bridging Continents.”

Inspiring Rotary Membership(Continued from Page 4)

I recently discovered a lesson that applies to the present and future of Rotary while patiently sitting in

Sacramento’s train station. Of course, this is not altogether surprising since I prefer to travel by train to capitalize on the down time (giving me time to think about stuff like this). But this time was different. This time, I wasn’t elbowing through crowds and rushing to my gate like a madman. This time, I actually arrived early and had some time to kill. I was able to take notice of the station in a whole new way. And I have to say, it was pretty damn scary.

First, I noticed the smells. Ah, the unmistakable whiffs of ‘old building,’ diesel fuel and bus exhaust. There may be nothing on this planet more nostalgic or misjudged than our railroad stations. There were other things I hardly noticed before. The loose floor tiles, the gum under the seats, that scantily dressed gal in the Levi jeans jacket and roadie handkerchief who wouldn’t stop staring at me. Must’ve been the glistening of my Rotary pin.

Just then, I heard a loud and deep voice call out: “Shine ‘em up!” I glanced around the station to see where the voice was coming from. “Shine ‘em up!” I heard the voice call out again. I looked over my left shoulder, and I saw a shoeshine stand where an old man stood, hunched over a pair of size-12 oxfords. He was whipping a shine cloth back and forth across another businessman’s toe like he was polishing a gem.

For those of you who don’t know (and why the heck would you?), I love my shined shoes. To me, shoe shining is not just a humble task, it’s a lost art. Sure, I could whip out the Kiwi kit and brighten up my own shoes, but who am I kidding? The

professional shoe shiner has the tools, the knowledge, and the seasoned skills that make all the difference.

“Shine ‘em up!” our hero called out again.

Then I noticed something that made me curious. Our shoeshine pro already had a customer sitting in his neighboring chair. A gentleman had already heeded his urging to shine ‘em up. So what gives? Why was our vendor still calling out to other would-be customer or travelers with tarnished shoes? Kiddingly, I pried into this commercial venture and asked the master “Why invite more to an already satisfied quorum?” It turns out that his answer was pretty straightforward. In his business, an open chair means lost productivity, less financial gain, and increased anxiety and frustration. To keep the chairs full at all times, he can never stop ‘asking.’ (Or in his case, shouting out.)

This observation led me to think about the Rotary world and our recruiting and nurturing of ‘new’ Rotary members. Is this objective really any different?

If you’re anything like me, you’re very handsome and great at solving puzzles. More to the point, you also get frustrated when you show up at your Rotary Club service projects, and it’s the same familiar faces engaged in service. You would like to fill the shoeshine chair beside you to help with the business of Rotary. You need new “doers.” This is ironic, since you’re probably incredibly busy too, toiling away at whatever’s on your plate at the moment. But to keep the success line moving, you’re always looking for that next opportunity to recruit your replacement in the shoe shine chair.

I’ll give you a few examples:


Your Time to SHINE



Membership Growth. Let’s say you’re 100% satisfied with your Club. Does that mean you shouldn’t be planning for the future? Au contraire, mon frer. Whether you’re settling in or setting up future programs, it’s good to think about what (or who) comes next. Take a few moments to refresh your network of possible candidates to Rotary, and explore the possibilities. No one can take away your relationship from the Club, but ‘new’ enthusiasm can protect your Club from being caught off guard without someone to fill the next chair

Membership Development. Let’s say your Club’s next project has all the right motives and preparation regimen working splendidly. Fantastic! What’s next? Now is the time to make it relevant. Do your programs and projects have the ‘shine’ to engage members and new recruits into performance? This is the connection we have with Rotary – to witness members’ interests in the community, to become relevant yourself, and to capture the opportunities to get to know one another.

Membership Leadership. This is one part of life that requires a long-term mindset and nurturing. Your Club participation goals today won’t be the same as those five years from now. If I check my old notes, I’ve witnessed the metamorphosis of engaged members transformed into our next leaders. This only comes from spit and polish, and sustaining an entrepreneurship plan to fill the next seat. Think of it as an investment (for my banking buddies), where you can slowly evolve at a steady pace.

Your Time to Share(Continued from Page 11)

Your Relationship. Okay, let’s say you’re happy in the Club. But, are YOU engaged? Rotarians have countless opportunities to further enhance their experiences, sharing previous activities, as well as gaining skills in organization and planning, team building, fundraising, and personal achievement. Our shoe shiner certainly has the latter attributes. He’s gotten creative with his professional approach to shining shoes. Don’t let your relationship stagnate because you can’t get creative or think about where you fit in the Rotary scheme of things. You’ve already been asked to “join” Rotary.

“Shine ‘em up!” - Remember the lesson provided by our shoeshine coach. Lest you believe that thinking about the future takes away from the present, I’m happy to report that it just ain’t so. Our shoe shine pro was able to land a new customer before he was finished with the first. While he completed his original task (the Rotary project), he joked with the new customer (the prospective Rotarian candidate) in his waiting chair, and he kept the chair rotation moving [could this be another metaphor for “Rotary?”]. Simply put, our shoe shine pro’s efforts to recruit and cultivate patrons were not mutually exclusive. By doing both well and simultaneously, he was able to succeed “in the now” and “in the next”.

Now, if you’ll excuse me, my boarding call has come and I’m heading out to show off my shiny, new shoes.

Welcome to New MembersRotary Club of Montecito

During today’s first Board Meeting of 2010-2011, the Montecito

Rotary Club Board of Directors approved the appplication of 3 new members to the club: Robert Mislag, Branch Manager of Montecito Bank & Trust, Montecito Branch, sponsored by Les Esposito; Carrie Riley, Financial Advisor from Edward Jones, (Carrie is a former Rotarian from Kappa. Hilo, Hawaii); and Nadia Kelada, Event Planner, (Nadia is a former member of the Santa Barbara North Rotary Club for 27 years and former member of the Palm Desert Rotary Club, Palm Desert for the last 3 1/2 years). The Board also approved and welcomed back Johnny Rios to Active Membership to our Club. Mac Fleischman was also inducted.Congratulations Lynda Nahra, our Membership Chair for 2010-2011. For more information or clairification on our new and returning members, please contact Les Esposito, Club Secretary.

Rotary Club of Simi SunriseOn Thursday, July 22nd, during DG Deepa’s club visit, the Rotary Club of Simi Sunrise inducted 5 new members: Richard Perini is President of AS&T; Dick Erbe is a patent attorney; Bob Purdum, a founding member of the club, and the owner of Simi Valley Plumbing has returned to the club of a several year absense; Rob Dinonno is the owner of Cutting Edge Concrete Cutting; and Steven Wobig is the General Manager of GreenHomes. We welcome them to the Rotary Family!



Raising Funds and Community Awareness for the Race to End Polio

After returning from the RI Convention in Montreal, sharing the terrific report

that the poliovirus is “on the run” became a priority. The fact that we are now “chasing” the virus means we are gaining ground, moving closer than ever before to eradicating this horrible disease. Imagine being able to say in our lifetime, “We have a polio-free world!”

Governor Deepa Willingham’s first directive has been to inspire our communities and fellow Rotarians to ‘End Polio Now’. Encouraged by the positive response and support that resulted in District 5240 becoming 7th in the world for polio contributions, the challenge remains to rise to the occasion and FINISH this job! The best way to accomplish this is to put our hearts, minds, and pursestrings where they’ll do the most good. Establish a major event to benefit polio eradication in your town’s schools, recreation centers, churches, sporting events, and businesses. DG Deepa has requested that all community fundraising efforts be completed before the October District Conference in order to present RI General Secretary Ed Futa with individual contributions from every club in District 5240! Here are some specific ideas that others have found effective:

1. Arrange a “Polio Night” at any sporting event – baseball, soccer, football, etc. with proceeds put towards eradicating polio

2. Advertise on billboards, in newspapers, on the Web, and any media available

3. Ask a radio or television station to interview you about ending polio now

4. Hold a race of any kind – walk, run, swim, etc., with entry fees/donations going to END POLIO NOW

5. Set up a booth/table and paint “purple pinkies for polio eradication” for a $5 (or any amount) donation

6. Enter a Rotary float in local parade with END POLIO NOW theme

7. Host a dinner party/cocktail hour/wine tasting to benefit polio eradication

8. Hold a golf tournament/benefit or sock hop

9. Place cannisters/coinboxes in local businesses with Rotary brochures to end polio

10. Show the film, “The Final Inch” at a local theater and arrange for donations or admission price of other films to benefit polio eradication

Remember, the main focus is to inspire community involvement with your rotary club! Be sure to include your affi l iated Rotoract and Interact clubs! Your polioplus ideas and projects may be posted on the District website by contacting Jim Lewis, RC Moorpark, District 5240, Fundraising Coordinator for PolioPlus, at [email protected]. THANK YOU!

District Website Makeover

On Monday, July 12, the District Website was upgraded to take advantage of the

features introduced in ClubRunner Version 2. Most of the data, stories, and information content has been preserved; however, the navigation to the data is mostly new. Here are the highlights:• There is a Navigation Bar near

the top of the screen. Moving your cursor over the TABS in the bar will highlight the contents available under the TAB. Moving the cursor down the option list and clicking the desired option opens the page associated with the option.

• There a re now only two co lumns on the HOME Page. The District Event Information formerly in the third column can be reached by clicking on the “EVENT” tab of the Navigation Bar. At the top of the list there is a small “calendar” option which opens the calendar for the current month.

• The “Site Page” listings formerly in the left column have been deactivated. The Navigation TABs must now be used reach the site pages.

The “ADMIN” page which appears when members login is relatively similar to the old Admin Page. There are a few features available to all members via this page which are quite useful.

• My favorite is the “Search Member eDirectory” This feature provides a search feature using one or more of:




Last Name, First Name, Club (you don’t even have to enter the entire name) and then activate a search. All possible matches will be listed as long as the member’s name has been entered in the ClubRunner Database at the Club or District Level.

• Another useful option is the “RI eDirectory”. This provides various type of downloadable directories and the District or Club Leadership Levels. At present, this option is not fully integrated into Version 2 so you will be taken to the old Admin Screen and asked to log in again.

Other improvements are in the works and will be introduced over the coming weeks or months. Unfortunately, some difficulties will be encountered during the transition. We will try to keep the impact to a minimum and are working with ClubRunner to report unexpected occurrences. Please visit the website (www.rotary district5240.org or www.clubrunner.ca/5240) to check the new look and feel. Please report any problems or suggestions to Terry Beckett at [email protected]

Terry BeckettRotary Club of Ojai

District Website Committee Chair

District Website Makeover(Continued from Page 14)

District 5240 Management

Team

Nick Frankle is a member and Past President of the Rotary Club of Westlake Village Sunrise. During his term as president, his club was selected as the Best Medium Club in District 5240. He has also been Club Service chair, Foundation Chair and this year is his club’s International Services Chair. He has served District 5240 as Group 4 Representative and as co-chair for the Paul Harris Service Fellowship. This year he is District Membership Chair. He is a PRLS and Master PRLS graduate, a multiple Paul Harris Fellow, a Benefactor and a member of the Bequest Society.



After the culmination of the week-long Junior Wheelchair Sports Camp, more than 200 participants, counselors, instructors, volunteers, and contributors attended the dinner, music, and awards ceremony on July 16, 2010 at the UCSB Recreation Center. The Rotary Club of Santa Barbara Sunrise donated the

funds to underwrite the dinner and served the dinner to the attendees.Santa Barbara Rotary Sunrise is active in partnering with other Rotary International clubs to provide wheelchairs

to India, Pakistan, So. Africa, Brazil, Sri Lanka, Madagascar, and Bangladesh. The Sports Camp, organized and sponsored by the Rehabilitation Hospital Foundation and the Cottage Rehabilitation Hospital, Santa Barbara, provides sport and recreation skill development for children and young adults between the ages of 5-19 who use a wheelchair to participate in sports, as do the camp counselors and instructors.

One-of-a-Kind Camp. This year, campers came from as far north as San Luis Obispo and as far south as Santa Paula/Oxnard to participate in this one-of-a-kind camp on the central coast. Admission is free to campers and includes daily transportation from designated areas. Sherrie Fisher, General Manager of Santa Barbara Metropolitan Transit District, provided an MTD bus for demonstration purposes. Campers were able to practice requesting and boarding the bus, using the integrated access ramp. “All MTD buses are wheelchair accessible,” said Ms. Fisher, a member of the Rotary Club of Santa Barbara Sunrise. “Most [buses] are accessible by a ramp, such as the one we brought to the Sports Camp, with eight additional buses using a lift.”

For more information about the Rotary Club of Santa Barbara Sunrise, click on www.clubrunner.ca/santabarbarasunrise or contact Betsy Munroe, Public Relations Chair Rotary Club of Santa Barbara Sunrise at (805) 448-2764

Humanity in Motion

issue 2010-02 · issue 2010-02 august 2010 - membership month for inviting guests (our friends, our...

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