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District Governor Joe's Monthly Message
 
 
DG Joe's Message
May 2016
 

Well, May has come and gone, and so almost is the Rotary year of Be A Gift To The World, and how you have shown your gifts, in talents, accomplishments, as well as financial!

 
Many great fundraising events are being held, as we progress from the snow(!) of Mid-May to the almost 90 degrees to celebrate Memorial Day with family and friends. It was also a time to remember our Veterans, and the Parade of Flags throughout communities everywhere in the District shows how much they all mean to our Rotarians. Thanks to all who participate in these projects, including the Interactors, Scouts, and Friends of Rotary.
 
PLEASE READ the results of the Council On Legislation. There are several important changes noted, designed to keep our organization strong and growing.
Thanks to PDGs Dennis Huffman and Bob Pattison for attending, and bringing the good news back to us.
 
Many exciting changes will be coming to all the clubs, as the new slate of officers prepares for the new Rotary Year, and a seasoned group of officers from this year will be available to help with the transitions, and to assist with a strong kickoff. Thanks to all the current officers, and welcome to the new ones, who will be led by the always fantastic Sieg Warren!
 
And, don't forget, Outgoing officers, the District will always need your experience.  We always need talent on the committees who do such a fabulous job. Please let Sieg know where you'll want to serve.
 
As June approaches, more than a dozen Rotarians will be returning from the Seoul Convention, with lots of stories and pictures to share with us, as well as new messages of what's happening in Rotary around the World. I can't wait to hear about it!
 
We've had a bang up year in Foundation, as Dr. Pete gets ready to let the Committee know about the Global and District grants to be available for more great works in '16-'17. I'm sure we'll be hearing more great stories from Tim and Anna on how you'll be using the funds.
 
And, it's time for all to be getting ready for the 100th Anniversary Celebration in honor of Arch Klumph and the Foundation in Cleveland. It's going to be a One of a Kind time, and in our backyard!
 
We'll also be getting to hear more about 'Pegasus'....stay tuned.
 
And, for me, one more great month to celebrate all your accomplishments with Joan and I. We've enjoyed all the hospitality, fun and friendship. Thanks!
 
 
Joe
 
 
 
District 6650 Conference - Thank You
  
 
  Rotary Club of Bolivar-Zoar
  The Little Club that Could - DID!!!
 
 
 
 
District 6650 Conference 2016
 
The District Conference of 2016 is over and it is now time for reflection. We at the Bolivar-Zoar Rotary Club would like to take this opportunity to share our experience and send out a great big thank you to the many people who helped make this event a success.
 
There are two words that best describe our experience, Revealing and Rewarding.
 
The event preparation revealed to us the dedication and hard work that was necessary for past host clubs to bring these events to fruition. The reward for us is our becoming part of this group of Rotarians who have shared these experiences.
 
We would like to take this opportunity to thank all of the people who helped us along this journey.
 
Thank you :
  • Members of other local clubs who generously gave of their time and insight.
  • Warthers Museum for providing a wonderful venue for the Friday night Gala and  Tuscarawas Valley school district for coming to our rescue when we needed a facility large enough to accommodate both Rotarians and energetic and exciting exchange students.
  • Food vendors, we can all agree that they were definitely the “hit” of the weekend.
  • Speakers and presenters, who provided information and entertainment.
Most of all we want to thank you, the Rotarians who attended the event. We sincerely hope that you perceived the event as a “Gift to You” and a “Gift to the World.
 
Sharon L. Long
President – Rotary Club of Bolivar-Zoar
 
 
 
New District Foundation Website
NEW DISTRICT FOUNDATION WEBSITE:
 
Dr. Peter Apicella, District Rotary Foundation Committee Chair, has created a new website to highlight our District Foundation activities at www.Rotary6650.org. The new website highlights both Local and Global Grant activity and includes an interactive webinar to provide qualification for Rotary Foundation Grants. Rotary documents on the Grant process is available in the Document Center.
 
“As Local District Grant projects are completed this year, information and photos will be posted for all to admire,” said Dr. Apicella. “The site will archive all the Foundation work we do as a District and in our local clubs to provide ideas for future and collaborative projects for all of us.” Please e-mail to Dr. Apicella about information for inclusion on the website.
 
Refer questions to Dr. Apicella, DRFCC, Peter@salemrad.com, 330-207-0500 (cell).
 
 
 
 
 
 
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Local District Grants 2016-17 - Application Due May 15, 2016
LOCAL DISTRICT GRANTS 2016-17 – Application Due May 15, 2016:
 
Our District is expecting approximately $80,000 in Local District Grant funds this upcoming Rotary year of 2016-17. Your club should have received information about the anticipated amount of funding available to your club.  If not, contact Dr. Apicella, DRFC, at the address below. 
 
The incoming President-Elect and Foundation Chair or appointed member must be qualified to receive Rotary Foundation Grants through an interactive webinar at our new District Foundation website at www.Rotary6650.org. The Rotary Memorandum of Understanding and Grant Application are also available on the website. Applications, forms, and education are due by May 15, 2016.
 
Last Year’s Grant Reports are due June 1, 2016:
•      Complete the Individual Project Report. (click HERE for the form.) You must print the form and sign it.
•      Enclose a copy of bank statements, invoices, and cleared checks for the project.
•      Email at least one photo highlighting the project to Peter@salemrad.com (for inclusion on our new website www.Rotary6650.org )
•      Please remember, clubs must complete the attached forms in order to be eligible to receive 2016-17 Grant funds.
 
Refer questions to Dr. Apicella, DRFCC, Peter@salemrad.com, 330-207-0500 (cell).
 
 
 
 
Rotary Foundation Centennial Celebration: October 23, 2016
Rotary Foundation Centennial Celebration: October 23, 2016
 
In 1917, Arch Klumph, the sixth President of Rotary and Founder of The Rotary Foundation, said, “There should be a realization that Rotary is greater than any one man in it, or any single club; Rotary is not a local movement but a world force.”
 
On October 23rd, 2016, the home District of Arch Klumph in nearby Cleveland will be hosting a special celebratory concert performed by the Cleveland Orchestra with dinner to follow including featured speakers Rotary International President-Elect John Germ and The Rotary Foundation Chair-Elect Kalyan Banerjee.
 
All Rotarian, spouses, and Friends of Rotary are invited to attend the special afternoon concert at Severance Hall. Great seats are still available at http://www.trf100.org/ - click the gold CONCERT button.
 
Rotarians and Friends of Rotary who have or will make a gift or commitment of at least $1,000 to The Rotary Foundation between September 1, 2015 and August 31, 2016 will be eligible to be honored as a Centennial Celebration Donor at the Centennial Celebration Dinner. Please complete the Pledge Form at http://rotary6650.org/images/grantseminar/documents/Centennial%20Pledge%20Form.pdf and return it to PDG George Hays. You will be contacted when tickets are available.
 
We anticipate that rooms will be available at the InterContinental Hotel & Conference Center which will be the site of the dinner. Check the Centennial website for updates at http://www.trf100.org/
 
You may contact George W. S. Hays at haysgws@gmail.com  with questions.
 
Thank you. Peter L Apicella, M.D., DRFCC, Peter@salemrad.com, 330-207-0500, http://www.Rotary6650.org
 
 
 
 
 
 
Last Call For Donations - District 6650's Rotary Youth Exchange Scholarship
 
 
 
DISTRICT 6650’S ROTARY YOUTH EXCHANGE SCHOLARSHIP
 
This is the third year for District 6650’s Youth Exchange Scholarship Program.  With your generous assistance, over the past two years, we have been able to assist over 10 students with the costs incurred in becoming an exchange student.  The majority of the funds have been used for airfare expenses.  All funds collected for the year are disbursed to our Outbound students based strictly on financial need. 
 
Every year, District 6650 has outstanding students apply to participate in the Rotary Youth Exchange Program.  For Rotary exchange year 2016-2017, we have 14 students going abroad to the following countries:  Italy, Spain, Denmark, Chile, Switzerland, Portugal, France Taiwan, Germany, Belgium, and Brazil.  Rotary Youth Exchange is one of the most exciting, rewarding, and life changing experiences that our students embark on in the district.  Our students return personally richer from their exchange year, ready to take on new challenges with maturity, independence, and new found confidence.  Simply put, Rotary Youth Exchange presents a very special opportunity. 
 
Although the program is less expensive than many other exchange student programs, some students still struggle to raise the necessary funds to participate.  The average cost for a student participating in District 6650’s youth exchange program is $5,000, excluding optional trips.  These fees cover a student’s outbound training, blazer, pins, business cards, medical insurance, visa, passport, and airfare. 
 
Some of our students work a part-time job, receive assistance from their church, community organizations, and extended family members in order to meet the financial commitment to participate in the program.  However, for some, even that is not enough to help them make ends meet.  District 6650’s scholarship fund fills that gap. If your club is not currently involved in the exchange student program, this is an excellent way for your club to do so.   
 
A three-person committee, comprised of members not currently serving at the district level, in the youth exchange program, review financial documentation to determine a student’s financial eligibility and level of need.  Funds are distributed only after a student successfully completes outbound training and all funds are paid directly to the business and/or government agency providing goods/services.
 
If your club would like to donate to the Rotary Youth Exchange Scholarship Fund, please make a check payable to “Rotary YEP Scholarship” and mail it to our Assistant District Treasurer:  Bonnie Davis, 49682 McClure Rd., East Palestine 44413.  We will also accept checks from individuals wishing to donate.  Please watch future newsletters to learn how much money was donated and the ways in which you assisted our Outbound students in District 6650.  If you have any questions about the scholarship fund, please contact Aletha Carver at (330) 614-1367.    
                
District 6650 Four Way Speech Contest
The annual District 6650 Four Way Speech Contest was held at Arrowhead in North Canton on April 9, 2016.  
 
The winners and sponsoring clubs were:
 
1 st.    Nate Ackerman         Bolivar/Zoar 
2nd.    Michael Pirovolos      Canton
3rd.    Carson Markley         Canfield
4th     Jermaine Brack         Plain
 
The Judges were Larry Warren, Deborah Ebenshade, Timothy Haught.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Pictured from left to right: Timothy Haught, Deb Ebenshade, Nate Ackerman, Carson Markley, Jermaine Brack and Larry Warren
 
Not Pictured: Michael Pirovolos
 
 
 
 
Rotary Club of Millersburg
 
Run Because You Can!
 
The Rotary Club of Millersburg will host the 5K/10K/kid's fun run which is scheduled for May 21, 2016.
 
This event will benefit Harvest Ridge, Holmes County Ag Society and Rotary International Polio Plus.
 
To view more information on this event, click on this link.
 
 
Rotary Club of North Canton
 
The Hoover High School Robotics Team 4121 qualified for the national FIRST competition in St. Louis.
 
Club Vice President Jason Smith presented the team with a check for $500.00 to help with their trip.
 
 
 
Rotary Club of Rittman
The “Taking Back First Street Park”  project is really taking shape in Rittman. We Will be putting up a handicap swing and security cameras and lights this spring. We are also getting a lot of support from other clubs in town as well as the city ! The project is bringing much need publicity for Rotary as well as bringing the community together for a project.
 
The Poker/Euchre tournament was a great success raising most of the money for the security installment ! A good time was had by all…
 
The poker tourney deep in competition … and the top three poker players !
 
   
 
 
Rotary Club of Wooster
Wooster Rotary is pleased to host a delegation from the central region of Ukraine for a week beginning April 22. Delegation representatives come from the fields of agricultural production, food processing, and marketing as well as community government. While in Wooster the delegation will tour various farms, food processors, and marketers to view current US agricultural techniques. They will also meet scientists and professors from The Ohio State University’s Ohio Agricultural Research & Development Center (OARDC) and Agricultural Technical Institute (ATI) who will share about their research.
 
The Ukrainian delegation visit to Wooster is coordinated through the Open World Leadership Center (www.openworld.gov). Open World is an agency that promotes understanding and capabilities for cooperation between the United States and countries formerly part of the Soviet Union. Further, Open World has the goal of exposing delegations of leaders to American democracy and the US free market system. The mission of Open World meshes well with the Rotary object to build understanding, goodwill, and peace through fellowship. Rotary clubs around the US have hosted Open World delegations and Rotary is recognized by Open World as a primary sponsor of its activities.
 
While in Wooster, our Ukrainian guests are living with the families of Wooster Rotary Club members and getting exposure to American culture while gaining valuable vocational experience. The delegation is pictured with several Rotarian hosts as they toured Amish country on April 23.
 
   
 
Rotary Club of Salem
 
 
 
Rotary District 6650 Facebook Page
 
 
 
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