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District Governor Joe's Monthly Message
Another Great Rotary Year in the Books!
 
It's been a wonderful year for me, and I want to thank all of you for the wonderful support I've gotten, whenever, and wherever I needed it.
 
Getting to know you, and finding out the wonderful projects you do for your communities and the World has been a source of continuous amazement and inspiration. I have a much deeper appreciation for all things Rotary after 'My Year'.
 
It's a joy to have so many Rotarians willing to help and mentor leaders like myself when we call on you.
 
Thanks to all of you who came out to help us celebrate at the District Conference. Hardly a day goes by that I don't hear about what a FUN! Weekend it was (our intent), and the sharing and learning that went on there. We certainly thank the speakers who helped to spread the 'Good Word About Rotary'. And, of course, it couldn't have happened without the wonderful planning committee who did so much to ensure its success. My eternal thanks to you!
 
Many great events occurred throughout the year, at the District level, as well as in the clubs (and thanks for inviting Joan and I to your doings!), and let's celebrate them again. Among these (and certainly not all-encompassing):
 
  • Exchange student weekends
  • RYLA
  • Interact weekend
  • RLI
  • Pre-PETS and PETS
  • Mid Year Assembly
  • One Rotary Leadership Assembly
  • Flags, Flags, Flags - everywhere!
  • Club visits, and Inductions
  • And, more...
 
At the end of this year, I am a much better Rotarian, thanks to all of you. I'll be passing the torch to the new and excellent line of future DGs:
 
  • The inimitable Sieg Warren - she's gonna make sure it's a year to remember
  • Mike Raulin - always there to help in anything asked of him
  • Scott Schulick, event planner extraordinaire
  • ??? TBA soon
And a dedicated corps of Assistant Governors, without whom the work can't all be done;
 
Dr. Pete Apicella and his team of Tim and Anna, and the committee members who made being part of the Foundation, and the grant process, fun and interesting, as well as valuable;
 
The PDGs, for their sage advice and assistance;
 
All the Committee chairs and members, who devote themselves to furthering our ideals;
 
And, To the incomparable Lauri Coy, for her tireless dedication and willingness to help - THANKS A MILLION!
 
Have a wonderful and fulfilling life, All! I'll certainly look forward to visiting, and working, with you in the years ahead.
 
DG Joe
 
 
 
COL Report
 
The 2016 Council on Legislation was attended by Dennis Huffman as a delegate and Bob Pattison as alternate (and delegate to the 2019 Council). Either Dennis or Bob (or both) are available for discussions of the proceedings with your board or club. Several major changes in the flexibility of meeting schedules and membership were enacted, as well as a necessary increase in dues over the next several years.
 
The RI Board initiated two proposals that increased flexibility for individual clubs. The first measure allows clubs to decide to vary their meeting times, meet online or in person, and when to cancel a meeting, as long as they meet at least twice a month. Service projects or social events may be counted as meeting attendance. The second allows clubs more flexibility in defining their membership rules and requirements. Clubs may offer additional membership types that are desired in their community, such as associate, corporate or family.  (Both passed by 4 to 1 margins).
 
The existing six membership criteria were removed and replaced with a simple requirement that a member be a person of good character who has a good reputation in their business or community and is willing to serve the community (passed 5 to 1)
 
These decisions do not modify the current rules of the standard Rotary Club Constitution. Clubs that want to adopt these changes will need to amend their bylaws. Clubs that wish to adhere to the traditional requirements regarding meetings, attendance, structure, or categories of membership may do so.
 
The $4 per year increase in dues was based on a five year financial forecast that predicted that if Rotary didn’t either raise dues or make drastic cuts, its reserves would dip below mandated level by 2020. The yearly per capita dues that clubs will pay to RI will be $60 in 2017/18, $64 in 2018/19 and $68 in 2019/20 (passed by over 100 votes). The 2019 Council will establish rates after 2019/20.
 
A Council on Resolutions will be held online annually (recommendations to the RI Board) to shorten the time and expense of the COL, which will now concentrate on enactments. 
 
 
 
 
East Canton Rotarian Renee Powell
Read about East Canton Rotarian, Renee Powell as reported in the Plain Dealer:  http://plaindealer.oh.newsmemory.com/publink.php?shareid=562b160bb
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Rotary Club of Alliance's Fundraising Dinner
Another great example of doing good in the community (and World) and still having lots of fun.
 
The Rotary Club of Alliance held their fundraising dinner at Gervasi Vineyards on Saturday night, May. 14. In addition to the superb dinner and wines, and GREAT camaraderie, drawings were held for baskets of goodies, emceed by the Master of Ceremonies, Scott Robertson, OBVIOUSLY suited for the occasion. Lots of happy recipients took home their loot....

 
Most importantly, a lot of organizations were benefited by the evening:
 
YMCA
Pegaus Farm (soon to be home to our Veterans help)
Stark Kids
Rodman Library
The Canton-Akron Food Pantry
Hot Stove Baseball
Local school districts
Fire Pup
Stark Parks
 
 


 
Taste of Plain - Rotary Club of Plain Township
 
 
When: June 2, 2016
Time: 5pm to 7:30pm
Where: First Christian Church, Heritage Hall Auditorium
6900 Market Ave. N, Canton, Ohio 44721
What: Samples from 25+ local vendors
 
Come taste, try and enjoy local cuisine as a way to support local restaurants, local jobs and the Rotary Club of Plain Twp! Tickets will be $15 for adults, $10 for kids 6-12, and free to those 5 and under, and include unlimited samples and live entertainment. This event is being presented as a partnership with the New Work City Foundation.  TomTod Ideas will be the beneficiary of our 1st annual event. 
 
Pre-sale tickets are 2 for $25.  Purchase tickets from any Rotarian or online at https://www.tinyurl.com/TasteOfPlain 
 
 
 
 
 
Minerva Rotary News
 
 
 
 
 
Rotary Club of Canton
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
On May 20, 2016, PDG/PP David Ewing presented the Rotary International Major Donor Gift Recognition Award to PDG/PP Robert Pattison and his wife, Janice Pattison.
 
The Rotary Foundation recognizes those individuals or couples whose combined personal giving has reached US $10,000, regardless of the gift designation.  Major Donors may elect to receive a crystal recognition piece and pin(s) commemorating the gift at each new recognition level.
 
 
 
 
 
Rotary Club of Orrville
 
Rotarians Jon Tucker and Becky Jewell  from the Orrville Rotary Club present a check for $35,000 to Don Noble for our support of the Rails to Trails Program. The money will go towards creating the Orrville Trailhead here in town.
 
It is a project the club has been passionate about and have been working on for some time.
 
 
 
Rotary Club of Salem
 
 
 
Rotary Club of Steubenville
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Rotary Club of Steubenville presented “Service Above Self” awards to graduating seniors on Friday, April 15.  Students completed a formal application and essay describing what Service Above Self meant to them.  Led by Rotary member Christine Hargrave committee members reviewed and chose the winners who each received a $500 cash award.  Jefferson County Schools represented  included Steubenville High School, Indian Creek High School, Toronto High School, Edison Local High School, Catholic Central High School, Buckeye Local High School, Jefferson County Joint Vocational School, Jefferson County Christian School and the Jefferson County Home Schoolers.  Joining the students for a photo was President Cory Wingett and committee chair Christine Hargrave.
 
 
Rotary District 6650 Facebook Page
 
 
 
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Russell Hampton
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