District 5000 - Newsletter - Archive (Mar 17, 2008)

The month of March marks another religious season for many of us, and I started thinking about biblical story about a wealthy farmer who had two sons. The story is about one of the sons who demands half of his inheritance from his father and leaves the farm to live his life like a “rock star”, while the other son stayed with his father, worked the farm, and dedicated his life to his father. After a time, the “rock star” son returned to the farm broke and distraught. The father upon seeing his “rock star” son celebrated by ordering his best calf slaughtered and threw a huge party. The loyal son of course was not happy about this being that he had been loyal to his father and worked hard to keep the farm successful. The moral of the story was that the father loved both his sons and he was willing to look past faults and forgive.

We are entering a challenging part of the year with membership. About this time of year we may be experiencing some lost Rotarians who are not coming to meetings and have left the “farm” (hopefully not as “rock stars”!). We need to seek out our lost Rotarians and welcome them back into our club. All of us need to look past faults and embrace them. This is not the presidents or the membership chairs job. It’s our job! If you see a member has not been coming to meetings lately, pick up the phone and call them. Don’t worry that someone else may have called. The more calls a lost Rotarian receives the better. Every year we trim off the “dead wood” in June. Let’s all of us make the commitment to do what we can to stop the wood from dying!

On February 17th, 18 Rotarians were trained as strategic visioning facilitators. The district now has facilitators on each island to assist clubs in developing a five-year strategic plan. The club presidents and president-elects were given information about how to invite the facilitators to your club. This service is being provided at absolutely no cost to your club and each club has been encouraged to take advantage of this service. If you would like more information, please contact our district facilitation coordinator, ADGE Paige Fontaine at paige@fontaine.pro.

Keynote speaker PDG Linda Coble receives a standing ovation.

On February 23rd, PDG Hal Darcey held our first ever Foundation Summit. The summit was well attended by over 30 participants. The purpose of the summit was to brainstorm new ideas about annual giving although several ideas were generated in all aspects of the Foundation.

This past weekend, our president-elects attended PETS in San Jose, Ca. It was a great weekend and every one of them left charged up and ready for leadership on July 1st! I’m certain you’ll be hearing more about it at your club meeting this week with “happy dollars”. Every year that I attend PETS I leave in complete awe of this district. You have no idea how much our district stands out from the rest of the districts attending. I was so proud to hear PDG Linda Coble give the keynote address at the Saturday luncheon. She did a fantastic job! She had everyone laughing and crying at the same time. It was an emotionally charged speech that hit everyone in the heart. Hopefully there will be an opportunity for her to give her speech again within the district in the near future.

Paige and I want to wish all of you a Happy Easter. Please take the time to enjoy your family and your Rotary family during this important time of year.

Aloha,

DG George Fontaine

Download Humanity in Motion IV in all languages

Clubs can now download all materials from Humanity in Motion IV in all Rotary languages directly from the RI Web site. Now clubs around the world can instantly access Rotary's public service announcements for use in their local communities. Please contact pr@rotary.org if you notice any material unavailable in a particular language.

World Health Day ~ 7 April

This year's theme for World Health Day is Protecting Health from Climate Change. The observance marks the founding of the World Health Organization and encourages governments, organizations, and businesses to protect health from the adverse effects of climate change. Because WHO is one of Rotary's primary partners in the fight to eradicate polio, consider sharing your club's health projects - particularly those addressing climate change or environmental stewardship - with your local media. Read more here.

Think Green for Earth Day ~ 22 April

As Rotary members, you have the ability to mobilize your communities quickly and with great leadership. Earth Day on 22 April offers the opportunity to initiate an environment-friendly project or share your club's vital environmental initiatives with the media.

Additionally, World Challenge 08, a competition sponsored by BBC World and Newsweek, wants to highlight and reward small businesses and projects currently investing in sustainable development. Is your small business or club currently involved in such an initiative? The top 12 nominees will be featured in a seven-part series on BBC World and will receive US$20,000 to reinvest in their business while earning wonderful media exposure. Learn more about this opportunity and fill out a nomination form here.

UN-Rotary Speakers Programme

A new United Nations-Rotary Speakers Programme provides Rotary clubs and districts an opportunity to tap into the expertise available at the United Nations. The program, which is being piloted in the United States, makes UN experts available to speak at district conferences, special club meetings, or other Rotary events. If your U.S. club or district is interested in participating, consider opening up a meeting or conference to the general public and inviting local media to cover your event. Read more here.

District 1470 (Copenhagen, Denmark)

Visits Hawaii for Group Study Exchange

District 5000 has paired with District 1470 to send young men and women who are in the early stages of their profession to study and learn about our culture and ways of life, and observe how their vocations are being practiced here. Their trip to Hawaii is made possible through the Group Study Exchange.

Henrik Mikkelsen (Rotarian Team Leader and Industrial Design Consultant), Sabrina Jacoksen (Insurance and Pension Savings Broker), Louise Enevoldsen (Clinical Dietician), Mikkel Loft (Economist/Real Estate), and Stephane Skare Nielsen (Innovation Consultant) are scheduled

to arrive in Hawaii on April 25, 2008 for this rewarding and once-in-a-lifetime experience. They will be traveling to Oahu, Maui, Kauai and the Big Island for four and a half weeks staying with Rotarian host families, visiting historical sites, businesses related to their jobs at home, government institutions, cultural and technological centers and Rotary Clubs. Their final stop will be at the District Conference where they will give their cultural presentation.

Left to right-

Team Leader Henrik Mikkelsen, Sabrina Jakobsen, Stephan Nielsen, Louise Enevoldsen, Mikkel Loft.

Group Study Exchange is an educational program of The Rotary Foundation that provides travel grants for teams of participants to exchange visits between paired districts in different countries. In October 2007, District 5000 led by Karolyn Lundkvist of the Rotary Club of Hilo Bay traveled to Copenhagen for 5 weeks and returned home with an enriched understanding of Danish culture, its people and history. For more information about the program, contact Marietta Bustamante, District Chair, at (808) 780-8472.

DISTRICT 5000’s OUTBOUND STUDENTS MID-YEAR REPORT

Mia Livausais, from Maui, is participating in the Rotary Youth Exchange Program. She is living in France this year and attending her junior year of high school. The youth exchange experience affects more than just the student. Students leave behind friends, family and especially their parents. Many parents, while supportive of their child’s wish to explore and gain experiences, are apprehensive.

This is one parent’s story…

Mia is having an amazing time in Lille, France. At first, she didn't understand the language and was very insecure about speaking it. She said when she was with the French kids, ....

Click here and read the rest of this inspiring story as well as a heartwarming letter from Leilani Rapaport from the island of Hawaii, on exchange in Spain.

MARK YOUR CALENDAR FOR DISTRICT ASSEMBLY

Attention ALL CLUB MEMBERS!

District Assembly attendance is critical to the success of ANY Rotary year. Please ensure that the appropriate club leaders, new members and other interested Rotarians attend the District Assembly on your island. Their participation in the plenary and workshop sessions will make a significant difference in the understanding, enthusiasm and productivity of your club's leadership team, and will enhance the Rotary experience of club members.

Every Rotarian will have the opportunity to attend two full breakout sessions, exchange ideas, and learn the latest approaches to growing Rotary service and membership. All sessions relate to one and other. At the District Assembly, you will learn how to Make Dreams Real in the Spirit of Ohana throughout the coming Rotary year.

Mahalo, PDG Linda Coble, District Trainer

KAUAI ASSEMBLY March 29 Kauai Community College

HAWAII ISLAND April 5 Waimea School

OAHU April 19 Kamehameha Middle School

MAUI April 26 Kamehameha Campus

Get more details and information here.

April 26 will be “Rotarians at Work Day” and District 5000 can be part of it. Remember that every club in our District did a significant Centennial Project. We have been doing “Rotary Gives Thanks” in November each year. Now, we can join in this world-wide day of Service Above Self.

Let’s do it!

John Steelquist, Special Projects

steelq@chaminade.edu, (808) 739-4602

What:    A Community Service Project

Who:     All of District 5000 and many other Districts

When:   April 26, 2008

Where: In your Community

How:     With enthusiasm and energy!

We currently have 41 clubs in D5000 that are participating ... let's make it 43 clubs!

For more information visit: http://www.rotariansatwork.org/

Rotary District 5000 Foundation Dinner

You are invited to attend the District-wide Dinner celebrating our Rotary Foundation.

Saturday, April 12, 2008

Hawaii Convention Center

Keynote speaker:

Jonathan Majiyagbe, 2003-04 RI President

The day will start with a PROJECT FAIR where you will meet with fellow Rotarians from outside District 5000 to share opportunities for future projects.

The dinner will celebrate the accomplishments of our District through The Rotary Foundation with speakers from projects our clubs have initiated.

Priority seating will be given to paid reservations for full tables of eight, so get your club members together and plan a wonderful evening of fellowship. Cost is $75 per person. This is also an incredible opportunity to bring non-Rotarian guests to highlight what Rotary is accomplishing at home and abroad. If you have questions, please contact PDG Jim Varner or Lei Darcey.

Sign up form

More details here

Rotary District 5000 Awards

Up to date Criteria and Submission Forms are now online!

District Conference 2008

Register early and SAVE!!!

Event Schedule

(as of 01-15-08 subject to change)

Meal Order Package

Register for the conference here

fax or mail it in today!

With your early registration, it gives the committee the information they need to make this an event to remember!! We want the best for you and this way, you can help make it happen!! Are YOU on the list?

Register for your hotel room here

The Hotel Group code is: rotrota

Golf and Tennis sign up forms are now online as well as information on some of the scheduled speakers.

Rotary District 5000
Four Way Test Contest

Rotary International is a world-wide organization dedicated to humanitarian service. This is a Rotary sponsored written contest among high school students. It is an opportunity to spread the themes and motto of Rotary (www.rotary.org)

Contest Rules

General Information:

The contest is open to ALL high School Students in Public, Private, Charter and Home Schools.
Written Essay of 400 to 500 words (see below for Topic and Theme)
There will be three (3) District Winners.
In recognition of the winning entries and to further their education, the three winners will each receive $400 plus (2) round trip tickets to the Maui District Conference on May 25, 2008. (Winners from Maui will receive a cash prize of $500.00 and no air travel)
District Winners will read their winning essay at the Maui District Conference
Deadline for all entries is no later than March 31, 2008 (mailed entries postmarked no later than March 31, 2008 will be accepted for review)

Go to the District's Literacy page to download the form and to get more information.

PEACE SCHOLAR PROGRAM APPLICANTS WANTED!

Do you know someone who could be a potential candidate for this two year Rotary Peace Scholar Program?

Please click here to download and read carefully the criteria information, which will help you in finding suitable candidates. This program IS NOT TO BE CONFUSED WITH THE ROTARY AMBASSADORIAL ACADEMIC SCHOLARSHIPS, WHICH IS SEPARATE.

PAY CLOSE ATTENTION TO THE DEADLINE AND INSTRUCTIONS AS WELL AS WHAT IS IN THE APPLICATION FORM!

Applications are due to the District Chairperson, 2007-2008 - Dr. Charlie Weems by April 15, 2008

Value of Scholarship $ 50,000

MAUI COMMUNITY COLLEGE ROTARACT

Introduces

M.O.R.E.

(Maui Outdoor Rotaract Experience)

MORE (Maui Outdoor Rotaract Experience) is an international awareness and education program modeled after RARE (Rustic Alaskan Rotaract Experience), which was created by John Pile, Jr., a Rotaractor of the Rotaract Club of Aurora Borealis at the time, but now Rotarian of the Rotary Club of Fairbanks Golden Hearts. The objective of MORE is to create an opportunity for international understanding through service and adventure.

Ten (10) Rotaractors from around the world will be selected to participate in a week-long adventure on Maui that will include, island adventures, Native Hawaiian cultural activities, exchanging of the cultures of the participants, learning how to live like a local and much, much MORE!

Read more on MORE here.

The fundraiser below is to benefit this new program:

1 for 1 Membership Challenge

The winners of the One for One Membership Challenge for February are Ka'ala Duffy (new member) and Sponsor Daniel Robertson of the Rotary Club of Downtown Honolulu. CONGRATULATIONS!

They have each won a certificate for $100 to use towards the 2008 District Conference. They are now also placed in a drawing for a Grand Prize where the winners will receive free registration to the conference and round trip airfare to Maui ... read on ...

CLUB HAPPENINGS

OAHU

PHOTOS

BY DAVE LIVINGSTON -

The Interact Members did a great job fixing up our Zoo! Congratulations to all of the Interact Club Members and all of the Rotary Volunteers for making this a great event. See the photos here.

BY HENRY deBUTTS -

PETS Training San Jose, CA 2008 - See the photos here.

VINO VINO VINO

Wahiawa/Waialua Rotary Club Annual Wine Tasting

February 15th was not only the day after Valentine’s Day but our Annual Wine Tasting Event held at the Leileihua Gold Course Club House. Wine was supplied by M & S Brokerage and Mark Milton former Rotarian of our club. This wine tasting is annually held to raise scholarship funds for the Leileihua High School and Waialua High School Seniors. This year was the most successful Wine Tasting we have had and will allow more scholarships to be added this year. There were over 120 attendees and fun was had by all with a very successful silent action getting a lot of action.

Kahala Sunrise's Community Service Project
Keiki Vision benefits Kahala Elementary School

Kahala Sunrise Club's first Keiki Vision project was held at the Kahala Elementary school on Feb. 21, 2008 from 8:00am – 10:00am. With 12 Rotarians participating in this first of many Keiki Vision projects, it was a huge success. Everyone quickly learned their role and was eager to start practicing their vision testing skills. At 8:30 the Keiki started toarrive, escorted by Gloria King. They were first met by Dr. Arakaki who did the overall visual check. Then Michael Bass, (Shelia Callum's husband) guided the children to their next station. Shelia and Charlie Fortner conducted the stereo vision test, followed by the near vision test conducted by Debi Halcro and Nancy Varner. That was followed by the distance and far-sighted vision conducted by Carl Smigielski and Charles Degala with Mrs. Jim (Carl’s wife) and Kaori as their assistants. Stephen Kaaa was taking pictures and making notes for our newsletter.

Everyone had a great time, smiles were all around on Keiki as well as the Rotarians. We tested 44 children, 12 needed a follow up with an optometrist and 32 passed the screening test. Thank you all for stepping up and giving up of your time to make sure that our Keiki are best equipped for success.

I would like to thank Mrs. Jim Smigielski and Mr. Michael Bass for accompanying their spouses and showing support for our Rotary Club. “I am very much encouraged by the support for our projects. Let’s continue sharing, because….. Rotary Shares”.

Community Service Director, Nada Marriott

MAUI

INTERACT CLUB OF LAHAINALUNA HIGH REFRESHING THE LIVES OF LAHAINA RESIDENTS

Piilani Senior Housing

submitted by Charles Keoho

As one of their local community service projects, the President of the Lahainaluna club, Angela Vasquez wanted to refresh and clean the laundry room at the Piilani Senior housing, while this may not seem to be a huge project; it touches the lives of everyone that lives at the center, it helped bring a little more pride to that community.

She brought with her a few of her members such as Kelleen Sera, Margaux Nelson, Kaitlin Sera and a friend of theirs Kevin Hurd that was thorough in their approach to cleaning and serving others. The parents of these young adults can be very proud of their determination and great attitude. The Interact club is supported by Faculty Advisor Rudy Reed along with the Lahaina Sunrise Rotary Club and Rotary Advisor Craig Bradley. Just a reminder for the community that “Rotary Shares”

Lahaina Rotary’s Sweetheart Affair a Sweet Success!

Over 250 people made this year’s The Rotary Club of Lahaina annual “Sweetheart Affair”. “The best one yet!” stated many from the lively crowd who enjoyed this annual fundraiser which raised over $17,000 to fund scholarships for deserving local seniors on February 16th in Kaanapali at the Hyatt Regency.

The evening began with music provided by Lahaina’s Third time Grammy Award Winner George Kahumoku Jr master slack key guitarist, who, after performing, sharing his aloha with all, enjoyed the excellent Hawaiian buffet, signed autographs, and actually still had time to swing dance with his lovely wife Nancy! Another great Maui musical talent, Wilmont K Kahaialii Jr. and his group then entertained for the rest of the evening with Hawaiian melodies and dance music which made for a grand time in the Monarchy ballroom! Fresh Hawaiian orchids adorned the lovely mirrored red tables in this resplendent room. The silent auction tables were busy right up until the closing time, plus volunteer auctioneer Mike Mulholland rallied the crowd with the live auction items, all of which helped to raise monies for this worthwhile yearly event.

One of the livelier “live” auction item was a ukulele, donated by Rotary member Don Russell from Kahana Fine Arts, which was autographed by George, who then played it onstage, threw in two free lessons, and an offer to come to his farm to learn how to pick taro! Chairperson Jennifer was the happy winner of this special ukulele!

Head of ceremonies, President John Brunold and all the Rotary members, so appreciated the support from the community for the generous donations and excellent attendance by locals and visitors alike. Mahalo nui loa from the Rotary Club of Lahaina to everyone who helped make this yearly event possible! Maui nô ka ʻoi!

BIG ISLAND

Big Island RYLA Camp held on March 1st

43 students and about 20 adults participated by removing thickets of Kahili ginger from an area around the Cooper Center in Volcano Village. Members from all four East Hawai`i Rotary Clubs were present. The camp was led by the Rotary Club of North Hawai`i. What in the world is Claude doing?

What in the world is Claude doing?

Hilo Bay Rotary Club distributes 300 dictionaries to Waiakea Elementary and Waiakeawaena Elementary Schools in February. This photo is of Debbie Stapleton's class at Waiakea Elementary.

WEINBERG FRIENDS PROJECT BENEFITS KILOHANA GIRL SCOUTS

submitted by Richard Crowe, Rotary Club of Hilo Bay

On Saturday, February 23, the Rotary Club of Hilo Bay participated in its annual Weinberg Friends Service Project at the Kilohana Girl Scouts Camp on Saddle Road. There were 25 Rotarians and 10 adult guests present to carry out (a) groundskeeping and weed whacking, (b) painting of a deck and railing surrounding the main building, (c) installation of five doors, (d) repair of windows and screens, (e) removal of small trees, and (f) cleaning out of a fire pit. As a result of 140 person-hours of labor, the Girl Scouts will receive a $10,000 check from the Weinberg Foundation, which will be presented at the club meeting on March 19. A group picture is shown here. See more of the event's photos at:

http://hubble.uhh.hawaii.edu/Rotary/Photos/Weinberg_2008.html

KAUAI

KAUAI ROTARY CLUB AWARDS NURSING SCHOLARSHIPS

The Rotary Club of Kauai, in conjunction with the Kauai Community College Nursing Scholarship Committee, is pleased to announce the recipients of the Kauai Rotary Club Nursing Scholarships. Three students were selected to receive $1,000 awards from the Rotary Club of Kauai: Michelle Ayau, Ana Valdez, and Heather Wilkinson. Funds were raised for these scholarships through the Club’s Fund-Raiser, “The Old Koloa Sugar Mill Run”, held in November, 2007. Sharon Chiba,

Counselor, Health Education Division, of Kauai Community College said, “I would like to take this opportunity to thank the Rotary Club of Kauai for the many years of financial support to students in our Nursing Program. Many of our students are single parents or student returning to school to better their lives, and accordingly face financial hardships to do so. Support from your organization has often made the difference between success and failure for our students.” Scholarship checks will be presented at the Club’s March 28th weekly meeting by Dr. Bob Long, and Dr. Tyler Chihara, members of the Rotary Club of Kauai.

Got a great story? Wanna share?

Submit your club's activities and stories (print ready) and photos (jpg format) for newsletter consideration! We can't publish it if you don't submit it!

District 5000 is looking for Rotarians to advertise their business on the Rotary District 5000 website & newsletter!!

Platinum Sponsor - $500

Listing on all pages for one year

(includes the district newsletter)

Gold Sponsor - $300

Listing on all pages for nine (9) months

(includes the district newsletter)

or listed on sponsor page only for one year

Silver Sponsor - $100

Listing on all pages for three (3) months

(includes the district newsletter)

or listed on sponsor page only for 6 months

Bronze Sponsor - $50

Listing on all pages for one (1) month

(includes the district newsletter)

or listed on sponsor page only for 3 months

Upcoming Fundraisers

"WINE WITH FRIENDS" with the Rotary Club of Downtown Honolulu March 13th ... Download the flyer here

Rotary Club of Ala Moana's Crab Fest

April 26th ... Download the flyer here

4th Annual North Hawai’i Rotary

Paniolo Scramble Benefit Golf Tournament

Saturday, April 12

download the flyer for more info

Rotary Club of Volcano

Founders Golf Tournament

Saturday, April 19th

Volcano Golf & Country Club.

First tee off time will be 8 a.m.

Continental breakfast and lunch provided and with lots of great prizes and surprises so hold the date and plan to join us for a day of fun!

More information contact: Dianne Morgado

Submit your club's fundraiser information for posting on the District website. Click here to see the upcoming club events!

THIS MONTH'S QUOTE:

"Laughter is brightest, in the place here the food is." ~ Irish Proverb

May you live all the days of your life, and

May the saddest day of your future be no worse
Than the happiest day of your past!

May your pockets be heavy and your heart be light
May good luck pursue you each morning and night