banner
FROM DISTRICT GOVERNOR JANE McMANUS
September is Literacy Month

September is a time when most students are heading back to school to further their knowledge and education. In the Rotary World, September is Literacy Month.
 
September 8 was proclaimed as International Literacy Day by the UNESCO's General Conference in 1966. Since then, literacy celebrations have taken place annually around the world to remind the public of the importance of literacy as a matter of dignity and human rights, and to work toward a more literate and sustainable society.
 
Literacy “skills” broadly include knowledge and competencies required for employment, careers and livelihoods, particularly technical and vocational skills, along with transferable skills and digital skills. Focusing on youth and adults within the lifelong learning framework, the effective links between literacy and skills can be explored.
 
The month of August ends with 18 completed club visits. Many of your clubs have great literacy projects in place:  Little Free Libraries, Books for Babes, 4 Way Essay Contest, Reading Programs, Books and School Supplies and Dictionary Projects.
 
International Literacy Day 2018 provides renewed impetus for Rotary clubs to make meaningful connections between literacy and technical and vocational education and training through literacy projects and programs. 
 
What are your club's ongoing literacy projects? What new projects can you initiate? Past Literacy Rotarian Action Group (LitRAG) newsletters offer many ideas for literacy projects (Feb. 2018, p3). Visit
 

Let's get our Ask in Gear with some possibility thinking!

Look for the Opportunities not the Obstacles.  Focus on the How to create lasting change in your community and around the globe.  Be the Inspiration!

++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

Event: One Rotary Summit

Date and Time: September 8 , 2018 / 8:30 am - 1:00 pm

Fee: $15.00, includes club tools, light continental breakfast, and beverage service throughout the day.

Location: Ann Arbor Marriott Ypsilanti at Eagle Crest, 1275 S. Huron St, Ypsilanti, MI 48197

Details: This is your opportunity to learn why and how Rotary is changing lives in our community and around the world. Participate in focused discussions about the great opportunities and benefits of being a Rotari

++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
World Polio Day is October 24, 2018
Submitted by Ginger Barrons
I look forward to seeing our clubs posting their celebrations, fundraising or awareness events on our District Facebook or our Polio Eradication Facebook page as we acknowledge this day along with Rotarians worldwide. If you send a picture to GBarrons1@mi.rr.com, I will post them as well.  
 
Please take time to read the follow important announcement from Rotary International. Rotary continues the efforts to end polio in a big way because of all you do to raise funds and awareness about this important humanitarian effort. As of August 14, 2018 we have seen just 14 cases of polio this year.
 
Rotary announces US $96.5 million to end polio
EVANSTON, Ill. (August 15, 2018) — Rotary today announced nearly $100 million in grants to support the global effort to end polio, a vaccine-preventable disease that once paralyzed hundreds of thousands of children each year.
 
The announcement comes as Nigeria marks two years without any reported cases of wild poliovirus, following four reported cases in 2016.
 
"The fact that no new cases of wild poliovirus have been detected in Nigeria points to the improved surveillance and rapid response protocols Rotary and its Global Polio Eradication Initiative Partners have established, particularly in insecure and inaccessible areas," said Michael K. McGovern, chair of Rotary's International PolioPlus Committee. "While this progress is promising, it's time to redouble our efforts so we can continue to maintain the political and financial support necessary to end polio for good."

While significant strides have been made against the paralyzing disease, wild poliovirus is still a threat in parts of the world, with 11 cases in Afghanistan and three cases in Pakistan this year so far. As long as a single child has polio, all children are at risk, which underscores the need for ongoing funding and political commitment to eradication.
 
To support polio eradication efforts in countries where polio remains endemic, Rotary is allocating the majority of the funds it announced today to Afghanistan ($22.9 million), Pakistan ($21.7 million), and Nigeria ($16.1 million).
 
Further funding will support efforts to keep 12 vulnerable African countries polio-free:
Africa will also see $5.8 million in funding for surveillance activities and $467,800 for technical assistance. Additional funding will go to Bangladesh ($504,200), Indonesia ($157,800), Myanmar ($197,200), and Nepal ($160,500), with an additional $96,300 funding surveillance in Southeast Asia. The remainder of the funding ($6.6 million) will go to the World Health Organization (WHO) for research activities.
 
Rotary has committed to raising $50 million a year to be matched 2-to-1 by the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, yielding $450 for polio eradication activities over a three-year period. To date, Rotary has contributed more than $1.8 billion to fight the disease, including matching funds from the Gates Foundation, and countless volunteer hours since launching its polio immunization program, PolioPlus, in 1985.
 
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
GLOBAL GRANT SCHOLAR MADISON VORVA
Submitted by Ashish Sarkar
 
After a few years of pause, District 6380 is sponsoring a Global Grant Scholar to get a Masters Degree at Cambridge University in UK. This is a joint grant between District 6380 and 6400. The sponsoring Rotary clubs are Rotary Club of Ann Arbor and Ann Arbor North Rotary Club from District 6380 and Plymouth Rotary Club from District 6400. This is a $53,000 Global Grant awarded to Madison Vorva.
 
Ann Arborite Madison Vorva is a 2017 graduate of Pomona College, where she majored in environmental analysis. At 16, she was honored as a United Nations "Forest Hero" for leading an eight-year campaign to get Girl Scouts USA to source sustainable palm oil in its cookies. Partnering with Climate Advisers, the Packard Foundation and the Union of Concerned Scientists, she grew her middle school project to a national media campaign that reached 10 million consumers. These efforts led Girl Scouts USA to announce a sustainability policy and Girl Scout cookie bakers Kellogg and Wilmar (trader of 45% of the world's palm oil) to adopt deforestation-free commitments.
 
Madi has traveled to 10 countries to explore the politics of development conflicts. In college, she served on the State Farm Youth Advisory board which funded thousands of youth-led service projects with its $10 million budget. Additionally, Madi co-hosted "FabLab," a STEM (science, technology, engineering and math) education TV show airing nationwide on FOX affiliate stations.
 
Today, Madi is the Community Engagement Specialist at Michigan Sustainability Cases, housed within University of Michigan's new School for Environment and Sustainability. She is also on the board of directors of the Jane Goodall Institute. This fall, Madi will pursue her Masters in environmental policy at the University of Cambridge.
 
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
VISA HELP REQUEST
Submitted by Gabriel Naranjo

 
My name is Gabriel Naranjo, and I am serving as the President of the Milford Rotary Club. Another one of my roles is as Country Contact for Ohio-Erie Youth Exchange, the multi-district that D6380 participates in when it comes to Youth Exchange. In that role I have met people from all over the world, and it is because of that I am now reaching out.  
 
One of my colleagues from Mexico has been denied a VISA to travel to the USA, but is able to obtain VISAs for countries all over the world. In fact, it is only the USA that is denying the VISA. No reason is given for the denial so we are left with just wondering why. I am reaching out to see if anyone has a contact within Immigration channels or perhaps within our DoS that we could inquire.  
 
If anyone has any such contact, could you please email me at gabrielnaran@gmail.com or call me at 248-891-8713.  Thank you for your assistance.  
 
Yours in Rotary Service,
Gabriel Naranjo
Rotary Club of Milford, President 2018-19
 
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
HOW WILL YOU CELEBRATE WORLD POLIO DAY OCT. 24?
 
 
THIS IS A GREAT NEWSLETTER - A ROUNDUP OF ROTARY NEWS
http://rotary.msgfocus.com/q/11nkDBBCl57Eq6zkqz8UAIb/wv

++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
CLUBS * CLUBS * CLUBS
 
ANN ARBOR ROTARY CLUB
Submitted by Collyer A. Smith
The first link is to a story from a younger new member and why she joined.
The second is two International Projects we have worked on.
 
Be The Inspiration - Lauren Heinonen Shares Her Story
 
From Paul Smith - Committee Chair for International Humanitarian Projects Committee
 
* * *

ANN ARBOR ROTARY CLUB WEST
Submitted by Bruce Dunbar
 
Ann Arbor Rotary West holds a literacy service project September 7, in partnership with two other local Rotary clubs and RX for Reading.
 
We have sponsored two wooden libraries that we will paint, stock with books and Rotary specific coloring books. RX for Reading will place them in two locations in Washtenaw County so children in need will have access to the libraries to take free reading and coloring materials.
 
 
 
 
 

* * *
FOWLERVILLE ROTARY CLUB DAWN PATROL EVENT
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
* * *

HARTLAND ROTARY CLUB
Submitted by James Wickman
 
Hartland Rotary Club would like to thank the many shooters and sponsors of our third annual Shooting Clays Event, August 9, at Island Lake Recreation Area. This fundraiser helps us support Reaching Higher, Meals on Wheels, and Big Brothers Big Sisters. A good time was had by all. Such a beautiful day!
 
Please join us for our 5K Run/Walk on Saturday, October 13. This event will take place during the Founders Day celebration, hosted by the Hartland Historical Society. Proceeds will benefit the Florence B. Dearing Museum (for its 60th birthday!) and Rotary’s Global Polio Eradication Initiative. For more information, go to: www.hartlandrotary.org
 
We meet at 7:30 a.m. on Thursday mornings at the Hartland Insurance Agency, 2532 Old US 23.  Check us out on Facebook!
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
* * *
 
MILAN ROTARY CLUB
New Meeting Times for the Milan Rotary Club!

Starting September 1, 2018, the Milan Rotary Club will be changing their meeting schedule. We will meet as follows:

Every 1st/3rd Tuesday of every month we will meet at the Milan High School Board Room at noon. Lunch will be available. 100 Big Red Drive, Milan MI 48160
 
Every 2nd/4th Tuesday of every month we will meet at the Milan American Legion at 5:30 p.m. The Legion allows for food to be brought in, but food will not always be available. Drinks will be available for purchase.

44 Wabash St., Milan MI 48160 If there is a fifth Tuesday in the month, we will not have a meeting.
 
 
* * *
 
MOUNT CLEMENS ROTARY CLUB
Submitted by Kris Howell
 
The Metropolitan Detroit Chorale performs alongside The Macombers from Macomb Community College at Cabaret ‘n’ Cuisine – The Best of Macomb on the evening of May 17, 2019 at The Emerald Theatre in downtown Mount Clemens. Music and a taste fest combine to raise money for the Mount Clemens Rotary Club at its annual fundraiser for multiple worthy charities. It is a benefit for victims of domestic or sexual violence and substance abuse, the elderly, food programs, education and literacy, including a school in Haiti, the eradication of polio worldwide, and more. Tickets will be available after January 15, 2019 on www.theemeraldtheatre.com.

+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

   Cabaret ‘n’ Cuisine – The Best of Macomb is May 17, 2019 at The Emerald Theatre in downtown Mount Clemens. Many worthy charities benefit from the event that is sponsored by The Mount Clemens Rotary Club and co-produced by the theater.
   The event features the Metropolitan Detroit Chorale, and the Macomb Community College show choir, The Macombers. Area restaurants add in a taste fest.
   There are only 650 to be sold and they will be on www.theemeraldtheatre.com and on the theater’s Facebook page after January 15, 2019. Tickets for tops are $75 and $100, opera and sky box seats $50, and balcony seats $35. There is a barrier-free seating on the main floor while the second and third level mezzanines have fixed, stadium-style seating. Parking in Mount Clemens is free after 6 p.m. weekdays, (and all day Saturday and Sunday) at metered spots on the street and at the city lot behind the theater.
   The Rotary Club of Mount Clemens celebrates its 100th year in 2020 and its mission is to help people and causes in the greater Mount Clemens community and beyond. Beneficiaries from this fundraiser include those affected by domestic or sexual violence and substance abuse, the elderly, food programs, education and literacy, including a school in Haiti. Rotary International’s global project is to eliminate polio worldwide.
   The Mount Clemens Rotary Club has raised many dollars – $75,200 last year alone – for local charities that help folks with literacy, disabled students and students who need scholarships, abused women and children, museums, hunger relief, local medical care for the needy, research and treatment for diseases and medical conditions, addiction, physical fitness, family issues, senior citizens, homeless people, disaster relief, environmental programs, community theater, library services, and more.
   Rotary’s 1.2 million business, professional, and community leaders provide humanitarian service, encourage high ethical standards in all vocations, and help build goodwill and peace in the world. Its 32,000 Rotary clubs in more than 200 countries and geographical areas are nonpolitical, nonreligious, and open to all cultures, races, and creeds living by the motto, “Service Above Self."
   Rotary’s “Four-Way Test” says: of the things we think, say, or do: Is it the truth? Is it fair to all concerned? Will it build goodwill and better friendships? Will it be beneficial to all concerned?
   For more information about the Mount Clemens Rotary Club, contact Kristine Howell at 586-321-2611.
 
* * *
   The Metropolitan Detroit Chorale’s goal is “to bring music to life and lives to music” under the direction of Pasquale Pascaretti. The chorale has performed such master works as Vivaldi's Gloria, Bach's Magnificat, Mendelssohn's Elijah, Mozart's Requiem, and Rutter's Requiem, Gloria and Mass of the Children. Jacklyn Cole is the accompanist, and Heidi Ann Coates is the choreographer.
   The ensemble of men’s and women’s voices presents seasonal concerts, gives contemporary cabaret performances, and grants vocal music scholarships to help young people nurture their musical aspirations.
   The group, that has performed several times in Carnegie Hall in New York City, was established in 1970 with Fraser residents as the Fraser Civic Chorus. It is dedicated to providing beautiful vocal music for the community.
   The incorporated Metropolitan Detroit Chorale, Inc. has premiered major sacred works, aspiring to entertain and enrich the community, develop a broad audience, and encourage people to appreciate fine vocal performances. It provides a place for amateur vocalists to learn and grow through performance under the direction of competent artistic staff.
 
* * *
   The Macombers Show Entertainment was also established in 1970 and serves as a goodwill ambassador for Macomb Community College. The company comprises a performing cast of singer-dancers who are Macomb Community College scholarship students, instrumentalists, tech staff, and a coordinator. Todd Moses directs the ensemble that performs dozens of dazzling shows each year, many at the Macomb Center for the Performing Arts with famous stars.
   Their clients include Chrysler Corporation, Henry Ford Hospital, Beaumont Hospital, and First State Bank. They have performed for U.S. Presidents.
   Twice each year, they put on “extravaganzas” for the fund that provides their scholarships. Many of the student performers go on to become professional entertainers, teachers and leaders.
* * *
 
TROY ROTARY CLUB
Submitted by Lynda Ludy
 
Who:       Shawn T. Blanchard
What:     A public event sponsored by Troy Rotary!
When:    September 12 at 11:30am
Where:   Detroit Athletic Club (Parking is Included in the ticket)
Website Link: https://events.r20.constantcontact.com/register/eventReg?oeidk=a07efkih8hed5134577&oseq=&c=&ch=
 
Like inspirational stories? Want to be a better leader? Want to meet someone who came from behind and overcame it all? Want to see the fabulous Detroit Athletic Club? Then Troy Rotary has the event for you!
 
Shawn T. Blanchard is a dynamic leader, entrepreneur, best-selling author, and renowned speaker. Recognized by Forbes Magazine as The Mentorship Specialist, Shawn delivers captivating talks across the country, engaging audiences with his expertise as a millennial thought leader. In 2017 he toured 42-stops across the country on the “How ‘Bout That” National Book tour with his best-selling book, “How ‘Bout That for a Crack Baby: Keys to Mentorship and Success.” His topics consist of leadership, overcoming obstacles, and success conversations.
 
This event will be emceed by Michael Angelo Caruso. Michael teaches people how to be better speakers  He is a valued communication consultant to companies and organizations all over the world. He has spoken in Europe, Africa, the Middle East, the Caribbean, and 49 of the 50 states. Mr. Caruso is founder and President of Edison House, an international consulting firm specializing in corporate, and personal improvement.
 
Where else can you find two people with the skill set of Michael Angelo Caruso and Shawn T. Blanchard in the same room? The DAC on September 12! You won't want to miss it. We will fill the room so sign up now!
 
* * *
WEST BLOOMFIELD ROTARY CLUB
Submitted by Cindy Hill
 
The 3 Rs – Replacing Violence With Love, Restoring Dignity and Rebuilding Lives in Ndola, Zambia, Africa
 
The Rotary Club of West Bloomfield is raising funds to continue education, medical care and humanitarian aid for those who desperately need it in Ndola, Zambia, Africa. Our connection is personal - Club Rotarian and Past President, Dr. Henry Maicki, is our inspiration. For the past 18 years, Dr. Maicki has been traveling to Zambia on medical missions with Orphan Medical Network International (OMNI). The medical team visits once or twice a year, and on each visit, they provide medical care to thousands of men, women and children.  

In addition to the caring for the health needs in the villages, OMNI also serves the education needs.  In 2005, OMNI built and now runs a successful elementary school at George Compound of Ndola, Zambia. Children in grades one to seven receive an education that otherwise would be unavailable to them. Recently, the Zambian Ministry of Education made the George School a National Testing Center and requested that 8th and 9th grades be added to the curriculum. Evening classes also were added in 2013 for the women of the community who never had the chance to go to school as a child.  
 
But, there is more work to do! The OMNI medical team has become increasingly aware of the frequency and severity of domestic violence in these villages.  Most abused women have little choice but to stay in their relationship as they have no education and no way to support their families.  OMNI now plans to establish a Rehabilitation Center for women who decide to report the abuse and leave their relationship.  As Dr. Maicki puts it, "These vulnerable women and their children need to replace the violence with love, have an opportunity to restore their dignity and rebuild their lives." Based on these "3 Rs," vocational training will provide the skills needed to help victims become self-sufficient.  The center will ensure that women and children can plan for their future while staying in a safe place.  
Dr. Maicki has purchased land to be used for the Domestic Violence Rehabilitation Center and the plans have been drawn. Now the challenge is to raise the over $100,000 needed to construct this building which will be instrumental in restoring dignity and rebuilding lives for those who need this help the most.
 
The Rotary Club of West Bloomfield is hosting a fundraiser on Thursday, September 27, 2018, to help support for the construction of the Ndola Domestic Violence Rehabilitation Center. Held at the Steinway Gallery at 2700 E. West Maple Road, Commerce Township from 5:30 p.m. to 9 p.m., it will be an elegant affair with gourmet appetizers and wine included in the ticket price of $50 per person.  Live music, silent and live auctions round out the evening.  All Rotarians are welcome to Eat, Drink, Enjoy and Give!  A $25, $50 or $100 donation will buy bricks for the building.  A $360 contribution will sponsor a child for one year.  $500 will provide training and food for a family.
For online tickets or to donate to the Domestic Violence Rehabilitation Center, see www.rotaryclubofwestbloomfield.com
 
 
Tickets also are available by calling or texting Marlenn Maicki at 248-882-1303.
To send donations, please make your check payable to: OMNI (a 501c3 nonprofit organization).
Mail to: Rotary Club of West Bloomfield, PO Box 252264, West Bloomfield, MI 48325.
 
 
 
+++
 
**************************************************************************
Reminder:  World Polio Day = October 24, 2018
**************************************************************************
 
+ + +
 
Upcoming Events
 
+ + +
 
 
+++
 
 
 
 
 
Russell Hampton
National Awards Services Inc.
ClubRunner