District 6290 Newsletter

District Governor John Salan and Helen Salan Message from the District Governor [email protected] A Life Changing Experience Inside this issue:

It has been an honor to serve the Rotarians of District 6290 as your Governor for Club Visits 2 2009-2010. It was an experience of a lifetime that may never be matched. Helen and I met fellow Rotarians from all over the world. The spirit of Rotary and Service Montreal Convention 3‐6 Above Self is well served by those we met.

Addendum 7 I am most grateful to the 62 club presidents, the 14 Assistant Governors and all of the committee chairs for their help and service this year. Without their support, I could not have done this job. And in conclusion 8

We had many challenges this year, but none was greater than the disaster in Haiti. Life Leadership Conference 9‐11 Your response was amazing. You contributed tens of thousands of dollars and sent water filters and shelter boxes plus financial and other assistance to those in

WCS 12 dire need. Jane Millar and her World Community Service Committee ably facili- tated this and we used the remaining District monies to supplement what was raised. Well done 6290 Rotarians! 13‐16 Club News My visits to the clubs went well and Helen and I are grateful for the hospitality and Rotary Learning Institute 17 friendship we received. We revamped the District Newsletter to have it reflect ac- tivities at the Club level. This gave each club the opportunity to get the word out, throughout the district, about their great projects and activities. It is a wonderful COL Decisions 18‐19 way to share and inspire. Thank you to Kathy Hegedus, in the District office and to my wife, Helen, for their work on the newsletter. Attendance 20‐21 I travelled about 6,000 miles in my tours of the District. The opportunity to speak to and to get to know so many Rotarians in the 62 clubs was indeed the highlight Special Dates of my year as DG. The energy, enthusiasm and dedication to Service Above Self to Remember were incredible. The amazing efforts of 6290 Rotarians to make a difference at home and around the world were truly gratifying…so many unique projects and

unique ways to share the spirit of Rotary. I am proud to have served you as Gover- • CSRYE nor for 6290. More importantly, you made me proud to be a Rotarian. Summer Conference at From Helen and me, a sincere thank you to all of you. Thanks for the memories. Calvin College

July 9—11, 2010 DG John

June 2010 Volume 1, Issue 12 Page 2 District 6290 Newsletter Volume 1, Issue 12 DG John’s Club Visits

Stanton

Our partners in Honduras were so grateful for the District’s Water Project that they sent certificates of commendation. Allendale

On behalf of all the Rotarians in District 6290 We Thank you! John and Helen Salan District Governor 2009-2010

Page 3 District 6290 Newsletter Volume 1, Issue 12 Rotary International Montreal Convention

Montreal

The Rotary International Convention in Montreal was an amazing and inspiring event in so many ways. From around the world, 18,600 Rotarians gathered in that charming city.

It was a time of many meetings, speeches, awards, breakout sessions, luncheons, renewal of friendships and sharing the ideals of Rotary. The House of Friendship offered the opportunity to meet, greet and exchange ideas with fellow Rotarians at the convention’s social hub. Rotary club and District projects were featured along with Rotary Fellowships, Rotary Action Groups, Rotary International and the Rotary Foundation.

On a bus ride to one of the Plenary sessions, Helen and I had the privilege to meet someone who made Rotary history. Dr. Silvia Whitlock of Clare- mont California, was the first woman to be president of a Rotary Club. She told us the story of her club being the first one to admit women. What an honor to meet someone who represented a major change in Rotary History.

Here are some selected offer- ings from the Plenary sessions: Dr. Silvia Whitlock and DG John The Convention began on Sun- day, June 20th; the first Plenary session opened with words of welcome from International Polio Plus Committee Chair Robert Scott, who was also the Committee Chair for the Con- vention. A moving flag cere- mony, with more than 200 countries and territories repre- sented, followed his message. R.I. President John Kenny gave RI President John Kenny and wife June at the Boy Scouts of America present flags from Rotary opening Plenary Session of the 101st RI Convention the keynote address to set the tone for the week. We were Countries and geographical areas then entertained by Celtic Thunder, a very well known vocal/musical group known for its eclectic style. What a wonderful show.

On Monday, the Plenary session featured a moving speech by Fa- ther ‘Rocky’ Evangelista, a Silesian priest from the Philippines. He spoke about the Tuloy Foundation, which he established in the Phil- ippines in 1993. It provides services to orphaned and abandoned street children, serving over 700 children at any given time. A Ro- tarian since 1994, Fr. Rocky even found the time to serve as a club president. He received a lengthy, well-deserved standing ovation.

Celtic Thunder

Page 4 District 6290 Newsletter Volume 1, Issue 12

Rotary International Convention ~ continued

Greg Mortenson, the co-founder of the Central Asia Institute and co-author of the New York Times best seller Three cups of tea, then spoke of his efforts to establish over 130 schools in rural Pakistan and Afghanistan. What a moving and inspiring story he told about bringing education to girls in these rural communities. Another amazing and inspiring story.

The highlight of Tuesday’s session was an address by Her Maj- esty Queen Noor of Jordan. She is an outspoken voice on issues Greg Mortenson of world peace and justice and plays an active role in promoting international exchange and understand- ing of Arab and Muslim culture and politics. Queen Noor spoke eloquently on the prospects for peace in the 21st century and received a lengthy standing ovation for her very positive and hopeful message.

Wednesday’s session began with an accep- tance speech by R.I. President Nominee Kay- lan Banerjee from Gujarat, India. If his speech is any indication, 2011-2012 will be a great year for Rotary. Bob Mazzuca, Chief Scout Executive of the Boy Scouts of Amer- ica, followed with his presentation about RI President John Kenny presents Queen Noor of Jordan with the RI award of Honor Boy Scouts and R.I. sharing a mission of leadership. It was an inspiring and thought provoking story of the relationship of R.I. and Scouts through the years; a re- lationship of which many of us were unaware. RI President Nominee Kaylan Banerjee with his wife Bionta The real highlight of this day was the appearance of . From the backwoods of Tennessee to the back lots of Hollywood to , Dolly has become a true living legend. She stirred the overflow crowd with a rous- ing rendition of ‘Working Nine to Five”. She then told us of her humble begin- nings in a poor, very large Tennessee family. Her Daddy was illiterate, but a very wise man who valued education for his children. In his honor, Dolly started the and the Imagination Library. The Imagina- tion Library, dedicated to promoting literacy, has given away 25 million books to children in three countries. Her Daddy was so proud that Dolly “Working Nine to Five” became known as the ‘book lady’. For her humanitarian efforts, R.I. sur- prised her with a Paul Harris Fellowship. She was touched to receive this honor and now has something in common with Mother Theresa; both are Paul Harris Fellows.

Page 5 District 6290 Newsletter Volume 1, Issue 12

Rotary International Convention ~ continued

The closing session opened with an outstanding vocal performance by the noted English tenor, Russell Watson. The incredibly talented singer engaged us with offerings from classic opera to renditions with audience partici- pation. President Elect Ray Klinginsmith from Kirksville Missouri then gave his inaugural address. This will be an exciting year for Rotary. President John Kenny then gave his farewell speech and was duly given a rousing ovation. We were then treated to a breathtaking performance by Cirque du Soleil. The session and the conven- tion concluded with the audience being led by Russell Watson in singing “Auld Lang Syne.” What a way to end an unforgettable time in beautiful Montreal.

DG John Salan

Cirque du Soleil performers English Tenor Russell Watson singing “Auld Lang Syne”

Next year’s convention will be May 21-25 in New Orleans. It promises to be a spectacular and swinging event. See you there!

Page 6 District 6290 Newsletter Volume 1, Issue 12 Pictures from the Rotary International Convention

With DG Tayo Alabi (Nigeria) and Ace Necaise ( New Orleans) Stage at the Convention Center Jim White PE of Grand Rapids Club and RI President Ray Klinginsmith

Those marvelous shelter boxes Jinja Women selling their wares With DG class- mate Ada Cheng from Hong Kong Sergeant -at –arms Pat Fox from San Jose

Montreal, a city of contrasts DG Anand from India raising funds for Dictionary Project Sounds for Literacy Polio Plus by selling shirts

With DG Tayo, Sola and friends Our very own District’s Thirsting To Serve Water Project Jim VanDyke Explaining the Filter System Page 7 District 6290 Newsletter Volume 1, Issue 12 Addendum

The Lowell Rotary Club celebrates the ‘changing of the guard’ at their annual picnic at Fallasburg Park. We were delighted to be invited this year to celebrate with them on June 30th, which was, according to the calendar, my last official day as District Governor. In addition to installing the new president, the club used this occasion to honor two club members for their outstanding service to the Lowell Rotary Club and to the Lowell community. Paul Harris Fellowship awards were pre- sented to Jeff Wilterink (who is also the incoming club presi- dent) and Paula Blumm. Well done, Rotarians!

In addition, the club honored two very special members for their many, many, many years of service to the Club. King Betty Morlock (President 09-10);Paul Harris recipient and President 10-11 Jeff Wilterink; Paul Harris Recipient Paula Blumm;ADG Jim Doyle has been a member of the Lowell Club for 65 years White;and DG John Salan and Dave Coons for 60 years. In honor of their long standing with the club, granite pavers with their names and years of service will be placed at the newly renovated Playground and Skateboard Park in the city of Lowell. A combined 125 years of Rotary – amazing!

Regan Doyle (Grandson of King), King Doyle, Dave Coons and Jeff Wilterink with the The Cristoff family: Aon, Nathan with Chance on his shoulders, Helen, granite pavers Wendell and in front Trey Rotarian Wendell Christoff made the celebration complete by surprising his immedi- ate family members by honoring each of the five of them with Paul Harris Awards; this included his wife Helen, son Nathan, daughter-in-law Aon, and grandsons Trey and Chance. What a special way to honor those near and dear and to benefit man- kind at the same time.

It was indeed a privilege to present these awards – seven Paul Harris Awards and a celebration of 125 years of Rotary service – all in one fine summer evening. What a memorable way to end my term of service. DG John

Trey Christoff is very proud of his Paul Harris Medallion Page 8 District 6290 Newsletter Volume 1, Issue 12 And in conclusion…

My year came to an official conclusion when Helen & I traveled to Cadillac on July 6th to install Tim Knaggs as District Governor for 2010-2011. The meeting was well attended by Rotarians from as far away as Wawa to the North and Holland to the South. In addition to presenting Tim and his wife Sue with their official pins, we also gave DG Tim a new plaque. “The Essence of Leadership”, which will be passed on to future Gover- nors as a new tradition. We wish Tim and Sue all the best as they embark on their very own life changing experience. PDG John

Front row: Bruce DeRuiter, past president of Cadillac club; DGE Jane Millar; PDG John Salan; PDG Bruce Dewhirst; PDG Bob Gandolfi; PDG Ross Childs; DGN Lody Zwarensteyn; Back row: Incoming Cadillac club president John Caitlin; PDG Chris Etienne; PDG George Trowbridge; PDG Tom Bos; PDG John Morrison; DG Tim Knaggs

New District Governor Tim receives the plaque “The Essence of Leadership” from PDG John Page 9 District 6290 Newsletter Volume 1, Issue 12 Life Leadership Conference 2010

Last week, from Wednesday to Saturday, with sunshine streaming through the trees at Kettenun Center in the quiet woods of Osceola County, 151 young people had the growth experience of their lives. Fifty-one Rotary Clubs made this possible by awarding scholarships for the conference to stu- dents, all of whom had already demonstrated extraordinary leadership qualities in their schools and communities.

From the opening bell, conferees showed their capacity for friendship and their desire to better understand leadership. They identified various styles and learned how results can be affected by deeply personal characteris- tics such respect, gratitude, hope, faith, honesty, knowledge and physical fitness, to name a few. Students conferred a goodness on one another that caused several to confess self- discovery that never felt so certain--an affirmation for which they had been longing. They learned that one cannot give what one does not have. They learned that leaders support one another through friendship and networks.

District 6290 Newsletter Volume 1, Issue 12 Page 10

Life Leadership Conference 2010- continued

International students brought diversity--three exchange students, but six more with significant life experience overseas: one the child of a missionary family, another an immigrant family, another from the family of a multi -national corporation, a refugee, students about to go overseas, etc.. Global thinking characterized discus- sions. They were a reflection of Rotary International, perhaps its future.

In the ever-popular talent show, many shared highly developed skills, playing bagpipes, an African drum, presenting stirring vocals and instrumentals, stand-up comedy, knot-tying, dance, and soccer tricks. Director Charles Bell coached sixteen adventurous men and women conferees, calling themselves The LLC Singers in an American-theater style presentation, charming everyone with a song and dance routine that has be- come the talent show staple.

District 6290 Newsletter Volume 1, Issue 12 Page 11

Life Leadership Conference 2010-continued

Director Bell's veteran staff and long line of powerful speakers were on their game, in total, bringing decades of educational and leadership knowledge for consideration. The presence of some 30 visiting Rotarians reinforced the message to conferees that, "People believe in you; they not only chose you, but they are at Kettenun to spend time with you." Kettenun Center was also on its game, the facilities perfect; a standing ovation for the kitchen staff.

LLC Director, Chuck Bell

Pinky McPherson Denny Macha & Zach Noling Judy Brummeler PDG Robert Brummeler

Judith Wonacott Renee Huckle-Mittlestaedt Loraine Bell Jenica Moore Power in the 62nd Life Leadership Conference and its results is a tribute to the care that LLC chairs across District 6290, and a few additional clubs took in selecting and sponsoring candidates. Because Rotarians acted, these young people will make a profound impact on the world. Congratulations to all. Thank you to everyone whose touch shaped the 62nd Life Leadership Conference, including the stu- dents who invested four days of their valuable time.

Additional photos are posted on the District website www.ridistrict6290.org

Norm Veliquette, Chair Rotary District 6290 Life Leadership Committee

Life Leadership Chair, Norm Velliquette Page 12 District 6290 Newsletter Volume 1, Issue 12 World Community Service ~ submitted by DGE Jane Millar

Since the inception of The Rotary Foundation’s matching grant program, the clubs in District 6290 have been actively involved. At an international level, over 50 clubs in District 6290 have supported projects in close to 50 countries. The projects have ranged from cataract and cleft palate surgeries to school and medical supplies to water filters and the drilling of boreholes to revolving loans for women. At the local level, clubs have sponsored projects, such as park benches for a Veteran’s Hos- pital, a literacy bus for children who live in rural areas, and construction of a playground/skateboard park.

The compassion and generosity of the Rotarians in District 6290 cannot be overlooked. In response to the earth- quake in Haiti, in three month’s time District 6290 raised $100,000 for Shelter Boxes.

It is not merely the variety and the vastness of impact of the projects supported by the clubs in District 6290 that is impressive. Over the years, District 6290 has been respon- sible for over $5.7 million in project expenses. Of this, al- most $3.5 million has come from The Rotary Foundation in the form of District Designated Funds (DDF), District Simplified Grants (DSG) funds, and the world fund.

In order to continue to sponsor international and local projects, however, it is essential that each Rotarian in District 6290 do his/her best to give at least $100 to The Rotary Foundation on a yearly basis. Every Rotarian, Every Year (EREY). It is very simple. If we do not give to The Rotary Foundation, there will not be sufficient funds to approve the numerous grant applications. If we give to TRF, the money will be there to continue our good works around the world and in our local communities.

In closing, I would like to add a personal note. Serving as chair of the World Community Service Committee for the past three years has been one of the most rewarding experiences of my life. To realize the impact that we as Rotarians have on improving the lives of so many people around the world is an awesome feeling. Even though we still have much work to do, we are making a differ- ence. That is what being a Rotarian is about.

For a detailed breakdown of the projects in which District 6290 has been involved since 1993, go to www.ridistrict6290.org On the left hand side of the web page under The Rotary Foundation, you will find World Community Service. Page 13 District 6290 Newsletter Volume 1, Issue 12 News from the Wawa Club ~ from the Wawa News.Com

The Rotary Club of Wawa has begun mailings of information about their upcoming celebrations or their 50th Anniversary to be held next year. As part of the promotion, the club has produced a postage stamp to mark the occasion which will be presaged by a number of mailings to further promote the event among Rotary members, former members and friends of Rotary.

The stamp shows a logo developed for the event which includes the iconic Wawa goose, a Rotary emblem and the dates, 1961 - 2011. The Rotary 50th Anniversary logo was designed by Brenda Grundt, a current member of the club.

1961 is the year that the Rotary Club of Wawa received its Charter from Rotary Inter- national and 2011 marks fifty years of continuous operations in Wawa and area, doing good things and charitable work in our community. Local Rotarians and guest will mark the anniversary with a three day event on September 9th, 10th and 11th, 2011.

At the June 10th meeting of the Rotary Club of Wawa, a Group Study Exchange from Norway was the guest. Their visit to Wawa was the last visit to a club in District 6290, and the last visit of nine clubs the visited since their arrival on May 13th, 2010. The team is led by Reidar Norschau, a Rotarian and retired mechanical engineer. The team members, all between the ages of 25 and 40, are Øyvind Tweldt, a lawyer, Barbara de Haan, a community services director, and Beathe Langerud, a medical laboratory scientist.

During their visit to Wawa, they enjoyed a dinner of lasagna and salad, with Rotarians and their partners, then began a presenta- tion that introduced them, their homes, and communities back in Norway. They had a delightful video that showed that their countryside and the delight in which they enjoy the outdoors is very similiar to living in Northern Ontario. They were driven to Wawa by former club member, Harold Soderlund (now a mem- Øyvind Tweldt, Reidar Norschau - GSE Team Leader, Wawa President ber of the Soo North Club) who enjoyed his visit back to Wawa. John Morrison, Beathe Langerud, Barbara de Haan and Jody Houle of Wawa who just spent a month in Norway as a GSE member. A very special guest was Ed Kaminski, District 6290's GSE Chair, from the Montague-Whitehall club. He made the 9.5 hour journey simply to enjoy the team's visit to Wawa "also his first visit here". Ed is extremely passionate about sharing our district with GSE members throughout the world, having sent and received 31 GSE teams to and from districts in 24 different countries worldwide. In the past few years, District 6290 has hosted teams from, and sent teams to Norway, Brazil, the Dominican Republic and the Philippines.

After spending the night, the team was given a deluxe guided tour of Wawa, and to Agawa Bay. Rotarians Russell Reid and Johanna Morrison acted as Tour Guides, taking them to Sandy Beach, Michipicoten Bay Scenic Lookout, Silver Falls, and Magpie High Falls. They then ejoyed a quick visit to Wawa's Subway for a "lunch to go", and a cof- fee at Tim's for the road. Their first stop on the road was at Old Woman Bay and then a hike at the Agawa Picto- graphs, all the while being treated to tidbits of local history, flora and fauna courtesy of Johanna and Russell.

After their hike they ventured down to the Agawa Bay Interpretive Centre, a lunch break and stroll on the beach. Carol Dersch, Lake Superior Provincial Park (LSPP) explained the Ontario Provincial Parks System. One of the most memorable discussions were about reindeer and our Woodland Caribou and their similarities and differences. After a tour of the Interpretive Centre, the Team enjoyed a small shopping spree in the Friends of LSPP gift shop, and farewells were shared between the team and their tour guides. They will be leaving in a few short days back to Norway, and to share their experiences in their whirlwind tour of District 6290. District 6290 Newsletter Volume 1, Issue 12 Page 14

Service Above Self Shines in Newaygo County ~ from the Fremont Rotary Newsletter

Fremont, MI...June 1, 2010—The Rotary Club of Fremont presented Habitat for Humanity and Bob and Bonnie Erber with its “Service Above Self” award for 2010. The Rotary Club presents the award to a local person and/or business for dedication and sense of responsibility to the community without a desire for special recognition. Habitat for Humanity collaborates with the Newaygo Country Career Tech students and teachers to build homes for families that qualify for a Habitat home. The new homeowners have mortgages and make monthly payments. Most homes that are built have a three bedroom, one bath floor plan with costs av- eraging around $70,000-80,000. Habitat has provided dozens of homes for residents in Newaygo County, many of whom still reside in these houses. The Erbers were honored for their individual service as well as their service as a couple to our community. Many local organizations of religious, civic, education, the arts and service have benefited from their tireless energy. Both are Rotarians in the Fremont Club, where they truly exemplify the goal of “Service Above Self.” They reside in Fremont where they take pride in many family activities with their children and grandchildren—not the least of which is scheduling atten- dance at many sporting events.

District Office News

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.

The District’s website www.ridistrict6290.org/ has a new look. Check back periodically to see additional updates! Page 15 District 6290 Newsletter Volume 1, Issue 12 Frankfort Rotary Chicken BBQ ~ submitted by Robert McNabb The Annual Frankfort Rotary Chicken BBQ is alive and well and is sched- uled for August 7th. Six hardy and energetic souls have signed on to help make this year’s version the best in recent memory. In addition, several oth- ers have volunteered to assist with specific duties. Please see Doug Cook at a Rotary meeting or call him at 231-352-9655 to find out how you can help.

Early History of the Frankfort Rotary Club Chicken Barbecue (by Byron K. Norton, member from 1/3/1961 to 7/13/2005) In 1960 the Frankfort Rotary Club raffled a boat motor and trailer, and lost about $400.00. In 1961 the club raffled a trip to Florida and a stay at the Fontain Bleu Hotel. Mr. and Mrs. St. Syr from Ben- zonia won, Byron Norton sold the winning ticket, and the club lost about $200.00. In 1961 Sid Evans moved to Frankfort from Kalkaska, and transferred his Rotary membership to Frankfort. When the club was discussing money making ideas, Sid told about the successful chicken barbecue that the Kalkaska Rotary Club had every year. So the Frankfort Rotary Club voted to try a chicken barbecue. Sid Evans was to be the chairman. Dr. Hubacker was the club president. About March 1962, Sid decided he would not be chairman, so Dr. Hubacker persuaded Byron Norton to take on the chairmanship. About early May, Tom Jacobson, who owned Jacobson Marina, and had a commercial fishing li- cense told the club if they would have a perch dinner instead of the chicken dinner he would provide the perch free. This sounded like a good idea to the club, so the club voted to have perch instead of chicken that first year. Well now, if you don't think this was fun (ha, ha) trying to get doctors, lawyers, business owners, etc., to clean enough perch for a big dinner, Byron about went crazy. Anyway finally we had the din- ner and made about $400.00 to $500.00 profit - a great success considering the previous losses. The club voted no more fish only chicken; the club had about 30 members at this time. The chicken barbecue has been a huge success every year since then. Some of chairmen, cooks, etc., that come to mind - Bill Bacon, Roger Johnson, Dave Mead, Joe Paavola, Tom Gorang, Dick Brown and many more. The first barbecue (fish) was at the American Legion Hall. Later at the high school cafe- teria. Dick Preble succeeded Bob Lockhart as the great ticket salesman ad promoter. About 1982 or '83 Larry Miller and Hugh Hessler took over as co-chairmen of the barbecue with great success. During this time the dinners were moved from the high school cafeteria to Mineral Springs Park where the event grew to around 2,000 dinners in 1992. Hugh and Larry were chairmen for 12 years, followed by Jim Martin and Jim Holtz in 1993, then Jim Martin, in 1994. In recent years the duty has gone to Mary Weishaar and Jan Cerro, then Barbara Skurdall. The barbecue has settled at over 2,000 dinners with more than $16,000 net profit to the club. The secret barbecue sauce formula was originally provided by Bill Bacon. Congratulations to the club and all the chair people and workers through the years. Sid had a great idea and the club made it work. A lot of good people and hard work continue to make the Chicken Barbecue our signature fund-raising project. Page 16 District 6290 Newsletter Volume 1, Issue 12

Frankfort Rotary BBQ ~continued Later History (by Roger K. Johnson, member from 10/6/1965 to 6/13/2009) I was asked, along with Byron Norton to give the history of the Frankfort Rotary Chicken Barbecue. Byron was to give the early history and I was to give the more recent history. Since Byron talked about activities up through 1996 and John Mead is going to talk about the grill, it doesn't leave much in the way of history to talk about. But I can tell you about some of the events and workers that have been a part of the Barbecue. Early in the history of the Barbecue, the chairman was the chairman of everything - the food, the ticket sales, the broiling crew, the servers and the clean-up crew. Since there were only about 30 members and 30 workers, you were expected to come in the morning when the grills were being set up and stay until the grills were down and the last pan was scrubbed up. In recent years as our club started evolving from a Business Man's Service Club to an Old Man's Social Club, the length of the work assignments have been reduced to just a few hours. We started serving about 250 meals with a 10 to 15% sales increase annually. One of the questions that we were continually asked was: "What do you guys know about broiling chicken?". Probably a reasonable ques- tion! As Byron mentioned, Bob Lockhart was a big promoter and early chairman of the Barbecue. As an incentive to keep the crew around he would bring a bottle of Bourbon Supreme (his favorite) and a bottle of Peppermint Scnhapps and keep it locked up in the trunk of his Buick until the last dirty pan hit the dishwater. He would then open the trunk and pass out about a 3 oz. paper cup. By the time you got an ice cube in that cup, there wasn't much room for anything else. Lockhart was a rather tall man. Six feet, five inches to be exact. A per- sonable fellow and good salesman. In the late 1970's he set a Barbecue ticket sales goal of 200 tickets for himself, which he exceeded. The next year he set a goal of 300 tickets as his personal sales goal, but sold 283- a club record. A non-Rotarian who was also a big player early on was Lyle Hornsby. A friend of Lockhart and a pitcher on Lockhart's independent baseball team. In 1950 or '51 playing in a 1-0 victory over Brethren, Hornsby pitched 18 innings alone at Lockhart Field. Lyle played a major role in teaching us to broil. Jim Brian, Sr. was also an active member of our club. One day in Mineral Springs Park, we were broiling and it started to rain. Bill Bacon got his stake rack truck and we had a city dump truck, tipped the box up, tied a rope between the two, threw a canvass over it and made a tent - or you might say we made a smoke dome. We smoked poor Jim up so bad that he was home sick for three days and we couldn't get him near the grills after that. Bill Boal was another hard worker and loyal Rotarian. Bill was manager of Frankfort Manufacturing. Bill could be a little feisty if he didn't agree with what you said or wanted to do. I noticed that his behavior wasn't up to his normal self and asked him if he felt okay. He said that he did. It was a hot muggy day in the 85 degree range. His behavior didn't become more like himself, and I told him I was calling his wife to come and get him. He didn't argue and then I knew he was in trouble. Bill survived a mild heart attack that day with no perma- nent damage. In conclusion, after about 25 years on the broiler and all of the fellows that I had started with, had either had a heart attack or had died, I decided it was time to retire while I was still on my feet. Recently I have been work- ing with the curb service crowd in the shade. ROGER JOHNSON DIED OF PANCREATIC CANCER IN JUNE, 2009. BY NORTON DIED A YEAR EAR- LIER. Page 17 District 6290 Newsletter Volume 1, Issue 12 The Rotary Leadership Institute (RLI) Great Lakes Division

Excellent leadership is the key to successful service by our clubs to our communi- ties and the world. The purpose of the RLI is to assist in improving the Rotary knowledge and leadership skills of the future leaders of our Rotary clubs.

Club presidents are requested to support this program by identifying club members with leadership poten- tial to recommend them for participation in this program. This program consists of three full-day parts presented over time. The programs are presented using the facilitated discussion method, rather than lecture. The fee includes breakfast, lunch and training materials. The cost will vary based on location. It is suggested the club fund participation of club members.

Any club member of any district is invited to attend any event. Parts are to be taken sequentially. All ses- sions are facilitated by certified Discussion Leaders, who are all Rotary governors.

Part I covers Leadership Characteristics, Rotary Beyond the Club, Teambuilding, Rotary Foundation I, Membership Retention, and Service Projects.

Part II covers Leadership Goal Setting, The Rotary Foundation II, Communication Skills, Ethics- Vocational Service, Membership Recruitment, and Analyzing Your Rotary Club.

Part III includes International Service, Effective Leadership Strategies (double Session), Rotary Opportu- nities, Leadership-Public Relations, and Making a Difference.

Contact Person:

PDG Renee Merchant 517-592-5463 [email protected]

“No ray of sunshine is ever lost, but the green which it awakens into existence needs time to sprout, and it is not always granted for the sower to see the harvest.”

—Albert Schweitzer Page 18 District 6290 Newsletter Volume 1, Issue 12 Key Issues decided by the COL

Quick summary on some of the key issues decided by the COL:

1. E-clubs are now a permanent part of the fabric of Rotary. Two are permitted per district. Members for an e-club can come from anywhere in the world. 2. Discrimination based on sexual orientation is no longer permit- ted. (This could be a challenge for Rotary clubs in countries like Uganda where homosexuality is a crime with very severe punishment.) 3. The dues for RI will go up $1.00 per year in each of the next three years. The board reduced its request down from a $2 per year increase due to cost savings that were implemented and the recovery in the value of the re- serve fund. However, the board also requested an automatic 2% per year increase in dues after the next 3 years, but the COL rejected that option. 4. There is now a fifth avenue of service – New Generations. 5. The COL increased the minimum size of districts to 33 clubs and 1,200 Rotarians, but delayed its implementation for 2 years. 6. The COL rejected the proposal to add $3 per year in dues so as to reduce the registration fees at conventions by $200 per person. 7. Rejected the idea of corporate memberships. 8. Rejected any ideas reducing the frequency of club meetings. 9. Rejected the idea that the best possible candidate should be selected as the delegate to the COL, since this might result in non-PDGs serving. 10. Imposed a limit of three times on serving as a delegate to the COL. 11. Created a minimum age of 65 before anyone could reach the rule of 85 and thus be eligible for ex- cused status from attendance requirements. (This applies to me since I just reached the rule of 85 due to my 30 years in Rotary.) 12. The COL modified the standing committee for Rotaract into a standing committee for Rotaract and Interact. But, it refused to amend this same committee into a New Generations committee. Thus leaving RYLA and Youth Exchange out in the process. 13. The COL clipped the wings of the board by adopting in the RI by-laws a travel policy: • This will allow Past Presidents, Past Chairman of the Trustees, Chairman-elect of the Trus- tees, Current Presidents and Presidents-elect to fly first class on all flights. • This will require current trustees and current directors to fly business class on all regardless of the length of the flights. (This is kind of odd, since the current policy in our Code of Policy allows but does not require the current trustees and current board to fly business class. In addition the current policy does not allow at all business class flights for trustees and direc- tors if the flights are under 3 hours in length. FYI – I have never flown first class, nor busi- ness class on Rotary’s dollar. I have opted not to take advantage of the option given to me. It is a bit odd that I am now required to fly business class!) .

Page 19 District 6290 Newsletter Volume 1, Issue 12

Key Issues ~ contined

Quick summary on some of the key issues decided by the COL: continued • The original proposal submitted to the COL did not allow past presidents to fly first class. It was amended to include past presidents in the first class category. This amendment proba- bly eliminated 80% of the cost savings that would have been realized by the original pro- posal. (Past Presidents attend the convention and the International Assembly all on Rotary’s dollar. In addition they currently fly first class to all such events together with any committee meetings and President Rep assignments.)

• Past directors together with anyone else flying on Rotary’s dollar is required to fly economy class. This will probably result in fewer past directors from outside the US volunteering to be on RI committees since they are the ones that have long flights to Evanston for committee meetings. It will also be difficult when we bring in the likes of a Desmond Tutu to present at a convention, since we cannot pay for anything other than an economy flight for the speaker. • I am not sure the COL is the best place to be setting operational policies, but past abuses by some result in this kind of action. • FYI - Much of the potential high costs of having past leaders fly business or first class was already eliminated when the board changed the President’s Rep policy for next year ($600,000 saving) and reduced the number of RI committees ($400,000). This did not come out in the consideration of the item, since debate was cut off by a motion to close debate.

Over a brew or two sometime I will be happy to discuss with any or all just how we could improve the COL. The COL is probably a bit too old in average age, certainly too big in size, not a democratic repre- sentation of Rotary, and has too many good intended proposals that are very poorly worded.

Interesting process, but a great deal like watching paint dry.

Sincerely,

Tom Thorfinnson

Thomas M. Thorfinnson (Tom) Director Rotary International 2009-2011

13270 Melody Court Eden Prairie MN USA 55346

Home: 952-937-2297 Mobile: 612-850-2597

Page 20 District 6290 Newsletter Volume 1, Issue 12 Page 21 District 6290 Newsletter Volume 1, Issue 12

Inside Story Headline

ROTARY INTERNATIONAL DISTRICT 6290 Kathy Hegedus Administrative Assistant 214 S. Beacon Blvd. Grand Haven, Mi. 49417 616-935-9559