|
From District Governor Russ-.
Fellow Rotarians-
As District Governor, I am calling on my DG superpowers to officially welcome spring today. I know the astronomical definition of spring is the vernal equinox on March 19. The meteorological (weatherman) start is March 1. We will likely face some more wintry weather but that is spring in Michigan and SW Ontario. Welcome back our snowbird members migrating back north.
Now is the time to remember to register for the district conference May 3-5 in Grand Rapids. Click HERE to visit the District Conference page and get registered! And see below for more details on the speakers and schedule.
Water, Sanitation and Hygiene take center stage as our Rotary Area of Focus for March. Super District 6400 has been active in international WaSH projects for many years. From 2007-2009, Plymouth led a major water and sanitation project Honduras. More recently, the LaSalle Centennial club has 2 global grants to bring clean and safe water to 2500 people in 4 villages in Malawi and the Trenton club is preparing a grant application to install 10 wells to provide water to 15,000 in Ghana. Both grants are being partially funded by earnings from an endowment at The Rotary Foundation. This fund was established specifically to fund District 6400 WaSH global grant projects. If you want to know more about the Water, Sanitation and Hygiene area of focus and how to get involved, go to The Rotary Action Group for Water, Sanitation and Hygiene website, www.wash-rag.org.
Now is the time to prepare and submit grant applications for our District World Community Service grants. These are a great way to start your club’s involvement with international service. For more information, go to https://rotary6400.org/?page_id=10278. Deadline is April 1.
Barb & I really enjoy visiting clubs and their events. If you would like me to come to a meeting (especially to induct new members) or an event, please send an email advance notice so I can get it onto the calendar.
DG Russ
| |
Past Rotary International President Ian Riseley will be representing President Gordon McInally at District Conference 2024!
Past President Ian and his partner (Past District Governor) Juliet will be with us all weekend - you won't want to miss a minute of the fun! For a full bio on Ian and our other conference speakers, and a link to register for the conference just CLICK HERE!
| |
|
District Rotary Foundation Committee Update
Sue Goldsen, Chair
| |
 |
Clean water, sanitation, and hygiene education are basic necessities for a healthy environment and a productive life.
When people have access to clean water and sanitation, waterborne diseases decrease, children stay healthier and attend school more regularly, and mothers can spend less time carrying water and more time helping their families.
How Rotary makes help happen
Through water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) programs, Rotary’s people of action mobilize resources, form partnerships, and invest in infrastructure and training that yield long-term change.
Our impact on water, sanitation and hygiene
The Rotary Foundation is changing the world by providing grants for projects and activities around the globe and in your own backyard:
WASH Global Grant Projects: Since 2013, The Rotary Foundation has invested in more than $130 million in over 2000 projects worldwide. Through this investment, our volunteers of action have improved access to safely managed and basic WASH services to communities, schools and healthcare facilities, while protecting and conserving water resources.
| |
Team from District 6400 visits Ghana | |
|
15 Rotarians and friends traveled February 17 to Subinso, Assin, Ghana. The team is led by DGND Kim Spirou. Their two week trip featured opening 3 schools and 7 water wells, all donated by Rotarians and their friends. The medical clinic was manned by Dr. Chris Spirou and 4 pre-med students who are helping during the first week of the trip. There are also vocational Service projects. They will be in Africa until March 4th.
If your club would like to schedule a program about the project, contact DGND Kim, Essex Rotary Club, kspirou@hotmail.ca
(Below left) Lynne Kerr of the Kingsville Southshore Rotary Club is showing villager how to plane desks.
(Below right) Michelle Whie of Windsor 1918 and Rina Hyland of the Essex Club are helping with reading glasses. Most of the people want to be able to read their Bile or Koran.
| |
|
CALLING ALL CLUBS
DISTRICT VTT OPPORTUNITY
| |
|
A Vocational Training Team is a group of members in a community who are ready to share their vocational expertise with another part of the world. The team is led by a Rotarian, the rest of the 3-5 member team can be Rotarians but they are not required to be (often they are so impressed by Rotary and its work that they are ready to join us on their return). The Rotary Foundation provides financial support for travel and accommodation as well as some other needs.
Our district has a great reputation for its active engagement in VTT as a form of Service Above Self. Governor Elect Nick Krayacich and Governor Nominee Linda Morrow have both led VTT teams from our district and know what a life changing experience it is – life changing for the people we serve as they learn new professional skills and life changing for the team members from our district who make friends and learn first-hand about another country and community. Over the past number of years we have sent teams to Ghana, South Africa, Tanzania and the South Pacific to name just a few, and we have improved services in health care, education, maternal health and water projects. The VTT is focused on teaching new skills to professionals so they can provide the improved services to their own community. It is an opportunity for our district to build a powerful legacy in a community of need.
Our Governors are planning to send a VTT out during their years (they are sharing the foundation grant that provides the support) and the time is now to begin planning. So now is the time to talk it up with your club. Do your members have some ideas or contacts in places that need our help? Or do they just have questions about VTT right now and want to know more?
Contact our District VTT chairs: Mary Jean Gallagher (maryjean@mjgallagher.ca) or Julie Hardy (hardyju44@gmail.com). We can answer your questions or come and speak to your club about VTT.
| |
It's all about our members! | |
Detroit
On Feb 14th, the club inducted three amazing new members, shown with club president Renee Yancy and Governor Russ Jones:
- Ana Easlick, Founder, Michigan Travelist (far right)
- Dr. Robert Forsythe, Professor of Finance, Mike Ilitch School of Business, Wayne State University (2nd from right)
- Hill Harper, Famous TV and Film Actor, Philanthropist, Author, Entrepreneur and Michigan U.S. Senate Candidate (2nd from left)
| |
Detroit A.M.
Governor Russ also stopped by the morning club in Detroit to induct new member Tim McKay
| |
Windsor (1918)
The Rotary Club of Windsor (1918) is thrilled to extend a warm welcome to our two newest members, Ghuosuddin Frotan and Rick Wilkinson! Please join us in celebrating their addition to our esteemed club!
From left: PP & Membership Chair Mike Drake, new members Ghuosuddin Frotan & Rick Wilkinson and President-Elect David Sundin.
| |
Adrian Morning
Assistant Governor Rhonda Gage inducted new member Brandi Johns during the club's February 15th meeting.
| |
District 6400 Clubs At Work! | |
Dearborn Heights
Club members recently refurbished their Little Free Library at Polk Elementary School and it looks great! It's one of a dozen LFL's the club has placed throughout the community over the years. The club also just celebrated it's 60th anniversary - it was chartered February 27, 1964.
| |
|
Huron Township
The club expresses its gratitude and appreciation to community members and businesses who uphold our "Service Above Self" motto. Last month, the club gave a special shoutout to Apple Charlie's, which is owned by Billy Grover and his family. Apple Charlie's not only supports the club, but its contribution to their Goodfellows program is also invaluable. Billy's willingness to support the Huron Township Rotary is a continuation of his father's legacy as a club member. They also want to recognize that Apple Charlie's is not only a generous contributor, but also provides significant support to other organizations and groups in the township.
| |
Harrow
The club was involved with two events last month. On Saturday, February 10th members had fun at the Valentine's Ice Festival.
They then gathered for Valentine's Day at Harrowood Seniors Retirement handing out Flowers and Chocolates
| |
Northville
Members of the club donated socks (236 pairs) and $200 at its recent holiday party to the Seaside Rotary Club in Playa del Carmen, Mexico for their KISS (Keeping kids in school) project.
The donations were delivered last month by Club member, Marita Smith, (2nd from left) with members of the Seaside Rotary Club.
| |
|
|
Romulus
Club members labeled and personalized +200 dictionaries last month. They will be delivering the dictionaries to every 3rd grade student in Romulus.
| |
|
Westland
The club recently recognized Kyle Mulligan, Westland Rotary Club Board Member and City of Westland Parks and Recreation Director, for his dedication and commitment to the Westland Rotary Club with a Distinguished Service Citation.
| |
|
Adrian Morning
Club members and community volunteers gathered for their monthly "Weekend Snack Sack" packing detail.
| |
Dearborn
(Below) Youth Month 2024 concluded with students hosting the club meeting. Rotarian Roger Miller is overheard saying: "This is always my favorite meeting of the year!" The students amazed club members with the amount and depth of their annual school projects and the maturity of their leadership.
Most notable was the spirit of collaboration within each school and between high schools in the District. There was no talk of "rivalry" between schools, but rather an understanding of the benefits of collaboration and working together to accomplish common goals.
| |
Livonia
The club presented its vocational service award to LCTC student Charlotte Adkins from Franklin High School.
| |
|
We need your club news!
Please make sure you email your club's news and upcoming events by the 20th of the prior month to sue@goldsen.com.
| |
Club Events & Outings - click on each image for more information | | | | |
