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The Gateway |
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The Gateway |
FROM THE GOVERNOR
By C. Clifford McLean, DG
Last month we informed you about a new member contest. Just as important as bringing in a new member is retaining members. Rotarians leave Rotary for many legitimate reasons, but many leave because they lose interest.
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Gov. Cliff & Carol at the Governor's Home-coming at the Villa Victor sponsored by the Oyster Bay Rotary Club |
One reason they lose interest is because they are not involved in service projects. Every Rotarian needs to be involved in some kind of service. No matter how long the Rotarian has been a member of your club, no matter if they are infirm or handicapped, there is a job that can be done in one of the four avenues of service, Club, Community, Vocational, or International.
Another reason Rotarians become disenchanted with Rotary is because of poorly run meetings. Meetings need to start and end on time. There needs to be a sense of purpose and order for the meeting and there needs to be stimulating programs. Many clubs have difficulty finding good programs. If your club is having this kind of problem, you need to ask the district for help. You can ask your club's Assistant District Governor, one of the District Directors, one of the District Chairpersons, Rony Kessler, or the District Governor for ideas for programs. Both the Governor and Rony Kessler have a list of excellent programs. You need to call and ask for help. Rony can be reached at 516-466-6550 and the Governor can be reached at 631-549-9688.
Click here to see a list of recommended programs.
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IS IT "APATHY"?
By C. Clifford McLean, DG
Recently Janet and I represented our district at a USA-Canada Rotary Youth Exchange Conference in Evanston, Illinois.
It was a wonderful conference attended by over 160 Rotarians from 81 North American Rotary Districts. The purpose was to explore the concerns over the downturn of enrollment in our YEP programs.
It was nearly the unanimous opinion that "Rotary Apathy" was the largest single concern in everyone's district and an entire afternoon was spent exploring that subject.
What I wondered, out loud, was "is it really 'apathy' that we have to be concerned about?"
I, for one, think not. My experience with my fellow Rotarian in D. 7250 is that almost to a person, everyone wants to do whatever they can do to "serve".
Webster's defines "apathy" as "indifference or a lack of feeling".
I don't think our Rotarians suffer from that malady. I have to believe that we are suffering from something, but not "apathy".
So what is it that has caused the inertia that seems to have overtaken so many of our clubs?
I know that we are all busy -- too busy, it seems. I also know that when I'm "too busy" what I choose first to tackle is that with which I am most knowledgeable and comfortable. What I tackle last is that with which I am least informed and which requires the most research.
So, if that is generally the case for most of us, then it seem that what we must do to overcome our "inertia" is to become better informed.
How do we become better informed in Rotary? Simple. Draw upon the wealth of knowledge and experience available here in our district and in Evanston.
Club Officers, Directors, and Committee Chairs & members can meet others with "know-how" at the District Assembly on April 15th at the Chef's Orchid at JFK Airport. Please attend!! The rumor that we are "apathetic" is "appalling".
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COMING SOON: "GATEWAY" ONLINE?
During the construction phase of the Rotary District 7250 E-Mail System, rotary250@onelist.com, on our website at www.Rotary7250.org, there have begun various postings that are used to test the system, and to confirm that we are properly communicating. Please be patient, and try to respond in a timely manner to any response requests. The tests will be done possibly once or twice a day during the next two weeks. After that, we hope to be fully operational.
The first group to be REGISTERED is District Officers and Club Presidents, and then the General Membership. It is crucial to our success, that Club Presidents collect e-mail addresses from their members and e-mail them to me to complete the registration process. Please make this a TOPIC of your next meeting.
In the near future, we'll be able to send an electronic, FULL COLOR, PHOTO-FILLED version of the District Newsletter on-line to members wishing to receive it electronically, vs. the printed Black & White version. Thousands of dollars can be saved in the District by converting as many members as possible to e-mail vs. postage and printing.
If any club members do not have e-mail or Internet access, but have a PC with a modem, anyone with internet access can visit this site (www.imtltd.net/gol) and register for them. (Go to the site and write down the basic questions you'll need to ask them). We will e-mail a small file back for that person. Al you need to do is copy it onto a floppy for them. They need to copy the file to their system and "click" on it. They'll be on the Web in seconds! If they need "tech support" we will provide it at no cost.
In addition, please go to http://www.rotary7250@onelist.com/, sign in, go to your PROFILE, and edit it to add your name, club, and position.
If anyone has comments or suggestions, please forward to:
Peter Oleschuk
PeterOleschuk@yahoo.com
District 7250 Int'l Service Director
Website Chairman
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The new Rotacare Facility in Uniondale opened its door for an "open house" on March 22nd. Those who attended were amazed at the modern, spacious facility which now serves over 15 new "clients" each Monday afternoon. Plans are being considered to extend the Thursday evening session due to increased demand.
Rotacare is seeking nominees for its Board of Directors. Anyone interested in serving as a director, please call Gary Fishberg at 516-357-3703. |
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Rotarians have responded swiftly to the plight of disaster victims in Mozambique, laid waste by months of torrential rains and flooding caused by cyclones on the southern African coast. The devastation wrought by cyclone Eline, in February, and Gloria, in early March, affected some two million people across the country. Halfa million of these now live in more than 100 makeshift camps.
Three hundred fifty aquaboxes, donated by Rotary clubs from Rotary International in Great Britain and Ireland (RIBI), were delivered to the disaster areas. Some 1,300 more of the portable water purifiers are en route to Mozambique. According to John Hall, chairman of World Community Service/International Service in Rotary District 1220, the aquaboxes already dispatched will purify more than 20 million liters (5.2 million gallons) of water.
In 1998, RIBI Rotarians raised more than US$400,000 to provide aquaboxes that treated some 35 million liters (9.1 million gallons) of water in the aftermath of Hurricane Mitch that ripped through Central America. The purifiers were critical in drastically reducing the risk of flood victims catching water-borne diseases, such as cholera, from drinking contaminated water.
in Mozambique, aid workers have reporte 482 cases of cholera, including seven deaths. Within southern Africa, Rotarians are working alongside other relief organizations to ensure that much needed supplies reach the flood victims.
In districts 9210 and 9250, Rotarians donated tons of food, clothes, tenting material, and medicines that have been shipped to the disaster areas. They established an air-bridge from Nelspruit, South Africa, to Maputo, Mozambique, to airlift donations of relief items, and fed the pilots and airfield volunteers with food they cooked themselves.
Peter G. Keen, governor of District 9250, said that the response of clubs, districts, and individual Rotarians around the world to the disaster notice sent out recently will contribute substantially to the rebuilding of devastated areas. Several clubs and districts have promised financial assistance towards rehabilitation projects, he said. "This money will be used for rehabilitation purposes after the floods have receded," Keen said. "Restocking with crop seeds and livestock will be necessary to sustain life."
Flood damage to Mozambique's agriculture, roads and manufacturing industry will cost the country about $1 billion in relief and reconstruction efforts, the World Bank has said. It is estimated that 167,000 cattle, 62,000 sheep and goats, 8,000 pigs, and some 111,000 chickens and other livestock were lost in the floods. So far, 652 bodies have been recovered but the final human toll is expected to be much higher.
Locally, Governor Cliff has assigned $10,000 of District 7250's District Designated Fund with The Rotary Foundation to the Mozambique disaster effort and the Oyster Bay Rotary Club will be donating $2,500 to the effort.
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Golfers, it's time to take the "sticks" out of the garage and to put them in the trunk of the car! Plan a summer of Rotary Golf at the following Rotary Outings:
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"THE COUNCIL ON LEGISLATION" -- Rotary's Agent for Change
By Clifford L. Doctherman, PRIP -- Taken from the APril 2000 Rotarian
These and dozens of other questions will undoubtedly be discussed and acted upon by the 2001 Council of Legislation. In just 12 months (April 23-27, 2001) delegates from 530 districts will convene in Chicago, Illinois to conduct Rotary's triennial "convention for change".
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MOCK COUNCIL ON LEGISLATION AT CONFERENCE 2000
To increase District 7250 Rotarians' awareness as Rotary forges new directions in its "dreams for the future", Governor Cliff has announced that a "Mock Council on Legislation" will be part of the program at the upcoming District Conference at Tamiment Resort on May 19-21.
Topics such as those mentioned above and other topics such as "re-districting" of our district and neighboring districts are being considered by the Committee for discussion at the conference.
Clubs are invited to draft resolutions to be considered at our district conference and to be submitted to RI for consideration at the 2001 Council on Legislation.
In addition, the clubs of the district will be voting at the conference to select the District 7250 delegate to the Council on Legislation. RI President, Carlos Ravizza has urged districts to select delegates "who are aware of Rotary's needs for positive change, which will provide future growth and stability for the organization." If Rotary is to prepare for the future, it will depend on well-prepared and thoughtful resolutions, and delegates willing to go to Chicago ready to forge new directions for Rotary.
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Why did Moses wander in the desert for 40 years?
Because, even back then men wouldn't stop to ask for directions!
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LAST CALL: "ALL BOARD" FOR TAMIMENT
On March 22nd, Host Club Chair, Rich Ciechieu, of the Oyster Bay Rotary Club
gathered together his host club committee at Governor's Aide, Jack Bernstein's
office to "get serious" about the planning for the district
conference.
For those who know Rich and his wife, Bernadette, you know that music, fun, and entertainment will be the "watch words" for this conference.
Governor Cliff and Conference Chair, Chuck Pacifico, are busy planning an exciting and informative conference program. Cliff has enticed a number of talented outside speakers to liven up the service side of the conference.
But fellowship has always been a major part of Rotary, and no conference would be successful without a large dose of good ol' fun.
It's not too late to sign up. Call Chuck Pacifico's office 516-742-8340 for a registration form, or go to the district website at www.Rotary7250.org to download a copy.
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The rumor mill has it that a number of clubs are busy assembling unusual and intricate "gift displays" for the Chinese Auction at the District Conference.
Club Presidents should respond to Chairperson, Phyllis Harrington's request for information regarding your planned auction item so that the committee can plan accordingly to accommodate your club's needs to appropriately display your item.
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Clubs are invited to display their programs and projects at the District Conference. Please contact Chairperson, Pierre Marchais at 516-922-5117 to arrange for a suitable display site.
This is a great opportunity to "Show Off" your terrific club projects.
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A "LETTER" TO THE GENTLEMEN OF VERAZZANO
Joseph & Jacqueline Tripodi
Dear Gentlemen of the Verazzano Rotary,
We would like to express our gratitude for your generous hospitality that we enjoyed on Wednesday, January 5th, 2000. On that evening we came to you seeking some assistance in obtaining a pediatric stroller for our disabled son, Joseph. Not only did you gentlemen listen and show compassion for our plight, but you assured us that we would be getting the stroller for Joseph...
The presentation of the stroller for Joseph left us speechless and very touched. The tears that were shed that evening were of joy, relief, and gratitude. As parents it breaks out hearts when we are unable to provide our children with what they need.
We would like to share this very important poem that puts it all in perspective:
A hundred years from now it will not matter
What my bank account was,
the sort of house I live in,
or the kind of car I drove...
...but the world may be different
because I was important in
the life of a CHILD.--Joseph and Jacqueline Tripodi
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The Group Study Exchange Team from Brazil will be arriving on April 15th. Everyone is invited to...
WELCOME
THE DISTRICT 4480 GSE TEAM
Sunday, April 16th at 2PM
at
BAILEY'S ARBORETUM
Bayville Road, Locust Valley
$10 Admission at door
For additional information, call Bill Jacobs (H) 516-759-7046 or (B) 516-624-0200 or Cap Powers (H) 516-759-0871 or (B) 516-671-5100.
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VALLEY STREAM INTERACTORS RAISE $1,400 FOR RONALD MCDONALD HOUSE
Hoping to raise enough funds to buy a heart plaque at the Long Island Jewish Medical Center's Ronald McDonald House, the Interact Club at North High School under advisor Ellen Shurgan sponsored a Bowl-a-thon at San'dee Lanes in Malverne. With the help of the Valley Stream Rotary Club, students and staff raised approximately $1,400 for the young Ronald McDonald House patients. The Club planned to present the funds at a dinner they prepared for the resident families.
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Verazzano Club President, Aldo Frustacci, with GSE Team Member Debbie Knutz, and PDG Chuck Pacifico. Debbie who is being sponsored by Verazzano addressed the club on the evening they were joined by the Locust Valley RC members to celebrate their "baker's dozen" Gift of Life child. Locust Valley co-sponsored the Verazzano's 13th GOL child this year. Next year's President, John Blandi announced at Locust Valley's recent reverse raffle, that Verazzano would sponsor an additional 12 children for open heart surgery next year. As can be seen by the letter above, the Verazzano is active in all avenues of Rotary Service. |
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FLUSHING ROTARIAN, VIRGINIA DENT...
...was honored by the Little Neck-Douglaston Lions Club at their annual Charter Night on March 11th for her work as an environmentalist. Virginia received the Lions Club "Community Service" award. Congratulations, "Mike"!
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THE VOCATIONAL & COMMUNITY SERVICE COMMITTEES OF THE SOUTHEASTERN QUEENS RC...
Presents
HEALTH FAIR 2000
Saturday, April 22nd, 2000
at
Mets International Supermarket Parking Lot
200th Street and Hollis Avenue, Hollis
Health Education in Cardiovascular Diseases; Dental; Hypertension; Podiatry; STD, etc.
The Police Temporary Headquarters' Vehicle will be on hand for the community to tour.
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WASHINGTON, NIXON, AND CLINTON
What is the difference between George Washington, Richard Nixon, and Bill Clinton?
Washington couldn't tell a lie, Nixon couldn't tell the truth, and Clinton doesn't know the difference!
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R.I. PRESIDENT-ELECT PLEDGES SUPPORT FOR YOUTH ACTIVITIES
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Chuck Pacifico, RI President-Elect Frank Devlyn, and Janet Pacifico at USA-Canada YEO Conference. |
Frank Devlyn, from Mexico, no stranger to District 7250, takes office as the President of Rotary International on July 1st, 2000.
Frank was the principal speaker at he USA-Canada YEO Conference Saturday evening Dinner in Evanston, Illinois in March.
The purpose of the conference was to explore and find soluations for the decline in participation in Rotary's Youth Exchange Program (YEP).
Frank reminisced about his many wonderful experiences with young people during his many years of Rotary servic.
He emphasized the need for Rotary to continue and redouble its efforts to provide the kind of programs for the youth of the world to insure the development of the future leaders of the world.
President-Elect Devlyn promised the full support of the R.I. staff to clubs and districts in their youth service endeavors.
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Now is the time to recruit Youth Exchange candidates for a short term summer exchange. For information on the program, contact Hubie Baumgaertner, PDG at 516-433-8228.
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...Regular PR Tips, Rotary Club PR success stories, Press Releases, Fact Sheet Updates, etc.? Do you have a question related to your club's publicity efforts?
Register your full name and email address at prtips@rotaryintl.org and become a part of the Rotary global PR team. By registering, PR Tips will be transmitted to you at your email address on a regular basis.
Please note, if you would like to order public relations materials, contact the Rotary Order Desk at 847-866-4600 or FAX 847-866-3276. They will ship directly to you.
If you have questions or would like suggestions related to your clib's PR campaign, contact the public information department at this email address and receive a prompt response.
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District Assembly -- April 15th -- 8:00am to 3:00pm -- at Chef's Orchid Restaurant in JFK Airport.
GSE Welcome Party for Brazilian Team -- April 16th -- 2:00pm -- at Bailey's Arboretum.
District Conference 2000 -- May 19-21 -- Call Chuck Pacifico at 516-742-8340 for registration form.
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ANSWERS TO TODAY'S ROTARY QUIZ
(See "Is It Apathy?" on the top)
If you are not interested in "wasting" a day to learn Rotary at the District Assembly, the answer is "Yes".
If you are "too busy" to attend the District Assembly, the answer is "maybe".
If you are willing to "take the time to learn" at the District Assembly, the answer is "NO".
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| CLUB | MEMBERS | MEETINGS | ATT. |
| Baldwin | 25 | 4 | 60 |
| Bayville-Ctr. Isand | NR | ||
| Bedford Stuyvesant | 9 | 4 | 55 |
| Bethpage | NR | ||
| Brooklyn | NR | ||
| Eastern Queens | NR | ||
| Elmhurst | NR | ||
| Farmingdale | NR | ||
| Farmingdale Breakfast | 5 | 72.5 | |
| Floral Park-Bellrose | 10 | 5 | 86 |
| Flushing | NR | ||
| Franklin Sq.-Elmont | 18 | 4 | 50 |
| Freeport | NR | ||
| Glen Cove | NR | ||
| Glen Head | 4 | 76 | |
| Great Neck | 35 | 4 | 78 |
| Hempstead-Uniondale | 22 | 4 | 78 |
| Hicksville-Jericho | 19 | 4 | 60 |
| Jamaica | NR | ||
| JFK | NR | ||
| Locust Valley | 64 | 4 | 74 |
| Lynbrook-E. Rockaway | 19 | 4 | 85 |
| Malverne | NR | ||
| Manhasset | NR | ||
| Massapequa-Seaford | NR | ||
| Mineola-Garden City | 53 | 3 | 30 |
| Oceanside-Island Park | 28 | 4 | 50 |
| Oyster Bay | 40 | 4 | 65 |
| Port Washington | NR | ||
| Queens Borough | NR | ||
| Rockaway | NR | ||
| Roslyn | NR | ||
| Southeastern Queens | 43 | 5 | 60 |
| Southwest Queens | NR | ||
| Syosset-Woodbury | 5 | 80 | |
| Valley Stream | NR | ||
| Westbury-Carle Place | 27 | 5 | 45 |
| Verazano | NR | ||
| Wantagh | NR | ||
| West Hempstead | NR | ||
| Williston Park | NR |
CLUB SECRETARIES! Please send your reports to Ella immediately after the last meeting of the month. The report must reach Ella by the third of the next month to be included in the Gateway. Ella can be reached at 718-479-4914, by fax at 718-217-5795, or at getabney@aol.com
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