Well here we are at the beginning of a new year and the beginning of the second half of our Rotary year! This is a very busy time for our clubs. Our presidents are assessing their goals and guiding their members toward them. At the same time our president elects are preparing to grab the baton and run with it. They will try to continue their club’s goals while adding their own energy and goals.
After a hectic but energizing December filled with Rotary Holiday events and family Debbie and I will continue to assist Governor Elect Steve Albright and Jill with their training events, Mid Year/Pre PETS, NEPETS and the District Assembly. We will also continue to visit clubs to help with installation, awards and their events. We look forward to a wonderful 2019!!!
SUMMER STUDENT EXCHANGE OPPORTUNITY
Is there a high school student and family in your community who would enjoy a summer exchange program with a family in another country?
The Rotary Short-Term Exchange Program places participating students with a matched host family in their selected country from three to six weeks in the summer under the sponsorship of a local Rotary Club. These students will be able to see firsthand the problems and accomplishments of other peoples of different colors, creeds, and cultures, fostering world peace and understanding.
PROVIDENCE CLUB TAKES AIM AT LITERACY
The Providence club has begun a refocusing of its volunteer and philanthropic activities to help build the reading skills of the city’s elementary school students.
“The new Childhood Literacy Initiative will align club members, our foundation and additional partners to make a positive impact on a major community need,” said club president Art Norwalk. “We expect that it will also help attract new members and donors to allow us to do more.”
FRAN JEFFRIES TAKES THE PLUNGE
PP Fran Jeffries of The Bridgewaters Rotary Club (in blue) joined 500 other hardy souls in raising money by braving the chilly waters off the BCYF Curley Community Center in South Boston on New Year’s Day. Fellow Rotarians, friends and family cheered her on and thanked the many sponsors of her effort. Fran invites others to join her next year.
Grant Qualification: The Grants Training Webinars and Seminar for the 2019-2020 club qualification will be held on the following dates: Saturday, Feb. 9th, Whites of Westport (seminar). Monday, March 11 (webinar) and Monday, April 8. (webinar). Because the Grants Training must be repeated yearly, so if you have attended before, you may want to consider asking different members of your club to participate.
New on the District Website: If you weren’t able to attend the Intensive Globe Grants Seminar on Jan. 5th, the District Resource Network database, PowerPoint presentation, and resource files are now posted on Rotary7950.com under Foundation, Global Grants. For more information about Global Grants contact Paulette Boudrot, pljadmin@comcast.net, 617-750-7511.
Rotary Leadership Institute: The District 7950 Rotary Leadership Institute (RLI) will be held on March 30, at Amica Insurance in Lincoln, RI. Send new members, seasoned members, club officers and potential leaders. Register by March 20th at rlinea.org. Contact Joanne Tully (JTully@southshorebank.com), 617-688-4265.
Best wishes to all officers and club members for a strong second half!
Bill
