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April letter from DG Sherri
Tell everyone what you want to do and someone will want to help you do it" wrote W. Clement Stone.
In just a few short days the four member GSE team led by Rotarian Scott Rote of the Rotary Club of San Antonio begins their journey to District 7030 - home to more than 2,000 Rotarians, Rotaractors and Interactors in 14 countries of the Southern Caribbean, speaking English, French and Dutch. District Governor Lara Quentrall-Thomas writes "Rotarians of District 7030 are amongst the most unique and remarkable in our Rotary world - not only because of (their) passion for, and commitment to, service, but because (their) spirit of kindness and fellowship is beyond compare." I am certain that as they learn about the culture, the ways their own vocation is practiced in the 4 countries they will visit, and as they meet the Rotarians who will become their family, they will learn firsthand the truth in Stone's words. I am sure you each join me in well wishes for our team - and ask them all to return home with new ideas and new project ideas as we continue to "Reach Within to Embrace Humanity."
For Rotarians the world around, April is Magazine Month, a time to consider how Rotary's official magazines help us as Rotarians share the things we want to do. Every month the mail delivers The Rotarian, filled with stories about the projects and work of Rotarians, as well as articles of general interest. But did you know that worldwide, Rotary International produces 30 magazines - many in English? A brief visit to this website:
http://www.rotary.org/en/MediaAndNews/MorePublications/
RegionalMagazines/Pages/ridefault.aspx
will provide you with a summary of the magaizines and links to several websites where you can sample some of the articles. Here in D5840, your DistrictFest 2012 Committee, aply led by co-chairs Yvonne Soliz-Valdez and Monica Gutierrez, are hard at work putting the finishing touches on what will be a truly remarkable celebration of all that is Rotary! Al and I look forward to spending June 1 to 3rd with all of you and extend our sincere hope that you will join us for the weekend, or at least some part of it. Full information and registration can be found at www.rotary5840.org under the DistrictFest tab.
A major part of DistrictFest is the chance for each of you to showcase the projects you have undertaken - and to share how you have accomplished all you have done this Rotary year. But at the same time, we hope you use the opportunity to "tell everyone what you want to do" because as we continue to Reach Within, I am sure "someone will want to help YOU do it!"
Sherri Muniz
District Governor
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DistrictFest
by Yvonne Soliz-Valdez
SAVE THE DATE FOR A GREAT TIME OF FELLOWSHIP AND FAMILY FUN!! The DistrictFest Committee continues to work hard in planning a great celebration of all that is Rotary in District 5840 during the June 1st-3rd, 2012, DistrictFest in San Marcos.
In addition, the Assistant District Governors are working with their clubs to develop a collaborative show of club projects in the district. All clubs are expected to present a "show and tell" of their community, district and or international projects during Friday's the Road Ahead Tour hosted at the Embassy Suites. So start gathering your club pictures to share with your colleagues and hopefully, you will be an inspiration to others and also be inspired to develop new projects in your community.
Make new Rotary friends and see what District 5840 is doing in youth service by checking online details and registration at http://www.rotary5840.org . District 5840 Rotarians will also have an opportunity to register at the District Assembly in Kerrville on April 14, 2012.
Registration for the DistrictFest is available online at http://www.rotary5840.org/
For questions, contact DistrictFest Co Chairs:
Yvonne Soliz-Valdez Monica Gutierrez
yvonnesvaldez@satx.rr.com lovemydog@satx.rr.com
(210) 542-2277 (210) 288-6412
(210) 946-0992
2012 Districtfest Registration |
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Book Drive for DistrictFest!!
Calling all Clubs!! Collect books for kids in Hays County to be given out when they visit doctor's offices. At each regular check up from 6 months to 5 years, a child is given a book by the pediatrician and the family is encouraged to read together. Each book given by Rotary will have a sticker inside the front cover telling who the donor is.
Books should be new for babies to 5 years old. Used books are given to siblings of children who come along for Doctor visits. Please bring your Club's donated books to DistrictFest in San Marcos on June 1, 2012 and receive a FREE raffle ticket for a prize. (to be announced)
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Rotary Membership
by Phil Frank, District Membership Chair
Rotary International has begun gathering information on membership growth so now the time is here to look back at the Rotary year and learn what worked in attracting new members and retaining members. How many clubs reached their goal for new members? Did the addition of new members offset the loss of members? Hopefully many clubs did show an increase in membership but history and statistics tell us many did not reach their stated goal.
Latest information indicates that our district is leading the way in membership growth in our Zone. That is a good thing and only happened because clubs are recruiting members. We cannot rely on just the club membership committee to do all the recruiting. Every Rotarian should pass on Rotary information to whomever they come in contact that they feel will make a Rotarian. If you feel that you cannot present Rotary information then do get the future Rotarian's name to your committee along with reasons why you think this person would make a Rotarian.
How many of us have brought someone into Rotary? Do you remember the person that introduced you to Rotary? I do and thank him whenever I see him. Many of us feel they do not have the knowledge or tools to explain Rotary to someone who has no idea what Rotary is or does. If so, come to the District Assembly, April 14 in Kerrville. DGE Lisa has put together a good program with good presenters for all who want to learn more about Rotary. All incoming and future officers of clubs should attend. Information is on the website and in the March addition of As the Wheel Turns. |
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HungerPlus Adopts A Region Committee
by Kenneth Donoughue, Co-Chairman
The HungerPlus Committee successsfully completed the screening of all the buildings in Jaboncillas this month with the help of co-chairman Carlos Servin and the men of the ejido of Jaboncillas. Beginning March 13, 2012, we conducted a medical mission to San Vicente, Piedritas, La Union, and San Miguel with the help of Mision de Candelilla. Inhabitants of these ejidos received primary health care including medications. The Committee continued visiting clubs in the the District providing an update on HungerPlus Committee activities and soliciting funds for the Committee's work with the seven ejidos that we serve on behalf of District 5840.
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Rotarians on the Internet Fellowship
by PDG DickBaggett The Rotarians on the Internet Fellowship can be found at their webpage www.roti.org The mission statement of the ROTI says they are all about the Object of Rotary: "...the development of acquaintance as an opportunity for service."
"ROTI members are in a special position to develop acquaintances. With members from over 100 countries, friendship and acquaintance has taken on a whole new meaning and concept. ROTI members are in a position to further world understanding in a way none have ever experienced before. The mission of ROTI is to apply modern information technology to enhance Rotary service, fellowship and knowledge, and to use Internet communications to further world understanding and peace."
The ROTI concept began in the 1990's with a Rotarian in National City, CA. I found that of interest since I worked in National City as a young college student once. Some of you will recall the Prodigy system. The ROTI began by connecting an interest group via Prodigy.
Eventually the actual fellowship grew when Rotarian Darryl McKeller from New Zealand started talking on the list about trying to form a new Rotary International fellowship on the Internet specifically created for Rotarians using the Internet. Originally there were approximately 30 Rotarians from 6 or 7 countries on the list that communicated with each other.
Finally in the winter of 1996-97 the Rotary on the Internet Fellowship was granted official RI status. According to the history on their webpage: "ROTI had its first real chance to make a major change in the Rotary World when future RI president Frank Devlyn spent time at the ROTI booth learning about the unlimited potential of the Internet and the value it could be to Rotary International in improved communications and time and cost savings. When he became Rotary International President in 2000-01, Frank called on ROTI members to assist him in creating a major internet presence in every club and District in the Rotary world. That changed the way that all communications between Rotary International and Rotary clubs and Districts, so that everything that used to be handled by snail mail is now conducted through the Internet. We are proud to have been a big part of that revolution. ROTI was a social network long before Facebook and Twitter." The ROTI puts out a monthly newsletter called the "Breadbasket" and it can be found on their webpage for more information about ROTI. |
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Rotary District Assembly
Lisa Herring, District Governor Elect for District 5840, would like to invite you to the District Assembly to be held on Saturday, April 14, 2012 at the the Kroc Center in Kerrville. The Assembly will take place from 8:00 a.m to 3:00 p.m.
PRIVP Tom Thorfinnson will be the special guest presenter. The purpose of a District Assembly is to train incoming leaders of the Rotary clubs in our district as well as each club member, especially new members.
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EarlyAct News
by Darcee Grivel, EarlyAct District Chair
ATTENTION ALL EARLY ACT ROTARY LIAISONS....First Knights program and EARLY ACT CLUBS. As the EarlyAct District chairperson, I would like for us to get together and come up with a way to showcase "our" Early Act students at the DistrictFest! We have a small amount of time to speak on Saturday, June 2nd.
On another note, I'd like to also discuss how we can "bridge" the gap between clubs so that each EarlyAct club (school) will benefit from Rotarians, so as to help them become stronger as a group. Maybe RI will recognize our EarlyAct "Mission". If you are a Rotary club that sponsors an EarlyAct or EarlyAct FirstKnight program, please contact me:
Darcee Grivel
or on my cell (210) 367-5549. I'm sure that the date I choose will not work for everyone; however, please respond to me by e-mail and I will make every effort to work with y'all. LET'S SHOOT FOR MAY 17th at 6:30 p.m. at Willie's at Ralph Fair Rd. and IH-10.
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Interact News
by Michael Canales, District Interact Chair
This is an exciting time for Interact, but first I want to remind you that the "Best in District" competition ends on April 30, 2012. Please submit the application form, along with project data forms, and the Principal's letter to me by close of business on May 1, 2012. Mail the package to:
Mike Canales
8565 Ewing Halsell Drive
San Antonio, Texas 78229
Congratulations to the Rawlinson Middle School Interact Club--the first Middle School Interact Club in the district. The newest Interact Club is sponsored by the Dominium Rotary Club. I want to thank Mr. Alfredo Castillo for his tireless efforts to ensure the chartering of this club. I also want to express my appreciation to Mrs. Nancy Pena, the Principal at Rawlinson MS, and Ms. Danielle Housely, the Faculty Adviser.
Congratulations are also in order to yet another school. Governor Sherri recently signed and submitted a certification for the Interact club at KIPP which is being sponsored by the San Antonio Downtown Club. A big note of appreciation goes out to Anne Swift and her team for orchestrating this effort.
I want to thank all the clubs that donated toiletry items to project "Safe Passage." Your donation fulfills the international requirement. By the way, the "Safe Passage" team recently returned from their trip to Guatemala, and has documented their experience in a 30 minute video. I have the video in case anyone would like to view it.
Finally, the DistrictFest will be held in San Marcos from June 1-3, 2012. You're encouraged to set up a display in the House of Friendship, showcasing the projects you have completed this year. There will also be a New Generations Celebration on Saturday, June 2, 2012 from 9:00 am until 12:00 noon. The Change Maker awards as well as the "Best in District" award will be presented at event.
Please send me your pictures of the projects you have performed this year so I can display them during the celebration. Please call me at 210-615-6544 or e-mail me at: canales@winston-sa.org if you have any questions.
 | Interactors from Winston School volunteered at this year's SAVE the ARTS Field Day
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New Rotary Club in District 5840
District Governor Sherri Muniz is pleased to announce that The Rotary Club of Fair Oaks Ranch was admitted to membership in Rotary International on March 15, 2012. Kathy Hubbard is the club's first president. DG is looking forward to working with the Rotary Club of Fair Oaks Ranch for the remainder of this Rotary year and in future years, as well as we travel "the road ahead" in service!
The Rotary Club of Fair Oaks Ranch will hold its Charter Night on April 18th beginning at 6:30 p. m., at the Fair Oaks Ranch Country Club. To RSVP for the Charter Night, please contact club president Kathy Hubbard NO LATER THAN April 13th at monk@gvtc.com or (830) 456-7604. Dinner will cost $25.00 per person; you may pay at the door. A cash bar will be available.
The club will hold its regular meetings on Wednesdays at 12:00 noon (1st, 2nd and 3rd weeks) with the 4th Wednesday meeting held at 6 p. m. at the Fair Oaks Ranch Country Club.
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SAReads Literacy Campaign
by David Flack, District 5840 Coordinator for SAReads Literacy Campaign and
District Governor's Special Representative for SAReads Literacy Project
As the school year draws to a close in a few months, it's a great time to be "tooling up" for the expected surge in growth of the SAReads program. Currently targeting June 1st, SAReads will be rolling out an enhanced program for the 2012-2013 school year, with Rotary as its partner in recruitment of Volunteer Reading Tutors (only one hour a week). More details will follow in May, as well as Summer School opportunities (if any).
I'm seeking a designated Club SAReads Coordinator in each club in the San Antonio area. All that's needed is a passion for literacy (no extra meetings; just a club contact point). Kudos to Mike Seiferth for becoming our first one (Alamo Heights Rotary Club) on March 7th, with others lining up in San Antonio Evening and the "Downtown" clubs. It would be great to have these folks all in place by May 15th.
I need to hear from the following San Antonio (SA) clubs about their candidate:
SA Airport
SA Amigos Internacionales
SA Dominion
SA Medical Center
SA Mission Trail
SA North Central
SA Northeast
SA Northwest
SA Oak Hills
SA Randolph Metrocom
SA South
SA Stone Oak
SA Sunrise
SA Sunset
SA West
THANKS ~ David
Cell: (210) 872-5490 and and and and SAReads is a campaign, coordinated by Literacy San Antonio, Inc., dedicated to making grade level reading a reality for all students in Bexar County. More details at: and Volunteer for one-on-one tutoring (training provided). Just one hour per week. SAReads: Volunteer Reading Tutor Program
The Problem: Current standardized testing results indicate that 10% of third graders enrolled in public schools in San Antonio, are failing basic grade-level reading tests. This number is not indicative of the many struggling readers who are also at-risk of failing. SAReads utilizes proven methods to measurably change reading levels of children in second grade and lay the foundation for reading and comprehension skills. The program takes a guided reading approach and provides the student with a series of 30-minute, one-on-one sessions. This approach has proven to increase students' reading levels in only eight weeks. For a Volunteer Reading Tutor application, go to: |
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Oak HIlls Rotary awards scholarships
by Bruce Richter
This is the first year for the Oak Hills Rotary Club to award scholarships to St. Phillip's students. Four awards were made this year of $500 each to Bradley W. Smillie (automotive), Sakeo Bounyalack (automotive), John Burns (Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning) and Jose Penate (Heating Ventilation, Air Conditioning).
The photo below shows, from left to right, Rick Rhodes (Oak Hills member and scholarship committee member), Ms. Penate, Jose Penate (awardee), Bradley Smillie (awardee), and Barry Abrams (Oak Hills member and Chairman of the Scholarship Committee), at the April 2, 2012 Oak Hills meeting where the awards were presented.
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Canyon Lake Rotary Literacy Project
by Maureen Schein
Canyon Lake Rotary found new meaning to Literacy Month this year, as the club pursues making 47 bookcases for students at local elementary schools. The young readers receiving these gifts are the ones Rotarians have been reading with, weekly, since November when members embarked upon their literacy project. It started out as a challenge from Club President Maureen Schein, to change a child's life, "one hour at a time." She only asked for eight hours per Rotarian. Based upon studies, a child's reading level could be critically improved in eight weeks. However, Rotarians have stuck with the program.
After beginning the weekly reading, a club member suggested the club provide bookcases for children. It would be the first piece of furniture that they could call their own. And, additional studies showed that it would encourage reading. The club plunged in! Led by craftsmen Clay Blanton and Tom Purdy, members and their spouses, have pitched in to create these prizes. Truly, the best gift of all is the children's improved reading skills!
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Update on Lamis Kamareddine
by Jane Burton
Following up on our interview with Rotary Ambassadorial Lamis Kamareddine from last month's newsletter, we have some incredible news that would change one of the answers on Lamis' interview.
When do you plan to return to your country?
I am leaving on May 7th. That is when my scholarship year is completed. Actually, one year was not enough to finish my masters program, so I am planning to visit my parents during summer break, and thanks to the wonderful people at UIW (University of The Incarnate Word), I have been offered a scholarship in the form of a assistantship to complete my studies. My heartfelt thanks to David Jurenovich, Vice President at UIW and Rotarian, who helped make this possible.
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Driving Ms. Sherri
by Al Muniz
Well it is April and the odometer is rolling along at over 20,000 miles and it keeps going. Mr. Piggy is now on second club visits and having a great time. With your help he is going for a goal of $12,000.00 (at about 7 immunizations per dollar, that means we can protect about 84,000 children). He has worked hard to raise over $11,000 so far. We have only a very few clubs left in the "No club left behind" motto for Mr. Piggy. By the way, Mr. Piggy is available for second visits to any club willing to make a donation to Polio Plus (all donations will go to the Rotary Foundation in the name of your club).
When visiting areas that are in the Eagle Pass region, be aware that there is a serious increase in both car and truck traffic. Do not plan on the calculated GPS time or you will definitely arrive late for your appointment. Sherri does not like to be late for club visits so we have adopted the practice of leaving earlier than we need to and the bonus has been that we have been able to drive around some of the cities that we visit. We have gotten a great chance to look at some of the really special things about the cities that have Rotary clubs.
Take some time and tour a little of Texas; you will find some interesting places that you have bypassed so many times before. Take the kids or grandkids with you. As an example: in some cities you will find a long empty area in the middle of town that gets narrower as you get to the edge of the city. If any buildings are in this area you will find they are usually much newer than the buildings outside this area. Ask the kids to guess why the area is empty? You will get several guesses and then you can tell them that once a long time ago a train went through the city. Trains were once a very important part of the development of our country. Enjoy your travels throughout Texas and spend a moment in history, get off the interstate and stop for a moment and you may hear the ghost locomotive's whistle.
If you did not hear a ghostly whistle you may want to enjoy an old automobile horn at Dick's Car Museum in San Marcos during DistrictFest. We look forward to celebrating your club's achievements for this year and plans for the next Rotary year. Join Sherri, Mr. Piggy, and many of our District Rotarians for a fun three days of Rotary activities and shopping (by the way I will be there too). The Embassy Suites is a very nice hotel. We tried it out and were very pleased with the room, the food,and not to mention the Happy Hour.
See you in San Marcos and on "The Road Ahead"!
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