THE MINUTARIAN

April 7, 2024 | Issue 40

Protecting the Environment

April is Environmental awareness month in the Rotary Calendar.

A fond memory of my term as President of RC Orange Park Sunrise, was joining the other Orange Park clubs in answering RI President Ian Riseley's challenge to plant a tree for every Rotarian in our clubs.

President Ian's charge was successful and meaningful. It came before the Environment technically became the seventh Area of Focus, and likely was a catalyst for the adoption by RI. But, protecting the environment has always been at the core of all of our efforts. Health, Water, Sanitation, Fighting Disease, and addressing insecurities of all types rely on the care and protection of our natural resources.

Rotarians worldwide engage regularly in efforts to protect and restore land, coastal, marine and freshwater resources, enhance the capacity of communities to support natural resource management and conservation, and support sustainable agriculture, fishing and aquaculture practices. Source Rotary.org

USD $18.4 Million in Foundation global grant funding has been allocated to environment-related causes in the past five years through our support of community economic development and water, sanitation, and hygiene projects.

Now is a great time to initiate, or participate in, a project focused on environmental protection and awareness.

We recently highlighted some efforts of various D6970 clubs in this area. Check with your Area clubs, Assistant Governor, or District Foundation leadership for ideas to get started or to connect with others who may have similar interests.

This issue marks the beginning of the Fourth Quarter of the Rotary year. As we round the corner and head into the home stretch (Kentucky Derby, anyone?), focus on finishing strong. Finalize and evaluate your projects. Prepare for your leadership transitions. Reach out to members that maybe you haven't seen in a while. And get ready for a new year of service, fun and fellowship.

Have a great Rotary week!

John

John Tabor | District Governor 2023-2024

Rotary District 6970

I recently received this photo from my visit to RC St. Augustine Sunset. My "heartfelt" thanks to President Jeani Taliaferro and the whole club for a warm welcome and a fun evening!

John Tabor

District Governor

DISTRICT CALENDAR

April 20, 2024

Rotary Learning Institute

Daytona State College,

Palm Coast

April 30, 2024

Registration Deadline

Rotary International Convention

Marina Bay Sands,

Singapore

May 3 - 4, 2024

District Conference

University Center

UNF, Jacksonville

The current class of District Governors from Florida recorded a promotional video at PETS in Orlando.

Each was asked "What does Florida PETS mean to you"

Watch on Facebook

West Volusia Multi-Club Social

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The Rotary Clubs of West Volusia will come together on April 10 for fellowship and to cheer on the Stetson Hatters as they take on the UCF Knights.

The fun starts at 5pm at The Elks Lodge of DeLand, followed by game time at 6pm with a special VIP viewing area.

Members of all six West Volusia clubs (Rotary Club of DeLand, DeLand Breakfast Rotary Club, Rotary Club of Downtown DeLand, Sunset Rotary Club of DeLand, Rotaract Club of DeLand and the Rotary Club of DeBary, Deltona, Orange City) are invited.

Come join the fun.

2024 District Assembly and Conference!

Please join us for the 2024 District Training Assembly and Conference May 3-4.

The venue is the Herbert University Center on the campus of the University of North Florida 12000 Alumni Drive, Bldg 43 Jacksonville, FL 32224.

For a full schedule of events please go to the Conference Page on the District website.

For hotel reservations follow the directions in DacDB. Conference Hotel Room Block

Group Code RDC. Guests may also call hotel 904-204-0205 option 3 to book using group code RDC (Rotary District 6970 Conference)

Scotch Whisky Tasting

Do you drink Scotch Whiskey? Maybe you have - once, but would like to give it another try. Do you know what peat is, where it comes from, and why anyone would use it to make something that you drink? Do you know the difference between Islay and Speyside? Do you know how to pronounce Bunnahabhain?

Please join PDG George Robertson Burnett on Friday, May 3 at 5pm as he takes us on an educational, entertaining, and tasty adventure through the wonderful world of the national drink of his homeland.

The event will take place at the opening cocktail reception for the District Conference at UNF.

You can register on DacDB as part of the Conference registration. The fee is $60 and all proceeds will go to Polio Plus.

Registration

Yohani Kayinamura

RC Daytona Beach West

Conference Keynote Speaker (Morning)

"Orphan Aid, A Story of Love, Faith, and Service"

Professor Yohani Kayinamura is a proud member of the Rotary Club of Daytona Beach West, contributing to both academia and social entrepreneurship.

As a dedicated educator and self-motivated social entrepreneur, he currently holds the position of Professor of Chemistry in the Department of Biological and Physical Sciences at Daytona State College. His research focus spans the intriguing realms of conducting polymers and renewable energy.

An unwavering commitment to the principle of paying it forward propels Yohani into community service. His passion for education manifests through volunteering at various academic institutions both in the USA and in Rwanda.

Yohani is the founder of the Umuryango Children’s Network, a nonprofit organization committed to rescuing and educating "street" (homeless) children in Rwanda. The organization's mission is nothing short of transformative —turning underprivileged and street children into ethically sound individuals who are intellectually, physically, emotionally, and spiritually well-rounded.

At the forefront of their efforts is the Bright Future Academy, a tuition-free nursery and primary school catering to underprivileged yet brilliant local community students.

As an active member of the Rotary Club of Daytona Beach West, Yohani finds immense value in engaging with like-minded individuals who share a fervor for service and positive change. This enriching affiliation not only deepens his understanding of community dynamics but also provides a significant platform for him to build a global network of friends, all united by the common goal of making the world a better place

Zone Membership Webinar

Tuesday, April 15

There are a few things you can do to jump-start your growth NOW to finish strong this year and build a better foundation for next year.

Join the Membership Webinar to learn strategies from successful clubs.

Monday April 15, 6pm

Meet your District Leadership

Serena Fisher

Assistant Governor - Membership Area 8

RC Daytona Beach West

Past President

Rotarian 6 years

Serena is a Florida native but grew up in Plant City, near Tampa. She moved to the Daytona Beach area a little over 8 years ago and joined Rotary in 2018. She quickly took on various leadership roles at the Daytona Beach West Rotary Club, including President in 2020-21.

She attended USF for her undergraduate and Master’s degrees in Psychology, began a career in HR and management, then left that job to return to school, moving to Baton Rouge and completing her PhD in Human Resources Education at LSU. She also holds the two highest certifications in Human Resources, the PMP Project Management certification, and other professional certifications.

She enjoys problem-solving and finding practical solutions, whether that’s by providing training at Halifax Health where she works as an HR Director; serving on various Workforce Development Taskforce groups in her local community; or using her HR expertise to come up with strategies for member recruitment, retention, and engagement for her club.

Within Rotary, Serena loves hanging out with Rotary friends, taking part in service projects, growing professionally, developing herself and others as leaders, and being involved with her club’s Peacebuilding Committee Book Club. Despite her best efforts to avoid it, she is probably going to break down and finally take some golf lessons so she can join in the all the upcoming Rotary fundraisers! Service Above Self, right?

Although Serena is still relatively new to Rotary, she’s excited to continue learning, supporting the district, and helping others in any way she can.