Friday, October 19, 2018

World Polio Day-Gwinnett Rotarians Hold Polio Talk


The Rotary Clubs serving Gwinnett County, comprised of more than 300 Rotarians in nine clubs, will mark World Polio Day on Wednesday, October 24, with a community-wide polio discussion. The public is invited to hear the latest news concerning polio from Dr. Abhijeet Anand, a medical epidemiologist who focuses on polio at the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) in Atlanta. In addition, Past District 6910 Governor Bill Strickland will tell a personal story about polio immunizations in India.

Past District Governor Bill Strickland administers polio vaccine drops during a National Immunization Day (NID) in India.

The event will take place from 4:30 to 6 pm on October 24 in the Education Center at the Gwinnett Chamber of Commerce building, 6500 Sugarloaf Parkway, Duluth, Georgia 30097. Hosting the community-wide polio discussion are the Rotary Club of Buford/North Gwinnett, the Rotary Club of Duluth, the Rotary Club of Gwinnett, the Rotary Club of Gwinnett Mosaic, the Rotary Club of Gwinnett Sunrise, the Rotary Club of Gwinnett Tomorrow, the Rotary Club of Lawrenceville, the Rotary Club of Peachtree Corners and the Rotary Club of Sugarloaf.

World Polio Day was established by Rotary International more than a decade ago to commemorate the birth of Jonas Salk, who led the first team to develop a vaccine against poliomyelitis. The first polio vaccine was available in the United States in 1955. Use of this inactivated poliovirus vaccine and subsequent widespread use of the oral poliovirus, developed by Albert Sabin, led to the establishment of the Global Polio Eradication Initiative (GPEI) in 1988. As of 2013, GPEI had reduced polio worldwide by 99 percent.

GPEI is spearheaded by the World Health Organization, Rotary International, the CDC and the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF).  It includes the support of governments and other private sector donors.

Polio is a crippling and potentially fatal infectious disease. The virus spreads from person to person and can invade an infected person’s brain and spinal cord, causing paralysis. According to the World Health Organization, there is no cure, but there are safe and effective vaccines. Polio vaccine, for as little as sixty cents each, given multiple times, almost always protects a child for life. The strategy to eradicate polio is based on preventing infection by immunizing every child until transmission stops and the world is polio-free.

Since 1979, Rotarians have helped immunize more than 2.5 billion children against polio in 122 countries. The disease remains endemic in three countries -- Afghanistan, Nigeria, and Pakistan -- although other countries remain at risk for imported cases.
Rotary brings together a global network of volunteer leaders dedicated to tackling the world’s most pressing humanitarian challenges. Rotary connects 1.2 million members of more than 34,000 Rotary clubs in over 200 countries and geographical areas. Their work improves lives at both the local and international levels, from helping families in need in their own communities to working toward a polio-free world.

To register for the event, visit this link - https://www.signupgenius.com/go/409044eabab22a1fe3-world.

For more information, Contact Barbara Myersnbarbaracmyers@gmail.com or 770-309-0613






Submitted by Barbara Myers - President, Rotary Club of Sugar Loaf

Wednesday, October 10, 2018

Rolling on the River - Oct ‘18 Conference Update - FAQs



Frequently Asked Questions


1. Who should attend? All Rotarians and their spouse/guests.
2. What is the purpose of the Conference: The purpose of the conference is simple: to share ideas, celebrate our accomplishments, and find out what has been happening in the district and the world. 
3. When is the conference? May 2-5, 2019
4. Where is the Conference? The Hyatt Regency - Greenville, S.C     
5. Why attend District Conference? This is a perfect opportunity to network and share ideas with other Rotarians. You will also get to know the amazing projects going on around the Country. A District Conference is one of the most enjoyable and rewarding privileges of Rotary membership.
 What are the costs associated with Conference?
     
Lodging: The District Conference Committee has negotiated the following group rates at the Hyatt Regency - Greenville: Single Rate/Double Rate $149, Triple Rate $169, and Quad Rate $169.  Premium and Suite upgrades may be available for an additional fee based on availability. These room rates are subject to tax, which is currently 10.00% plus a 2.00% Destination Fee. Reservations must be made on or before the cutoff date of Wednesday, April 10, 2019 to be eligible for the group rate.  
Hotel Parking is 7.50 per day; valet parking additional.

Note: The group rate is available April 30th to May 5th. 

Registration:

• The on-line registration site will open on Thursday, November 1, 2018 and will close at midnight on Wednesday, April 10, 2019.  Please encourage anyone in your club to register before the cut-off date.   
• A special rate of $225 will be effective from November 1, 2018 through December 31, 2018.  The rate increases to $250 on January 1, 2019 and $275 on April 10, 2019.     
• Please encourage all members to visit the district conference website at Rotary6910Conference.org for up-to-date information.  A link has been placed on the district website that will also take you directly to the conference website.   
• Cancellations:  In order to request a refund, cancellation or changes in registration you must submit your request in writing to the D6910 District Office.  All refunds for registration fees will have a $50 processing fee per person registered.  No refunds after April 10, 2019.   
• Spouse/Guest Registration:  If fully registered, your spouse/guest will be able to participate in all conference events and meals.   

Spouse/Guest Registration:

In the event you prefer not to fully register your spouse/guest: you can purchase individual tickets for each event:

        Lift Off Dinner (Thursday) $50.00
        Be the Inspiration Dinner (Friday) $60.00
        The Rotary Foundation Lunch (Friday) 45.00
        Kentucky Derby Dinner/Celebration (Saturday) $75.00

7What to wear? Attire for all events is resort casual, except for Friday Night's "Be the Inspiration" Dinner and Saturday night’s "Kentucky Derby" Dinner/Celebration. If you have a tendency to get cold, please bring a sweater or jacket with you to the General Sessions. Please feel free to wear your favorite Rotary shirt for the Friday and Saturday General Sessions.   
8. What is a House of Friendship (HOF)?
This is where the Rotary world comes together and where ideas, best practices, and project successes are proudly shared. You can:
• Browse booths showcasing Rotary projects, Rotary Fellowships, and Rotarian Action Groups
• Shop for Rotary-licensed merchandise, including pins, shirts, and banners: Awards4U.
• Participate in the GRSP Silent Auction  - 15 students, representing 4 continents and 7 countries, will donate an item representative of their country for the silent auction. Proceeds will benefit the endowment of GRSP.  
• Fellowship Reconnect with friends and make new ones
• Breaks: Cookies will be provided during breaks from the General Sessions
• Compete for the Best Club Booth Award:Governor Bruce is asking all clubs to participate in this year’s House of Friendship/“Rolling on the River Exhibition Hall” by exhibiting the club’s Signature Project, District Grant or Global Grant.  Please utilize the District 6910 Conference Theme “Rolling on the River” or the 2018-19 Rotary theme “Rotary: Be the Inspiration”. 
• Have your photo taken in the HOF Rolling on the River Photo Booth 
9. Will there be  "Free-Time"?
 Friday, May 3rd  1:30pm - 6:00pm 
 Saturday, May 4th 12:00pm - 6:30pm


10. What can I do during Free Time?

Planned Group Activities or enjoy Greenville on your own Rotary6910Conference.org for additional information. There are over 100 restaurants to choose from - we have listed a few of them on the website here.

11. What to expect?

General Sessions: 

Recognize accomplishments at all levels and inspire everyone to get involved
Recognize those who have participated in Rotary Foundation activities. 
Promote successful club and district projects. 
Highlight achievements of individual Rotarians. 
Recognize Georgia Rotary Students (GRSP)
Be inspired with our Speakers

Dinners: 

Thursday, May 2, 2019: "Lift Off" Dinner: DG Bruce and Pam Azevedo are hosting a dinner to honor the 2018-2019 President's and their Assistant Governor's in District 6910. This is a pre-conference event and is open to all Rotarians and their guests. There is no charge to the 2018-2019 Club President's and Assistant Governor's; all other Rotarians/ spouse/guests is $50.00.

• Keynote Speaker: Wayne Bingham, Polio Survivor and United Space Alliance FlowManager for the Space Shuttle Columbia.
Among many awards presented to Wayne are the: Astronauts Silver Snoopy Award, Fewer than 1 percent of the aerospace program workforce receive it annually, making it a special honor to receive this award; awarded to NASA employees and contractors for outstanding achievements related to flight safety and mission success. 
Eagle Manned Mission Success Award, Administered and funded by AXA Space. Presented to individuals who have made a significant contribution to manned space flight.
Friday, May 3, 2019 "Be the Inspiration" DinnerThe focus will be on the youth of D-6910 including the GRSP Parade of Flags, Student Introductions, Youth Service Awards.
Keynote Speaker: Winnie Morgan, Honorary Rotarian of the Rotary Club but more importantly, a Rotarian in her heart. She has spoken at a variety of Rotary events. She was the first recipient in North Carolina of the Rotary International Jean Harris Award for her outstanding service to the support of low-income women.
Saturday, May 4, 2019: "Kentucky Derby Dinner/Celebration": An fun filled evening in true Kentucky Derby fashion. There will be awards for: Ladies Best Hat, Men's Best Hat, Best Dressed Couple. 
The evening will conclude with Clubs of the Year Awards along with the District Governor Parade and changing of district leadership. 
Watch for details in the next few weeks on the: Club Stick Horse Competition

Sunday, May 5, 2019: Interfaith Service: We will offer an inter-faith service on Sunday morning from 8:30am -9:00am and encourage our Rotarians to attend.  District Chaplain Calvin Ward will officiate, and his message will encompass the 2018-19 theme, “Rotary: Be the Inspiration”.   

12. Will there be a Golf Tournament? There will not be an organized Golf Tournament but public golf courses in the Greenville Area can be found on the conference website: Rotary6910Conference.org
13Will there be Child Care available: Watch for details in the next few weeks on opportunities for child care/activities.

Dianne L. Cammarata
2019 District 6910 "Rolling on the River" Conference Chair