Mill Creek High Interact Club Takes Honors

The Mill Creek High School was name the 2018-2019 Club of the Year in our District 6910.  Congratulations on their hard work and dedication to serve!  The Mill Creek High School Interact Club is sponsored by The Rotary Club of Braselton.

Submitted by Dennis Still, Rotary Club of Braselton

Rolling on the River-Mar/April 2019 Conference Newsletter

Registration for Conference:

Register here for conference.

Registration for conference is $250 and will increase to $275 on April 10, 2019.

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 - *Wayne Bingham, Polio Survivor and Leader Space Shuttle Columbia

     Be the Inspiration Dinner (Friday) $60.00

     The Rotary Foundation Lunch (Friday) 45.00 - RI Director David Stovall

     Kentucky Derby Dinner/Celebration (Saturday) $75.00

*Wayne Bingham, Keynote Speaker -- Wayne began working at Kennedy in the late 1970's to prepare Space Shuttle Columbia for its first flight. Wayne will share with us the importance of leadership and teamwork as we honor our 18-19 President's and AGs. He will share with us the challenges of growing up with Polio and how he overcame it.

* No charge for 2018-2019 Presidents and Assistant Governors

* Gold, Silver and Bronze Club Awards will be presented by Areas

Kentucky Derby Dinner/Celebration - Saturday, May 4th (Access form here)

* We need your club to enter a horse in the "Run for the Roses"

* Ensure your members and their guests Dress the Part for the Kentucky Derby (see below)

Cancellations: In order to request a refund, cancellation or changes in registration you must submit your request in writing to the District 6910 Office. All refunds for registration fees will have a $50 processing fee per person registered.

No refunds after April 10, 2019.

Registration for Lodging (Hyatt Regency - Greenville):

Register Here for Lodging.

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.

Hotel Parking is $7.50 per day; valet parking additional.

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

You can also call the Hyatt Regency at 402-592-6434. Be sure and tell them you are with Rotary District 6910 to get the group rate.

Reservations must be made on or before the cutoff date of Wednesday, April 10, 2019 to be eligible for the group rate.

We are asking each club to bring 2 Dozen HOMEMADE Cookies for our breaks that will be held in the House of Friendship.

Conference Service Project: ROTARY READS

FOR ALL CLUBS: Send 2 books per club for children ages 1-5 These books will be presented to A Child's Haven in Greenville. A Child's Haven is a 501(c)(3) organization that treats children with developmental delays as a result of limited resources, abuse or neglect, and provides support and education for both the child and their families. FOR All ATTENDEES OF THE CONFERENCE: Bring 2 books per attendee for children ages 5-8 These books will be placed into backpacks and distributed to children at local Boys and Girls Clubs in the Greenville area.

For more information on conference 

 Rotary6910Conference.org

DRESS THE PART

FOR OUR KENTUCKY DERBY DINNER/CELEBRATION

SATURDAY, MAY 4, 2019

When thousands of people stream into Churchill Downs on Saturday for the Kentucky Derby, all eyes won't be on the race track. Instead, many will be looking for the signature hats worn by the female attendees in a variety of styles, including headbands, fascinators, parasols, top hats, fedoras, ascots, and wide-brimmed hats.

But why hats?

It's a tradition that dates back to when the Kentucky Derby first started in 1875.

"When women got dressed up, especially when they were going to church and formal events, the woman's crowning glory was the hat.”

“In the South, women pride themselves on going big or going home"!

According to the Kentucky Derby's website, the hat-wearing tradition was started by founder Col. Meriwether Lewis Clark, Jr., who modeled the race after high-class European racing events. At races across the pond, many women are seen sporting hats as well.

Although, there are no rules when it comes to picking out a hat for the Kentucky Derby. It is your statement piece!

And don't be surprised to see both men and women wearing hats on Saturday, May 4, 2019 at the Rotary 6910 District Conference for their Kentucky Derby Dinner/Celebration.

PRIZE FOR THE BEST HAT AND BEST DRESSED:

So come dressed for the race. Either bring your hat or order one from Andrea’s Hat Shop at SetarTrading.com

PRIZE FOR THE BEST HORSE:

And don’t forget the horse race. Each club is asked to enter their own horse in the race / parade on Saturday Evening Dinner.

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

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.

 6 . 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

7. What 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" Dinner: The 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

13. Will 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

Rolling on the River Sept '18 Conference Update

We all had a great time in Charleston for the 2018 District Conference. Take it from these first time District Conference attendees:

"I found my first Rotary District Conference to be enlightening, educational and a lot of fun! Meeting Rotarians from other parts of our District and visiting the House of Friendship was a nice way to learn what other clubs are doing to make their communities a better place. The speakers were all captivating and engaging and the workshops were well organized and informative. I especially enjoyed the time “away from it all” to get to know members of my own club better, and the special dinner on the USS Yorktown was truly amazing. District Conference is a great way to expand your Rotary experience. I would definitely encourage anyone who has never been to make plans to attend in 2019." -Greg Elder, The Rotary Club of Canton 

"I was so impressed by the level of detail and thought that was put into district conference. I laughed so many times. I was moved to tears. I was enthused and excited to be learning among such great people. I was proud to be a Rotarian. Such a great event!!!" -Heather Kellen (E-Club of the South)

A ventriloquist provided entertainment at an evening dinner session at District Conference in Charleston.

"Rotary International's scope of service above self activities is generally hard to measure at a local club level. However, my first District 6910 conference was an eye-opener. There, I first connected me with a larger community of Rotarians, the finest people I have ever known. While the traditions are fun, the experience of District Conference keeps me enthused. I look forward to renewing friendships and seeing new faces in Greenville. I am excited for new opportunities to validate and often improve ideas that connect Rotarians and our community." -Al Trembley, Rotary Club of Hall County

We will have a special program for First Time Attendees prior to the start of Rolling on the River District Conference.  This is a great opportunity to learn about "What to Expect" at a Rotary District Conference.

Encourage Rotarians in your club to attend the Rolling on the River District 6910 Conference in Greenville SC at the Hyatt Regency.

1. 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.
2. On-line registration will be available November 1, 2018.
3. 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. To make your hotel reservations, click here.

Whether you will be a first time conference attendee or this is one of many conferences you have attended please know that Governor Bruce and your conference committee are working everyday to insure that Rolling on the River will be a memorable one! 

See you in Greenville.

Dianne L. Cammarata

2019 District 6910 "Rolling on the River" Conference Chair

Greene-Putnam Rotary Club Plants Trees

Rotary International President Ian H.S. Riseley made the case last year that protecting the environment and curbing climate change are essential to Rotary’s goal of sustainable service. “Environmental degradation and global climate change are serious threats to everyone,” Riseley said. “They are having a disproportionate impact on those who are most vulnerable, those to whom Rotary has the greatest responsibility.Yet environmental issues rarely register on the Rotary agenda,” he said. So, Riseley challenged all 1.2 million Rotarians around the world to plant a tree before Earth Day on April 22, 2018. According to Riseley, “The greater result will be a Rotary that recognizes our responsibility not only to the people on our planet, but to the planet itself."

Trees are engines for economic development providing high nutrition foods for humans, animals, wildlife and insects, sustainable building materials and fuel, canopies in urban areas to cool, reduce energy use, absorb pollution and increase property values. Trees also protect our environment and increase ground water recharge, prevent runoff and loss of soil, create habitat for wildlife, produce oxygen, use carbon dioxide thus improving public health and slow global warming by storing carbon.

In acceptance of the challenge by the RI President, the Rotary Club of Greene and Putnam Counties last week, planted an orange glory maple tree at Lakeside Church and together with the Interact Club of Gatewood Schools planted an eight-foot dogwood and six dogwood saplings at the Briar Patch Walking Trail, The Butterfly and Blooms Garden in Eatonton.  In addition, each Rotary Club member received a dogwood and wax myrtle seedling to be planted at their homes or businesses.  

(Left to right):  Rotarians Avis Dickey, Lee Rhodes, President Bob Massey, Reid Conklin

The Rotary Club of Greene and Putnam Counties is grateful for the support of Steve Noles and Blake Noles of Noles Landscaping who donated the trees at Lakeside and at the Briar Patch Walking Trail, The Butterfly and Blooms Garden and to Rent Sanders from the Walton County Unit of the Georgia Forestry Commission who donated the dogwood and wax myrtle seedlings.

Submitted by Laura Dent - Rotary Club of Greene and Putnam Counties, Public Image Chair

District 6910 Governor Message - Feb 2018

Angela Wirt (far right) is current president of Rotary Club of Gwinnett Sunrise and holds number one position for new member growth in the district.

February, the shortest month of the year.

This month was short but….There is nothing short about District 6910 and our great clubs! As of February 22, 2018 our district now boasts an increase of 117 net new members. Rotary International membership officer, Rebecca Holloway, informed me that District 6910 is the number 1 district in NORTH AMERICA for new membership growth! 

The TOP TEN clubs with the highest % of membership growth as of February 22 are:

Gwinnett Sunrise led by Angela Wirt (Pictured above on right) 41.67% 

Rotary E-Club of the South led by Ron Kersey 31.58%

Washington led by Terry Boswell 26.32%

Summerville-Trion led by Susan Locklear 23.81%

Lanier-Forsyth led by Logan Butler 23.53% 

Thomson led by Jason Smith 22.22%

Green-Putnam led by Bob Massey 20.45%

Banks County led by Jeffery Lewallen 20.0%

Lake Chatuge-Hiawassee led by Jane Hindsman 20.0%

Chatsworth-Murray County led by Rusty Ridley 20.0%

Below is the tally as of February 22. Please, please, please make sure you have done a member compare on DACdb so that these numbers are the same on the Rotary.org database.  

Happy Birthday, Rotary Club of Conyers

Happy 50th birthday Rotary Club of Conyers!

The Rotary Club of Conyers celebrated their 50th birthday this month. Tommy Morgan, pictured far left, having served in the club for 48 of those 50 years was there to help celebrate. Ed Cowan, pictured next to Tommy, was also present and has served 45 years. 

With District Conference Coordinator Carol Colon and District Conference Chair Margie Ensley

Exceeding all expectations.

Registrations for conference, including those attending the Saturday evening dinner, have exceeded 370. Conference chair Margie Ensley and conference coordinator Carol Colon are bringing their “A” game to make sure this conference will be spectacular! The response has been so good that the Embassy Suites room block for Thursday evening has been sold out. Here’s what you can do…Stay at the Hilton Garden Inn, connected to the same parking lot as conference center, on Thursday evening. Then move to the Embassy Suites on Friday morning. The move will put you with the rest of the district and it helps fill our commitment to Embassy Suites for Friday and Saturday evening. 

Yours in Rotary Service,

District Governor David "Coop" Cooper