Welcome new members to RC Pikeville

DG John Adams, who was recently a guest at the Pikeville Rotary Club, was pleased to assist in inducting three new members. Red badges and initiation materials were presented to Don Paul Corbin, a loan officer for US Bank, was sponsored by Jim Brown, David Smith, heads up the MBA program at the University of Pikeville, was sponsored by Howard Roberts, and Eric Becher, the VP of Development at the University of Pikeville, was sponsored by Shirley Blackburn.

2012 Zone Insitute - Huntsville, AL

The 2012 Zone Institute is scheduled to be held in Huntsville, Alabama on October 4 - 7, 2012.

Charlie Adams huddles with Phil Williams as Phil prepares to address the attendees
at the 2011 Zone Institute in St. Louis, Missouri regarding the 2012 Zone Institute.

District Governor Visits

Paintsville/Prestonsburg 12/6/2011
Martin County 12/7/2011
West Liberty 12/8/2011

Somerset - Pulaski to be determined
Louisa - to be determined

Governor's Message - My Greatest Rotary Moment

Often Rotarians are asked to consider what was your greatest Rotary moment? Or when were you most proud to be a Rotarian? Another form of the question is what engages your interest in Rotary? These questions are a form of "appreciative inquiry" which is a management technique for religious, service or other non-profit groups. The idea is to find what engages the individual members of the group and maximize that engagement in the group's planning and operations.

In the past my answer to the above questions would be the work I did for my club (and where I assisted other clubs) in international humanitarian projects involving Rotary foundation funding. I get great satisfaction in watching projects come together, progress, and be completed. Most of the time the satisfaction of knowing that I have, in a small way, helped others in desperate need outweighs the administrative work performed. I also have gained wonderful friends and contacts from around the world.

This past September that satisfaction came from a source closer to home. The Rotary clubs in Somerset hosted a "Remote Area Medical" clinic (see http://6740newsletter.blogspot.com/2011/10/rc-somerset-pulaski-county-hosts-remote.html and http://6740newsletter.blogspot.com/2011/10/rc-somerset-pulaski-county-hosts-remote.html). When these clinics are held the patients arrive 12 to 15 hours before the clinic doors open  to secure their place in line. Once given an entry number, the patients must stay on site so the number cannot be sold. To assist with security I stayed on the site after the numbers had been handed out and the patients returned to their cars to await the clinic's opening. I spoke to countless patients. Most were at the clinic because they did not have health, dental, or vision insurance coverage, could not afford the services needed out of pocket, and did not qualify for government health care benefits. Most met the definition of the "working poor". Over and over, I was asked "they will pull my teeth tomorrow, won't they".

Wow. It was a great feeling and experience to be part of an organization which can assist other with such a basic need as better health. Sitting in a golf cart amongst 200 parked cars on a cold September night and seeing first hand Rotary serving those who need it is my greatest Rotary moment. I look forward to helping with future clinics.

So does that mean I stop the foundation work for projects abroad? No, not at all. In fact, the experience at home has given me a better context with which to understand the importance of international projects, thereby increasing the satisfaction from them.

November and December events

November
2 -6 - Clean Rounds for Clean Water, Alltech National Horse Show, Kentucky Horse Park
3 - RC Paris Cake and Pie Auction and Seafood Dinner
8 - RC Somerset Pancake Fry, 6 am - 6 pm, First United Methodist Church
8 - RC London Pancake Fry, 6 am - noon, Community Center
8 - RC Berea Pancake Fry, 7 am - 11 am, Church of God
11 - RC Lexington Sunrise Gospel Concert featuring The Isaacs, Tates Creek Christian Church
12 - Rotary Work Day in Joplin, Missouri (please confirm date if planning to attend)
26 - RC Campbell County booth at the 5K Run/Walk to benefit FOP Lodge 10's Cops 'n Kids Christmas Shopping program

December
2 - RC Maysville Purses for a Purpose
3 - RC Paintsville 4th Annual Jingle Bell 5K and 10K
3 - Rotary Work Day in Joplin, Missouri (please confirm date if planning to attend)
5 - RC Paris Community Christmas Concert
8 - RC Paris Coat and Blanket Drive
10 - RC Bluegrass Richmond Zumbathon
17 - RC Augusta Christmas Parade

Pancakes, Pancakes, Pancakes!!!

Come one, come all! Enjoy pancakes without having to cook! Election Day, November 8th, provides three opportunities for pancakes in Central Kentucky. Support your local Rotary Club and have a great meal, too!

RC Berea Pancake Fry, 7 am - 11 am, Church of God
RC London Pancake Fry, 6 am - noon, Community Center
RC Somerset Pancake Fry, 6 am - 6 pm, First United Methodist Church

Join RC Lexington Sunrise on November 11th for a Gospel Concert featuring The Isaacs

The Isaacs, a multi-award winning family group who began singing 30 years ago, are based out of LaFollette, TN (30 min north of Knoxville). The vocalists are Lily Isaacs, Ben Isaacs, Sonya Isaacs and Rebecca Isaacs Bowman. Playing their own acoustic instruments and joined by other band members, The Isaacs have a unique style that blends tight, family harmony with contemporary acoustic instrumentation that appeals to a variety of audiences. Their musical influences immerge from all genres of music including bluegrass, rhythm and blues, folk, and country, contemporary acoustic and southern gospel. They perform frequently at the Grand Ole Opry, are active members on the Gaither Homecoming Videos and Concert Series and travel throughout the year performing internationally. Concert venues include civic centers, auditoriums, arenas, fair grounds, parks, churches and other locations. They have performed the National Anthem for many sporting events, including a Cincinnati Bengal's football game, several Nashville Predators Hockey games, an Astros/ Braves pre-season baseball game as well as various political gatherings. They also received a standing ovation for their patriotic performance at Carnegie Hall.

Grab your running shoes and support the RC Paintsville 4th Annual Jingle Bell 5K and 10K

The 4th Annual "Jingle Bell 5K and 10K" sponsored by the Paintsville Rotary Club and the Paintsville Kiwanis Club will be the 3rd of December, 2011 at 8:00 a.m. start time. Start line is at the Paintsville/Johnson County Health Department. For more information please see http://www.tristateracer.com/RaceDirector/race.php?RaceID=378

World Polio Day - How did your Club celebrate?

Share your ideas and photos - how did your club celebrate World Polio Day on October 24th?

Australian club members are working with the Global Poverty Project on a petition drive to persuade world leaders to fully fund the critical work of the Global Polio Eradication Initiative. The Global Poverty Project planned an End of Polio Concert on 28 October to coincide with the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting in Perth, Australia. Rotarians  teamed up with the group to lobby leaders to put polio eradication on the agenda. Hugh Evans, cofounder and CEO of the Global Poverty Project, will be a speaker at the 2012 RI Convention in Bangkok, Thailand.

Since 1985, eradicating polio has been Rotary’s top priority. Largely through the efforts of Rotarians and the Global Polio Eradication Initiative, the campaign is “this close” to its goal. Polio cases worldwide decreased by more than 40 percent during the first eight months of 2011, compared with the same period in 2010. And India -- one of the four countries where the virus remains endemic (the others are Afghanistan, Nigeria, and Pakistan) -- reported only one case during that time.

Meet a Rotarian - Steve Hieronymous, RC Somerset-Pulaski County

When did you join Rotary?  I originally joined the afternoon club in 1981 when I came back to Somerset to set up my dental practice. I had to drop out eventually when my practice grew to the point that it became impossible for me to make the lunch meetings with any consistency. There were several previous Rotarians that shared the same problem and that is when we decided to start the morning club.

Why did you join Rotary? My father was a long time Rotarian and when I came back to Somerset, it was something we enjoyed together. It was really after I was a Rotarian that I came to appreciate the ideals upon which it was founded and serves.

What is your favorite Rotary memory? One of my favorite memories is of the first ramp that we constructed as a club. The project was one of the toughest from an engineering standpoint as the door that we accessed was really high above grade. The child for which the ramp was being built was confined to a wheelchair and had to stay in one room at the back of the small house due to astep-down from the rest of the rooms. The day we laid the ramp planking, he rolled up and down the ramp, in and out of the house supervising the construction. He was like a bird out of a cage. I can still see his smile.

What is your favorite Rotary activity?  I enjoy the service projects the most. Our club is an active club full of motivated, caring people that are fun to be around. Sharing and serving side by side is what it's all about. My favorite activity has been the RAM clinic our club hosted. It was a free medical, dental and vision clinic in which our club was instrumental in serving close to 700 people and provided services totaling close to $300,000. It was a huge blessing for all us.

Congratulations RLI Graduates!

Pictured above are the graduates of the Rotary Leadership Institute held on August 27 in Lexington. These Rotarians are from clubs in both District 6710 - the western half of Kentucky and District 6740 - the eastern half of Kentucky. Shown above, front row from left – Becky Rue, Winchester RC (D6740); Brenda Rice, Frankfort RC (D6710); Terri Prater, Jeffersontown RC (D6710) and Wendell Lyon, Somerset (D6740). On the back row from left are: Willi Walker, Richmond (D6740); Mike Fisher, Cynthiana (D6740); Craig Loftis, Berea (D6740); Cheryl Spriggs, Ashland (D6740) and Bob Cortellessa, Jeffersontown (D6710). Not pictured is Gordon Patterson, Lexington (D6740).

The Rotary Leadership Institute (RLI) is a series of fast-paced, interactive, one-day courses offered to refine a Rotarian's leadership skills and increase their base of knowledge in Rotary. 

Courses in RLI are informative, topical, interactive and geared toward busy business and professional Rotarians who want to be more effective leaders in their vocations and their clubs. RLI consists of three one day parts. Each RLI session offers all three parts, simultaneously. Each part consists of 6 topics and each topic is lead by a Discussion Leader. Attendees have the opportunity to exchange ideas about the topics and network with the other members of their group. The graduates pictured above have completed all three parts and were presented their graduation certificates.

The participation of 41 Rotarians at the August 27 RLI was the largest attendance yet of an RLI jointly conducted by District 6710 and District 6740 Rotary leaders. This graduating class of 10 Rotarians was also the largest single graduating class. The next RLI session is scheduled for January 28, 2012 in Lexington.

RC Maysville hosts Horse Show then hosts Hillbilly Horseshoes!

 The Maysville Rotary Club had a very busy September!  On September 10^th, we held our Annual Rotary Horse Show. This is always successful. Even though we had a light rain for a few minutes, it didn’t dampen the enthusiasm of the participants and the Rotarians. We were excited to have DG John Adams, Christie, and little Charlie in attendance. Proceeds from the horse show help provide scholarships to 2 Mason County students who attend Maysville Community & Technical College.

On September 20^th, we had as our guest speaker, D G John Adams. He brought us up-to-date on the changes in RI and reminded us of the great work Rotary International does worldwide. After the meeting, John was asked to toss out the first Hillbilly Horse Shoe, actually a toilet seat. John and DG Assistant Jackie Hopkins both took the challenge. 

September 23-24, Maysville Rotary sponsored an activity in Maysville’s Annual "Pig Out in Maysville". This event is a fundraiser for our local Shriner’s Transportation Fund.  We chose to have Hillbilly Horse Shoes. This consists of plungers as stakes, and toilet seats for the horse shoes. This brought quite a lot of comments and participation. All of the proceeds from our activity will be donated to the local Oleika Shriner’s Club. The highlight of this came late in the evening on Saturday. Stober Drives participated in what they termed “World Championship Hillbilly Horseshoes”. They had employees from 10 countries involved in this playoff. The countries in attendance were: Switzerland, Germany, France, Japan, Singapore, England, China, Australia, and the US. No one actually knows who won but the Italians were claiming the title. Mr. Brend Stober, from Germany & president of Stober Drives even tossed the horse shoes. Can you imagine the tales they will have when they return home?

We also have inducted 3 new members: Gerry Schumacher, First State Bank of Ohio, Dawn Browning, director of KY Gateway Museum, and Whitney Evans, owner of Whitney’s Fine Jewelry.

Whew, what a busy month!!!!

Next will be our 3^rd annual “Purses for a Purpose” purse sale. New or gently-used purses are donated by Rotarians and their friends for this sale. Last year, we had around 500 purses and made over $3200. We’re hoping for a bigger sale this year. If any Rotarians have purses that aren’t being used and would like to help us, email: jthomas@maysvilleky.net. All donations will be gladly accepted.

Reminder - Volunteer Opportunity: Clean Rounds for Clean Water - National Horse Show at the Kentucky Horse Park, November 2 - 6

A Rotarian from Dallas, Jo Jo White, is very active in equestrian circles. She will attend the Alltech National Horse Show at the Kentucky Horse Park in Lexington on November 2 - 6, 2011. Jo Jo is  committed to Rotary’s area of focus “Water & Sanitation”.She will have a display booth at the Show for her cause “Clear Rounds for Clean Water”. Monies she raises will go through Wasrag (Water & Sanitation Rotarian Action Group) to Rotary club water & sanitation projects in the developing world. Wasrag will provide promotional materials for the Show (see www.startwithwater.org )  She welcomes the support of every Rotarian in D-6740 who shares her passion for horses and for Water & Sanitation.

To volunteer to assist Jo Jo with her efforts at the horse show, please call John Adams at 606-305-3895 for more information.

to see more information about the Alltech National Horseshow, please visit this website
http://www.nhs2011.org/event-information-2

November - Foundation Month

A message from Bill Boyd, Trustee Chair in honor of Foundation Month. Please find this message on the RI website by visiting this link:

http://www.rotary.org/en/AboutUs/RotaryLeadership/TrusteeChair/Pages/Messages.aspx

Now’s the time to learn about what the Foundation does

November is Rotary Foundation Month, and I hope you’ll focus on the Foundation with your club speakers and programs. How can our newer Rotarians understand the Foundation if we do not tell them what it is and what it does?

We are often not good communicators in Rotary, which is strange as we are business and community leaders. Maybe it is information overload or too much sport on television, but Rotary information is not a high priority for many Rotarians. For example, how would you answer these questions:

Is there an Ambassadorial Scholar in our district?

What is this Future Vision Plan, and what does it mean for our club?

What do we need to know about polio eradication, other than that it makes us feel good?

What is the difference between Group Study Exchange and vocational training teams?

I hear the words Every Rotarian, Every Year. What is that about?

How can The Rotary Foundation support our club’s desire to help people outside our community?

What are Rotarians doing on issues such as HIV/AIDS and water and sanitation?

Nobody in my club reads the Foundation annual report. Where does the money go?

What is our relationship with the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation?

The list of questions could go on, but the real question is, “What is our club doing to learn more about our Rotary Foundation?” If the answer is “not enough,” now might be a very good time to start.

RC Somerset-Pulaski County hosts Remote Area Medical Clinic

from the Commonwealth Journal, printed September 22, 2011
http://somerset-kentucky.com/local/x2137254431/RAM-clinic-treats-681-patients

by Bill Mardis

Medical, dental and vision services worth $299,529 were provided without cost to 681 patients during the two-day Remote Area Medical (RAM) health care clinic last weekend at Southern Middle School.

Of the 1,231 procedures performed, 374 were medical, 360 were vision and 497 were dental. The free RAM clinic was designed for working people who can’t afford health insurance. Medicaid is available for the poorest people and KCHIP takes care of most children’s health needs in Kentucky.

But working adults with medical, vision and dental needs came in droves. Dentists pulled 862 teeth, filled 233 cavities and cleaned teeth for 104 patients. Optometrists wrote prescriptions for 278 pairs of glasses made on site. Medical examinations included cardiovascular, diabetes, diabetes management, cholesterol, health education and more. Podiatry treatments include ingrown toenails, painful lesions and diabetic foot evaluations.

Hosted by the Somerset-Pulaski County Morning Rotary Club, the RAM clinic was staffed by 454 volunteers, including medical, dental and vision specialists from this area as well as across the state and nation. Dr. Steven Hieronymus, event coordinator, said as many as 26 medical doctors, 45 dentists and 35 hygienists, including students from two out-of-state schools; 14 optometrists and ophthalmologists donated their time and services.

Hieronymus was lavish in his praise for both volunteers and patients. “It went off amazingly smooth for the first time ... there were no issues,” he said. Two patients were carried to the emergency room at Lake Cumberland Regional Hospital with extremely high blood pressure.

Patients who received free care were required to take a number, beginning at 10 p.m. Friday, and 10 p.m. Saturday and remain in the parking area at Southern Middle School until the clinic began operating at 6 a.m. both Saturday and Sunday.

The overnight requirement is in place is because at previous clinics, persons have gotten numbers and didn’t return for treatment and in some cases the numbers were sold. Those who spent the night didn’t get hungry. Soup, beans, ham, drinks and snacks were provided throughout the night for those waiting in cars.

Knights of Columbus, a fraternal benefit society, staged a fish fry for volunteers Saturday night and Mete Surgen, chief chef for Oakwood, provided lunch Saturday and Sunday. Dorene Benjamin, member of the Rotary Club, working with the lunchroom staff at Southern Middle School, provided breakfast each morning.

The vision for RAM developed in the Amazon rain forest where founder Stan Brock spent 15 years with Wapishana Indians. Brock, co-star in the television series, “Wild Kingdom,” arrived in a vintage aircraft at Lake Cumberland Regional Airport at noon Friday and was here to greet patients during the clinic.

Brock, who lived with pain and suffering caused by isolation from medical care, founded RAM in 1985. It is made up of hundreds of doctors, nurses and technicians who go on expeditions at their own expense and treat hundreds of patients a day under some of the worst conditions.

“We’ve had over 65,000 volunteers (during the 26 years of RAM’s existence) and I understand we have 440 (actually 454) more here in Somerset this weekend,” said Brock. He said RAM has served about a half million patients.”

Even though Rotarians have not met since the clinic ended, Hieronymus indicated he believes the club will make efforts to bring the RAM clinic back to Somerset.

Remote Area Medical Clinic - Reflections from RC Somerset Pulaski County Club President Lisa Mullins

from an email to club members from President Lisa Mullins ...

Hello all,

Pictured left to right: Gene Palmer (RC Somerset), Steve Hieronymous,
Coordinator,  (RC Somerset-Pulaski County), District Governor
John Adams (RC Somerset-Pulaski County), Lisa Mullins, President
RC Somerset-Pulaski County, Glenda Hamilton, Secretary RC
Somerset-Pulaski County, Sue Guffey (RC Somerset), and
Pamela Jensen-Stanley, Past President RC Somerset-Pulaski County

Thanks to all your hard work the RAM clinic was a huge success. We saw 681 patients and provided 1231 services valued at $299,529! 841 teeth were pulled and they are in a bucket in Christie’s car, don’t ask her to give you a ride anywhere until after she delivers them back to UofL! Some 380 pairs of glasses were made on site by the vision crew and countless medical services provided by the doctors and nurses.

We had 454 volunteers, all WELL FED by Mete and his crew along with the PC lunch staff. On Saturday evening we were treated to a fish fry by the Knights of Columbus who prepared the dinner in honor of Jack Ford {note: a beloved member of RC Somerset Pulaski County who passed away earlier this year}, not a dry eye in the house.

 I’m simply amazed by how much was done in such a short span of time.

On Friday, we launched on the scene and set up 75 dental chairs, I do mean, we took them out of bags and assembled. To my knowledge, no one fell to the floor because I didn’t put the chair together correctly! We unloaded and set up approximately 100 folding tables and over 200 chairs! When we arrived at approximately noon, there were already several patients waiting, the first arrived at 7:30 a.m. As we worked through the evening, unloading the semi truck of supplies and assembling the dental clinic, more patients continued to arrive. When I left at about 11pm, I counted 250 patients waiting patiently in line to get their number. I encountered entire families from all over; I was touched by their gratefulness.

At 4 am on Saturday when I arrived back at the scene, I found that close to 300 people were waiting for the doors to open. We lined up patient registration, 30 volunteers with open chairs waiting to see who would come to be registered.

When we wrapped up Saturday’s clinic, several patients were already waiting for the doors to open for Sunday’s clinic. When I arrived back on Sunday morning, 96 people were outside waiting to come in. By just after noon the clinic started to be taken down and with the help of so many, it was packed back onto the trucks and the school in order (I hope) by 4pm. We had the constant help of the schools custodian, Sharlene Brock and her companion in the lunch room.

As one of the first people the patients encountered I wanted to share that they were so thankful for what we were doing and I heard that throughout both days. If someone had coverage for a service they said “save that for someone else” if they had insurance but the family member they were with did not, they said “help him/her, I don’t need it.” I really felt like we served who we hoped we would. Okay, so I’m rambling now, and it’s probably that I’m still exhausted as you must be.

Anyway, thanks for your work; ...

to visit the RAM Ky website

to view photos

RC Whitesburg welcomes 7 new members in July, August and September!

Moving steadily towards its goal of 35 members by the end of the Rotary year, a gain of 11, RC Whitesburg welcomes the following seven new  members and thanks their sponsors:

Deborah Watts --July 19, 2011 -- sponsored by Margaret Hammonds

Deborah Young -- July 19, 2011 -- sponsored by Honorary member Penny Ritter
Brenda DePriest -- July 26, 2011--sponsored by Barbara Ison
Katina Benton -- August 16, 2011 -- sponsored by Josephine Richardson
Danny Vance -- August 23, 2011 -- sponsored by Barbara Ison
Perry Fowler -- September 6, 2011 -- sponsored by Margaret Hammonds
Sherry Wright -- September 6, 2011 -- sponsored by Deborah Watts

Welcome Rotarians! And congratulations RC Whitesburg!

RC Middlesboro distributes dictionaries

Recently RC Middlesboro distributed approximately 70 dictionaries to the 3rd Graders in the Middlesboro School district. The dictionairies were purchased with funds raised by the club. One of the club's members, Bill Watson, is a retired attorney and poet. He wrote a poem for the children and a copy was placed in each dictionary. While at the school the Rotarians  helped the children to look up several words.

Poet Bill Watson (USMC sweatshirt) is pictured with fellow
 Rotarians distributing dictionaries to 3rd graders

RC Georgetown honors firefighters in 9/11 tribute

Georgetown Rotary Club #3767 passed out baskets of goodies to the fire stations in Georgetown on 9/11 to thank them for their service and to remember all those lives 9/11 touched. “This was a very emotional day and I was honored to be part of the program Diane Newcomb thought of for our club”. Nancy Walker-President

Meet a Rotarian - Mary Jo McCord, RC Carlisle

When did you join Rotary? I joined after I retired, 2007.

Why did you join Rotary? Rotary is well thought of in our small town. My daughter-in-law and her mother were active members, so I knew about the good deeds of Rotary.

What is your favorite Rotary memory? It was a thrill to receive the Paul Harris Award. Editor's note - Congratulations!!!

What is your favorite Rotary activity? Carlisle Rotary co sponsors Saturday in Carlisle and I enjoy taking care of Bingo. As a matter of fact Saturday in Carlisle was started by the Rotary.

Our club is small in numbers, but big in heart. It is a pleasure to work with our members. A fine group of people.

RC Whitesburg welcomed State Rep Leslie Combs

Visit RC Whitesburg's website at this link

 

The Rotary Club of Whitesburg welcomed State Representative Leslie Combs as their special guest on Tuesday, September 13th. She has served as the State Representative of the 94th District since 2007. Since being first elected to the legislature, she has risen to become chair of the House Tourism Development and Energy Committee, which covers two of the most important issues that Letcher County and Southeastern Kentucky face on a day-to-day basis. She presented an update on what is happening in the State Capitol and what can be expected in the months ahead as the General Assembly readies for its legislative session beginning in January. She discussed the state of the budget, education, coal severance funds and the job market and entertained questions from members and guests. She encouraged everyone to feel free to contact her regarding legislative concerns and she will continue to be a strong voice for the people of Eastern Kentucky.

RC Versailles-Woodford County hosted a successful Repair Affair!

The Versailles-Woodford County Rotary Club sponsored the Woodford County Repair Affair for the tenth year on September 9 – 10. It was a complete success! Woodford County had rain for 5 straight days prior to the event, but the clouds lifted and we had beautiful weather for both days. Over 275 volunteers were able to help 24 elderly or disabled low-income homeowners with repairs they could not do themselves. 

BEFORE

Some of the needs addressed this year included 2 roof replacements, 29 window replacements, bathroom floor replacements, utility meter pole replacement, gutter replacements, door replacements, wheel chair ramp installation, porch repairs and railing installation, dead bolt lock installations, install security bars on windows, yard work, washer / dryer relocation from basement to first floor, sump pump repairs, bathtub grab bar installations, window air conditioner replacement, numerous electrical and plumbing repairs, kitchen and bathroom cabinet repairs, drywall repairs, and lots of interior and exterior painting....All at NO COST to the homeowners! These repairs will have a major impact on our homeowners safety, security, accessibility, and overall quality of life. 

AFTER

The most rewarding part of the weekend was seeing the smiling faces of both volunteers and homeowners!

Upcoming Events

November
2 -6 - Clean Rounds for Clean Water, Alltech National Horse Show, Kentucky Horse Park
3 - RC Paris Cake and Pie Auction and Seafood Dinner
8 - RC Somerset Pancake Fry, 6 am - 6 pm, First United Methodist Church
8 - RC London Pancake Fry, 6 am - noon, Community Center
8 - RC Berea Pancake Fry, 7 am - 11 am, Church of God
11 - RC Lexington Sunrise Gospel Concert featuring The Isaacs
12 - Rotary Work Day in Joplin, Missouri (please confirm date if planning to attend)
26 - RC Campbell County booth at the 5K Run/Walk to benefit FOP Lodge 10's Cops 'n Kids Christmas Shopping program

December
2 - RC Maysville Purses for a Purpose
3 - RC Paintsville 4th Annual Jingle Bell 5K and 10K
3 - Rotary Work Day in Joplin, Missouri (please confirm date if planning to attend)
5 - RC Paris Community Christmas Concert
8 - RC Paris Coat and Blanket Drive
10 - RC Bluegrass Richmond Zumbathon
17 - RC Augusta Christmas Parade


January
28 - Rotary Leadership Institute, Lexington

February
11 - RC Bluegrass and RC Richmond Diamonds and Denim
25 - RC Corbin and RC London International Dinner in Corbin

March
3 - RC Somerset-Pulaski County International Dinner
22 - 25 Presidents Elect Training (PETS) in Nashville, Tennessee

April
20 - 22 District Conference in Somerset, Kentucky

May
3 - RC Paris Run for the Roses fundraiser
6 - 9 2012 Convention in Bangkok, Thailand

Cruise the Greek Isles and "Discover the Greek Civilisation"

Dear Governor,

Hello from Greece. I am happy to inform you that our District 2470 (Southern Greece) decided to organize a Forum of Rotarians, themed “Discover the Greek Civilisation” focusing on the importance of Greek Culture and Civilisation throughout the centuries.

The meeting will take place during a Greek islands cruise, in September 2012.

As we believe that Rotarians of Greek origin might be motivated to visit their motherland and help in organizing this great event

we should be most grateful if you could forward us the names and addresses of any Rotarians of Greek origin that are members of your Club.

Yours in Rotary,

Catherine Kotsali-Papadimitriou

District Governor Elect 2012-2013

2470 Rotary District

Southern Greece

9, Dimokritou st,

15236 Pendeli

GREECE

Tel. 0030-210-8030366

mob. 0030-6944-411570

fax. 0030-210-6130364

e-mail.gekp@tee.gr

Dimitris Kourtis

General Secretary 2012-2013

2470 Rotary District

Southern Greece

62, Smyrnis st.

14231 Nea Ionia

GREECE

Tel. 0030-210-2752638

mob. 0030-6944782517

fax. 0030-210-2752638

email.dimi.kourtis@gmail.gr

Mattel offers discounts to Rotary Clubs

from an email ...

I am delighted to extend The Mattel Toy Store Charity Sales Program to all Rotary Clubs in District 6740. Our program can help your organization to bring more smiles and comfort to children and their families!

The toys are great for hospitals, school visits, as an additional element of fun in play areas, and as gifts at holiday time. Our board games are ideal for developing critical thinking skills and help to promote family time through fun and memories. When you join the program, you’ll enjoy discounts from 30-70% off retail prices. We offer kids’ favorite Mattel toy brands like Barbie, Polly Pocket, Hot Wheels, Batman, Cars, Tyco RC, UNO, Fisher Price and more!

And best of all, the program is FREE to join!

Here's a basic run down of how it works. The program is designed for people and organizations that donate toys to children, whether it be around the holidays, for birthdays, or for special events. Once you apply (which is completely free), we put you on our email list where we send you two catalogues each year, one in August and one in late October. The catalogues have Mattel products discounted at 30-70% off retail value! You can choose to purchase the toys or not, there is no obligation to buy and no minimum to meet. And once you're in the program, if you need something that isn't in a catalogue or perhaps you need something in February, you can contact me and I'd be happy to get you a discounted rate on it.

If you have 10 minutes this week or next, I would love to talk with you about how we can help your program. Or if you're ready to jump right in and stretch your charitable dollars, please complete the application and fax it to 310-252-2174.

I look forward to talking with you when you get a chance.
Best wishes and thank you for all you do,

Corina Wentzel
Charity Sales Coordinator
Mattel Inc., | U.S. Toy Stores
www.MattelToyStore.com
Direct Line: 310-252-3979
Charity Sales: 310-252-6880

District Governor Visits

Whitesburg/Cumberland 11/8/2011
Pikeville 11/9/2011
Louisa 11/10/2011
Georgetown 11/15/2011
Paris 11/16/2011
Cynthiana 11/17/2011
Somerset 11/28/2011
Paintsville/Prestonsburg 12/6/2011
Martin County 12/7/2011
West Liberty 12/8/2011
Somerset - Pulaski to be determined

ROSNF - Rotarians on Social Networks Fellowship - a network of Facebook sites

For information about Rotary Facebooking!

Please visit this link to learn about the directory of Facebook sites pertaining to Rotary Clubs, Interact, and Roteract.

Governor's Message: Continuity and Change

DG John and Christie Adams pictured with Rotary International President Kalyan and
Binota Banerjee  at the International Assembly in January, 2011

Last month I used this newsletter space to begin a discussion of Rotary International President Kaylan Banerjee’s emphases for this year; Family, Continuity and Change.  In that message I focused solely on Family (see http://6740newsletter.blogspot.com/2011/07/message-from-governor.html ), while today I look the other two emphases of “Continuity” and “Change. “

When I first heard President Kaylan announce the idea of Rotary focusing on “continuity and change” in the same year my immediate thought was that the two concepts were mutually exclusive. Trying to perform opposites is not focusing. Then he explained that Rotary must continue to do the things Rotary does well; and change where Rotary is failing to meet challenges.

Continuity

Fellowship, awareness, and action result when Rotarians come together. Rotarians do amazing things together, things we could not accomplish alone. Together we accomplish projects as diverse as handing out dictionaries to school children at a local elementary school to eradicating Polio around the world. Rotary does service through fellowship well, and that will not change. Rotarians value diversity and understanding of others, and that will not change. Rotarians strive to set high ethical standards in their occupations and their dealings with others, and that will not change. Rotarians are leaders and seek to improve themselves and their communities, and that will not change.

Graduate students at Northwestern University summed up the above values and actions of Rotarians by describing Rotary as “A network of inspired individuals who translate their passions into relevant social causes to change lives in communities”. That is quite the compliment. The Rotary International Board adopted the statement as Rotary’s “Core Essence”. I submit we must continue to uphold and act on core values of Service, Fellowship, Diversity, Integrity, and Leadership.

 Change

So what needs to change? Rotary's biggest challenge is a failure to grow in terms of membership. In North America we are at best holding steady, if not declining in membership slightly. How could that be since we do so many good things well? The exact answers vary from Rotary club to Rotary club; but studies show clubs are failing to bring in new members, or losing existing members faster than they bring in new members.

Failing to bring in new members can be addressed in two ways. First, are we asking qualified friends and associates to take a look at becoming a Rotarian? Statistically only 25% of Rotarians have successfully sponsored a new member in their club. That statistic needs to change. Second, are our clubs known to our communities and to potential qualified new members? In past generations, Rotary membership carried great a social and vocational prestige value to potential members. That prestige alone resulted in membership. I submit that we carry the same prestige today as we did in the past. But today, prestige alone does not attract members to the degree it did in the past. Today, potential new members not only require prestige, but also want to know what we do. Are we known to our potential members and do our potential members know what we do? In the past we did not actively promote our clubs and their service activities, but today we must.

The second membership issue, member retention, requires club leaders to understand that the member’s satisfaction from his or her club membership must be greater than the costs (financial, time, effort, etc.) of that membership. Clubs must be vibrant and active to cause member engagement. Recently Rotary International’s Strategic Planning Committee proclaimed that we must change from an attendance oriented organization to an engagement based membership. To successfully retain members, a club must be focused on commonly accepted goals which are executed with good planning. I submit club leaders must be trained to a greater degree than ever and clubs must think more strategically in their planning. Engagement of every member must be included in that planning. Clubs must change from only measuring attendance, and must also measure and promote engagement to retain its members.

Summary

Continuity and change do not have to be mutually exclusive in Rotary. Who we are, our values and what we do will continue. How we express our identity, invite new members, and how we judge member satisfaction may change.

September and October events

September
2 - 5 - RC Augusta Heritage Days
9 - 10 - RC Versailles-Woodford County Repair Affair
10 - RC Maysville Horse Show
12 - RC Pikeville Service Above Self Golf Scramble
16 - 18 - RC Somerset-Pulaski and RC Somerset Remote Area Medical Clinic
17 - Rotary Work Day in Joplin, Missouri (please confirm date if planning to attend)
24 - RC Carlisle Saturday in Carlisle Festival

October
1 - RC Richmond Chili Cook-off at Richmond Centre
22 - Rotary Work Day in Joplin, Missouri (please confirm date if planning to attend)
27 - 30 Zone Institute in St. Louis

RC Whitesburg improves Housing Authority park with basketball goals

The Rotary Club of Whitesburg purchased new basketball goals for the Housing Authority's basketball court as one of the Service Projects for this year. Rotary Club members passed out fliers on Sunday prior to the event to all of the children living at the Housing Authority inviting them to the Dedication Day on Wednesday afternoon August 10th. Twenty-four (24) new basketballs, purchased by the Rotary members, were given away, along with free Rotary balloons. Refreshments of pizza, cupcakes, cookies and drinks were furnished, compliments of Whitaker Bank, Inc. of Whitesburg, and served by Rotary members. Reporters/Photographers from both local newspapers were present.

Jackson McCall posed with a new basketball he was given by members of the Whitesburg Rotary Club.

Members of the Whitesburg Rotary Club pictured from left are William Banks, Joe DePriest, Jack Burkich, Ernest Bradley, Debra Lucas, Margaret Hammonds, Bessie Shepherd, Roy Crawford and Dr. Bill Collins.

Children played basketball at the Whitesburg Housing Authority August 10. Members of the Whitesburg Rotary Club purchased new goals and basketballs for children who live at the Whitesburg Housing Authority.

Alexis Cornett posed for a photograph after she received a basketball from members of the Whitesburg Rotary Club.

For more photos, please visit this link

http://www.themountaineagle.com/common/photos/Dedication_of_new_basketball_goals_at_the_Whitesbu.html

Welcome to New Rotarians!

Join us in welcoming these New Rotarians!

John Atkins, RC Russell, sponsored by Ronald Edward Lewis
Albert Balla, RC London
Neville Buchanan, RC Florence
Brenda DePriest, RC Whitesburg
Dan Fannin, RC Maysville, sponsored by Warren Markwell
Chris Fuson, RC London
Mike Hackney, RC London
Juston Pate, RC Maysville, sponsored by Barb Campbell
David Robinson, RC Middlesboro, sponsored by D.K. Blankenship
Mack Slocum, RC Florence, sponsored by Gary Wilmhoff
Cathy Terry, RC Versailles-Woodford County
Jonathan Tustin, RC Middlesboro, sponsored by D.K. Blankenship
Ed Valentine, RC London
Neil Wilson, RC Louisa

Welcome new Rotarians and thank you to Ronald, Warren, Barb, D. K., Gary and all of the other sponsors for introducing us to new civic leaders.

Note: information taken from DacDB. We apologize if there are any omissions or errors. Please let us know if any new Rotarians or sponsors have been omitted or if mistakes have been made.

RC Campbell County Dunks the Educators for Special Olympics!

Campbell County Rotary participated in a Dunk the Educators project on Saturday, August 27. The organization sponsored the first half hour with a representative from the Campbell County Central office sitting on the splash down seat. The day's event raised oven $6,100 for Special Olympics.

Get to Know RC Stanford

Introducing a new feature to the newsletter - Meet A Rotary Club! Each month we will pick a club at random. This month - thank you to RC Stanford for having this information in their club bulletin and on DacDB!

Please visit the club's facebook page using this link:
https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100000942745758&sk=wall

On January 26, 1928, the Stanford Rotary Club was formed by the Harrodsburg Club. The first President of the Stanford Club was Kendrick Alcorn, a prominent Kentucky Circuit Court Judge. In the 1940s, Foster Phillips was the first Stanford Rotarian to achieve Paul Harris fellow designation and also the only member from the local club to serve as District Governor.

The Stanford Rotary Club has continued to maintain a membership of approximately 30 members since its inception in 1928. The club has also maintained a very active community presence throughout its 80 year history. This active presence includes the 1938 purchase of the William Whitley House - The club bought the house and property from the heirs and gave it to the Commonwealth of Kentucky for posterity. Then in 1950, the club raised funds to assist the State’s efforts to refurbish the house.

The club has and continues to sponsor many local projects, including scholarships for Lincoln County students, the Boy Scouts of America Troop 148, Winterfest Christmas Toy Drive, World Affairs Institute and Simulated United Nations Conference for local high school students, summer 4-H Camp scholarships, Adopt-a-Highway clean-up project, local high school speech contests (winner receiving scholarship funds), Heritage Hospice Care Bear Project, and many others. These projects now amount to well over $100,000 in donations, which doesn’t include the time invested by many individual club members.
These projects and the dedication of the local club members to the Rotary motto Service Above Self make the Stanford Rotary Club what it is – a place to impact others in a positive way.

Remote Area Medical Clinic - Somerset, Kentucky Volunteer Opportunity

This article appears on the Central Kentucky news website, http://articles.centralkynews.com/2011-07-21/theinteriorjournal/29801325_1_remote-area-medical-pulaski-county-medical-professionals

Two days in September

Free medical and dental care

July 21, 2011|By Katelynn Griffin

Remote Area Medical, an organization that provides free medical service around the world, will soon be holding a clinic providing free medical services to Pulaski and surrounding counties, including Lincoln.

The event is being hosted by the Somerset Pulaski Rotary Club and event coordinator Dr. Steve Hieronymus is visiting the counties to raise funds for the event. Hieronymus is seeking $10,000-$15,000 in funds, but the total cost is around $35,000.

Pulaski County and the city of Somerset have donated $5,000 apiece. Hieronymus spoke at last week’s Fiscal Court meeting to ask for financial assistance. He has also visited McCreary and Wayne counties to seek donations.

This is truly a first for not only the Rotary club, but for the county as well. “This is the first time anybody has done it in Pulaski,” former Somerset Pulaski Rotary President Pamela Jensen- Stanley said.

The event will take place at the Southern Middle School located in Somerset. It will last two days, September 17-18 and services offered vary from general medical care, to vision and dentistry.
Diabetes and cardiovascular screenings will be available. Common dentistry care will include fillings, cleanings, extractions and denture care. Eye exams will be offered and if a prescription is simple in nature, the facility will be able to crank out approximately 300 eye glasses in the two day period.
The idea behind the program is simple. “Take medical services to underserved populations,” Hieronymus said.

Everyone is welcome to receive free medical care. Service is available to both the insured and uninsured. Though located in Pulaski adjacent counties can also come to the clinic. Hieronymus estimates that between 1,200 and 1,500 people will attend the event. Services provided in these two days could total around $400,000.

RAM will provide the medical supplies and equipment, but it is up to the local community to supply the volunteers- everything from nurses, doctors, technicians and general help.

RAM is still seeking volunteers and with the event only two months away, Kate Cabrini is hoping that more volunteers will come forward. “We need a lot,” Cabrini said. “Dentists we definitely need.”
About 150 general volunteers are needed, but that does not include the doctors or nurses. Medical professionals don’t have to be practicing in Pulaski, or even in the state for that matter. Since this is a charitable event, laws allow for medical practitioners from outside of the state to volunteer. Medical professionals have to be registered by August 15 to give RAM sufficient time to verify their licenses.
“We are not going to turn anyone away,” Cabrini said.

RAM founder, Stan Brock had spent 15 years in an isolated area in South America, where he witnessed the plight of the local Wapishana Indians. After leaving the Amazon Rainforest, he became the co-star on the television series “Mutual of Omaha’s Wild Kingdom.” It became Brock’s personal mission to deliver medical aid to people in the most isolated regions in the world.

Brock was able to form a network of physicians, nurses, technicians and veterinarians who would travel to different parts of the world- at their own expense- to treat thousands of patients. After discovering need for medical care in the United States, RAM headquarters was established in Knoxville, Tennessee. State’s in the Appalachian area where especially vulnerable and clinics were quickly set up throughout Tennessee, Kentucky and Virginia. According to the organizational web site, 60 percent of expeditions are serving rural areas in the United States.

The first free clinic in Kentucky was in June of 2008 in Pike County. Due to the success and high turnout, this prompted the creation of RAM KY. Dr. Bill Collins is the chairman of the board and is responsible for many of the events held in the state.

People will be given a number starting at 3:30 a.m. each day prior to the opening of the clinic. The clinic is scheduled to open at 6:00 a.m. and people will be seen on a first come, first served basis. The best advice is to arrive early and be prepared for a potentially long wait.

If interested in volunteering for the event in Pulaski, please fill out the form available online at www.ramusa.org or contact Kate Cabrini at 859-797-6705.