ROTARY DISTRICT 5060 MISSION
Assist the meaningful work of clubs and Rotarians by providing leadership, administrative, training, and development support so that clubs advance humanitarian service, encourage participation in Rotary International Programs, and advance the work of the Rotary Foundation.
LATEST NEWS
Hello from YE Student Eden in Brazil!
Oi everyone!
I have successfully finished my first month here in Brazil and this is my little September recap. I arrived at the end of August and spent the first few days getting to know my family and getting my host s
ister ready to leave for her exchange in Turkey. I started going to school right away and although the português school work is very confusing, I love hanging out with my friends and my teachers! Everyone is very kind and the first week I was like a celebrity at school and all the little kids would not leave me alone haha! I get to ride my bike to school with my host sister, which is always beautiful because we leave right when the sun is rising at 6:45 and get an amazing view every day. That is like the only time we are allowed to be outside because for the rest of the day it gets up to 40 degrees?? and it’s still considered winter here! ???????
uch açaí as I can haha! My family spent two weekends at our beach house, which is not actually on a beach but in the middle of the jungle on the river. I saw toucans, parrots, geckos, three different species of monkeys and even an alligator crossing the road! Very very cool. For our orientation weekend we went to Olímpia where they have the second-biggest water park in
the world! I had lots of fun meeting everyone and going on the slides. Yahoo-It’s Time to Plan for RI Convention in Calgary
The Rotary International Convention is coming to our neighborhood. Well not exactly the immediate neighborhood but the closest it will be for awhile.
Make plans to experience all Rotary has to offer and celebrate with other people of action. Calgary is a beautiful city and rumor has it, Calgary is rolling out the red carpet for us.
Say Yahoo and register today! You will love all the is in store for you.
Support Needed for Hurricane Helene Recovery
A Message from Rotary International Director Patrick Eakes
As communities across Zones 33 and 34 brace for the aftermath of Hurricane Helene, I want to thank you for your heartfelt concerns and prayers. The coming days will be challenging, but together, we can help these communities begin the long road to recovery.
To aid in these efforts, we’ve established a disaster relief fund where you can make a direct impact. Donations can be made easily online, by check, or through wire transfer. For your convenience, a QR code is provided below that links directly to the donation page. You can also visit rizones33-34.org/disaster-relief. Since our zones’ organization is a 501(c)(3), donations are generally tax-deductible—though I know Beth would want me to remind you to check with your tax advisor.
Funds collected will be distributed where they’re most needed, with district and club leaders in the hardest-hit areas working closely with a group of seasoned disaster relief experts. These leaders will help guide grant allocations for critical resources such as equipment, tools, and storage to support volunteer efforts on the ground. In true Rotary spirit, we’ll aim to amplify these efforts by leveraging district and Rotary International disaster relief grants to maximize the impact of your generosity.
Thank you again for your support, care, and unwavering dedication to the people affected by Hurricane Helene. Together, we can make a difference.
Travelling Soon? consider Visiting a Rotary Club!
Like many Rotarians, I have been lucky enough to travel not only within our District but I am so grateful to have traveled around the world over the last 18 months. Some was Rotary business, but most of it was family related. From Australia to Thailand, Cambodia to Toronto, and Singapore to the Netherlands, the USA, France and the UK. We experienced the culture, the food and most importantly the people! My phone is packed with amazing photos and endless memories. There is one thing that all these countries have in common – they all have Rotary Clubs!
While I didn’t have the opportunity to visit clubs in every country, I do make an effort to visit at least a few (when that’s not possible, I do look for local projects to see). Many of us have been to clubs in our own community or maybe within our District, but it’s a whole new experience to visit one in a foreign country. Many of you have heard me say that no Rotary club is exactly the same – not even when they are in the same community. That’s the beauty of Rotary! Clubs are run differently, they can have varying focuses, their projects and fundraisers often reflect the interests of the members. Every time we visit a new club, we gain new ideas, new perspective and often new friends!
I was in Europe in September and visited a Rotary club in my birth country of the Netherlands. While I speak the language, I’m no longer completely fluent, but still managed to get the gyst of the meeting! It happened to be their first meeting of the Rotary year (they take the summer off) and their guest speaker was representative of the District who spoke about past RI president Gordon McInally and his focus on mental health. My mom, who is also a Rotarian, came along and helped me with any language challenges. It was a smaller, more informal club that does not use nametags, banners or really any Rotary insignia. With just over a dozen members there, we were able to go around the table to introduce ourselves and tell a little bit about what we do for a living. As the meeting was later in the afternoon (4:30), we did not have a formal meal but did share some snacks and a cocktail while we socialized after the meeting. I learned about their projects, a Folk Festival that they hosted and all sorts of volunteer opportunities that they have for their members. Public Image Mini Grants
District 5060 provides matching grants to support Clubs in improving their public image and branding. Building our public image is essential because increasing awareness of Rotary and our activities helps engage people, leading to more support and advocacy for our organization.
The grants aim to promote Club activities to members, local media, and the community while raising awareness of Rotary and your Club. They encourage making projects more appealing to the media and using social media to enhance visibility. All projects must adhere to Rotary International brand guidelines, and the grants do not support fundraising promotions. Additionally, Clubs must ensure they are using correct logos on their webpages and social media.
Slipped a DISC?
I found myself in Toronto last week for a Rotary learning event. That’s where I “slipped a disc.” By that I mean it completely slipped by me that there can be a District International Service Chairs group or DISC in each of our Rotary districts.
Karen Parkhurst, a New Yorker from District 7120, whom I met (where else—in the bar) introduced me to the topic. I wanted to learn more, so she invited me to a meeting of the district DISC chairs the next day.
Just like the disc in your back, the DISC serves as a connector. DISC participants connect clubs to the resources they need for success in international projects.
Polio Vaccinations in Gaza
More than 187,000 children under 10 were vaccinated with novel oral polio vaccine type 2 (nOPV2) in central Gaza between Sept 1-3. Vaccination coverage exceeded the initial estimated target of 157,000 children due to population movement towards central Gaza and expanded coverage in areas outside the humanitarian pause zone. To ensure no child was missed in this initial phase, vaccination continued at four large health facilities in central Gaza for several days following the initial period.
Polio Awareness Day October
Polio Awareness Day, October 24th, is just a few short weeks away. For Polio or Rotary International Foundation chairs, it's time to get ready!
We know you are planning something special! Please register your club polio event/fundraiser with Rotary International. That way we can share ideas and enthusiasm for this important cause. Use this link to register.
Also, please send me your club plans for that day. Email to pete2@vanwell.net, so we can recognize each club's efforts at the district level.
I am also available, in person or via ZOOM, to let your clubs know about the District 5060 PolioPlus Society. You can reach me by email or mobile phone 509-679-5214, to schedule.
Thank you and all your club members for their continued efforts to eradicate polio!
Yours in Service,
Pete Van Well, Wenatchee Rotary
District 5060 PolioPlus Chair