5280 August 2011

Monthly District Newsletter

Palos Verdes Peninsula Rotarians say

“Business is Picking Up”

A t times, it seems like Rotary is the

best kept secret around. Often, people we

encounter outside Rotary don't know who

we are or what we do. Many people have

an image of us as an organization of older

businessmen that meet occasionally for

lunch. As we all know, this couldn't be

further from the truth.

As we get involved in our Club’s activities

and humanitarian projects (and have

those Rotary Moments), we sometime hear

Rotarians ask the question: “Why isn’t

everyone a Rotarian?” Once you have

lifted your first person into a wheelchair,

participated in a Polio Immunization or seen

the joyful look on a mother's face (and

tears in her eyes) when you hand her child

to her after the child's clef-palate surgery,

you know we are making a big difference

in people's lives all around the world. After

having one (or more) of these experiences,

you know Rotary can have a positive impact

on those that donate their services, in

addition to those that are receiving them.

August is Rotary's Membership and

Extension Month. By sharing what we do

with those that are not Rotarians, we have

the possibility that their lives can be

transformed as they reach out to serve

others. This is the gift that we can give

everyone that becomes involved in Rotary.

During this Membership month, share some

of your experience with those that are not

Rotarians. Make a special effort during this

month to make sure your current members

are involved in your projects and activities

too. Through this kind of effort, Rotary will

not be as big a secret as it is now, and we

will be able to expand the number of people

we serve and the lives we transform.

Brad

Governor Brad’s Message

the opportunity of opening a world to

them where people are transforming

other people’s lives. This is true because

when we live our motto “Service Above

Self,” we not only improve the lives of

those we are serving, but in the process,

we are transformed too. We

become Rotarians. By living

this experience we call Rotary, our lives

are enriched and our connection to hu-

manity is deepened. It is this ex-

perience we can share with those that

are not Rotarians.

It is by sharing these experiences with

others that we can spark a curiosity in-

side them that wants to find out more

about us. Invite friends and associates

not only to come to one of your Club

meetings, but also to observe (or maybe

participate in) a project your Club has

undertaken. Make sure your current Club

members are participating too.

All the publicity and advertising we do is

essential because it helps Rotary become

well known, but it's not until someone

experiences what we do that they begin to understand Rotary. They begin to see

AUGUST 2011

02 Governor visits Hermosa Beach

Governor visits Koreatown

03 LAX-Lennox chartered in 1955

Governor visits Century City

09 Governor visits Inglewood

Manhattan Beach chartered in 1950

10 Governor visits Malibu

Governor visits Torrance

Presidents Meeting

11 Governor visits LAX-Lennox

12 District Literacy Breakfast

15 San Pedro chartered in 1922

22 Governor visits Manhattan Beach

Governor visits Wilmington

23 Rotary Community Alliance Meeting

24 Governor visits Historic Filipino

Governor visits Redondo Beach

25 Governor visits Lynwood

30 Governor visits Downey

31 Governor’s Visit South Gate

August is Rotary Membership and Extensions Month

Literacy Breakfast

A dult literacy statistics in the United States

are not as strong as you might expect,

according to Pat Bennett, Senior

Assistant Governor for Vocational Service.

The Southern California Library Literacy

Network reports that almost a quarter of the

adult population can’t read to their kids or

fill out a simple application form.

Ramona Holland, Literacy Chair,

announces the guest speakers for the

breakfast will be Dr. Pamela Wiley and

Marguerite Poindexter LaMotte.

Dr. Pamela Wiley is making a difference

in the lives of children with Autism. The

Wiley Center for Speech and language

Development provides intense language

and speech stimulation to preschool children

who experience speech and language

communications delays.

Marguerite Poindexter LaMotte was

elected to represent District 1 of the

LAUSD in 2003. She has a passionate

love for education and public service.

She has been featured on NBC Nightline.

Patricia Bennett, SAG Vocational

Service, invites Rotarians and especially

Vocational Service Directors to attend

this inspiring program. Rotarians can be

an active solution to a critical problem

right here in District 5280.

August 12, 2011

LAWRY’s Restaurant

100 N. La Cienga Blvd., Beverly Hills

7:00 A.M – 9:00 P.M.

No cost to attend

RSVP to the District Office by August 8th

International Literacy Day Thursday, Sept 8.

For Information go to

www.rotary.org

and search for

Every School a Star Program

Bring School Supplies

to the Literacy

Breakfast Check Office Depot, Staples and

other businesses for lists of what

is needed by grade level.

Cover: “Business is Picking Up.”

What a great expression! Palos Verdes

Peninsula has been responsible for this road

section for some time. It is great to see a

club hands-on-project. “Okay. So who was

supposed to remember to park a car at

the bottom of Crenshaw for use when we

were finished?”—John Schuricht

District Events

Governor Brad’s

Travelling Circus

The Presidents Meeting

Wednesday, August 10th, 5:30 PM

13600 Marina Pointe Drive

Marina del Rey

SAG Special Events Cost is $10 per person

Don Reeves Free Parking

T here will be five Presidents Dinners this year. Two of them including the first one on

August 10 will include special topics of interest to all Presidents and Assistant Governors.

The August 10 agenda will include Membership led by Dean Reuter, the Foundation

led by Rick Mendoza and Club Goals/Presidential Citation led by Joe Harding.

Governor Brad will also give a report and ask for feedback on possible problems and

issues.

This meeting, co-sponsored by Palos Verdes Peninsula and Palos Verdes Sunset, is as much an opportunity for Presidents and District Leaders to interact over a Chicago Ribs

dinner with wine and soft drinks and to participate in a no cost wine raffle. The total cost is

$10 per person so RSVP now to Office@Rotary5280.org.

The next two dinners will include a traditional and exceptional event sponsored by the

Thai Town Rotary Club on October 3 at the Residence of the Consul-General of Thailand

and a second special topic meeting on November 16 sponsored by the Beverly Hills and Westchester Rotary Clubs.

What is the Rotary

Community Alliance?

T he predecessor to the RCA, The Urban

Taskforce, started

after our district

came together to

discuss what we

could do about the

violence and the

issues after the Los

Angeles riots. Nu-

merous wonderful district-wide projects

came out of that task force, not the least

of which was a partnership with the LA

Times for the Read by 9 Program.

The main concept is to have all of the clubs

in our district come together to discuss

issues in the community and ideas for

projects to assist. The RCA meets quarterly

inspiring several district-wide much needed

collections and numerous projects.

“Every club in the district does local service

and many clubs have pet projects they want

to promote and share,” states RCA Chair

Mindy Stogsdill. “We will solicit

speakers and ideas to share that can hope-

fully be acted upon. We especially invite

Community Service Directors to attend.”

The idea this Rotary year is to meet at the

location of a possible partner. However, the

first meeting will be at a restaurant to kick

us off. Plan to attend this meeting.

Tuesday, August 23rd, 6:00 PM

Truxton’s Restaurant

8611 Truxton Ave., Westchester

Cost is $20 per person

27th Foundation Celebration

Circus Vargas

Sunday, November 6, 2011, 11:00 AM

Circus Fun, Lunch, Big Tent Snacks, Surprises

Laugh, Be Astonished and Thrilled

Live Auction and Drawing Tickets

Have a Great Time While Contributing to The Rotary Foundation

Admission Tickets may be ordered from your Club President.

Drawing Tickets are distributed by the President or Foundation Chair.

Flyers and ticket information available on www.Rotary5280.org

Jerrie Heslov, Chair

What do People Say

About the Circus?

“The show was AMAZING!!! The energy from the performers

and music filled the tent and everyone in the audience took in the

energy and gave back.”

“Five Stars! Fabulous! So many acts, so much to see.”

“It was awesome Americana. What I imagine the old time circus to

be like (minus animals). So many acts I can’t remember them all.

Bottom line: 2+ hours of real fun and laughter.”

Why do we Have a

Foundation Celebration?

T his is 27th Annual Foundation Celebration. Each event has

been distinctive, at a number of different venues, each time to

be of interest for a wonderful time. As a trapeze artist,

Governor Brad has chosen a circus theme. So this year

will again be a unique and special Rotary experience.

The monies raised are 100% for Rotary’s humanitarian

programs. No monies are used for operations making the

foundation the place to make your charitable giving. The

programs include the cultural Group Study Exchanges, our

talented Ambassadorial Scholars and the many grants that fund

projects through our clubs. These many grants which multiply

club funds help with health, hunger, literacy and water projects

in our own communities and throughout the world. The Rotary

logo on grant projects is well known for helping to improve the

lives of others.

Buy or sell your Drawing Tickets, come enjoy the circus!

Circus Vargas has typical circus acts but all of them so classic

and entertaining that there is not a moment of boredom. They

have a pre-show for kids half an hour before show time so

people with kids, show up early.

Focus on Membership

A ugust is determined by Rotary

International as Membership Month. Some

may think that is the only month we should

be concerned about our membership. When

in fact every month is Membership Month!

Truly this year we must all, every Rotarian,

be active in membership, think about

membership and talk with the numerous

qualified individuals that could be outstanding

members of our clubs.

For the last few years District 5280 as with

many Rotary Districts in the United States

has had a net lose in membership. Last

year we celebrated over 180 new members

to end the year with an overall net gain.

The Membership Committee 2011-12: Jerry Brown, Audrie Echnoz,

Joe Harding, Marc Leeka and

PDG Susanne Sundberg, is here

to assist your clubs in achieving their goals.

The committee is geared up to present to

your club. To schedule a speaker on

membership, contact Dean Reuter.

San Pedro’s 2011-12 newest member Tony Espana

with President Sanni Wehbe. Congratulations Tony!

W hat Rotarians get out of Rotary

depends largely on what they put into it.

Membership requirements are designed to

help club members more fully participate

in and enjoy their Rotary experience.

Pick up the phone and invite a friend,

colleague, client, or service provider to a

meeting. Many people join Rotary only

after seeing firsthand the spirit of fellowship

at club meetings and the commitment to

community service.

The logo above says it all: “Every Rotarian,

Reach One, Keep One.” Every Rotarian

shares the responsibility of bringing new

people into Rotary. Keeping members

involved in Rotary is another responsibility.

Fostering strong fellowship and encouraging

early participation in service projects,

especially hands on projects, are two of

the best ways to sustain a membership.

Search www.rotary.org for membership

ideas, resources, How to Propose a New

Member (254-EN), Rotary Basics (as seen in

the August Rotarian Magazine) , New

Member Orientation (414-EN), Membership

Development Kits as we as the New Member

Bulletin. All and more are very helpful.

Congratulations to Antionette Mongelli and Krista Stiley, with President Ed Jackson, newest

members to Westwood Village Rotary

Before becoming a new Malibu Rotarian, Maggie

Luckerath had Rotary credentials. She had lived

a life of Service Above Self and was recognized

as such by the Rotary Club of Denville, New

Jersey. In 1991, they presented Maggie with

the plaque shown above as Citizen of the Year.

SAG Membership Dean Reuter

Promote Rotary Through Signature Activities

This 1953 photo shows Tulelake Rotary Club members serving thousands at their annual barbecue as part of the

TulelakeButte Valley Fair. The club was instrumental in the formation of the popular California fair as it was an

outgrowth of the club’s annual junior live stock auction which provided for scholarships.

T he Rotary clubs of Churchland-Portsmouth

and Portsmouth, Virginia, USA, hold a

barbecue networking event every year, full of

food, refreshments, and live entertainment.

Thousands of people attend the event.

The Rotary Club of Calcutta Uptown, West

Bengal, India, is best known for helping

provide eye care, computer centers for youth,

and improved sanitation in rural areas of the

Bengal region. Many Rotary clubs are known

in their communities for one big project or

event that sets them apart from other groups.

“Several small projects leave no mark, but one

larger project leaves a signature,” notes RI

Vice President Thomas M. Thorfinnson. “A

great way to promote Rotary’s image is to

have a significant project or a significant

fundraiser that is a very public event in

your community and to do that event or fund-

raiser consistently over the years.”

Here are a few tips on how to create a

signature activity.

Identify. Decide on a public event

and its purpose, such as to raise funds for

The Rotary Foundation or to involve

members of the community in a local

service project.

Publicize. Include the Rotary club

or district in the name of the event. Use

social media and press releases to publicize

the event and the work of Rotary and build

interest and excitement.

Connect. Assign club members to

help answer questions about the Rotary

club and its projects during the event to

form connections with the general public.

Distribute take-away information such as

“What's Rotary?” as well as pamphlets

or business cards linking to the club’s

website.

Repeat. Hold the event annually to

build recognition. As awareness grows,

more community members will participate

and the event will become increasingly

successful. New members may even be

attracted to the club.

Some of the many significant projects in

District 5280 include: El Segundo Rotary’s partnership with the Movie in the

Park, LA Colombo Americano partnering with a community health clinic, Latinos

Unidos also coordinates a health fair,

Manhattan Beach visibly participates in the Home Town Fair and a generous Dictionary

Project, Playa Venice Sunrise and Fire Station #5 host a community Pancake

Breakfast, South Bay Sunrise sponsors a the RAT Beach Bike Tour, South Gate has a yummy Taste of South Gate, the

Westchester Rotary has held a Book Sale

for more than 50 years, Wilshire of LA sponsors an Annual Pumpkin Patch and

Christmas Tree Lot.

What is YOUR club’s significant community

project???

Rotary International June 2011

Embracing Our Communities Senior Assistant Governor Community Service Joe Vasquez

One pair of shoes was being shared by

the brothers. John and William attended

school according to whose turn it was to

wear the one pair of shoes that day. The

little money the single parent earned went

to purchase food items and to pay the

rent. There was no money for clothes or

shoes.

One of the teachers knew of the local

Rotary Club. She made a call to a club

Rotarian. Almost immediately John and

William were provided with new clothes,

and yes, shoes for each, extra shoes for

each (tennis shoes and loafers).

This occurred some years ago. Since then

the club has conducted and hosted annual

shoe shopping for children. Over 1000

One Pair of Shoes

T he school year had started. The halls were alive with children excited, new

clothes, friendships, and much curiosity.

Brothers William and John are among the

students.

Several weeks into the new school year a

teacher notes William has been absent

about as many days as he has actually

attended classes. She is aware he has a

brother one year older. The teacher meets

with the home class teacher for William’s

brother. She learns John, William’s older

brother, has also been absent from school

many days. The two teachers talk amongst

themselves and decide to investigate. Each

plans to talk with John and William.

children have benefitted. It is not known how

many other John’s and William’s there may

have been. For certain there were.

I know because I took the call. You too can

take that call for your club. You too can join

and/or help create a service project. Before

you know it, you will be a valued Rotarian

serving in your community. And John and

William will each have their own pair of

shoes.

The names are changed. Actual events experienced and shared by a Rotarian from District 5280. Contact Joe Vasquez, Senior Assistant Governor for Community Service, and share your Rotary story.

Host Families Needed

Our 2010-2011 Inbound Youth Exchange Students just came back from their

31 day tour of the USA! We are in need of host clubs/families for the

2011-2012 International Youth Exchange students who are arriving later this

summer. Please contact Warren Bobrow, warren@allaboutperformance.biz,

for details on how you and/or your club can host one of these wonderful students.

District News

Mission Bay

District Conference

The District Conference will be on April 19 to 22, 2012 at the

Hilton San Diego Resort & Spa. Plan to attend this weekend packed

great activities and programs. Check the district website for more

information, registration forms, and updated day events.

Wendy Clifford, District Picnic Chair, center with Sheila Murrin on the left

and Rozangela Paschoal, of the Bellflower Chicks, agree that more than 500

people at the picnic know how to have fun!

What Floats Your Boat?

T he LA Colombo Americano Club paddled circles around the competition for the second year at the District Picnic Boat Race.

Again this year clubs will compete by building a people-powered

cardboard boat capable of completing a 200-yard race.

Register your Rotary, Rotaract and/or Interact Club early and start

thinking about how great you’ll look posing for photos in a tight

bathing suit.

Instructions and application for the Cardboard Boats are under

District Picnic on the District Website, www.Rotary5280.org.

This year’s District Picnic will take place on Sunday, October 2,

at the Seaside Lagoon in Redondo Beach. You won’t want to

miss this day of fun, fellowship and fabulous food! We hope

that every club in the district will contribute food or help sponsor

an activity at this year’s picnic.

Transformers

T ransformers….when I first heard the theme I immediately

thought of grandsons who love the Transformers — especially

Bumble Bee. As Governor Brad

travels from club to club it will be fun

to see the Transformer gifts he receives.

I hope we see them displayed at the

District Conference!

Actually it is a great theme! As Rotarians

we transform the world around us and

across our borders. We transform

strangers into friends. We transform new members into true

Rotarians.

Each visit Governor Brad will acknowledge Rotarians in the club

who have been Transformers with a very special pin as seen in

the logo above. The names will be included in the District

Newsletters as we salute these outstanding Transformers.

The First Visit Transformer is a very appropriate selection as

the first woman in the Rotary Club of Westchester the year

woman were included in Rotary, a Rotarian who continually

sponsors new members and always has a bright smile.

The Governor’s First Visit was Westchester Rotary. President Cindy

Williams honored Transformer Rowena Ake who was

recognized by Governor Brad.

Bellflower Transformers Jim Murrin and Rick Searey

Pacific Palisades Transformers Neil Godsey and Kevin Niles

Lomita-Torrance Transformer Elaine Thompson

South Bay Sunrise Transformer Rick Castillion

Farewell Dear Friend

Len Wasserstein,

PDG

A dedicated Rotarian, an active civic

leader, a devoted family man, Len

served as District Governor 2001-02.

Len sponsored many into Rotary

including Governor Brad and District

Web Master AJ Wilmer. He was

especially supportive of youth

programs and enjoyed RYLA.

Len lived a life of dignity, integrity

with humor and a twinkle in his eye.

The District Office has a new administrator and a new look! Special thanks

to Terry Bichlmeier, member of Rotary Club of Redondo Beach and owner of

Bichlmeier Insurance Services in Redondo Beach. Terry donated a generous

gift of a new conference table and large comfortable chairs. Sitting around

the table are PDG Pat Cashin and Office Administrator Emily Blair.

District Announcements

A nnually in the Rotarian Magazine there is a page

listing the Rotary International Service Above Self Award

Recipients. Fewer than 150 of this award are presented

each year world wide.

On page 75, PDG Victoria Radel is listed as a recipient

for 2010-11 in District 5280. Over the years there have

only been 7 recipients in 5280. Congratulations Vickie!

There are always good references to Rotary materials in

the magazine. This month includes the new Rotary

Basics. This booklet is $1.00 when ordered from the

Rotary Shop link. It is an excellent for new members

and for those who want to know more about Rotary.

PV Sunset Rotary Starts

Year with Flag Collection

M any residents proudly show their colors

Memorial, Flag and Independence Days.

Afterwards, old, faded, torn or damaged

American flags are stored because it is

against the law to discard our nation’s flag

in the trash.

Palos Verdes Sunset expanded its flag

collection community service project by

staffing booths at the City of RPV’s 36th

Annual July 4th Celebration and at Palos

Verdes Estates’ 50th Old-Fashioned

Independence Day event. The 102 flags

were delivered to Los Angeles County Fire

Station #106 in Rolling Hills Estates for

appropriate, dignified and proper retirement.

“PV Sunset Rotary and Rotarians are highly

visible at local events,” says Angi Ma

Wong. “We hear humorous, sad and

poignant stories that accompany the

donations, but most of all, we get thanked

for providing the service. It’s a great way to

meet new people in the community, tell

them about Rotary as well as a fun and

easy way to launch the new Rotary year.”

Club Corner

Wally Christmas, Angi Ma Wong and Varda

Lancaster collect U.S. flags.

• San Pedro Newsletter Editor Jim

McNair was selected Rotarian of the

Month for July. Congratulations!

• Palos Verdes Peninsula evening meeting is

called “Smooze and Nibble. Sounds fun!

• Rio Hondo-Vernon annually visits the Pageant of the Masters in Laguna Beach.

They are planning a special evening,

“Guess Who is Coming to Dinner.”

• Westchester has sold out their annual Progressive Dinner at four hotels

benefiting the Westchester YMCA.

• Carson-Gardena-Dominguez recognized new Paul Harris Society Members for

2011-12: Walter Neil, Sheri Repp

and President Cara Rice. Great way to

start the year by a generous contribution

to The Rotary Foundation!

• South Bay Sunrise’s Ken Hovsepian

asks multiple questions to those fined by

Club President Larry Young. Know

the correct answer and avoid a fine. A

fun way to add money to the treasury!

• Downtown LA has long been using Facebook as a communication tool. I left

them off the list of clubs on Facebook last

month. South Bay Sunrise has is on Facebook. And we hear more clubs

setting up club pages for their members,

friends and reaching out to potential new

members.

AJ Wilmer posted on the new district

Facebook photos of the Beverly Hills Memorial

Garden. The Rotary Club of Beverly Hills is one of the sponsors of the erected steel from the

World Trade Center wreckage. Pictured are

Beverly Hills Fire Chief Tim Scranton and Fire

Captain Joe Matsch. Photo: Marie Cunningham.

Jerrie Heslov, Celebration

Chair, is all smiles knowing

Rotarians and families will enjoy

the circus.

Rotarians Around the District

DGN Jim Dyer can smile with

one District Breakfast well attended

and successful. Three to go!

PRIP Cliff Dochterman installed the Board of Directors at Beverly Hills Rotary, Home Club of the District Governor. It is going to be a year of service laughs

with President Brooke Knapp.

AJ and Sandra Wilmer find the first

meeting of the Rotary year an outstanding program. Past RI President Cliff Dochterman shared

his excellent wisdom with Governor Brad

Catherine Robinson enjoyed the First Governor’s Visit at

Westchester Rotary. Lek Pollard and Myra Kriwanek

presented flowers from Lek’s garden and Transformer gifts.

Beverly Hills President Brooke Knapp and Inglewood President

Wayne Spencer were among presidents installed by PRIP

Cliff Dochterman.

Val Velasco Receives

Prestigious Award

Pioneer Women Award Recognizes

Outstanding Women In Los Angeles

V aleria Velasco, Executive Aide and a respected

long-time civic leader who was honored as a Pioneer

Woman of the Year by Councilmember Bill Rosendahl. Val

was one of 18 people honored at the City Council and the

City's Commission on the Status of Women July 21st.

“Val is a truly amazing individual,” Rosendahl said. “She is

a dedicated champion of her community and a strong voice

for our neighborhoods. She is smart, determined, passion-

ate, and effective. She is a role model for people in public

service.”

“I am humbled and honored to be chosen as a Pioneer

Woman of the Year. In my lifetime, there have been

tremendous strides in achieving equality for women in many

areas especially in choosing life paths and careers. I am

grateful to the women who blazed that path for all of us,

giving me the opportunity to build upon their achievements

and give back through community service.”

Val has been a member of the Rotary Club of Westchester since 1993, serving as President in 2006-2007. She is

Chair of the Los Angeles Chamber, World Trade

Committee and Vice President of the Board of Airport

Commissioners..

The Excursions • El Yunque Rain Forest

• Camuy Caves • City Tour of Old San Juan • Snorkeling and Scuba Diving • Golfing • Fishing • Rum Factory Tour • Rafting and Horseback Riding

District Announcements

E ach of us came to Rotary to serve – and found the joys

and satisfactions of friendship and fellowship. In August,

the month we dedicate to membership and development,

we focus on spreading the message of Rotary. By serving

well, without hiding our Rotary light under the proverbial

bushel, we find ourselves closer to our own goal: a

stronger, more vibrant Rotary for generations to come.

Serving well is the essential first step – but it is only the

beginning. We have to raise our profile with all the tools

that are available to us, and there are more tools today

than there ever were. We have to use social media such

as Twitter and Facebook, and we have to be sure our clubs

have an online presence. Having a website is not enough;

it must be up to date, it must be appealing, it must reflect

the work we are doing. And it must offer a way for

prospective members, once they see what we do and

become interested, to take the next step.

I believe that today, to attract, involve and retain good,

young and new members this is the way to go – instant

information on your fingertips and hopefully, some

inspiration too.

World Polio Day, October 24, provides clubs and districts with an ideal

opportunity to hold their major project of the year in support of polio

eradication involving new members, the family of Rotary and the general

public. Now is the time to start planning.

PLAN YOUR END POLIO NOW PROJECT

Rotary International

Kalyan Banerjee

Rotary International President

A fter 25 years of hard work, Rotary and its partners are on the brink of

eradicating this tenacious disease, but a strong push is needed now to root

it out once and for all. It is a window of opportunity of historic proportions.

Thanks to Rotary and its partners, the world has seen polio cases plummet

by more than 99 percent, preventing five million instances of child paralysis

and 250,000 deaths. When Rotary began its eradication work, polio infected

more than 350,000 children annually. To date in 2011, there have been 286

cases reported worldwide.

But the polio cases represented by that final one percent are the most

difficult and expensive to prevent. As long as polio threatens even one child

anywhere in the world, all children — wherever they live — remain at risk.

The United States experienced its first major polio outbreak in the summer

of 1916, with the epidemic centered in New York City. Many surrounding

communities closed their doors to outsiders, using heavily armed policemen

to patrol the roads and rail stations in search of fleeing New Yorkers and

their children. The epidemic lasted through October claiming 27,000

American lives. New York City reported 8,900 cases and 2,400 deaths,

80% being children under five. From the March of Dimes in the Rotary Global History Fellowship Newsletter.

Who Gets Your Club

Newsletters ?

Club publications should be e-mailed to these

district leaders:

District Governor Brad Robinson

Executive Aide Val Velasco

District Administrator Emily Blair

SAG Club Service John Colville

SAG Communications Marc Leeka

District Newsletter Carmela Raack

The club’s Assistant Governor

T he new Rotary year is a fresh start.

We transform with new leaders into

new clubs with new ideas yet the

traditions remain as does the purposes

and the friendships.

With the increase in a wider variety of

communication tools, the newsletter is

being transformed too. More than

1,500 have read the on-line newsletter

on the District Website. So many are

helping with articles that we have now

become a magazine!

Some of us like meetings! They are

so very different in our very different

Rotary Clubs. Some are very formal,

most are casual, all have lots of

laughter and fellowship. The Gover-

nor’s Visits are traditional for Large and

Medium Clubs. Small Clubs are an

interactive club assembly format.

Keep telling us about the wonderful

things that go on in the Rotary Clubs of

District 5280. It is exciting!

This is your District Newsletter, please

send club announcements, pictures and

other interesting items you want to

share.

For more information about any article,

contact the Rotarian Chair, go to

www.rotary5280.org , read the

Friday News, or connect with the

District Facebook Page.

Share the District Newsletter! Carmela Raack

Editor 2011-12,

CarmelaRaack@Rotary5280.org

Special Resources from Rotary International:

Rotary’s Areas of Focus — A booklet containing photos, information and Tips for Success can be

found at www.rotary.org, search the title.

Rotary International Newsletters — Sign up for one or more of the 17 available special emailed

newsletters by going to www.rotary.org, search Newsletters and More Newsletters.

Do your club members receive the District Newsletter? The Friday News?

Update ClubRunner emails or send to Office@Rotary5280.org.

Join the District Facebook site: RotaryDistrict5280@groups.facebook.com.

Thank You for the Comment!

John Elman writes in the outstanding

Malibu Club bulletin: SAG Communications

Marc Leeka has done a fantastic job

putting the Rotary District 5280 Monthly

Newsletter—it’s actually more like a little

magazine—on line. The on line publication

does amazing things. You can turn pages,

zoom in on text and pictures, and feel like

you are holding the document in your

hands. The news is succinct and useful,

telling about District events, views of District

Governor Brad Robinson and each

of his district leaders.

Cameras everywhere! There are several District

Photographers. Their pictures are appreciated for the

website and newsletter. Photos in this issue are from

Gidas Peteris, Beverly Hills, and Linton Morgan, Inglewood.

. . . from the editor . . .