Welcome to District 5495 News

Clubrunner hosts seminars to help prepare for yearly changeover
Our annual Changeover Webinar Series is back - running from May 20 to June 3, and it's designed to help you start the new Rotary year strong with ClubRunner.
 
Whether you're part of a club or district, these sessions are tailored to your role, so you get the most relevant tips, tools, and updates to succeed in the year ahead.
  • Discover what's new in ClubRunner
  • Brush up on key features and best practices
  • Set your leadership team up for success
Ask your questions during the live Q&A with our Product Specialists.
 
 
Can't make it live? No problem! All sessions will be recorded and shared!
 
A Sneak Peek at Nova đźš€
 
We're also excited to feature Nova, the modernized version of ClubRunner - now in open beta!
 
Join us for a live walkthrough of Nova's sleek new design, intuitive navigation, and powerful new features. Clubs have already made the switch and shared invaluable feedback that's helping shape the future of ClubRunner.
 
Come see how Nova is evolving - and why we think you'll love it.
 
Join us on Tuesday, June 3 at 6pm Eastern Time for an in-depth webinar where we'll:
  • Showcase Nova's powerful features
  • Highlight the latest updates
Share our rollout plan and what to expect! Click here to register for the Nova webinar.
 
 
Program agenda finalized for D5495 Conference of Clubs
Join District Governor Michelle Holcomb and your fellow District 5495 Rotarians to celebrate our achievements in 2024-25 at the “Conference of Clubs” to be held May 1-4 at the We-Ko-Pa Casino Resort in Fort McDowell.
 
This year’s district conference will focus on the theme “Rotary Means Business: Investing in our communities, our youth and ourselves.”
 
The conference kicks off May 1 with a fundraiser at Saguaro Lake for The Rotary Vocational Fund of Arizona. The conference continues May 2-3 and ends with a golf on May 4. Cost for the two-day full conference is $300.
 
 
An agenda for the conference is copied below and includes a number of great speakers, programs, break-out sessions and lots of fun! Highlights include:
 
* A TRVFA fundraising Dinner Cruise on Saguaro Lake on Thursday, May 1.
* Council on Legislation 10 a.m. Friday, May 2.
* Christopher Zambakari, a Rotary Peace Fellow and "Lost Boy from Sudan" speaking at noon Friday.
* Foundation Dinner Celebration 6 p.m. Friday, featuring President's Representative Scott Rainey.
* Fun and Games on the Courtyard at 7:45 p.m. Friday.
* Former NFL quarterback Danny White is the keynote speaker at dinner 6 p.m. Saturday.
 
Rooms at the We-Ko-Pa Resort are $129 per night through April 10, then increasing to $199. RV parking is available. To book a hotel room, click on the following link:

Rotary International District Conference Room Block 2025

Group Code: 2505ROTARY

Password: Rotary25

Rooms are also available at the Hilton until April 2:

Spark by Hilton reservation link:  

 
Registration Questions:  Please contact Sandy Abalos:  abalos.sandy@gmail.com
 
Other questions:  Please contact:  Jackie Wasik:  jacquelinewasik@gmail. com
 
Read more...
DG Michelle appears on Channel 12 to promote The Prom Closet
 
District Governor Michelle Holcomb visited the NBC Channel 12 studios on March 31 to appear on a news segment promoting the Peoria North Rotary Club's annual Prom Closet service project.
 
Michelle and Past District Governor Bret McKeand (a member of Peoria North) were interviewed by Channel 12 news anchor Tram Mai.
 
You can view the entire segment HERE.
 
Michelle and Bret shared news of the history of the Prom Closet and dates for the project's final weekend, as well information on Rotary.
 
The Prom Closet is a service project that provides formal wear for high school teens attending their proms. Gowns, suits, tuxedos, shoes and more are provided at no charge.
 
The event takes place March 29-30 and April 5-6, 2025. For more information, visit www.thepromcloset.com.
 
RIPE Mario encourages Rotarians to 'Unite for Good'
 
Rotary International President-elect Mário CĂ©sar Martins de Camargo asked members to Unite for Good by embracing growth, service, and connection as he outlined a plan to expand “the best-qualified team of volunteers on the planet.”
 
“Rotary’s greatest asset is not our history, our projects, or even our unmatched global reach. It is our members,” de Camargo said at the organization’s International Assembly in Orlando, Florida, USA, on February 10.
 
He noted praise from one of Rotary’s partners about “the extraordinary dedication” of Rotary members. “That recognition from an outsider deepened my understanding: Rotary’s greatest gift to the world is its people.”
 
De Camargo, a member of the Rotary Club of Santo André, São Paulo, Brazil, emphasized the importance of seeking out new perspectives and strengthening Rotary’s service to communities around the globe. He outlined three “essential pillars” for growth: innovation, continuity, and partnership.
 
District 5495  promotes 'Rotary Week of Service' during Earth Week, April 16-22
District 5495, in conjunction with district 5500 is conducting its fifth annual Rotary Week of Service, April 16-22, 2025 -- Earth Week.
 
This year we are asking each assistant governor to coordinate with the clubs they serve to come up with one service project for that group of clubs. As we have 16 assistant governors, in theory, we would have 16 regional
projects during April. This method will allow for larger projects and collaboration of clubs within a geographical area.
 
Understanding that clubs may have other activities planned for this week, flexibility is key but an emphasis around mid to late April.

Our goals are:

• Collaboration among clubs - with flexibility as required
• The theme is Environmental projects - with flexibility as desired
• Involve non-Rotarians to participate - great opportunity for new members
• Promote the project with social media, press releases, getting a local mayor(s) proclamation of “Rotary Week of Service”, etc. For the larger projects we will try to get TV coverage as we did with the Bed Build
project, Sleep in Heavenly Peace, a few years ago.
• Enjoy meeting and working with Rotarians from neighboring clubs
Save the Date: District Rotaract Council makes plans for gala
 
Dear Valued Rotaract Supporters:
 
I hope you're doing well!
On behalf of the Rotaract clubs in our district, I am thrilled to invite you to our Rotaract District Gala: A Night of Stars – A Gala of Fellowship and Service on:
 
đź“… Date: April 5, 2025
đź•” Time: 5:00 PM – 9:00 PM
đź“Ť Location: 1151 South Forest Ave, Tempe, AZ
✨ Step into the spotlight for an unforgettable evening of Hollywood glamour and Grammy-style celebration! âś¨
🌟 What to Expect:
  • Recognition of Club Achievements â€“ Celebrating the impact of our Rotaract clubs across the district.
  • Standout Member Honors â€“ Acknowledging those who have gone above and beyond in service.
  • District-wide Induction Ceremony â€“ Officially welcoming all new Rotaract members.
  • Leadership Transition â€“ Honoring this year’s executive board and welcoming new leaders.
  • Fellowship & Networking â€“ A unique opportunity to connect with Rotaractors and Rotarians in a meaningful way.
đź’™ Why We Want YOU There:
As key supporters and liaisons between our sponsor clubs and Rotaract, you’ve played a crucial role in the success of our clubs. Your mentorship, guidance, and unwavering support have made a lasting impact, and we wouldn’t want to celebrate our achievements without your presence.
 
To ensure that as many Rotaractors as possible can join us, we’re extending invitations to a select group of Rotarians from each sponsoring club. If you’re unable to attend, we’d be happy to welcome whomever from your club you think is the best fit in your place. If you’re able to attend, we’d love the opportunity to honor your significant contributions to Rotaract.
 
🎟️ Supporting the Event:
Our goal is to make this event as accessible as possible for all Rotaractors. While we currently plan on an admission fee, with enough support, we may be able to eliminate this barrier and make the event free.
 
If you or your club are interested in supporting this initiative, we’d love to explore ways to make it happen together.
 
More details, including registration information, will be shared soon. In the meantime, please save the date and let us know if you’re interested in attending!
 
Thank you for your ongoing support—we look forward to celebrating with you!
 
Warm regards,
Dora Le
District Rotaract Representative | Rotary District 5495
đź“ž 714-982-90387
Read more...
Club Leadership Academy planned for March 8
 
Exciting News for All Rotarians!
 
Are you ready to elevate your Rotary experience and make a lasting impact in your community? We proudly present the District's premier learning event: Club Leadership Academy (CLA)!
 
March 8 -- 7:45 a.m.-2:30 p.m.
Paradise Valley Community College Conference Center
17811 N. 32nd Street, Phoenix
 
 
✨ Why Attend CLA?
  • Deep Dive into Rotary Programs: Uncover the full spectrum of Rotary's initiatives and learn how they can transform your service.
  • Harness the Power of AI: Discover cutting-edge AI tools to simplify your efforts and enhance both your Rotary service and personal life.
  • Master Leadership Skills: Gain new strategies to elevate your club experience and drive impactful change.
  • Youth Empowerment & Fundraising: Learn how to inspire and engage youth, and fundraise like a pro.
  • Club Promotion & Growth: Get tips on promoting your club, growing membership, or even starting a new club.
  • Community Service & Well-being: Make your community service more impactful and explore ways to boost mental health and foster positive peace.
🎓 Special Sessions Include:
  • Rotary Leadership Institute (RLI) Track 1: Enhance your leadership capabilities with comprehensive training.
  • Grants Management Seminar: Complete the required two hours to qualify your club for district and global grants.
đź“š Expert-Led Breakout Sessions: District leaders and experts will guide you through a wide variety of topics, ensuring you gain valuable insights and practical knowledge.
 
🤝 Network & Connect:
  • Quality Time with Club Leaders: Strengthen bonds and strategize for success.
  • Reunite with Long-Time Friends: Share experiences and create lasting memories.
  • Make New Friends: Connect with fellow Rotarians from across the District and expand your network.
Don't miss this incredible opportunity to grow, learn, and connect. Join us at CLA and be a part of the transformative journey that will elevate your Rotary experience to new heights!
District Governor Elect, Jim Schmidt, and the Education Committee Chair, Linda Fulmore, have planned a very informative Academy.  You can contact them by clicking on their names.
 
Schedule
7:45 - 8:30 Registration, Continental Breakfast
8:30 - 9:00 Opening Session
9:10 - 10:10 Module 1 sessions
10:20 - 11:20 Module 2 sessions
11:30 - 12:30 Module 3 sessions
12:30 - 1:15 Fellowship Lunch
1:30 - 2:30 General Session with Keynote - David Simmer
 
 
Read more...
Fourteen graduate from Rotary Leadership Institute on Jan. 25, 2025
District 5495 held its most recent Rotary Leadership Institute on Jan. 25, 2025 at the Anthem Community Center in Anthem. 
 
All three sessions of RLI were held, and at the end of the day, 14 participants received their graduation certificates and pins, signifying completion of all three RLI sessions.
 
Graduating on Jan. 25:
 
Don Bierman of the Rotary Club of Scottsdale; Amor Cianciola, and Wendi Lancy of the Rotary Club of Prescott-Frontier; Mark Dozier, Lisa Winslow and Lauren Dessis of the Rotary Club of Scottsdale Sunrise; Timi Griffin of The Rotary Club of Sedona; Melodie Jackson, Debbie Koeneman and Dick Myren of The Rotary Club of Mesa West; Nick Proctor, Frank Robinson and Jeff Stack of The Rotary Club of Four Peaks; Mirna Lattouf of the E-club of the Southwest.
 
For photos of the graduates and all three session participants, visit https://rotary5495.org/page/rli-photos.
 
D5495 'Conference of Clubs' planned May 2-3, 2025
 
By Michelle Holcomb
District 5495 Governor 2024-25
 
I trust you had a very Merry Christmas / Hanukkah / Kwanza.  And that the New Year has brought you good health with hope for peace, and prosperity. 
 
The 2024-25 Rotary year is passing by very quickly! It's already time to plan for our Conference of Clubs, May 2 and 3, 2025 which is a celebration of all the great works our clubs and members have supported. We will have special breakouts filled with new ideas and connections to one another.
 
And special speakers!  We are prepared to announce one today with more announcements in the days ahead. Special thanks to Alan Havir for inviting and confirming Wyn Spiller as a keynote speaker.  Wyn is our 2025-27 Zone Rotary International Director, representing Zone 26/27. It is an honor to have Wyn attend our conference; there are only 17 directors worldwide on the RI Board of Directors.  Join us to hear Wyn's vision and plans for the next two years.
 
 
 
CLICK HERE TO REGISTER FOR CONFERENCE
 
NOTE:  If you are attending the Thursday, May 1 Assistant Governor Learning sessions or the TRVFA Sunset Cruise on Saguaro Lake, we suggest you book a room for Thursday night, May 1.
 
If you have questions, contact Jackie Wasik or Colleen Coons.
 
For those who register before January 31, 2025 you will be entered in a drawing that could reimburse your conference on-site fees.  There will be one drawing for every 50 registrations!  You may win ...
  • Reimbursement of the MEMBER'S registration fee.  Value is $250. 
  • Friday and Saturday night hotel room comped. Value $258 (guest pays taxes and any room service fees).
  • Casino credit of $50 to be used during the conference.
TOTAL VALUE = $558.00
Fine print: 
     1.  Drawing will take place February 1, 2025. 
     2.  Funds will be reimbursed following confirmed Conference attendance.
     
I look forward to seeing you at the upcoming Conference of Clubs!
 
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