February 2020 Newsletter
"2020 is off to a great start for Rotary District 5495.  In this month's video message from DG David learn about the many exciting things that are going on behind the scenes in central and northern Arizona."
 
You may view David's February video HERE.
 
You may view all of DG David's videos for the year HERE.
“Taking It to the Next Level”
2020 Club Leadership Academy 
Now Moved Online!!!
 
DGE Elizabeth Mahoney announces that this year’s Club Leadership Academy will focus on how each Rotarian can take their experience to the next level!  Using the Learning Center on Rotary.org - club members will learn how to become more effective in the leadership positions within your club
    
The End Polio Now Champions Award competition is underway.  The contribution numbers were reviewed as of January 9, 2020.  At that time the top ten clubs in the competition were as follows: 1. Mesa West; 2. Sedona Village; 3. E-Club of the Southwest; 4. Scottsdale North; 5. Sedona Red Rocks; 6. Kingman Route 66; 7. Peoria North; 8. Superstition Mountain Apache Junction Gold Canyon; 9. Bullhead City; 10. Prescott.
 
The contribution numbers will be reviewed again in March and reported at that time.  The final review of the numbers will take place in June and the winning club will be announced at the District Conference.  The winning will take home the Paul Harris bronze pictured to the left.  Make it a goal of your club to earn this award!!
As we begin the final year of the decade on January 1, 2020, let’s stop and take a look at Rotary International’s effort in its continuing fight to eradicate polio worldwide. As mentioned in previous newsletters, 2019 was not a good year in the fight to contain polio.  As of January 22, 2020, the number of reported cases of wild poliovirus in 2019 was 165 cases, 29 in Afghanistan and 136 in Pakistan.  This is a significant jump from the 33 reported cases in all of 2018. Additionally, there were 280 cases of vaccine derived polio, 36 in endemic countries and 244 in non endemic countries.  Clearly, despite monumental progress in the fight to eliminate this disease over the years, much work remains to be done and Rotary International and its partners will need to double and triple its efforts in problem areas around the world. Perhaps eradicating polio seems like an unwinnable battle, but keep in mind if countries like China and India can, with their massive populations, conquer polio then the rest of the world can and will as well. If we stop now within 10 years there surely will be a return to 300,000 plus cases per year.  Please keep up your generous donations to the End Polio Now – Make History Today campaign.  Your investment in this battle will be matched by the Gates Foundation at the rate of $2 for $1 making your $100 donation worth $300.
 
As a final thought, there has already been one (1) case of the wild poliovirus reported in 2020, with the onset of paralysis occurring on January 3, 2020.  So it will be at least that date in 2021 before the possibility even exists of going one year with no cases of polio.
EVANSTON, Il. (January 22, 2020) – Rotary and the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation are renewing their longstanding partnership to end polio, announcing a joint commitment of up to $450 million to support the global polio eradication effort.
 
“Because of the efforts of Rotary and its partners, almost 19 million people are walking today who would have otherwise been paralyzed,” said John Germ, Past President of Rotary International who leads Rotary’s polio fundraising efforts. “By partnering with the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, we’re ensuring that children in polio-affected countries get the lifesaving vaccines they need to be protected from polio for life. As the first organization to envision a polio-free world, Rotary is more committed than ever to delivering on our promise that one day, no child will ever again be paralyzed by polio.”
 
To an audience of Rotary volunteer leaders from around the world, Bill Gates, co-chair of the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation delivered a video message announcing the extension of a funding partnership forged more than a decade ago. Rotary is committed to raising $50 million per year over the next three years, with every dollar to be matched with two additional dollars from the Gates Foundation. This expanded agreement will translate into up to $450 million for polio eradication activities.
 
 
In Kandahar, women polio workers open doors of hope...
 

Amidst the extreme heat of Kandahar City in southern Afghanistan, Anis Faizy, a 24 year-old polio outreach worker, moves with confidence between houses. Her aim is to talk to families that refuse to vaccinate their children against polio. Her energy is endless and she tops that with a smile and a warm way of talking with women and men.

For someone her age, Anis has an impressive range of skills. Initially a tailor, now she works as a skilled midwife with passion for her community. She is also a District Communications Officer for the polio programme, leading a team of 56 community outreach workers in her neighbourhood.

“I want to help my people – polio is a danger to every child, and we should eradicate it”, says Anis.

When Anis started her job her father told her “You do what is best for you”, but neighbours in her socially conservative community were not impressed. She was told by others that she “could be killed while working in the community, it is unsafe for women, and women must stay at home.”

 

       ROTARY PEACE CENTERS
 
 
The Rotary Peace Centers within The Rotary Foundation, annually identifies up to 130 highly qualified individuals from around the world to become Peace Fellows and agents of peace through a fully paid Master’s Degree Program and Certificate Program.
 
Every February the application period opens and all of the world’s 529 Rotary Districts are able to begin promoting this program. So now is the time for all D5495 Rotary Club leaders to inform your members about the Rotary Peace Centers program and recruit well-qualified candidates.  Speakers and more information are available from our D5495 Peace Fellowship Committee. You can contact D5495 Peace Fellowship Chair Tony Cerato at 719-351-6616/tcerato@aol.com
 
To learn more:
Go to the D5495 website and click on “Resources”
Click on “Peacebuilding Resources”
Click on “Peace Centers”
 
Contact D5495 Peace Fellowship Chair Tony Cerato at 719-351-6616/tcerato@aol.com

Mohave Community College was recently proud to announce that for the third year in a row, 100% of the seven graduates from their Surgical Technology program based in Lake Havasu City passed the national board exam on the first attempt.  Three of the seven in that 2019 graduating class were grant recipients from The Rotary Vocational Fund of Arizona. Amber and Lindsay were both sponsored by the Kingman Route 66 Rotary Club, and Nativa was sponsored by the Rotary Club of Yuma Sunrise for their TRVFA grants.  The graduates are now beginning their careers at hospitals and surgery centers.

"This is a great accomplishment and we're very proud of the students, our program director and her team," said MCC President Dr. Stacy Klippenstein.  "The national board exams are not easy, so to have every student pass on the first attempt speaks volumes about the quality of education you get at MCC."  

A surgical technologist is a key member of the surgery team and ensures the operating room sterile field is prepared, assists with patient positioning and prepares the operation site. Technologists also assist surgeons with medical equipment during surgery.

According to U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, students graduating from the MCC program are entering a career field in which they can earn up to $72,810 annually.  TRVFA is very proud to be a part of helping these young women help themselves.

CLICK HEREto visit the TRVFA website.  TRVFA is a Qualifying Charitable Organization for Arizona Tax Credit.  Donations given on or before April 15, 2020 can be used for the 2019 or 2020 tax year, but not both.  It is very easy to DONATE NOW.

It is time to get students signed up for our Spring program, Thursday-Sunday, April 2-5.  Registration for this program is open.  Please go to www.ryla5495ponderosa.orgfor registration forms and information.   Please contact Sherry Mischel, sherryfmischel@outlook.com, 602-51-3339, or John Wintersteen, jdwintersteen@gmail.com, 602-390-3124 with any questions or concerns. 
 
PUT THIS ON YOUR CALENDARS!  This will be the last time for a spring program.  We are moving to a new date, over Columbus Day weekend, Friday-Monday, October 9-12, 2020.  After 2020, Columbus Day weekend will be our new program dates.  We hope that by moving the program from Spring to Fall, we will get a better attendance.
    
Thank you for your help!
 
RYLA Ponderosa

PLEASE NOTE THAT THESE TAX DEDUCTIONS/CREDITS ARE AVAILABLE FOR THE 2019 TAX YEAR UNTIL THE FILING DEADLINE, APRIL 15, 2020!

T’is the season to support Rotary’s great work AT NO COST TO YOU!  

I am asking a huge favor in the spirit of Rotary.  I am asking that EVERY ROTARIAN in District 5495 take advantage of the Arizona Credit for Contributions to Qualified Organizations by donating to charities that will benefit Rotary programs.  If you support one or both of the programs outlined below you will get dollar-for-dollar offset of your Arizona Tax.  It is not necessary to itemize deductions to receive this tax benefit.  (See the contribution caps outlined below.)  

If you are an Arizona taxpayer you have the incredible privilege of directing tax dollars to causes that benefit those who need a helping hand or a nutritious meal.

Here are the two AZ tax credit programs that benefit Rotary programs.

  • The Rotary Vocational Fund of Arizona (TRVFA) provides vocational scholarships to those who just need a bit of help to get an education that can transform their lives.  (More information on donating below.)
  • Manzanita Outreach provides everything necessary for our RYLA campers to have fun while helping others — packing nutritious meals for those who are food insecure.  (More information on donating below.)
  • OR SPLIT YOUR TAX CREDIT DONATION.   The main thing is to GIVE NOW TO BENEFIT ROTARY PROJECTS!!!

 

Hundreds of people in one place, with one mission: to serve. Serve the community, state, and the world. They all
gather together to make friends and celebrate their great Interact year. If you do not know already what I am talking about, these are the words that describe our Interact District Conference! This is our biggest, most fun, and interactive event of the year. This year, it is at Canyon View High School in Waddell on Feb 22, and it will be the most hands-on yet!  
 
The Interact District Council is planning four exciting breakout sessions! We will be packing mobility devices, creating homeless care packages, bring awareness to bullying, and discuss their Interact year. We will also being having our Club Advisors’ Roundtable! To fill out the mobility containers, we will be needing more mobility devices (including wheelchairs, walkers, canes, and crutches), so please be dropping this off at your local Interact club or our partner American Furniture Warehouse! We also are raising 35,000 dollars for our trips, so please help us raise this money!
 
Not only will we be packaging for our Crutches 4 Africa shipments to Kenya and Mexico, we will also be announcing our Interact Ambassadors we will be sending to both of these countries! We have over 20 applicants for these trips.  Be among the first one to know who was chosen to go!  We will also be awarding Clubs of Distinctions, Video Contest, and the top three raisers for Purple Pinkie and Can Food Drive! In addition, we have two exciting speakers: Rotarian David Talbot and Rotarian Bob Solis! If you want any more information about this one-of-a-kind conference, please email me! If you are interested in attending our Interact conference, register on our website, www.rotaryazinteract.org! 
Say hello to Honolulu, home to the 2020 Rotary International Convention. And the best way to see this island paradise?
Hang with local Rotarians and Rotaractors
 
Discover Aloha
in Honolulu, Hawaii!
 
Register for the 2020 convention now and save up to $200. The early registration fee is $450 for Rotarians and $120 for Rotaractors through December 15th. Register at riconvention.org. While there, download the promo kit to encourage your fellow Rotarians to attend Rotary’s biggest event of the year — or watch and share an enticing video that previews the Rotary Convention.
 
Experience the culture of Hawaii at events planned by the Host Organization Committee in Honolulu; they include a concert at the Waikiki Shell, a sunrise walk for peace, an ancient fishpond project, and a meal with local Rotarians.
 
Things to know when you arrive that will immediately acclimate you to the Hawaiian way:
 
 
 
 
SAVE THE DATE – TICKETS ON SALE NOW!
 
BARLEENS DINNER SHOW
 
Have Your Club Purchase a Table of 8 and Make It an Outing
 
Wear Your Best Hawaiian Clothing to Coincide With the International Convention in Honolulu and Our Own District 5495 Hawaiian Themed Conference 
 
 
 
 
The Rotary Club of Superstition Mountain– Apache Junction and Gold Canyonis proud to announce “PEOPLE of ACTION” a FUNdraising event for the Rotary Foundation. Our objective is to raise  $12,000 for the Foundation.
 
District 5495 Governor David Simmer and Superstition Mountain Rotary President Bob Benjamin, invite you to join fellow Rotarians on Saturday, March 21, 2020 for an evening of delicious food and LIVE entertainment. The Barleens “Variety Spectacular” show will provide music, comedy, impersonations and a walk down memory lane with lots of laughs and — most important — a FUN evening! Doors will open at 5:15pm.  Dinner served at 6:30pm.
 
For more information CLICK HERE.
 
In cooperation with the Barleen Family the Superstition Mountain Club has secured this exclusivedate for a Rotary fundraising event. The Barleens Dinner Show – a 33-year family tradition in the East Valley — is located at 2275 E Old Apache Highway, Apache Junction. Over the years the Barleens have entertained and delighted thousands of families. If you have never seen the show, this is your opportunity.  If you have seen the show in the past, come-on back for a brand new experience!
 
Our goal is to FILL the Theater with 460 Rotarians, family and friends from across the state of Arizona who want to support the Rotary Foundation.
 
TICKETS for this fantasitc event are just $62 per person which includes dinner, the Barleen Family variety show and a $25 contribution to one of the world’s most highly regarded charities — the Rotary Foundation.
 
Tickets are on a first come first serve basis– i.e. once your reservation is made and PAID seats will then be assigned based on e-mail date and time stamp. 
 
CORPORATE SPONSORS are available to ANY Rotarian or business at $500. Your Contribution includes dinner and show tickets for 8, contribution to The Rotary Foundation, and preferredseating for 8.   Sponsors: please provide a high resolution company logo for advertising at the event. 
 
STAY-CATION  For those traveling from a distance, accomodations are available at special rates for rooms at the new Marriott Residence Inn.
 
For more information, contact Harvey Clark at 203-841-7666 or by email at harvey.clarksuperrotary@gmail.com.
 
 
 Together we see a world where people unite, and take action to create lasting change — across  the globe,in our communities and in ourselves
 
 
                                                       
 
 
 
You may access and read the 2018-19 Rotary Foundation Annual Report.  See below for the link. NOTE: You need not be a Rotary Direct member to read the report, but please consider becoming a Rotary Direct member.
 
As a Rotary Direct member, you play an essential role in ensuring that Rotary Foundation programs can continue to bring positive and lasting change to communities close to home and around the world. The future of The Rotary Foundation depends on leaders like you, and that’s why we want you to be one of the first to see Rotary’s 2018-19 annual report

This year's report includes: 
  • Highlights from the year, including the strategic priorities of our Action Plan, the elevation of Rotaract, and the new programs of scale grants;
  • Rotarian-led service projects, like a tree-planting initiative and a recycling program, that are having a positive, long-term impact on communities;
  • Donors sharing why they contribute to The Rotary Foundation: To make an impact. To help millions. To be certain their gifts are spent wisely;
  • Financial information, such as how we surpassed our fundraising target with your assistance. 
Thank you for your dedication to Doing Good in the World.

NEW! Voice & Visual Identity Guide 2.0

Do you have questions about writing in the Rotary voice? About creating and using your club logo? Rotary’s Voice and Visual Identity Guidelinesprovides essential information to help you speak, write and design communications materials in one Rotary voice. Voice & Visual Guidelines and Visual Identity at a Glance, a short, summarized version have been updated and are now available for download.

Visit BRAND CENTER

 

Please regard the red print separating the paragraphs, the names of our sponsors!

Air fleet Capital, Chandler---Benjamin F Edwards & Co, Chandler

Wow, golf is in the air.  At the store last night I ran into Brad and a few weeks earlier I saw Gary at the same store.  Joe is flying in from CA, and Rob and Tee are in from Canada.

DP Electric, Tempe---Driggs Title Agency, Tempe---Fast Signs, Chandler

Obviously the hole-in-one is a great event with an international following.

Gust Rosenfeld, PLC, (Law) Phoenix---Henry Brown Buick GMC, Gilbert

The San Marcos Golf Course in Chandler has the greens in good shape for this years event which begins at 10am on Saturday February 15th.

Herder & Associates, Court reporters, Scottsdale---Kenneth Gudewich

Hopefully you've been working on your golf game and can save us the $5,000 payment for closest to the pin by making a hole in one and have the insurance company pay you $100,000 instead.

Legacy Lending USA, Tempe---Perpetual Development, Gilbert

The runner-up prizes are the same for 2020, $2,500 for second closest and $1,000 for third.

San Marcos Golf Resort, Chandler---Sir Speedy, Chandler

Stay up to date on the event website, rotaryhio.org and if you want to check in on Chandler Horizon Rotary Club go to chandlerhorizonrotary.org

State Farm, Roger Morsch, Chandler---T&S Glass, Chandler

The best to all of you, we'll see you in the tent on February 15th!
 
Ron Stevens
Golf committee
P.S.  Free shot coupon attached (with the purchase of 10 balls)
Sun Lakes Rotary Club confirms 5thAnnual Cruise
 
The Club Cruise and Travel Committee is presenting the Rotary Clubs 5thAnnual cruise on a Princess 12-day British Isles Cruise on May 16, 2020 that starts and ends in London with presently over 25 signed up. This cruise includes Normandyand we have also put together a Normandy“private tour”just for our group.
 
Again, as on all past cruises, Rotarians, family and friends are included so it can be FUN and a shared experience for everyone.  If you have an interest make contact with Rotarian Lisa Phillips via cellphone 503-720-4978or lisa@rwassociates.net Additionally, Lisa is a Travel Agent and can also help with travel transportation and other side travels.
 
 
Read More For Cruise Itinerary.
Sun Lakes Rotary Club presents Healing Vets Project May 7, 2020
 
This is the 2ndyear the Sun Lakes Rotary Club has presented this fundraising project for disabled military veterans in need of a helping hand through the effort of Healing Waters. www.projecthealingwaters.org   This annual project is now in its 5th year and will again be held at Desert Wind Harley Davidson located in Mesa, Arizona on Saturday,March 7, 2020.  
 
Please check out how you and your Rotary club can support and become involved regardless of your personal attendance or participating in the motorcycle ride.  Please visit website www.healingvets.org and look at the Hot Air Balloon Flight raffle.  If you are a motorcycle rider, why not come and join in on the ride and fun. 
 
There are also opportunities to be a sponsor through the Healing Vets website by downloading the Sponsor Package or by contacting Sun Lakes Rotarian, Stan Kaufman at 480-339-0247 or emailstan@healingvets.org  
 
It’s not too early to post on your calendarand to encourage your club and members to become involved and provide support.
 
PDG Gary Whiting, Sun Lakes Rotary and Club Committee Member

After the usual routine—call to order by Prez Gary, pledge by Rusty, prayer by Mike Tanner and Four-Way Test by Ron, it became clear that this was not going to be a “typical” Phoenix West Rotary meeting. Our first clue was the reappearance Carnac (Prez Gary) and his faithful assistant (John Norris) whom we had not seen since the Installation Dinner. Karnak was in top form with his answers to secret questions—may we have the envelope please!

When Shawn collected his Happy Bucks, the great majority were in honor of Ron’s 90th birthday coming up on January 10! (We note that Mike Harrison celebrated his birthday on Jan 1 and John Angelo coming up on Jan 14—when you guys turn 90 a ways down the road, we’ll celebrate you too!) 

Ron’s sister started her remarks with “Four score and seven years ago”—but quickly clarified it was actually 90 years ago that Ron was delivered by his grandfather at home in Southwest Missouri in a town of 1,000 people. The town had two grocery stores and a funeral parlor. His two sisters came along nine and twelve years later. Ron was an industrious Eagle Scout delivering groceries and starting a shoe shining business. He attended Kansas State Teacher’s College majoring in business and serving as President of Student Council. 

President Jeff introduced Jim Bissonett, District Rotary Foundation Chair.  The Rotary Foundation is a separate entity from Rotary International, and one of the highest rated charitable organizations in the world.  In addition to working to eradicate polio, the Foundation also provides funding for District and Global Grants.  District Grants can be used to fund small, short term activities for our local communities.  Global Grants support larger, international projects sponsored by both a host and international Club.  These projects must be sustainable and measurable, and must align with one of Rotary’s areas of focus.
 
In the last 4 years, District 5495 has sponsored over 50 international projects with combined project spending of $5,200,000. 
Funding for TRF is through annual giving, polio plus, and estates/wills.  District 5495 is currently running a contest to encourage members to sign up to make direct monthly contributions to TRF through Rotary Direct, as well as encourage gifts by major donors of $10,000 or more.  Winners to be announced at the District Conference!  President Jeff shared that 25 of our members are Paul Harris Fellows, meaning they have contributed $1,000 or more to TRF.
 
Jim closed with sharing one of his favorite international projects, the Navajo Water Project, here in our own back yard.  For only $4,500 per home, a 1200 gallon water tank, sink, and solar panel is installed to provide water to one of over 15,000 Navajos who previously had no access to running water. 

The Rotary Club of Scottsdale welcomed Arizona Corporation Commission (ACC) Chairman Bob Burns as key note speaker at the Club's 2020 opening meeting held at Scottsdale's McCormick Ranch Golf Club's Pavilion.  When introducing Mr. Burns, Rotarian Jolene Hale, noted that Mr. Burns, a former Rotarian, currently serves as one of five state-wide ACC elected members. Mr. Burns first term began in January 2013 and he was recently re-elected to a second four-year term that started in January 2017. 

As a Corporation Commissioner, Mr. Burns  oversees the regulation of Arizona’s private water, wastewater, electric, gas and telecommunications companies, as well as, civil enforcement of the Arizona Securities Act, safety inspection of railroads and pipelines and the incorporation of businesses.  During his time at the Commission, Bob has been actively engaged in issues pertaining to emerging technologies in energy. 

For the past 54 years, Mr. Burns has played an role in making Arizona a better place to live, work and play. In 1989, Mr. Burns began his career in public service as an elected State Representative. In the House of Representatives, Mr. Burns was Chairman of Appropriations and served on many committees, including, Health, Judiciary, Ways and Means, Transportation, and Insurance.