Fall Wine Raffle Fundraiser

Fall is finally here and it's time again for one of our club's most fun and successful fundraisers: the Fall Wine Raffle!  Last year we raised $9,000, much of which was used to support the District 5300 wheelchair project.  This year's raffle will support our District's literacy project and local youth programs.  Tickets are only $20!!

Everyone can be a part of this FUNdraiser by: a) donating at least 3 bottles of your favorite wine (so long as it's not "2-Buck Chuck"); b) promoting this fundraiser through your personal network and especially through your social media outlets; c) by visiting other Rotary clubs in Southern Nevada to share the fun and sell tickets; d) selling tickets to your network of friends, family, business associates and vinophiles (that would be fellow wine-lovers!).  Be sure to offer the opportunity to everyone! 

I will be collecting your wine donations at our club meetings and the Oct. 25 fireside.  If you are not a wine-lover and would prefer, simply give myself, Jim Cady or another one of our raffle organizers your $$ and we will purchase wine on your behalf.

Attached is the link to the flyer for our event. http://www.rotarysummerlin.org/Fundraisers/2012/Wine/1210%20WineRaffle.pdf.   You can post this to your Facebook and Twitter pages or simply attach as an email and send out to your contacts list.  Each club member has been given 15 tickets to sell, so get started early and set yourself a goal to sell a minimum of 20!  Or get really excited and set your minimum at 25!!  The more the merrier.

The drawing will take place on Dec. 11.  1st Place:  50 bottles of wine; 2nd Place 30 bottles; 3rd Place 20 bottles.  So uncork your inner "FUNdraiser" and get selling!  This can also be a great membership recruitment tool...let it open up a conversation about Rotary. :)

RC Summerlin members are invited to attend...

President Gregg has asked me to get a notice out to all members, inviting them to be a part of the crowd at a filming at:
D Bar J Hat Co.
5960 Topaz
Las Vegas, NV, 90120
702.430-0681

Email: dhatterm4287@hotmail.com

The filming starts at 11 am. You will also see their historic hat making operation and a fabulous display of hats. It's all free. They will be serving champagne, cheese, etc. It is a truly wonderful facility. It will be fun. Hats optional.

Cheeseburger the Movie

Visit our Facebook Page to watch Cheesburger the Movie, or watch it here on YouTube.

There were almost enough Summerlin Rotarians at last night's production of Wicked at The Smith Center to qualify the show as a make-up meeting!  But - to be totally truthful - I don't think any of us were wearing our pins...and that was wicked.  Speaking of qualifying, I wonder if Elphaba would qualify for the International Fellowship of Flying Rotarians described in today's Quick Notes.

Elevator Talk - by PDG Steve Garrett

Another great post by Past District Govrnor Steve Garrett on membership,

"Rotary is an organization that I belong to. Not only has it provided me with many friendships, but it has also been one of the most inspirational and satisfying activities of the last forty years of my life. Rotary has given me a level of self-satisfaction and the feeling of being a part of something that is bigger than me alone and really important. I would be pleased to share Rotary with you."

Read the full post...

Interesting post by PDG Steve Garrett

PDG Steve has an interesting take on the importance of being familiar with your club's constitution and bylaws.  Check it out here at  Shocking Discovery.

Betty Mahalik Named Volunteer of the Month for ShelterBox

Seems kind of odd writing this about myself, but just had to share the wonderful news that I've been named Volunteer of the Month for June by ShelterBox!  What a surprise and an honor to see my name and the photo of me and our favorite city councilman Stavros Anthony in the ShelterBox newsletter.  I am so proud to be honored but more importantly to be part of this amazing humanitarian organization.  And I'm deeply grateful for the wonderful support of the Summerlin Rotary Club.  You can read the article in the ShelterBox newsletter.  Thank you again for all you've done to support me and ShelterBox in District 5300!!

18th Annual Summerlin Patriotic Parade

Rotary Summerlin escorts Mr Potato Head

Join us on July 4 from 7:30AM to 11AM to volunteer as a balloon wrangler in the 18th Annual Summerlin Patriotic Parade. Good fun and fellowship. Family and friends welcome. Kids need to be big enough to hold a balloon tether and not get carried off over the rainbow - 'nuff said.

For more information and to register yourself and guests go to: http://www.IsMyRotaryClub.org/Register/GuestMemberExternal.cfm?EventID=77186507

June 26 'Round the Wheel

The June 26 'Round the Wheel is now online.

June 19 'Round the Wheel

The June 19, 'Round the Wheel is now online.

June 12 'Round the Wheel

The June 12 edition of 'Round the Wheel is not online.

June 5 'Round the Wheel

The June 5, 'Round the Wheel is now online - click here.

Lara Kolberg-Smith Center Director of Education to Speak

So excited to welcome as our speaker on June 5, Lara Kolberg, Director of Education, Gifts and Grants for the Smith Center for Performing Arts!  She will share with our members and guests the many outreach programs and educational opportunities available to Clark County students at the Smith Center.

Exposure to the arts has been proven to enhance children’s mental and cognitive abilities, increase cultural understanding, improve performance across all curriculum areas and develop social skills. 

Plan to join us, and by all means invite someone to join you!  Let's continue to invite guests and turn them into passionate members of the Summerlin Rotary Club.

Big ShelterBox Week-June 9-16

About every two weeks, a disaster of some kind strikes, displacing hundreds, sometimes thousands of people somewhere on the planet.  And when those disasters strike, ShelterBox is there to provide shelter, warmth and dignity in their signature big green boxes.

To honor its efforts and raise awareness and funds for the life-sustaining work of this global relief organization founded by a Rotarian, June 9-16 has been declared “Big ShelterBox Week”. 

  

Our Summerlin Rotary Club will once again welcome Mayor Pro-Tem Stavros Anthony on June 12 as he presents an official proclamation on behalf of the City of Las Vegas in honor of Big ShelterBox Week.  Betty Mahalik (yours truly!) will provide a short video and ShelterBox update, regarding the latest emergency relief situations where ShelterBox has been deployed.

Because of the official partnership with ShelterBox and Rotary International, local clubs are encouraged to support ShelterBox in whatever ways they can during this important week of fund-raising and friend-raising.  Ideas include:

·         Scheduling a local ambassador to speak or show a short video at a club

·         Holding a fundraiser now or in the future and designating monies raised to ShelterBox

·         Making an annual commitment to support ShelterBox

·         Becoming a ShelterBox “friend” on Facebook and sharing their regular updates on club and individual pages

·         Becoming a ShelterBox volunteer ambassador

·         Helping locate groups (Rotary, other service clubs, faith-based organizations, schools, youth groups) that would like to have a ShelterBox program

·         Sending in a personal donation to www.shelterboxusa.org

·         Providing connections to local community foundations to help raise awareness

When a disaster strikes, ShelterBox is there.  You can make a difference by supporting Big ShelterBox week, June 9-16!

Have another club or organization that would benefit from hearing about ShelterBox, or want to support ShelterBox in another way?  Contact Betty Mahalik, (702) 658-4425 or bettym@dynamic-coaching.com.  For more information visit www.shelterboxusa.org.

May 29 'Round the Wheel Posted--Great presentation by Mayor Goodman



Mayor Goodman (Center) with Chorus Boys,
Norm Clarke (Left) and Hal Weller (Right).
Eat your heart our Oscar.

Read all about our great meeting featuring guest speaker, Mayor Carolyn Goodman in this week's 'Round the Wheel.

Mayor Goodman to address Rotarians

Mayor Carolyn Goodman is the keynote speaker at the May 29, 7:15 Rotary breakfast meeting at TPC Summerlin (Village Ctr Circle). Guests are welcome. Contact programs@rotarysummerlin.org.

May 22 'Round the Wheel

The May 22 'Round the Wheel is now online.

May 15 'Round the Wheel online

The May 15 'Round the Wheel is now online.

Making Up Ain't Hard to Do

Judith, Pres Fergus Gillies, Dennis

One of the nice things about Rotary is that you have friends everywhere in the world. Wherever you go, you are welcome at the local Rotary Club meeting.

On our trip to Edinburgh, we took advantage of making up a missed meeting at the Rotary Club of Edinburgh, which is celebrating its 100th Anniversary. They meet for lunch at the King James Thistle Hotel.

It never ceases to amaze me how much we Rotarians are alike. We enjoyed a friendly welcome and great program. The food was..., we'll Rotarian food :). And the Scots almost speak English, which made it fairly easy to understand the speaker, and more importantly, the bad jokes. Good fun, good food, and good fellowship. They even understood my wry sense of humor and invited me to join their club. Hmmmm?

May 8 'Round the Wheel Online

The May 8 'Round the Wheel is now online. Click to open and comment.

Click this link to sign-up for Showers of Appreciation.

Click this link for more information about the May 24 Fireside.

May 1 'Round The Wheel

The May 1 'Round the Wheel is now online.

April 24 'Round the Wheel

The April 24 'Round the Wheel is now on line.

Sharon Exarhos presents check to Jodi

Showers of Appreciation's Jodi Shervanik is surprised by club's donation for upcoming event... more inside.

April 17 'Round the Wheel Online

The April 17 edition of 'Round the Wheel is now online.

Cat Seeking A Home

Romeo The Cat needs a home. Due to a family disaster, his owner had to move back east suddenly and can't take Romeo.  He's a 3 yr old neutered male, current on all his shots, EXTREMELY friendly. He's an orange and white domestic long-hair - a total sweetie. He's currently staying with his vet, Dr. Hammes. If you know of someone able to take in an abandoned boy, please call Toni at Buffalo Alta Animal Hospital ((702) 838-0700).  I'd take him myself - but I've already got 3 and everyone already thinks I'm a crazy cat lady.

April 10 - 'Round the Wheel

Click here to open the April 10 edition of 'Round the Wheel to read and comment.

More on Citizens of the Month

KCLV finally posted the award ceremony at the new City Hall.  You can see us getting duly recognized here.  It's kinda sorta long winded, but then pomp and circumstance often is. 

The key element in our receiving this award was our Rotarians At Work Day Project helping the City clean up Bunker Park last year and working on Police Memorial this year.  Have you signed up for 4/21 yet?  Please do.

Cimarron Robotics Team Wins

The Cimarron Robotics Team, which our club foundation sponsored, has taken a First in the regional competition.  Click here for the R-J article.

April 3, 'Round the Wheel

The April 3 edition of 'Round the Wheel is not online. Click here to read and comment.

March 27 'Round the Wheel Now Online.

Click here to read the March 27 'Round the Wheel and
here to read Raul's note.

March 20 'Round the Wheel Now Online

'Round the Wheel for March 20 is now online. Click here to read and comment: http://rotarysummerlin.org/NL/11-12/120320NL.pdf.

ShelterBox Update

ShelterBox has deployed teams to provide relief to victims of several recent natural disasters, including a cyclone in Madagascar, an earthquake in the Philippines, and most recently devastating mudslides in Peru.  As of earlier today, when a major earthquake struck the area around Acapulco, Mexico, ShelterBox has been in communication with local relief agency officials to determine what, if any need, there will be for ShelterBox assistance there.

In Madagascar ShelterBox has provided more than 550 tents (each of which houses up to 10 people) and more than 60 tents in the Philippines. 

On a more personal note, as one of the newest ShelterBox ambassadors, I am thrilled to be attending the upcoming field training just outside of Austin, TX in April.  We will have the opportunity to participate in simulated deployment activities to give us a first-hand experience of what it's like to be on the ground providing assistance in times of disaster.

So far I have scheduled three presentations at Southern Nevada Rotary Clubs:  Las Vegas West, Centenniel Hills and Green Valley Rotary.  In addition I will be providing support for a visiting ShelterBox ambassador who will be doing a ShelterBox fundraiser while participating in a triathalon on March 31 in Boulder City.  We will have a tent set up along with other items from a box to show people exactly what a ShelterBox is.  If you want to join me or know of another organization that would like to hear about ShelterBox, please let me know or have them contact me at bettym@dynamic-coaching.com.

This is truly an amazing organization! If you'd like more information or want to make a tax-deductible donation, please visit my ShelterBox fundraising site: http://tinyurl.com/844erwp. 

Rotarians At Work Day Project April 21st

Our Rotarians At Work Day (RAWD) project is on for Saturday, April 21^st. We will be sprucing up Police Memorial Park at 3250 Metro Academy Way.  Our tasks include:

1.     Rocks/landscaping in the memorial area (5-10 people)
2.     Sifting of sand in the children's play area (5 people)
3.     Curb painting (5-10 people)
4.     Pavilion painting (5-10 people)
5.     Skate Park (completed as an Eagle Scout project)

We'll gather at about 7:00 AM for coffee, get our assignments and our tools and paint.  After we’re done at around noon, we'll meet in one of the larger pavilions for hamburgers and hot dogs, cooked by Chef Joe G.  Please bring family and friends (over the age of 10) to help.

Sign up sheet will be available after Thursday's Fellowship.

Cimarron HS Robotics Program

On March 9th we visited Cimarron Memorial HS for a demonstration of the robots they built for competition. Here's an article submitted by President Elect Gregg Townsend.

---

I, Rotarian Robot?

By Gregg Townsend

L-R: Stacey Wedding,  (John's assistant), John Krakauer,
Dennis Ortwein, Gregg Townsend, Judith Filangeri,
Stephen McKinney, Eric Stensrud, Isaac Salame, Jacob Mauro
Curtis Spence   Chad Pesquera Erick Caballero  Joe Barry
(Photographer, not shown, Dennis Filangeri

Machines help people in many ways.  On March 9^th, a robot did dual work: it made a sick man feel better, and it made basketball free throws as well.

At noon in the old wood shop classroom at Cimarron Memorial High School, the Robotics Team put on a free throw shooting demonstration with their entry into this year's FIRST® Robotics Competition (FRC®). "Rebound Rumble."

The 2012 “Rebound Rumble” robotics game is played between two Alliances of three teams each. Each Alliance competes by trying to score as many of the basketballs in the hoops as possible during the two-minute and 15-second match. Balls scored in higher hoops score teams more points. Team Alliances are awarded bonus points if they are balanced on bridges at the end of the match.

The Cimarron student Robotics Team designed and built the robot.  Competition begins shortly and, as one of nine teams in the valley, Cimarron will soon know how good their robot is.

And the Rotary connection?  With school budgets cut to the bone, the Robotics Team depends upon donations from corporate sponsors and caring individuals.  John Krakauer of the Las Vegas Summerlin Rotary is one of them.  John made a $10,000 donation to the team through the Las Vegas Northwest Rotary Foundation. Though in frail health, John came to see the demonstration, and fairly glowed. From the first three baskets sunk by the robot, the smile on his face spoke to the pride in his heart for the Robotics Team and all their efforts.  The funds helped the Cimarron Robotics team excel in the valley and state competition over the years.

With pride the students demonstrated their robot's capabilities, zipping around a seated John Krakauer, picking up basketballs, returning to the shooting line, putting up shots and sinking almost every one. Then off it would go again. Jeremy Lin, watch out!

Clark County high schools overall have fewer than 50% of its students graduating, but the Robotics Team boasts a 100% graduation rate, and most of its members go on to college with scholarships. 

Engineering and computers have come a long way in a short time, but good people like John and good organizations like Rotary have gone even further.  Service above Self goes a long way: it can even help make a free throw.

'Round the Wheel for March 13 Now Online

The March 13 'Round the Wheel is now online.
Click here.

'Round the Wheel for March 6

The March 6 'Round the Wheel is now on line.
Click Here.

Project 150-Helping Homeless Teens Stay in School

Members and guests at today's meeting were moved to tears after hearing Harmony Homes CEO Don Purdue describe the plight of hundreds of homeless teens in Clark County high schools.  Because Purdue was also moved to tears after first learning about the magnitude of the problem several months ago, he and a grassroots team of volunteers and school staff have formed the 501C3 organization Project 150 to help provide the resources these homeless students need to stay in school and graduate.  Items most needed include school supplies, food items such as juices, instant soups, instant oatmeal and other non-perishables as well as clothing and food gift cards. Thanks to Don for an absolutely fabulous program.  And thanks to the many members who brought guests to today's meeting.  You can find out more about Project 150 at http://www.project150lv.org/.

DAN STOVER MEMORIAL MUSIC CONTEST

DAN STOVER MEMORIAL MUSIC CONTEST

Three outstanding Palo Verde High School senior musicians will compete on March 20 to represent the Summerlin Rotary Club in this yearly District 5300 instrumental contest.  Our club winner will be on the Mesquite Club stage in the Southern Nevada finals at 2:30 p.m. on April 14.  The local winner becomes one of four finalists at the District Conference on June 2 at the Lake Arrowhead Resort.  The other regions are:  California East, California West and High Desert.  Southern Nevada Music has been very helpful in providing a baby grand piano for accompanying the musicians on trombone, trumpet and guitar.

This contest was established as a remembrance to Alhambra Rotarian Dan Stover, an outstanding organist/pianist who entertained multitudes of Rotarians over many years. 

2012 D5300 Super Build

D5300's annual super build international service is scheduled for May 19 in Tecate, Mx. Here are some pictures and links you may find enlightening.

Fremont Club Video


D5300 Super Build Page
Last year we made a donation to help this project. What should we do this year?

We R Community!

Students in the Clark County School District have distributed more than $130,000 in funds to worthy non-profits through We R Community, an intiative of the Public Education Foundation.  That's not just good news, it's providing a great educational experience for the students at 14 local high schools that are participating, according to Leslie DeVore and Sheri Exber Scheele, who spoke at today's meeting.

The Public Education Foundation, celebrating its 20th year in operation, is an independent non-profit dedicated to supporting the public education system through strategic giving, public-private partnerships, and innovative problem-solving/teaching programs. 

Students in classes that are chosen to participate in the We R Community initiative solicit grant applications from area non-profits, evaluate the applications on criteria they identify, do all necessary due-diligence to research which organizations will ultimately receive the $5,000 in grant monies available and then present the awards at an event they organize at the end of each school year.  Local businesses and organizations such as Rotary clubs pledge the funds to support the program, which currently operates at 14 area high schools. 

"It is an amazing way for students to learn about philanthropy and give back to the community at the same time," commented Ms. DeVore.  In addition to the philanthropy component, participating students also volunteer in hands-on projects throughout the year.  Among the organizations this collaborative effort has supported are The Shade Tree, Nevada Partnership for Homeless Youth, The Rape Crisis Center and Three Square.  By the end of this school year the program will have distributed approximately $200,000 to more than 50 local charities, non-profits and schools.

To donate or find out more about the Public Education Foundation visit their website at http://www.thepef.org/.

Citizen of the Month!!!

Councilman Stavros Anthony will present the Rotary Club of Las Vegas Summerlin with his Citizens of the Month award on Wednesday, March 7 at 9 a.m. in the new City Hall Council Chambers.  This will be the first Citizen of the Month award presented in the new City Hall! 

How super to be so honored!  Let's have a really great turnout.

'Round the Wheel 2/21/2012

'Round the Wheel now available on line for comment.

New ShelterBox Ambassador in Las Vegas

When natural disasters strike--earthquake, flood, hurricane--and families are without shelter, ShelterBox steps in.  ShelterBox, the international relief organization founded in 2000 by a member of Rotary International has announced the appointment of Betty Mahalik, a member of the RC of Las Vegas Summerlin, as the organization's first volunteer ambassador in Las Vegas.

As an ambassador, Betty will spread the word about ShelterBox by doing presentations at Rotary Clubs and other service organizations, schools, scounting groups and public events.

"I was inspired to apply as an ambassador after hearing Alan Monroe, manager of volunteers and youth programs, speak at our club in January.  And I am very excited about the opportunity to let others know about the ShelterBox program, to help raise funds to support their global relief efforts and enroll others as ambassadors," Betty commented, after receiving word of the appointment.

To contact Betty about doing a presentation on the ShelterBox program call (702) 658-4425 or email bettym@dynamic-coaching.com.

ShelterBox Responds to Cyclone in Madagascar

ShelterBox, the international relief charity founded by a Rotarian in England, has mobilized a response team to Madagascar, to assess the emergency needs in the aftermath of Cyclone Giovanna, which hit the shores of the island on Feb. 14.  Once they've assessed the damages they will determine whether to deploy volunteers to distribute ShelterBoxes.  Each box supplies an extended family of up to 10 with a tent and life-saving equipment (including clothing, cooking supplies and utensils) to use while they are displaced or homeless.  Each box costs $1,000 to equip.  To make a donation, go to https://app.etapestry.com/hosted/ShelterBoxUSAInc/OnlineGiving.html. 

Alan Monroe, who manages the ShelterBox volunteer and youth program, spoke at the Summerlin Rotary Club in January. 

Rotary Dream Team leaves for India 2/16

The District 5300 Rotary Dream Team leaves for India on 2/16 for their National Immunization Day project. Follow their blog to learn more about the volunteer efforts of Rotarians in helping eliminate polio worldwide.

Visit their site.

'Round the Wheel 2/14/2012

View and comment on this week's 'Round the Wheel.

How To Blog On This Page

It's so easy even Judith can do it.  Here's how. (1) You know how to get to the blog or you wouldn't be reading this. However - you can access the blog from the club website (http://www.rotarysummerlin.org/). The blog link is in the menu on the left.  (2) You can comment on any blog that has the word "comments" under the post, even if there are no actual comments yet. Just click on "Comments." This opens a window. Clicking on the post's title will also open the post and reveal the comments and replies.  (3) Type your deathless prose in the blank. Include a name - or not, anonymous is an option, but we'd like to know who you are. (4) Hit Publish.  (5) Done. Wasn't that easy?

Anyone can comment.  Not anyone can start a new posting thread.  But if you'd like to be able to start a new posting thread, you will need to be set up as an author.  Contact Dennis: webmaster@RotarySummerlin.org.

Travelling Back East?



ITHF - International Travel & Hosting Fellowship

The 150 anniversary of the American Civil War continues until 2014. There are a whole variety of reenactments and activities all through Maryland, Pennsylvania and Virginia. As you plan to attend these events, make sure you contact the ITHF members in those areas for a Connection to share Rotary Fellowship. Contact Phil Komornik if you need specific information pkomornik@ithf.org.

What a great way to make-up!

Check out ITHF, you'll be glad you did.

BODTs Training

Board of Directors Training Seminar (BODTs)

Just returned from the excellent District 5300 BODTs-Board of Directors Training Seminar in Las Vegas, and have to say it was outstanding!  I was joined by fellow Summerlin Rotary Club members Gregg Townsend (Pres.-Elect), Sharon Exarhos, Kelly Welter and Robert Bridel.

If you've ever served on a board, you don't know what you don't know. But in this very effective board training experienced District 5300 Rotarians gave us an understanding of the organization, an orientation to how to govern effectively using Roberts Rules of Order, as well as tools for strategic planning and fiduciary responsibilities as a board member.

Lest you think it was boring, let me tell you that three hours flew by!  The presentations were concise, information-packed and entertaining.  FYI, you do not have to be a board member to attend plan to attend this training next time it's offered.

Oh and one more thing: they handed out a glossary of commonly used Rotary acronyms for those of us who didn't know a PETs from a BODTs or a PDG from a NID.  I'll bring my copy to Tuesday's meeting! :)

District 5300 Launches New District and Club Database

District 5300 has initiated a standard database of clubs and members to be used throughout the district. The District and Club Database (DaCdb) will be the official sources of contact information for our Rotary District. It is also linked to the RI database. DaCdb replaces the old RI Club Administration System (RI CAS) tool which our club still uses.

This new database will be used for all district communications going forward including subscriptions to The Highlighter and the district Rotary Gazette (Quick Notes). What's nice about this database is that it is password protected so each member has his or her own login. What's not so nice is that many folks just won't take responsibility to update their own information.

If you're reading this please be sure to click the link and update your own information. Also encourage others in the club to do the same. If you're not reading this -- never mind!

'Round the Wheel 2/7/2012

View & Comment on this week's 'Round the Wheel.

Today's Program: Bright Lights & Dark Places

Debbie, Lilli, Dom

Thank you to our speaker today Debra Gauthier, author of Bright Lights, Dark Places for an excellent program on what it was like to be one of the early women pioneer officers in the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department.  From the story of your first hot pursuit after intercepting a robbery in progress to your glimpse into some of the challenges you faced during your rise and later fall from the height of your career, your message was inspiring!  Thank you again, and please come back and visit us soon.

Reach One, Keep One

"Each one of us became a Rotarian because someone invited us to attend a Rotary meeting,...We all have a responsibility to grow our Rotary family so that we can continue to provide service to our local and international communities." William Pollard, PDG D7600.

Read more:

'Round the Wheel 1/31/12 now online

Be sure to visit our blog to view and comment on our weekly newsletter 'Round the Wheel for 1/31/12.

Power of the Individual in Rotary

[Excerpted from Sparks, the Rotary Club of Altadena weekly newsletter]
by Tony Hill

In this week’s President’s message I am focusing on one of the great aspects of being a Rotarian: the ability of the individual to accomplish great things that would be very difficult — if not impossible to accomplish — without the resources of Rotary and the commitment of dedicated Rotarians to improve their world.

I can condense this thought in the following quote from a fellow Rotarian that I read in this month’s Rotarian magazine: “I joined Rotary for business and fellowship, I stayed to change the world.”

What prompted this line of thinking was a notice in last week’s District newsletter advising us of the death of Montebello Rotarian George R. Hensel on January 9, 2012. George was 87 years old at the time of his death, so he certainly lived a full life. But why George ...
(more) - on p. 1

January Fireside Presents Musical Talent?

Posted on behalf of Diane Cabral

Our January Fireside (fellowship event) was hosted by Kelly Overpeck at the New Vista Emporium. The party featured some excellent Mexican cuisine followed by a Karaoke event featuring among others, Past-President Diane, Kellie, and President-elect designee Betty. Please don't let this influence you. However, to be fair, these folks were sober! Don't give up your day jobs :)

ShelterBox Provides Hope to Families in Disasters

[Excerpted from 1/24/12 'Round the Wheel]

Alan Monroe, a fellow Rotarian from Florida is the Volunteer Manager for the Shelter Box program-one of the most successful Rotary programs in the world. The program was started by Tom Henderson a member of the Helston- Lizard Rotary Club in Cornwall , England. Yes, we double-checked with Alan and, indeed, this is the name of the club. Howsoever that may be, Tom was disturbed by all the human suffering following a huge natural disaster and came up with the idea for the shelter box in 1999. The heavy plastic box weighs 130 to 150 pounds and contains supplies specially picked for the location of the disaster. The box contains such supplies as: Tent, tool box, cooking stove, cooking equipment, thermal blankets, etc. The organization distributed over 110,000 boxes in 2011, and close to one million over its existence. Each box costs about $1,000 including transportation and volunteer travel. You can check out the USA portion of this organization by going to www.shelterboxusa.org. Our thanks to Alan Monroe for presenting this very interesting program.

Rotarians at Work Day

Checking out the site

Rotarians At Work Day -  The Rotary Club of Las Vegas Summerlin will do its Rotarians At Work Day (RAWD) project at Police Memorial Park on Saturday, April 21, 2012. We will paint tables, benches, fountains, trash receptacles, and possibly poles.  We'll muster between 7:00 AM and 7:30 AM, tank up on hot coffee and donuts, and hit the ground running at 8:00 AM.  We should finish and be ready for lunch around noon.  So mark your calendars. Friends and family are definitely welcome. Joe Germain has again agreed to see to it that we're well coffee'd and fed.  Last year, he and Marel flipped yummy burgers and hot dogs.

The official RAWD is actually a week later, but the scheduling worked better for everyone on 4/21. Our collaboration with the city on RAWD is working out well for all concerned: the city gets a spiffed up park and we always have a great time.  Please plan to join us. More information will be available closer in.  Right now just reserve the date.

2012-13 Rotary Theme: Peace Through Service

RI President-elect Sakuji Tanaka will ask Rotarians to build Peace Through Service in 2012-
13.

"Peace, in all of the ways that we can understand it, is a real goal and a realistic goal for Rotary," he said. "Peace is not something that can only be achieved through agreements, by governments, or through heroic struggles. It is something that we can find and that we can achieve, every day and in many simple ways."

Go to full article.

Welcome to the Summerlin Rotary Experience Blog

We hope you enjoy our blog and are able to get more information about the Rotary Club of Las Vegas Summerlin. The blog is organized into a variety of topics of interest to Rotarians. It will also provide timely information about our club's activities and projects. You may comment on most of the posts. If you would like to start your own post on this blog, please contact the webmaster (webmaster@rotarysummerlin.org) to set you up as a contributing author.