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.

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