Dear Dream Team,

 

December is Family Month in our Rotary Year.  What better time to focus our energies on our own families and those families that are in need.  I know that many of our clubs are performing very worthwhile projects this year to help others.  With the economic situation many families are cutting back on the gift giving and cherishing what is most important, the relationships.  This may turn out to be our “best holiday season ever”. 

 

The Rotary Foundation

 

Please make every effort to complete your Rotary Foundation donations before the end of the year.  Remember that you get raffle tickets for prizes at the Foundation Gala for donations to the Annual Programs Fund and Restricted Giving (Matching Grants and PolioPlus).  I challenged every club to increase their giving by 10% this year over last year (or a minimum of $120 per capita, whichever is greater) so help your club make that happen.  That is one of the requirements for District Distinguished Club.

 

The Foundation Gala is just around the corner.  This is a time to celebrate The Rotary Foundation, honor all our donors and enjoy Rotary fellowship.  If you haven’t registered, now’s the time.  http://www.rotary5340.org/registration/celebration0901.html     Also, as part of the leadership team, ask at least four other people to attend with you.  We want a great turnout at this event and know that everyone will have a terrific time.  Maureen Eberle and her team have put together a beautiful venue, an inspirational speaker, delicious food and a wonderful band.  And to top it all off, you’ll get to spend time with your favorite Rotarians!  Remember too, that we only have three weeks of Rotary meetings left this month.  When everyone returns in January, it will be too late to register.  This is going to be so much fun!!!

 

Membership

 

When I look at the membership numbers on our District website, I am so pleased with all of your hard work.  For August, September and October, I see “green”!  In August we grew by 12, in September we grew by 14 and in October we grew by 8.  Also, our two fledgling clubs (North County New Generations and Miramar) are working hard to achieve their charter night.  Drop by for a visit when you can to support their effort.  You are all doing an outstanding job.  Keep up the great work!  And stay tuned for Carl Kruse’s Membership Muses. He’ll have lots of great ideas to help you out!

 

Youth Contests

 

We will have two contests this year, the 4-Way Test Speech Contest and the Service Above Self Video Contest.  You will soon be hearing from Kourtney Kennedy on the speech contest and Cal Mann on the video contest.  The speech contest is an excellent opportunity for the youth to improve their public speaking skills while learning more about Rotary.  The video contest will give young people the chance to use their filmmaking skills while sharing the Rotary story around the world.  Stay tuned as after the first of the year, it will be time to get going on these exciting projects.

 

Club Project Posters

 

As part of the Foundation Gala this year, we will be showcasing club projects.  Each club will be able to have a poster printed with pictures and a description of one project.  After the Gala, you’ll see the posters at District events and hopefully around the city as well.  Be sure to check the website for the details for your Club Project Poster and get the information to Paul Jester as soon as you can.

 

Future Dates to Save

 

January 10, 2009           Foundation Gala

January 22, 2009           International Assembly – Host Hospitality Night

February 10, 2009          District Council

March 28, 2009              District Assembly

April 7, 2009                  District Council

April 25, 2009                Rotarians At Work Day

May 14-17, 2009            District Conference

June 16, 2009                District Council

 

 

I wish each of you the best during this holiday season.  Cherish your friends and families. 

 

I’ll look forward to seeing you all January 10^th at the Foundation Gala!

 

 

 

 

Pam Russell

District Governor 2008-2009

Rotary District 5340

Telephone: 619.723.3651

Fax: 858.271.4138

www.rotary5340.org