The 2021 District Conference was a wonderful experience that was filled with good speakers, great fellowship and fun. Thank you to all involved for a delightful, educational and inspirational event. 

Please click here to view the recordings of each session. 

 

Rotary Opens Opportunities

Click here for flyer

Click here to register

District 7890 Clubs Join Together to Complete Ninth and Tenth Water Projects

Twenty-nine Rotary Clubs in northern CT and Western MA (Rotary District 7890) have joined together to fund a project that will bring fresh drinking water to two needy communities in Guatemala.  Clubs from Avon-Canton, Bloomfield, Broad Brook, Danielson, East Hartford, East Windsor, Enfield, Farmington, Kensington-Berlin,  Manchester, Newington, New Britain-Berlin, Plainfield,  Rockville, Salisbury, Southington, Torrington, Watertown, Wethersfield/Rocky Hill, Willimantic and Windsor/Windsor Locks, CT along with Massachusetts’ clubs in Holyoke, Ludlow, Palmer, Southwick, Tri-Town, West Springfield and Wilbraham/Hampden have raised at total of $100,610.  These funds will build a complete gravity fed water system with gray water filters, vented pit latrines and improved vented stoves for the 240 families (1,200 people) that live in the rural communities of Chuacacay and El Llano, Guatemala.  These are the ninth and tenth funded projects continuing the goal of Rotary International to have every Rotary Club support an international water and sanitation project every year.  By working together, pooling their resources and obtaining a Global Grant with matching funds from The Rotary Foundation, the Rotarians have been successful in adding size and strength to their chosen projects.  Two Rotary clubs from neighboring Massachusetts/Rhode Island District 7950, East Greenwich and Wakefield, RI, and the Ft. Lauderdale, FL North Beach club from District 6990 also contributed funds to achieve the fund raising goal.

At a recent meeting of the Manchester Rotary Club representatives from clubs contributing to the Chuacacay and El Llano, Guatemala water projects are as follows (L-R):

Front Row behind check: District Governor Michael Barnett; Maria Bogdanski – Kensington-Berlin; Zoe Kopp – BPD Past Vice President; Lisa-Barall Matt – Avon-Canton; seated Bobbi Mazurek – Broad Brook.

Back Row: District Grants Chair Don Chandler; Tom Accomando – Holyoke, MA; Kate Sims – Manchester; Olivia Martino – Berlin H. S. Interact Club; Danielle Varley - Berlin H. S. Interact Club; Derek Meade – Enfield; Bob Newbold – Newington; Eric Fahnoe – Bloomfield; Lynn Dobrowsky – Windsor-Windsor Locks; Mike Gorzoch – New Britain-Berlin; Thora Cowperthwaite – Rockville; Manchester Rotarian & Project Chair Rick Lawrence.

The District Training Assembly will be held from 5:00 PM to 8:30 PM on May 12, 2014. The location will be the Hartford/Windsor Marriott, 28 Day Hill Road, Windsor, CT. Click the image below to see the flyer with more information:

We have added the capability to the online registration for one Club member to sign up multiple attendees. This will be helpful for Clubs who want to pay for all their registrants with one check. Click here to go directly to the registration site:

District Training Assembly Registration

One last chance -- if your club has not had members attend Grant Management Seminar/Foundation Seminar,  one part of the qualification process for a club to be eligible to apply for funds from The Rotary Foundation in the next Rotary year.

Thursday, March 13, 2014, 6 to 7:30 PM, at Windsor Marriott, 28 Day Hill Road, Windsor, CT 06095

Participants must register by sending an email to District Rotary Foundation Chair, Sue Klock, suehklock@gmail.com, putting "Grant Management Seminar" in the subject line.  Space is limited to 25 participants.  You will receive an email confirming your registration.  Bring a copy of that email to the seminar.

There is a document available that helps Club Officers use Rotary Club Central. It has step by step instructions for setting up goals and retrieving reports. Click below to open the Guide.

Rotary Club Central Guide

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You can view the June 2014 District Bulletin here:

June 2014

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In November, the Rotary Foundation notified our District that Amelia Charles from Deerfield, MA was chosen as our District’s first ever Rotary Peace Fellow. It was very appropriate that the application and interview process for Amelia took place during a year when the Rotary theme was Peace Though Service.

The Rotary Peace Fellowships program develops leaders who are catalysts for peace and conflict resolution in their communities and around the globe, one of Rotary’s Six Areas of Focus. Each year up to 100 Rotary Peace Fellows are chosen to participate in a master’s degree or certificate program at one of our partner universities. Fellows study subjects related to the root causes of conflict and explore innovative solutions that address real world needs. We have peace centers located around the globe.

In September, Amelia will be leaving for West Yorkshire, England to begin a 15 month Masters Degree Program at Bradford University. On her application she wrote, “In this master's degree, I want to develop my analytical understanding of peace and conflict and my technical and theoretical skills in a range of issues related to development. With a specific focus on the Middle East and Africa, I also aim to understand the interlinking contemporary and historical challenges facing sustainable peace in these regions.”

She earned her Bachelor’s Degree at Naropa University in Boulder, Colorado concentrating in peace and religious studies, participated in numerous peace programs and was awarded several certificates in peacemaking.  Currently she is working for the Al Khatim Adlan Center for Enlightenment and Human Development in Kampala, Uganda and Khartoum, Sudan.  The Al Khatim Adlan Center (KACE) is a non-governmental and non-profit organization established in 2007 in Khartoum, Sudan and registered in Uganda in 2010. Through human and cultural development projects, KACE implements a varied program that works to establish the conditions for long-term peace and stability in Sudan. The KACE vision is to see a democratic and multicultural Sudan, where all people are equal in dignity, rights, and opportunities.

When asked why she applied for the Rotary Peace Fellowship, Amelia wrote, “As a result of both personal and professional experiences during my time in Sudan, I feel strongly committed to working in development in the Middle East and Africa, areas of ongoing political and religious tension. Graduation from a Rotary Peace Center university will support this career goal in a number of ways, especially through connecting with the dynamic network of Rotarians.”

Amelia was sponsored by the Rotary Club of Holyoke with the help of AG Christine Burns. Many thanks go to PDG Jeff Tager who guided the application and interview process to such a successful outcome. Amelia will be back in the United States this summer before she begins her studies in England. Please, join me in congratulating Amelia on her appointment as our District’s first ever Rotary Peace fellow. – Eileen Rau PDG

The Zone 32 Success Seminar  Saturday, September 7, 2013 at

The Courtyard by Marriott in Cromwell, CT.

The keynote speaker is Julia Phelps, our Director-elect. Rotary staff will be there to talk about Club Central and the new  Rotary website rolling out in August. A panel of Rotary Program Alumni focusing on what we need to do to engage 20 somethings is also planned.

The day's program will be for all of your Club Leadership team, as well as any Rotarian who wants to learn about what's ahead for Rotary along with new ideas on Membership, Grants, and Public Image that they can bring back to their clubs.

Twenty Rotary Clubs in District 7890 Join to Complete Eighth Water Project

Twenty Rotary Clubs in northern CT and Western MA (Rotary District 7890) have joined together to fund a project that will bring fresh drinking water to a needy community in Guatemala.  Clubs from Bloomfield, Broad Brook, Danielson, East Hartford, Enfield, Farmington, Glastonbury, Manchester, Newington, Rockville, Simsbury/Granby, Somers, Torrington, Watertown, Wethersfield/Rocky Hill, Willimantic and Windsor/Windsor Locks, CT along with Massachusetts’ clubs in Palmer, Southwick, West Springfield and Wilbraham/Hampden have raised $37,000 to build a complete gravity fed water system with gray water filters and vented pit latrines for the 90 families (552 people) that live in the rural community of Saquiya, Guatemala.  This is the eighth funded project continuing the goal of Rotary International to have every Rotary Club support an international water and sanitation project every year.  By working together and pooling their resources, the Rotarians have been successful in adding size and strength to their chosen projects.  Two Rotary clubs from neighboring Massachusetts/Rhode Island District 7950, East Greenwich and Wakefield, RI and three clubs from District 7170 in upstate New York, Cortland – Breakfast, Nimmonsburg and Trumansburg also contributed to the project thereby exceeding the original goal of $34,893. 

Representatives from clubs contributing to the Saquiya, Guatemala water projects are as follows (L-R):

 Front Row:   Dr. Wendell C. Wickersham – Manchester; Patty Strazzulla – Farmington; Jennifer Turck – Director of Fund Development, BPD; District Governor Eileen Rau;  Zoe Kopp – BPD Past Vice President;  Rich Bansavich – Rockville; Jeff Bodeau – Glastonbury; Mark Weisman – Bloomfield; Manchester Rotarian & Project Chair Rick Lawrence. 

 Back Row:  Doug Wardwell – Wakefield, RI; Peg Durkee – Watertown; Sheryl O’Connor – East Hartford; Bob Newbold – Newington; Daniel Marini – West Springfield, MA; Derek Meade – Enfield; John Walker - Willimantic

Raymond Evans, 70, of Ludlow died peacefully on Sunday June 9, 2013 at Mercy Medical Center. Born in Springfield, Vermont on September 29, 1942, he was the son of the late John and Elizabeth (Williams) Evans. Ray grew up in Poultney, VT and graduated from Poultney High School and Chaplain College in Burlington. He was also a graduate of AIC in Springfield with a degree in Business Administration. He studied and was a program graduate at State University of N.Y., Buffalo; Stonier Graduate School of Banking (Rutgers University); and New England School of Banking (Williams College). Ray joined the U.S. Army in 1964 and served in the Army National Guard in VT and Chicopee, MA until he was honorably discharged as a SFC E7 in 1970. He worked for many years in banking and retired from T.D. Bank as Vice President in Commercial Lending. Ray was a civic leader and was dedicated to his community. He was currently a board member of the Westover Metropolitan Development Corporation, a member of the Ludlow Rotary Club, and District Treasurer for Rotary International District 7890, and volunteered his time at the Friends of the Senior Center in Ludlow. He was an avid golfer and had served as a Commissioner at the Westover Golf Course. He will truly be missed by his community and family. He leaves his beloved wife of 45 years Sandra L. (Worden) Evans of Ludlow; loving son Scott Evans of Westbrook, Maine as well as several cherished nieces and nephews, his sister-in law and brother-in-law Sue and Leo Isotalo in California and son-in-law Robert Scott in Maine. Sadly Ray was predeceased by his daughter Kara Evans-Scott in 2004. Funeral services with Military Honors will be held on Thursday June 13, 2013 from the Ludlow Funeral Home, 432 East Street, Ludlow, MA. Family and friends are asked to gather at the funeral home at 9:30am. Chapel services will begin at 10:00am followed by burial in Island Pond Cemetery. Visiting hours are Wednesday evening from 6:00pm-8:00pm at the funeral home. It was the wish of Ray’s family that in lieu of flowers donations may be made to: Kara L. Evans-Scott Memorial Fund, C/O Bernadette Nowakowski, Director of Development and Legacy Giving at Our Lady of the Elms College, Chicopee, MA. 01020.

Raymond Evans, 70, of Ludlow died peacefully on Sunday June 9, 2013 at Mercy Medical Center.

Born in Springfield, Vermont on September 29, 1942, he was the son of the late John and Elizabeth (Williams) Evans. Ray grew up in Poultney, VT and graduated from Poultney High School and Chaplain College in Burlington. He was also a graduate of AIC in Springfield with a degree in Business Administration. He studied and was a program graduate at State University of N.Y., Buffalo; Stonier Graduate School of Banking (Rutgers University); and New England School of Banking (Williams College). Ray joined the U.S. Army in 1964 and served in the Army National Guard in VT and Chicopee, MA until he was honorably discharged as a SFC E7 in 1970. He worked for many years in banking and retired from T.D. Bank as Vice President in Commercial Lending. Ray was a civic leader and was dedicated to his community. He was currently a board member of the Westover Metropolitan Development Corporation, a member of the Ludlow Rotary Club, and District Treasurer for Rotary International District 7890, and volunteered his time at the Friends of the Senior Center in Ludlow. He was an avid golfer and had served as a Commissioner at the Westover Golf Course. He will truly be missed by his community and family. He leaves his beloved wife of 45 years Sandra L. (Worden) Evans of Ludlow; loving son Scott Evans of Westbrook, Maine as well as several cherished nieces and nephews, his sister-in law and brother-in-law Sue and Leo Isotalo in California and son-in-law Robert Scott in Maine. Sadly Ray was predeceased by his daughter Kara Evans-Scott in 2004.

It was the wish of Ray’s family that in lieu of flowers donations may be made to: Kara L. Evans-Scott Memorial Fund, C/O Bernadette Nowakowski, Director of Development and Legacy Giving at Our Lady of the Elms College, Chicopee, MA. 01020.

May 10th End Polio Now Night at the Rock Cats

Over 200 Rotarians from District 7890 attended the "End Polio Now Night at the Rock Cats" night.  Attendees enjoyed an outdoor barbeque of hamburgers, hot dogs, grilled chicken and lots of sides while watching a double-header game between the New Britain Rock Cats and the Portland Sea Dogs.  Between games, Rotarians took to the field with their club banners and a representative from each club threw out an 'opening pitch' to start the second game.

Members of District 7890 GSE Team Keep in Touch

The members of our District's Group Study Exchange Team left for Istanbul, Turkey on May 3rd for a month of cultural and professional experiences.  Rotarians, friends and family will be able to follow their experiences on their blog:

 

http://gse-2013.tumblr.com/

 

Something to celebrate -- announced Thursday, April 25^th – Rotary has received a Silver Edison Award in recognition of our Future Vision Plan, the new grant model that enhances the scope, impact, and sustainability of humanitarian projects funded by The Rotary Foundation.Our Future Vision process was seen as an innovative, new way to deliver our services to those in need.  It will also go a long way toward enhancing Rotary's public image and awareness with the media.

2013 District Assembly

Registration for the 2013 District Assembly is OPEN!  This year’s assembly will be held at the Enfield Holiday Inn, Enfield, CT on 1 Bright Meadow Blvd.   Come learn about the Future Vision Plan that comes into effect in July 2013 and enjoy breakout sessions that cover a number of topics important to your club and its members. 

The Keynote Address this year will be provided by John Capps, a humorist and motivational speaker.  John is a Past District Governor and Major Donor of RI.  He lives in North Carolina and is a member of the Marblehead Rotary Club.  John has been featured on NBC, ABC, BBC, CBS, Nightline, 5W, Fox, Inside Edition and a variety of radio programs. 

Register online via the District Assembly link under District Events on this homepage.  The cost is $28pp.  Make checks payable to:  “District 7890 Assembly” and mail to Ray Evans, District Treasurer, 308 Miller Street #14, Ludlow, MA  01056.  Please include Registration Confirmation number(s) on your check.

REGISTRATION DEADLINE IS MAY 7, 2013. 

Rick and Elin Lawrence Celebrate Completion of Seventh Rotary Water and Sanitation Project

On February 11th, the villagers of El Pericon, Guatemala welcomed Rick and Elin Lawrence to a day-long celebration marking the completion and dedication of their village's water, sanitation and indoor cookstove improvements. This is the seventh such project financed by clubs in District 7890 and 7950.  Every year, more clubs from District 7890 have added their support for these projects, and clubs from other Districts have started to contribute as well.  This additional support has enabled larger and larger villages to be involved and reap the benefits of securing clean, running water, solid sanitation units and well-vented, raised indoor stoves.  Congratulations to Rick Lawrence, member of the Rotary Club of Manchester, CT, and his wife, Elin, for personally supporting and being ambassadors for these valuable projects that change the world, one village at a time.

Rick and members of the village Water Committee highlights a plaque with the names of the participating Rotary clubs, which will be permanently cemented onto a concrete pedestal benerath the water storage tank.

Plaque Listing Participating Rotary Clubs

Rick and Elin Celebrate Water and Cooking Improvements with El Pericon Family

 

Andrew McQuaide Guest Speaker at District Conference

Would you like to learn more on how people are trying to turn back the tide of violence in our schools and other areas? The 7890 District Conference, April 26-28, will feature Andrew McQuaide. Andrew is a certified Kingian Nonviolence Trainer and Senior Trainer with the Connecticut Center for Nonviolence.  A graduate of the University of Rhode Island, Andrew was a student of Dr. Bernard LaFayette, Jr., the former executive staff member to Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. and Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee co-founder.  At the request of Dr. LaFayette, Andrew coordinated the URI Center for Nonviolence and Peace Studies International Nonviolence Summer Institute from 2006-2009 and has since co-facilitated the Level II portion of the Institute alongside Dr. LaFayette.

Registration is now open for the 2013 District Conference at the Crowne Plaza in Warwick, RI.  Registration forms are available in District Documents and also linked from the District Conference Events page.  See you there!

 

Don’t forget to mark your calendars for the District Conference - April 26-28, 2013. The Peace Train has been rolling through our district and will be pulling up to the Crowne Plaza in Warwick, Rhode Island on April 26, 2013. This will be one of the most reasonably priced conferences.  You will be able to enjoy the Providence and Newport areas without paying Providence and Newport prices. There will be plenty to do in your free time including shopping, golfing and touring the sights.  The Newport mansions await you. If you are a foodie, visit the Culinary Arts Museum on the campus of Johnson and Wales and then head off to the Federal Hill section of Providence to enjoy the multitude of restaurants. Come celebrate our Rotary year of Peace Through Service. For more information on the Crowne Plaza got to www.crownehotelwarwick.com. To download a registration form, click on District Conference in the left hand column under District Events.

Ann Lee Hussey to be Keynote Speaker for 2013 Pre-PETS on February 12th

2010-2011 District 7780 Governor Ann Lee Hussey will be the keynote speaker for District 7890's Pre-PETS and Mid-year Presidents' Meeting on February 12th at the Enfield Holiday Inn in Enfield, CT.  Ann joined Rotary in April 2002 and immediately became involved.  She has traveled twice to Venzuela on Rotoplast trips to assist children receiving surgeries for cleft lip and cleft palate.  As a polio survivor, Ann's primary passion is Rotary's work to eradicate polio.  She has participated in 15 National Immunization Day (NID) efforts in India, Egypt, Mali, Niger, Nigeria and Bangladesh, and over the past 4 years has organized and led NID teams.   To learn more about Ann, click on the link below.

A Grant Management Seminar will also be presented at this year's Pre-PETS event, focusing on Rotary's new grants programs starting in July 2013.  Clubs should plan on having at least two club members attend this seminar in order for their club to be eligible to apply for any District Designated Funds (DDF) in 2013-2014.  Participants must be active club members, other than the President-Elect 2013-2014 and the current club President, who care about helping people in their communities and beyond.  For more information and a registration form, click on the event link under District Events on this homepage.

Here's a wonderful way to support Rotary!  You can help Rotary win up to 10 million United Airlines travel miles.  It won't cost you a penny - and the miles will be used to help numerous Rotary projects.  

 

In the past Charity Miles have provided transportation for Rotary International's Gift of Life surgical teams. Last year, these teams traveled to Haiti and El Salvador, where volunteer doctors and nurses from the United States performed life-saving heart surgery on many children and provided important training for local doctors. Charity Miles have also helped Rotary International transport Iraqi children with birth defects to U.S. hospitals for treatments they cannot receive at home. 

 

Charity Miles are also used to send volunteers to help immunize children during National Immunization Days. And, Charity Miles provide airfare for financially disadvantaged Rotary youth exchange students so they may live and study overseas for one school year, enabling 8,000 secondary school students to study abroad in 80 countries around the world.

All you have to do is go to  Charity Miles and vote for Rotary International.  You can vote once a day until December 25th

CT Governor Proclaims October 24th World Polio Day

Connecticut Governor Dannel P. Malloy proclaimed October 24th World Polio Day in Connecticut during a meeting with local Rotarians. Joining him in his office at the State Capital are (left to right: PRIVP Frank Collins, Margaret Amey, Southern Connecticut DG Brian Amey, Governor Malloy, DG Eileen Rau, PDG Frank Wargo, Judith Green and PDG Prasad Menon. Photo by Cynthia Lang.

 

Nomination Deadline for 2015-16 District Governor Has Been Extended

District 7890 has extended the deadline in the search for a District Governor for 2015-2016.  Applications are now due in by October 31, 2012.  Please consider one of your club's Past Presidents as a possible choice.  To submit a candidate, contact Dick Borden, Nominating Committee Advisor, at r.borden@cox.net.  The Committee will meet for interviews on Wednesday, Oct 3 at the Enfield Public Library.  A nomination form can be found under the District Documents link at the top of this homepage. 

For more information on candidate qualifications, please click link below.

Emphasize the F in TRF

FUN, FASCINATING, FUTURISTIC...Are these words you would use in a sentence about any meeting focused on The Rotary Foundation?  You will if you attend a Rotary Foundation Seminar this fall convened by District Governor Eileen Rau. 

What’s on the agenda?

Fun & fellowship: think Rotary Bingo and meet members of The District Rotary Foundation Committee, Foundation Area Representatives, and best of all Rotarians in nearby clubs.

Fascinating:  Learn vital information about Grants – you know you want a share of the 2012-2013 District Simplified Grant for your club – come find out how to get your piece of the pie. Share information about new projects easily adapted to suit your club.  Discover new approaches to fundraising.

Futuristic:  Begin to prepare your club for Future Vision, The Rotary Foundation’s new grants model.  Learn how this will impact every Rotary Club and every Rotarian in less than a year.

When will seminars be held?  There will be two Foundation Seminars this fall.   The first occurs September 13^th   at the Veterans Memorial Clubhouse, 100 Sunset Ridge Drive, East Hartford, CT, 5 to 7 PM, the second, October 4^th  at the Hotel Northampton, 36 King Street, Northampton, MA. 5:30 to 7:30 PM.  There is no charge.  The format for both will be the same.  Feel free to cross state lines, attending whichever seminar works best for you.

Join the Bone Marrow Registry on August 22, 2012, Sponsored by Rotary Club of Southwick, MA

Every year 10,000 men, women and children desperately search the National Marrow Donor Program’s Be The Match Registry of volunteer donors in hopes of finding a marrow match. Gerry Proulx is an example of one of those patients.   Gerry, a 30-year charter member of the Southwick Rotary Club, has always led an energetic and healthy life.  The owner of Proulx & Proulx Architectural Designs, a general and commercial contractor since 1974, Gerry was born in Springfield, MA.  Six months ago, Gerry received devastating news.  He was diagnosed with multiple myeloma, a cancer of the plasma cells, a type of white blood cell normally responsible for producing antibodies.  Multiple myeloma is the second most common hematological malignancy in the US, and constitutes 1% of all cancers.  He is currently undergoing an aggressive course of chemotherapy at Bay State Medical Center in Springfield.  Gerry is confident that he can win this battle.  For now, the ultimate cure would be a bone marrow transplant.  YOU could be the match for a patient like Gerry.  

To join the marrow registry and support people like our fellow Rotarian Gerry, please join the members of the Southwick Rotary Club on Wednesday, August 22, from 5:00 pm to 8:00 pm at the Moo-licious Farm, 258 Feeding Hills Road, Southwick, MA.  If you have questions, please call 800-283-8385, ext 720 or email marrow@ribc.org.  Tissue typing & processing fees are covered by most health insurance companies in RI, CT, MA & NH.  Please bring your insurance card with you.  If you do not have health insurance coverage for these procedures, Michael's Fund of Fall Fiver will cover the cost as the event's sponsor.  There is no out-of-pocket expense to register.

Seeking GSE Team Members for Exchange to Turkey

Alma Kruh, Group Study Exchange District Chair, is putting out the call to local Rotary Clubs for young professionals who would like to participate in a cultural/professional exchange to Turkey.  The exchange will cover four weeks, at this time May 4 through June 2, 2013.  The team will explore parts of Turkey, including the area around Istanbul.  During that time, a team from Turkey will be exploring our Rotary District 7890, sharing personal knowledge of their professions and their country's customs.  Rotarians will be hosting the team and sharing our customs, vocations and lifestyles with the Turkish team members.

The exchange program, sponsored by The Rotary Foundation, is designed to promote international understanding and goodwill through person-to-person contact.  While abroad, our team members live will live with Rotarians and have the opportunity to meet their professional counterparts, experience the cultural heritage of the area, and learn about community and international Rotary projects.  They will tour the Rotary district of their hosts, which could include moving to a new location every few days. 

For more information on this trip and an application to be part of the team, please visit the GSE Site Page off this homepage, or contact Alma Kruh at alma_kruh@ml.com or call 860-284-2226.  Application deadline is August 31st, 2012. 

17 District 7890 Rotary Clubs Join Together to Complete 7th Water Project in Guatemala

Seventeen Rotary Clubs in northern CT and Western MA (Rotary District 7890) have joined together to fund a project that will bring fresh drinking water to a needy community in Guatemala.  Clubs from Bloomfield, Broad Brook, Danielson, E-Club, East Hartford, Farmington, Glastonbury, Manchester, Rockville, Torrington, Watertown, Wethersfield/Rocky Hill, Willimantic and Windsor/Windsor Locks, CT along with Massachusetts’ clubs in Southwick, West Springfield and Wilbraham/Hampden have raised $37,000 to build a complete gravity fed water system with gray water filters and vented pit latrines for the 75 families (450 people) that live in the rural community of El Pericon, Guatemala.  This is the seventh funded project continuing the goal of Rotary International to have every Rotary Club support international water and sanitation project every year.  By working together and pooling their resources, the Rotarians have been successful in adding size and strength to their chosen projects.  Two Rotary clubs from neighboring Massachusetts/Rhode Island District 7950, East Greenwich and Wakefield, RI also contributed to the project thereby exceeding the original goal of $36,800.  A recent article in the Hartford Courant outlined the history of the Guatemala initiatives. 

At a recent meeting of the Manchester Rotary Club representatives from clubs contributing to the El Pericon, Guatemala water projects are as follows (L-R):

Front Row:  Margaret Byrne – Broad Brook, Beth Stafford – Manchester, Peg Durkee – Watertown, Zoe Kopp – BPD Past Vice President, Kristin Kalar – E-Club, Sheryl Kempain – Danielson, Patty Strazzulla – Farmington and Rich Bansavich – Rockville.

Back Row:  Manchester Rotarian & Project Chair Rick Lawrence, Steve Wasley – Farmington, David Condon & David Bonomi – West Springfield, Jeffrey Kane – Wilbraham/Hampton, Randy Kempain – Danielson, Conrad Sienkiewicz – Torrington, District Governor Sue Klock, Peter Klock – East Hartford.

District 7890's 2012-2013 DG Eileen Rau and Class of Presidents newly installed by Past Rotary International Director Bob Coultas are ready to take on their year of "Peace Through Service".

Health ministers at the World Health Assembly in Geneva adopted a resolution on 25 May that declared “the completion of polio eradication to be a programmatic emergency for global public health.”

The Global Polio Eradication Initiative, of which Rotary is a spearheading partner, has launched an emergency action plan because of the threat of continued transmission of polio due to funding and immunization gaps. Cases have dropped dramatically, but the plan is needed to avoid a resurgence of the disease.

Despite the dramatic drop in polio cases in the last year, the threat of continued transmission due to funding and immunization gaps has driven the Global Polio Eradication Initiative (GPEI) to launch the Global Polio Emergency Action Plan 2012-13.

Register Now for August 6th District Golf Tournament

The Rotary District 7890 Fellowship Golf Outing will be held on August 6, 2012 at the Oak Ridge Golf Club in Feeding Hills, MA.  The tournament is open to Rotarian golfers, partners and friends and will be a 'scramble format only'.  The player fee of $115.00 includes green fees, cart, BBQ lunch, golf club services and dinner.  Registration begins at 10:00 am, followed by lunch at 11:30 and a shotgun start at 12:30.  Dinner will be served at 5:30 along with a cash bar, raffle and prizes. 

Thanks to Gil Wishart of the Rotary Club of East Hartford and Elaine Pavasaris of the Rotary Club of Kensington-Berlin Sunrise, Rotarians throughout District 7890 will have another chance to celebrate "Service Above Self" at the ball field.   When the Rock Cats take on the Double A Red Sox, each club can have a representative throw out a ceremonial first pitch, and all are invited to sing "Take Me Out To The Ballgame" during the 7th Inning.  Even better, each club will receive a reimbursement of $4/ticket purchased through the club.
Any questions, see flyer posted here -- click on "District Documents" under the banner at top of this page.

Rotary Fellowships Highlighted at Bangkok Convention House of Friendship

Rotary Fellowships will be ably represented at this year's annual RI Convention's House of Friendship and will hold their Annual General Meeting on Tuesday, May 8th, at 2:00 pm in the Convention Center, Room 17.    For those not familiar with Rotary Fellowships, these subject-area focus groups are a wonderful way of joining in and networking with Rotarians around the world that share commons interests, and a very effective tool for membership retention.  They are also a wonderful way to further vocational development through acquaintance of others in the same profession. 

Some examples of Fellowship groups are:  Amateur Radio; Chess; Flying; Gourmets; Latin Culture; Marathon Running; Police and Law Enforcement; Railroads; Scouting; Travel and Hosting; and, Physicians, to name only a few of the 58 Board-recognized Rotary Fellowships in good standing with RI.  To learn more about Rotary Fellowships, visit www.rotary.org and download the Rotary Fellowship handbook.  The most recent Rotary Fellowship newsletter, The Fellowship Advancer, can be found under the District Documents link at the top of our homepage. 

The 2012 District Conference on May 18-20 at the beautiful Radisson Plymouth Harbor Hotel in historic Plymouth, Massachusetts has been sold out.   The District Conference Committee is putting their finishing touches on the program and attendees can look forward to a wonderful three-days, full of District fellowship and fun.

Bring your walking shoes as the Radisson is just a few minutes' walk from the Mayflower II, Plymouth Rock, and a great selection of local restaurants and shops.  Attendees may also enjoy a tour at the near-by Plimoth Plantation, a living museum which shows the original pilgrim settlement as it existed in 1627.  A highlight of this year's conference is a real pilgrim feast on Friday evening at Plimoth Plantation, which has also sold out, and a photo scavanger hunt where young and old alike may participate for prizes.  There will be plenty of information available at the conference regarding additional activities in the area. 

For more information on conference activities, please see the District Conference site page on the left of this homepage and on the District Facebook page where a promotional video can also be viewed. Attendees may also call Plymouth Visitor Information at 1-800-872-1620 or log on to www.visit-plymouth.com.  See you at the conference!

Register Now for June 20th District Installation Dinner

Rotary District 7890 and The Rotary Club of West Hartford invites you and your guests to attend the District Installation of Club Presidents, Assistant Governors and the incoming District Governor for 2012-2013, Eileen Rau.   This gala event will be held on Wednesday, June 20, 2012 at The Bond Hotel, 338 Asylum St, Hartford, CT.  A cocktail reception will begin at 6:30 pm, followed by dinner and the installation program.  Guest speaker will be Robert Coultas, Past Rotary International Director.  More details about the event and a registration sheet can be found under the District Events listing on the left side of this homepage.  For more information, contact Dana Gordon of the Rotary Club of West Hartford. 

If you missed the dinner, a video including Trustee-chair Bill's speech is now available:
http://blip.tv/bbrc/rotary-district-7890-s-foundation-dinner-2012-6090575
For those of you who were at the District Foundation Dinner, you know how inspiring Trustee-chair Bill Boyd can be. Now you have a three-minute elevator speech explaining The Rotary Foundation, OUR Rotary Foundation, as well as stories to share during coffee breaks and lunch!   I hope you and others who did not hear his message will read this message to all Rotarians:

Keeping our promise for a polio-free world

We made a promise to the children of the world that they would live in a world free of polio. As Rotarians, we keep our promises!

Rotary Leadership Institute Coming to Southern New England This Spring

If you were unable to attend the session last Fall in Chicopee, MA, now is your chance to attend RLI training in southern New England.   Parts I, II or III training classes will be offered on Saturday, March 24, 2012 at Amica Mutual Insurance Company in Lincoln, RI and on March 31, 2012 at Western Connecticut State University in Danbury, CT.  You may register on-line at www.rlinea.com/Registration, or here on our District site.  You must register at least 10 days before the event.  Directions are provided when registering on our District site.  For additional information, please contact Karen Owens or Steve Jacoby via cell (please log into this site and search for their profiles for the phone numbers). 

The District 7890 Foundation Dinner, featuring Trustee Chair Bill Boyd, has been re-scheduled for Thursday, March 29, 2012.  Govenor Sue, Foundation Dinner Committee Chair Bob MacDonald and his entire committee are delighted that Chair Bill has been able to adjust some dates in his spring visit to the United States to make this work.  We hope everyone who registered for the dinner which was to have occurred Thursday, November 3rd, will be able to attend on the new date. 
If you are registered and cannot attend on the new date,  please request a reimbursement check from District Treasurer, Ray Evans.  Deadline for requesting reimbursement is November 28, 2011.

On October 6, 2011, at the annual meeting of the District Nominating Committee, Michael Roy, Past President of the Rotary Club of Northampton, MA and GSE Team Leader to Japan in 2009-2010, was chosen to serve our district as Governor 2014-2015.  At the conclusion of the official challenge period, Governor Sue notified all club presidents there had been no challenge. Mike's selection will be part of the Nominating Committee's report to the delegates at the District Conference in May 2012. Thanks to Past District Governor Dick Borden, advisor to the committee, who provided guidance to the committee for several months this year, and to Past President Pat Kennedy of the Rotary Club of South Windsor, CT, who chairs this year's committee, and all the delegates who served this year for their service to the district.

 Register Now for Rotary Leadership Institute Training on Oct 15th  

Whether you are a seasoned Rotarian or a newly minted member, a day spent at a Rotary Leadership Institute (RLI) training session is a great opportunity to learn more about Rotary and how you can help improve your club.  RLI of Northeast America, a recommended unofficial affiliate of RI, was founded in 1992 and includes 28 districts in the northeast and Bermuda.   RLI training sessions are run by Rotarians who are dedicated to imparting knowledge of Rotary and building future Rotary leaders.

This year the nearest training for District 7890 Rotarians takes place on October 15th at the Mass Mutual Conference Center in Chicopee, MA.  The training sessions are levelled into four groups:  Parts 1, 2, 3 and Grad.   Normally, attendees work through the parts year-to-year, but as multiple sessions are offered throughout the year at various locations, it is possible to go through all the parts in one or two years.   To complete online registration, go to http://www.rlinea.com/Calendar.htm.  For more information, contact Steve Jacoby. 

 

On September 8th, at a special meeting of the Nominating Committee, Mike Barnett was elected  to serve as Governor 2013-2014.  Mike is a member of the Rotary Club of South Windsor, CT and has served as Assistant Governor since 2008.  His bio appears on p. 21 of the 2011-2012 District Directory.  Governor Sue and Governor-elect Eileen welcome him to our leadership team.

Local Rotary Clubs are seeking young professionals to participate in a cultural/professional exchange to Mexico, for four weeks (approximate dates are April 5 through May 4, 2012).
Through this program, the team will explore parts of Mexico—the states of Baja California; Baja California Sur; Sonora and Sinaloa. During May/June 2012, a team from that area of Mexico will explore our local Rotary District.  For details, go to  Gov Sue's Blog

District 7890's Annual Fellowship Golf Outing will be on Monday, August 8, 2011 at the Oak Ridge Country Club in Feeding Hills, MA.  10 AM start with registration, cart assignment, driving range and a putting contest.  $115 per player includes BBQ lunch, snacks and non-alcoholic beverages available on the course, and a "fun & fellowship" socializing with hors d'oeuvres, beer and wine plus cash bar followed by dinner (prime rib or chicken francaise).  Registration form available as a download on lower, left side of homepage of this website.  In addition to putting contest and golf prizes, there will be a raffle.    Clubs or indiviuals  are invited to contribute gifts for prize drawing and will be recognized appropriately.

The West Springfield Rotary Club creates a Tornado Relief Fund to support those in parts of Western Massachusetts were affected by the recent tornados that ripped through the area last Wednesday, June 1st.

Thursday (June 9th) will kick-off the 2011 West Side's Taste of the Valley.  This is the club's biggest fundraiser.  The Rotary Club of West Springfield has made the decision to donate 100% of this year’s proceeds to aid the victims of the tornados, not only in West Springfield, but where needed in the region.

Read how you can support the West Springfield Rotary Club.

The Rotary eClub of District 7890 received a District Simplified Grant to help establish a Children's Garden at the Abrahams Park in Trumbull, Connecticut. The Little Green Thumb Ambassador-GARDEN TOGETHER program is designed to teach four to six year old children along with their parent(s) the joy and reward of gardening together by participating in a community garden.

Pictured here are eClubbers Kristin Kalar, Conrad Sienkiewicz, Janie Carlisle, and Jeff Tager.

Though it may not have been necessary for those of us in District 7890 lucky enough to have heard RI President Ray last June, it was fun to have him talk about his approach to his year -> bigger, better, and bolder Rotary using simple, common sense -> in his words: That's Cowboy Logic.  Michael Martin Murphey and his song were enjoyed by all at the convention.  To hear a bit of the song go to my Gov Sue blog.

Rotary Conventions are like blood transfusions for Rotarians.  That was particularly true in New Orleans.  We need as much inspiration as possible to go that final inch, close the funding gap, and truly show Rotary can make a promise and keep it.    Check my Gov Sue blog for an inspiring message.  We are indeed "This Close."

Pictured are the happy students who participated in our District's Rotary Youth Exchange program this year.  The entire team presented images and memories of their experiences living with District 7890 Rotary families and attending their local schools at the District Conference in April.  If you would like more information about this Rotary Youth program, please see the Youth Exchange Site Page linked off the left side of this Home Page, or contact Richard Friedman District Youth Exchange Committee Chair. 

It was another fantastic Rotary Night at the Rock Cats on Friday, May 13.  Over 200 Rotarians participated in the fun filled event which included marching in the pre-game parade with club banners, enjoying an "All You Can Eat Barbecue Picnic", throwing out the first pitch, singing God Bless America during the 7th inning and then sitting back and watching the spectacular fireworks at the end of the game!  It was a picture perfect night. On top of it all, the Rock Cats defeated the Portland Sea Dogs 2-0. PDG Frank Wargo who was there with his family and grandchildren exclaimed  "Watching my two grandchildren throw out the first pitch was worth the cost of admission."
 

Want a great idea for a fun fundraiser?  Want to cooperate with a neighboring club? Read on.

Incoming presidents, bring your leadership team to the District Assembly.  Not only incoming officers but members of key committees will benefit.  Registration form available here from download area, bottom left of home page.

Register for tickets by April 29th for the 2nd Annual Rotary Night at the New Britain Rock Cats (Twins) vs. the Portland Sea Dogs (Red Sox) which will be held on May 13, 2011.  We are hoping to surpass our record crowd from last year of 240 Rotarians.  As an Early Bird Incentive, the first 100 to purchase tickets will receive a FREE Rock Cats Voucher to a game of their choice. Join the fun & fellowship!  

In response to Governor Prasad's offer to provide assistance to the Japanese people, District Governor Hiroji Ohashi thanks Rotarians worldwide for their offers of support.  Fukushima, one of the hardest hit areas by the recent tsunami in Japan , is part of District 2530:

Dear our Friends, Rotarians in District 7890, in the world,

Thank you very much for your stimulating offer for help. Although we had the tragic disaster we have never experienced, we are doing the best for everything we can do.  This crisis gives us a great sorrow. We have no words affected by the earthquake and tsunami. Many people suffered this disaster, died or lost their house. It was a grievous disaster. We all are in deeply sorrow. We prepared for the earthquake and tsunami because of living in Japan. But It was a larger than our expectation. It was far too big to prevent tsunami. It was a dreadful. It is like the hell near the seaside area after it happened.

Dear Fellow Rotarians,
The Consulate General of Japan has informed those organizations trying to send relief materials and help to Japan that the relief operation is currently done only at the Government-to-Government level.  When that situation changes, there will be appropriate communication from the Japanese Government.  I will continue to keep you posted on any new developments on this.
Best, Prasad

Sue and Peter Klock, both members of the Rotary Club of East Hartford, have been recognized by President Obama and ShelterBox USA with Presidential Volunteer Service Awards for their efforts during 2010 to provide shelter, warmth and dignity for survivors of natural disasters worldwide.  The President's Volunteer Service Award is a special recognition presented on behalf of President Barack Obama.  The award is part of a national recognition program created in 2003 through the President's Council on Service and Civic Participation for individuals of all ages who contribute a significant amount of time to volunteer activities. 

Bharat Kamat, president of The Rotary E-Club of District 7890, CT&MA, particpated in National Immunization Days in India this past weekend.

District 7890 Group Study Exchange Team members enjoyed a program developed just for them by the multi-district Northeast Link Committee. Pictured here, left to right:  Liz Jordan, Engineer -- Pratt & Whitney, sponsored by West Hartford,  Katherine Piedra, Area Service Director, Kaplan Test Prep, sponsored by the Amherst Rotary Club, Matt Hill, Sergeant - Pittsfield Police Department, sponsored by the Pittsfield Rotary Club, Barbara Spiegel, Team leader, Executive Director, Susan B. Anthony Project, member of the Torrington, CT Rotary Club, and Nate Helminiak, Assistant Manager, Eastern Mountain Sports, sponsored by the Simsbury-Granby Rotary Club.

On January 30, 2011, eight members of the Rotary Club of Simsbury-Granby participated in the 2010-2011Penguin Plunge to raise money for the CT Special Olympics.  This being their first year participating, the team plunged through a hole in the ice-covered lake at Winding Trails Park in Farmington with great enthusiasm and raised over $2,000 for this worthy cause.  Governor Prasad remarked, "It was no big deal at all, but the 30 minute wait in a T-shirt, swim trunks and a pair of waterproof socks on the ice was brutal."

District 7890 was awarded its 4th Public Relations Grant this year from Rotary International thanks to Karen Osbrey, the District's Public Relations Chair.  Karen wrote this grant to support the Humanity in Motion radio announcements, created by RI and available to all clubs, which will be featured this January through March, 2011 on 11 local radio stations.  Those stations include:  WDRC-FM, WDRC.AM, WMMW, WRCH, WTIC, WWYZ, WSNG, WZBG, WILI, WINY and WHYN.  Click on THIS LINK to hear the Humanity in Motion announcement now!

South Windsor Rotary celebrated their 50th Anniversary on December 8, 2010 at the Mill on the River. Over 130 guests celebrated "50 years of Changing Lives in the Community and the World". Three of the five living Charter Members were on hand to be recognized (pictured). The club was chartered on October 19, 1960.

Rotary International and The Rotary Foundation have announced a special celebration in anticipation of the successful achievement of Rotary's US$200 Million Challenge! This grand event, Polio Unmasked, is scheduled for Monday, 23 May 2011 at Mardi Gras World.   Be sure to register for the convention. The base price is $340, if you register by 31 March 2012.

The Springfield Rotary Club is partnering with the Basketball Hall of Fame with the return of the Tip-Off Classic to Springfield November 20-22, 2010. A luncheon kicks off the 3 day invitational on Friday, November 19th on the Museum's Center Court. The luncheon will feature awards presented by the Springfield Rotary Club and the Basketball Hall of Fame to two individuals who exemplify the Rotary motto "Service Above Self".  This year's local honoree is Dan Roulier, a native of Springfield,and the national honoree, Hall of Fame member Bob Lanier. 

On Saturday October 2nd each of the 33 Rocky's Ace Hardware stores on the east coast ran a four hour home fire safety effort, initiated by the American Red Cross Pioneer Valley Chapter and the Springfield Rotary Club.  This event was spearheaded by Rick Lee, Executive Director of the Red Cross chapter and Springfield Rotary Club member.  The event included fire department displays at some stores, fire safety literature aimed at children and parents and deeply discounted smoke and carbon monoxide detectors to encourage families to take stock of their home fire safety as we head into heating season.

Photo:  Springfield Rotarian Jim Russell at Rocky's Springfield Plaza store modeling one of the plastic fire hats given to children who attended the event.

Karen Owens is inviting all Area 6, 7, 9 & 10 members to a District Membership/Retention Seminar being held at the Masonic Lodge in Windsor on October 4 from 6:00-8:00 pm.  The seminar will be free of charge and will cover: RI Resources available for Membership Development; the Membership Develop Process including planning, follow up, milestones and accountability; and, Retention Real Club Experiences.  This seminar is in support of our District 7890 goal to achieve a 100+ net membership increase for the 2010-11 Rotary Year.

Rotary needs a constant influx of leadership as club officers and chairs change every year. Want to help develop your club's future leaders? Register for Rotary Leadership Institute's Course Day on October 16th at the MassMutual Insurance Center in Chicopee, MA. Parts I, II, III, and the Graduate sessions are being offered.

For the second consecutive year, The Rotary Club of West Springfield has teamed up with The Rotary Club of Shimoga, India,to provide 50 cows to 50 women in Shimoga, as part of The Rotary Foundation International Matching Grants Program.