Rotary International District 6860 Newsletter September 2022
Monday, September 5, 2022
By Carol Argo
Greetings to Rotarians in District 6860!  As many of you are aware, Rotary District Governor Mike Wade was advised by medical professionals to cede his position as governor.  I am honored to step in as governor for the remainder of the year and I look forward to working with clubs and district leadership.  I will continue to support and promote the goals and plans that Mike established for the year.  We send our well-wishes to Mike and his family.
 
Rotary International President Jennifer Jones’ theme “Imagine Rotary” is particularly inspiring as clubs in our district continue to regroup and find a new sense of normalcy post pandemic.  This is a perfect time to be thinking outside the box as you imagine what your clubs will look like by year end, and over the next few years.  It is also a perfect time to engage in Club Visioning to help you establish these big ideas and develop a plan to make them reality.

How will your club Imagine Rotary in the areas of membership, service and support of The Rotary Foundation?  These are the three priorities that we will focus on at the district level and I encourage clubs to support these priorities as well.  Imagine new and innovative ways to strengthen your club membership, develop and expand the impact of service projects in your community and beyond, and support giving and participation in Rotary Foundation programs.

Let’s have a great year as we Imagine Rotary!

Carol Argo
Governor


Boiling N’ Bragging 2022 is in the Books
A huge “thank you” to everyone involved in making this year’s Boiling N’ Bragging tailgate in support of Children’s of Alabama Critical Care Transport Unit a huge success!  We were back live in Crestline Village on August 20 after a two-year hiatus due to COVID.  It was great to visit with old friends and make new acquaintances as we enjoyed a low country shrimp boil and wonderful grilled burgers and dogs.


A shout-out to our corporate and in-kind sponsors, as well as Rotary and Rotaract Clubs in the district who raised money for this effort.  Don’t see your name on the Rotary club sponsor board?  Make sure you join in next year for this event.  Thank you to the many volunteers who helped us pull of this event.  We could not have done it without them!

Seventeen clubs in the district participated in the semi-final and final cornhole playoffs during BNB.  Congratulations to the Rotary Club of Jasper for first place, and Rotary Club of Trussville Daybreak coming in second place.

Always a highlight at this event, the helicopter was able to make a flyover and the crowd cheered them on.  Members of the crew were on hand with the ground ambulance to greet guests and talk about the work they do to transport critically ill children to Children’s of Alabama.  Final numbers are not in, but we raised well over $100,000!  Thanks to everyone for supporting this district-wide fundraising event.  It’s not too late to support this effort.  Donations received through the end of September will count toward the total raised for 2022.  Send checks to: Children's of Alabama, Attn: Boiling N Bragging, 1600 7th Avenue South. Birmingham, AL 35233



Two New Interact Clubs!
Congratulations to the Rotary Club of Gordo and Rotary Club of Trussville Noon for sponsoring new Interact Clubs.  Welcome to the Hewitt Trussville Interact Club and Interact Club of Gordo!

If your club is interested in sponsoring an Interact Club, contact the district governor Carol Argo to make sure your certification is signed off on before submitting to Rotary International.


The Purple Pinkie Donut Project – SAVE THE DATE – October 10

On October 10, in early celebration of World Polio Day, Dunkin’ locations in Alabama are partnering with Rotary Districts 6760, 6780, 6800, 6860, and 6880 to host a fundraising event for End Polio Now!

For every $2 donated to End Polio Now! at a participating Dunkin’ location, guests receive a Purple Pinkie Donut – a glazed donut stick, topped with a dab of purple icing.  Through generous matching funds from Rotary districts ad The Gates Foundation each $2 donation becomes a total donation of $18 to help eradicate polio.

John Beard is our District Program Coordinator.  In the next few weeks John will be sharing details on how individuals and Rotary Clubs can participate in this fundraising event to help End Polio Now!  Be on the lookout for John’s communications.

Evanston Trip – November 12-14, 2022
Our last district trip to the headquarters of Rotary International was in 2019.  This year, we are able to resume our annual trip to tour headquarters and meet with key staff.  This is an excellent opportunity to learn more about the operations of RI, as well as connect with RI staff.  Although the trip is designed primarily for Rotary and Rotaract club presidents-elect, it is open to club presidents and any Rotarian and Rotaractor in the district interested in learning more about Rotary International.  The dates for the trip are November 12-14, 2022.  Registion is currently open and you may sign up through the DACdb calendar.  The deadline to register is October 13.  For additional information contact co-organizers Sue Mitchell or Carol Argo.

District Dues Statements
All Rotary clubs in the district should have received their district dues statements during the first week of September.  Please be sure to submit your payments in a timely manner.  If you did not receive your club invoice, or have questions about your district dues, contact the District Treasurer, Garry Rosenberger.

Club Visits with the District Governor
Many clubs in the district have reserved a date for the District Governor visit but others have not yet done so.  The governor will come to your club (Rotary and Rotaract) and give a traditional DG talk, address a specific topic of interest to your club (such as The Rotary Foundation, community service projects, how to engage members in your club, how to start a new Rotary/Rotaract club), participate in a service project or fundraising event, or participate in a club assembly.  To sign up for a club visit, click on this link which will take you to a calendar where you can see dates available for my visit. 

Who Do I Go to For …?
It is important to know that your district leadership is available to provide support to clubs.  The Assistant Governor for your club area should be your first point of contact with questions and requests for assistance, but district leaders are available to help you with your questions, requests for assistance, and even for club programs.  Download the attached file for a partial listing of the district leadership (including AGs).  For a complete listing of district leadership, log in to DACdb and search under District/District Committees.