Dean’s Digest

This month saw the last of my travels in our northern parts as I visited Terrace, Smithers and Burns Lake. I look forward to returning with Rhino when we can make a vacation of our travels, so ….

DG Rotary journey is slowly coming to an end – 2 more months to go – and what exciting months they are going to be. District Conference in May and the International Convention in Los Angeles in June. Have you registered?

Rotary Rocks at the River Rock - 16 to 18 May, 2008

It is difficult to believe that as I write, it is two weeks away from our D5040 District Conference to be held at the River Rock Casino and Resort in Richmond. This has been a journey of 3 years, and just one of the roads that I have had to negotiate on the District Governor adventure that is nearly over.

If you were at the last conference you will remember that I told everyone – “I have a dream – a dream of uniting the whole district at a celebration in honour of our District and of our wonderful organization – Rotary”. Well – it is happening – perhaps not all of the dream, but a large portion of it; thanks to the wonderful people of the Conference Committee.

I dreamed that we would have the most incredible speakers and an outstanding program to excite and educate – and we have:

Rick Hansen

The Honourable Carol Taylor

PPRIBI Len Smith from Richmond, England

Howard Blank & his PR Panel

Senator Larry Campbell

Red Robinson

PDG Gary Holick

I dreamed that we would have a facility that would showcase our conference – and we have.

I dreamed that we would give you value, fun and excitement – and we have – with:

The Rotary Golf Day at the Quilchena Golf Club on Thursday

The Rotary Foundation walk on Thursday

The Rotary Foundation lunch on Friday to honour all Paul Harris Fellows

The Mystery Dine Around on Friday evening

The Dessert Buffet on Friday evening

The Theatre Lunch with entertainment on Saturday

The Masked Masquerade Ball on Saturday

. . . . now you tell me if that is not value!!

I dreamed of breakout sessions that are educational and inspiring – and they are.

I dreamed that the majority of Rotarians in the district would attend – and this has now also come true. We now have over 300 participants registered and the conference – as of today is SOLD OUT!

Still available: Registration for the Golf Day and

$10 each tickets for the Rick Hansen (which includes the

opening ceremonies), Hon. Carole Taylor and PR Panel presentations

See you at conference.

Yours in Rotary Service, Dean

District Conference SOLD OUT !!!

However you can still sign up for Golf tournament and Plenary Sessions Visit District Website for details

www.rotary5040.org

SPEAKER CHANGES

Past RI President Jonathan Majiyage from Nigeria was unable to get a visitor visa to Canada.

Vicki Gabereau had to attend his son’s wedding in Italy. We welcome their replacement:

LEN SMITH and his wife Joy from the Rotary Club of Twkenham, England. Len is a Past President of Rotary International in Britain and Ireland and Past Rotary International Trustee - just a few of the many positions he had held for Rotary. Len trained as a fighter pilot at the Canadian Training School in Red Deer, Alberta. He is extremely excited to be attending our conference. Learn more about Len on the District website.

RED ROBINSON who needs no introduction. Red Robinson was one of the first Canadian disc jockeys to play Rock and Roll music. Over the years, Robinson worked at many radio and TV stations in Vancouver and Portland. In 1997, Robinson was elected to the Canadian Broadcast Hall of Fame. In 2000, Robinson was elected to the Rockabilly Hall of Fame.

FOUNDATION LUNCH

Friday, May 16th, 2008

All Paul Harris Fellows are asked to

wear their MEDALLIONS!

CLUB BANNERS

DISPLAY

Bring your club banner to the conference for lobby decoration, register with Rotarian Jack Evans at kimjack3@telus.net

Council on Legislation - Your chance to propose Changes

The Council on Legislation (COL), Rotary's "parliament," meets every three years to deliberate and act upon all proposed enactments and resolutions submitted by clubs, district conferences and the RI Board. The Council itself also makes proposals.

The next council meets in 2010. If your club wishes to propose changes to Rotary's constitution, the standard club constitution or ask for action by the RI board or the trustees of the Rotary Foundation – this is your opportunity.

Proposals must be endorsed by the District 5040 conference, May 16-18, 2008. Your club must act immediately. Proposals from your club must be presented at the District Conference business meeting on Saturday May 17.

PDG Chris Offer will represent District 5040 in 2010 at the council. He is available to work with your club to draft proposals in the correct format. Past District 5040 COL representatives, PDG Del Paterson and PDG Neil King are also available to assist your club. For detail, visit D5040 website

RYLA LAKELSE - July 3 to 6, 2008

RYLA Lakelse is for Youth - age 14 to 15. Registration fee for is $395 per youth.

To encourage and ensure full participation throughout the District, travel costs for outlying clubs will be subsidized. For those traveling by air from Vancouver a phenomenal return rate of $410 is available via Hawk Air (this rate includes all surcharges, taxes, etc.).

In addition, Ryla Lakelse has allocated up to $100 for transportation costs for one participant and an additional up to $200 for a 2^nd participant from the same Club. Yes, if you send two youth from your club, Ryla Lakelse will provide up to $300 towards your transportation costs.

Ryla Lakelse is a ten minute drive from the Terrace/Kitimat airport. For those arriving via Greyhound on July 2^nd home hosting by Rotarians are available.

You will need to hurry as registration this inaugural year is limited to just 36 youths.

Further information available on the District Web Site or contact: Rob Eby, Ryla Lakelse Chair, 250-624-4102 rob@countrywide.biz

RYLA NORTH - July 30 to Aug 3, 2008

GIVE SOMEONE AN LIFE CHANGING EXPERIENCE

Calling on Rotary clubs in our district to sponsor one or more participants between age 19 and 25 by Aug, 2008. A successful RYLA applicants will:

Have leadership experience or potential, demonstrated through participation in youth groups or service activities.

Have a cooperative nature and willingness to participate in a group.

Display enthusiasm for sharing new-found skills with others Have a relative awareness of current events.

Have good performance in school or work

For further details and application, visit RYLA North website. or contact Co-ordinator Morgan Evans and RYLA North Chair Kathi Travers.

MORGAN IS GOING TO 2008 RYLA INTERNATIONAL AS COUNSELOR

“I was very fortunate and grateful to Rotary to have been selected as a participant at RYLA International in 2007. The program was informative, interactive, and fostered an international network of fellowship like only Rotary can - a truly unique opportunity. Thus, to have been selected as a counselor for RYLA International 2008 this year is a great privilege. I am looking forward to the new friendships to be made, and the opportunity to approach leadership with a different paradigm, as a teacher instead of a student. I also intend to incorporate some of the key messages from RYLA International into one of the local programs here, RYLA North. Many thanks to Rotary International for this wonderful opportunity, with special thanks to The Rotary Club of Terrace, through which I got my first start in RYLA, 5 years ago”.

- Morgan Evans

What’s happening in Burnaby/New West Rotary Clubs?

John Vokes, Assistant Governor, Burnaby & New Westminster

It hardly seems possible that we are approaching the end of another Rotary year yet when we look at all that has and continues to take place in the five Rotary clubs in the Burnaby / New Westminster area, there have been an outstanding number of wonderful accomplishments. The following is a brief summary of the Rotary clubs in the Burnaby – New Westminster area and some highlights around each of their activities.

Burnaby Rotary– 48 members. Under the interim presidency of John Smithman, who took the reins part way through the year, this is a very active club with a myriad of projects and fundraisers to their credit.

Their fundraisers include a Wine Festival, Heart of the Matter (jointly with New Westminster Royal City), Ukraine Christmas dinner and a flower sale. Their projects include the Canadian Eyesight Project in India, Netza school project in Zihuatanejo, Mexico (jointly with Royal City), training of medical workers in Zambia, the Uganda Clubfoot project, and bursaries through Simon Fraser University and BCIT.

In addition, the club is very supportive of literacy initiatives including the Burnaby School District's literacy program WORDS that challenges students from K-12 to write poetry, prose in French or English. Also, the Burnaby Rotary Club supports a huge reading initiative at Burnaby's largest high school - Viking Read Program. This includes the purchase of books designed for a variety of age groups, interest groups and reading levels for all students Grade 8 - 12. The school has over 2300 students.

On a sad note, President Dianna Krawchuk became ill early in her presidential year and passed away in the spring of this year. She is missed by all who knew her.

Burnaby DeerLake Rotary is small but mighty at 13 members. President Bill Johnston describes his club as ‘the little club that does’.

Several of their projects include a literacy project that provides a book to each student at Edmonds Elementary School each Christmas, 4 - $1,000 scholarships for secondary students, support for a Uganda medical camp, and ‘Stream-keepers’, a local environmental initiative to maintain clean streams and waterways throughout Burnaby.

Deer Lake Rotary’s fundraisers include the Festival of Lights at Brentwood Center, a Halloween Mystery Manor at Metrotown Center and a Giant Rocking Horse at Metropolis. Deer Lake Rotary is a living example of the importance and reward of keeping in touch with alumni and has as a member a former exchange student, Aileen, who not only became a Rotarian, but is their incoming secretary for 2008/09.

it will continue to support and heal all those who spend time there.

Burnaby Metrotown Rotary – 27 members. Under the leadership of President Gloria Tom Wing Straudt, the Rotary Club of Burnaby Metrotown is ‘committed to growth and future viability, and to engage in a new era of vitality by ensuring their sustainability as an outstanding service club in the Burnaby community’.

Some of their many projects include Coats for Kids, Coinspiracy, Community Graffiti Eradication, Maywood School literacy project, support for the Salvation Army Camp, a South African Literacy project, and the Burnaby Lake Look-out Project (jointly with other Burnaby clubs).

Their fundraisers include a ‘Wine, Food and Music Festival’ (June 14, 2008, 7-10 pm) held at Metropolis on Central Boulevard in Burnaby, a hockey pool, and a community garage sale. Metrotown Rotary recently updated their strategic plan and places a high degree of importance on youth programs that includes supporting RYLA (3 levels), a Rotaract Club, the chartering of an Interact Club, and continued involvement in the Adventures in Citizenship, Industry, and Tourism programs.

Burnaby & Burnaby Metrotown Rotary

Both clubs partnered with other clubs in sponsoring the Fire Trucks to El Salvador project

New Westminster Rotary – 61 members. Under the leadership of President Duncan Renyard, New Westminster Rotary Club has grown by 10 members so far this year. New Westminster Rotary celebrated its 80^th anniversary in March of this year. Some of the many projects undertaken include the continued support of Rotary Towers Senior Hi-rise residence, participation in youth exchange, R.Y.L.A. “Youth Leadership” awards, Adventure in Citizenship, bursaries and scholarships, Zimbabwe Hearing Project, the Rotary World Help Network, and several World Community Service Projects.

One of their notable community projects is the development of the Moody Park Plaza that will not only enhance and beautify Moody Park, but also be home to a heritage clock that the Rotary Club donated to the city. The plaza will be named the Rotary Moody Park Plaza and will be enjoyed by both the community and visitors alike.

New West-Royal City Rotary – 45 members. President Gillian Meyers is quick to advise anyone who visits or does make-ups at this club that Royal City Rotary was awarded the first Outstanding Club of the Year recognition by the District. The ‘Outstanding Club’ banner is proudly displayed along with other awards and recognitions for outstanding bulletin and Presidential Citations.

The New Westminster Royal City Rotary Club supports a long list of projects including a literacy project at New Westminster Family Place, support for Monarch House, a local transition house for women, provision of funding for the hot lunch program at the New Westminster Secondary School, development of the Paul Harris View Court on the Cross-town Greenway, funding of a van for the New Westminster Police Department’s Victim Assistance Program, support for the Netza School project in Mexico, RYLA, youth exchange, Rotaract, Interact, and a water project in the Dominican Republic to name a few. In addition, the GSE team headed by Royal City member Nancy Nikolai was off to Tanzania, Africa on April 15^th, 2008.

Some of the fundraisers that fund the community and international initiatives include the Heart-of-the-matter (gala dinner and auctions), Fraserfest parking and raffle, Pot of Gold golf tournament, and the Spring Fling dance.

Speaking from the perspective of Assistant Governor, it has been a pleasurable experience to interact with the clubs of the Burnaby/New Westminster area. It is gratifying to witness the level of growth, both in terms of membership and in the interest of serving the community at home and abroad. It is encouraging to see the clubs embrace the Rotary Leadership Institute by encouraging their members and future leaders to participate in the leadership training available through this and other training opportunities at the District level.

- John Vokes, Assistant Governor, Burnaby/New Westminster

News for RI-CAS and RI-DAS Users!!!

What Changed?

On 1 July 2008, Rotary International will discontinue providing to clubs and districts the administrative software, RI-CAS and RI-DAS. This software was available as a free download to clubs and districts from Rotary’s Web site and for purchase from the Rotary store. Initially, it was offered in order to provide Rotary clubs and districts with an effective administrative tool that would eventually integrate with RI's online business services, Member Access .

Why did RI make this change?

There are many reasons we are making this change:

Extremely small numbers of clubs and districts actually used the software.
Even fewer clubs and districts used an online version (which will no longer be available after 1 September 2008)
Cost-effective use of your membership dues – the support and new development costs to the organization far outweigh the usage.
Clubs and districts that want to continue using the standalone administrative software can still do so

Questions?

Contact your Club and District Support representative to get your questions answered

Calling all mentors . . . . Are you mentoring or are you mentored by a Rotarian? The editors of The Rotarian magazine want to talk to you about how the relationship is helping you professionally and personally. We are looking for Rotarians worldwide with great stories to tell about business and professional mentoring. E-mail us at rotarian@rotary.org.

RI launched a mini Website

The general public is invited to help eradicate polio by contributing to Rotary's US$100 Million Challenge through a new "mini" Web site, www.rotary.org/endpolio. Launched on 4 April, the three-page site urges people "to become part of history by donating to the global effort to wipe out the crippling disease polio." It also explains the Gates Foundation challenge grant, describes funding needs, and provides an overview of the Global Polio Eradication Initiative.

Rotary will market the site throughout North America and encourages club members to spread the word among friends and colleagues. Help promote it through Web sites, blogs, or newsletters, and contact pr@rotary.org with any questions.

Rotary Peace Summit was a Life Changing

10 Youths from BC led by Ladner Rotarian Melissa Granum went to the Rotary World Peace Summit in Windsor. Share some of their excitement . . .

“To say that this summit changed the lives of our group is an understatement...it has taught them that the power of one can change the world." - Melissa Granum, Ladner Rotarian

“Hi Dean, I just wanted to take the time to thank you for putting it forward to the rotary clubs. The Youth day and Peace Summit were amazing even the word amazing can not do any justice. I had a life changing experience. There are so many projects that I am going to do it is hard to put them in any order. Jennifer Jones and her team did an outstanding job planning the events. I was also able to make friendships that will last a life time! Melissa did a great job, she was not viewed as a chaperon but rather she was a friend, what I hold with the utmost respect. ”.— Mark Stephens, President PG Rotaract club

“The event was an eye opener to all of the things that are going on in the world today. It was also really helpful to hear how we can help out in our own community. I hope to take what I learned and use it in the future." – Samantha Davie, South Delta Secondary

“The conference was an amazing opportunity to meet and share opinions with youth from around the globe. It was so nice to see that people my age cared about issues that affect everyone" - Kelsey Leung, Southpointe Academy

Welcome D9200 GSE Team !!!

Snapshots from their club visits in Northshore, Metrotown, Sechelt and Tsawwassan Come and meet the team at the District Conference May 16 - 18, 2008.

D5040 GSE Team having a Remarkable Journey in E. Africa

April 27 Journal . . . And each day, each experience brings more wonder and amazement of this land...One of the highlights of our trip thus far - and of course there are many - was the visit to a school for the Deaf, Dumb and Blind. the Team was interviewed by Channel Ten here in DSM - by the "Larry King" of TV in Tanzania.

April 29 Journal . . . Our spice tour yesterday was amazing - for several hours we walked and saw, tasted and smelled all types of plants - cardamom, ginger, cinnamon, nutmeg… We also saw monkeys, and lizards and - of course - plenty of mosquitoes. It was a special special experience.

May 4 Journal . . . Erin has been asked to give a 1/2 hr dance instruction class to the spouses - at the conference - to Beach Boy Music. That ought to be fun….Rotary has a HUGE presence wherever we go - and do amazing work. Real life changing stuff! The Rotarians here deserve our support - and use the funding in the most effective ways.

Rotary Fellowships & Rotarian Action Group

PLAN Ahead

Attention all Presidents-Elect! It’s never too late to plan for next year. Have you included a club Rotary Fellowships Chair in your club’s committee structure? Remember that Fellowship was the initial objective of the founders of Rotary.

Rotary Fellowships enable Rotarians to make friends with other Rotarians who share a common vocation, hobby or recreational interest. Rotarian Action Groups conduct international projects in a particular area of service that enhances the Object of Rotary.

Both of these programs provide opportunities for your club members to expand their global horizons. Explore interests and activities outside of your club and experience the international fellowship and service activities of Rotary.

Already a member? Let’s hear about your experiences and adventures with Rotary Fellowships and Rotarian Action Groups. Please submit articles for publication to:

PDG Dave Kirk (email: dbkirk@telus.net)

District 5040 Fellowships Chair. Member, International Travel and Hosting Fellowship

1,000 people advertising for Rotary

The Rotary Club of Waynesville, North Carolina, USA, decided to "go green" on Earth Day, 22 April, by providing 1,000 reusable bags to local grocery store shoppers. To make the project a media success, the club's publicity chair contacted three area newspapers and one television station about 10 days before the event. The day of the project, two of the three newspapers covered the story, and the club was briefly featured on the local evening news. The TV station is planning to expand on the story this month, when it will highlight local environmental efforts. Learn more about the club's reusable bag project, and read the article from the Asheville Citizen-Times—RI PR Tips

D5040 is Growing !!!

D5040 membership has grown from 1,711 on July 1st 2007 to 1,801 on May 1st 2008. Thank you to all the clubs for their hard work in making this happen. - DG Dean

Some recent additions:

Vancouver Chinatown

Geoff Taillefer sponsored by Rotarian Tom Fung (Top left)

Burnaby DeerLake

Marguerite Kohnke (Bottom left)

Fred van Hunenstijn ( Top right)

Sonia Poldrugo (Bottom right

Looking for a handy resource to assist with your new member orientation program? Check out the RI new member video. The video describes how Rotarians can make a difference in their community and around the world, and outlines the Four Avenues of Service.

D5040 lost some great Rotarians

Jack J. Hutchins passed away on April 8, 2008 at the age of 81. He was a long time member of the Rotary Club of Burnaby and PP (1971-1972) of the Richmond Club. He was active and very interested in club activities. Each year he served on the Adventures in Citizenship board.

Jack was an avid sportsman. He represented Canada in two British Empire Games, two Olympics (London and Helsinki 1948 and 1952 respectively), was twice named Canadian Athlete of the Year and a two-time All-American. His specialty was the 880. Running was a passion throughout his lifetime and in 2007 he won the Vancouver Sun Run for his age category.

Delbert Laverdure fought a courageous battle with cancer and passed away peacefully on April 9, 2008.

Del lived his life to the fullest, sharing his love for life with friends, family and the community. He was the past president of the Rotary Club of Prince George Yellowhead, Spirit of the North Healthcare Foundation and an avid member of Gyro and the Prince George Golf and Curling Club. Del was a strong supporter of the community.

Recently, his love for poker led him to the World Series of Poker two years in a row and his dream car, a 2006 Ford Mustang (aka "The 'Stang"), earned a special place in his heart.

Valerie Stephenson of the Rotary Club of West Vancouver Sunrise passed away with grace on April 9, 2008. Val was committed to the Community and involved with many North Shore organizations. She embraced life and faced every challenge head on.

MLA Joan McIntyre complimented Val “I'd also like to make special mention of Val Stephenson, who has undergone surgery recently, and credit her for both the successful Spring Fling as well as her ongoing commitment as the community service director. In her duties she also ensures that the senior shut-ins of West Van have Christmas lunch every year. She personifies the term "volunteer."

Club News Flash

Ladner

On April 5, 2008, more than 165 guests celebrated the 50^th Anniversary of the Rotary Club of Ladner with a Fantastic Gala Dinner. Twenty-one Past Presidents of the club were proudly present! An incredible turn out! Their Charter President Dick Ferguson was there with his lovely wife, Eileen. Dick is a young eighty-nine. He and Eileen had just recently celebrated their 65^th anniversary. The three clubs sponsored by Lader - Tsawwassen, North Delta and Vancouver Centennial - helped created a warm celebratory mood. Together, they brought about 60 guests. The Richmond clubs were also well represented. Visit their website for more highlights.

Pictures L to R: Charter President Dick and Eileen Ferguson and current president Chu and Ruby Wu.

North Vancouver Lions Gate

The club celebrated in style at “The Beat Goes on Dinner/Dance” and raised an additional $5,600 for the Youth Safe house.

Squamish

The club donated over $16,000 to four local community groups including, the Drop In Centre, Archery, Breakfast Program, and Stawamus Elementary Playground. The local Rotary club thanks the community for their support of Rotary programs and initiatives to make this giving possible.

Gibsons

Gibsons Interactor Kyle Eckart went to Rotary Adventure in Citizenship in Ottawa April 26 - May 1, 2008. The program is in it’s 58th consecutive year, it is designed to develop Canadian students 16-19 years of age their potential as leaders in their communities and in Canadian society.

New Westminster

Harm Woldring presented $5,000 to Laurie Stewart, representing the New Westminster Minor Lacrosse Association. President Duncan Renyard is at the podium. (Picture L to R: Harm, Laurrie and Duncan)

Vancouver

This is their 3^rd year in awarding 2 x $7,000 awards to grade 10 students at Gladstone Secondary School. The funding comes from the Vancouver Rotary Foundation in a partnership with the Vancouver School Board.

The students have available to them $1,000 during their high school years and $1,500 per year for post secondary education to a maximum of 4 years.

The main idea of the program is to provide a longer term financial support to students of aptitude, but who are under financial stress. In many cases the financial stress can be a significant factor in students abandoning their studies and not going on to post secondary education.

The program is intended to be more than just a financial award, in addition to the financial support the program is intended to have a couple of Rotarians assigned to the students to monitor their progress in their studies and be available for discussion with the students about their future plans.

The award recipients from 2006 and 2007 went to the Rotary lunch on April 15^th. The students that will be attending post secondary education next year made a short presentation to the club of their backgrounds and their goals. It was obvious that the club membership whole heartedly supported the students and were moved by the “Thank You’s” expressed by the students.

Prince George Nechako

Operation Dictionary - Using a matching District Simplified Grant the club delivered over 500 dictionaries to the grade 4 to 7 students at five Prince George Elementary Schools. The librarian at Van Bien School reported that a 3rd grade student checked out a dictionary and said he could not wait until he got into grade 4 so that he could receive his own dictionary.

MLA Shirley Bond thanks the club for contributing to literacy in PG schools, keep up the good work.

Joint effort of the Northshore Rotary Clubs beautify the Rotary Circle in the north end of Lions Gate Bridge, a project initiated by Al Hasley of West Vancouver.

Richmond

The April 20th Tribute to Seniors Gala has raised $350,000.00! Two major donors each donated $100,000 and another donor donated $50,000.

Over 300 guests were in attendance as tribute was paid to recognize the significant contributions and sacrifices made by our seniors. President Peter Raju was thrilled and appreciative with the community’s support. The $350,000 will be used to upgrade facilities at the Lions Manor, the Rosewood Manor and the Rotary Salvation Army Hospice House.

Special tribute was made to Milan and Maureen Ilich (major donor) for their support to many of the community’s fundraising projects. Five Paul Harris Fellows were presented to Richmond residences for their community minded spirit.

Special cheque presentation was made to the Rotary Foundation. $10,000 from Richmond club and $5,000 from Richmond Sunset Club. Photos and more

MLA John Yap praised Richmond Club in the legislature. Read Office Release

West Vancouver Sunrise

The club raised approximately $12,000 from their Spring Fling event, $7,000 was donated to the Lions Gate Hospice Foundation; the remainder will be used for other Rotary projects.

MLA Joan McIntyre applauded the West Vancouver Sunrise club at the March 13 Debates of the Legislative Assembly. “Today I'd like to salute the Rotary Club, West Vancouver Sunrise. The Sunrise club has served the North Shore and the international community since 1989 with their terrific hands-on work and fundraising initiatives… The Sunrise club really shone recently with their hard work and commitment in assisting to reopen the North Shore Safe House… The Rotary Club of West Vancouver Sunrise has raised the bar in community standards and certainly lives up to the Rotary motto of "Service above self." Read official report from the Assembly.

Vancouver

The club donated $2,000 to Universal Outreach Foundation to install a clean water well in Royesville, Liberia, about 45 kilometres from the capital, Monrovia. The project was completed in March 2008, it will provide clean water for the schools and the community. UOF will be opening two elementary schools in September, 2008, a high school in 2009 and a boarding school in 2010.

Universal Outreach Foundation, started by Kent Bubbs and family in Vancouver, is building schools in Liberia, a coastal west African country, which has stabilized after 13 years of civil war, providing the chance to rebuild.

The towers at the back are for 3 tanks sitting 40 feet in the air. The other pictures are rebuilding war torn schools.

Instruction for Dummies how to set up Interact Club

Interact Clubs can be school based or community based. School based are better because you have a annual supply of new members.

Identify a teacher who will agree to be the School Interact Advisor. If Rotarians and siblings in the school who want to start an Interact Club they can some times help to identify the teacher.
Advertise an Interact interest meeting in the school.
At the interest meeting, Talk about the Interact, Rotaract and Rotary Family. Talk about Rotary Youth programs. Talk about International and Community projects, Talk about personal development, leadership development, learning communications skills, learning about project management, Talk about the personal fulfillment of helping others less fortunate. At the end of the meeting ask those who are interested to fill our an Interact Club Membership Form.
Invite all those who have applied to join the Interact Club to a second meeting in say 1 week. At this meeting elect the officers for the Interact club and complete the Interact Club Organization List. This lists needs to be signed by the President of the sponsoring Rotary Club and District Govern and faxed to Rotary International. Within one month the Interact Club will receive its Charter Certificate.
Resources: Interact Handbook, Interact Membership application form, and Interact Club Organization List.
The Interact Club handbook has generic Interact Club Constitution and By Laws. which should be completed and kept by the club secretary.
Order for the Interact Club a club banner, gavel and gong, officers and membership pins including the Interact Advisors pin for the School Interact Advisor.
Organize an Induction Ceremony for the Chartered members and Officers of the Club. This can be at the school at lunch time or at a club meeting or in a restaurant.
The sponsoring Rotary Club should budget about $1,000 for the club items and the induction ceremony.
Invite the Interactors families to the Induction ceremony.
Interact Clubs can not be merged with an existing service clubs in the school. Interact Clubs have to be stand alone clubs.
If there is an existing service club in the school explain that by changing to an Interact Club you can do all the service club was doing plus more.

The Rotary Interact Advisor should attend all Interact Club meetings. It is important that there is Rotary Content at meetings.

Yours sincerely

Chris Loat, Interact Chair

Rotary Youth Exchange Student loves Canada

Rotary Exchange student Claire Puttemans is having so much fun in Williams Lake that she is keeping a journal so that she can remember every one of her adventures.

Claire says. “I love it here. I don’t want to leave. I enjoy every single minute of my time here. I love all the people I meet here and I love Canada.”

Last August Claire moved from her home in Brussels, Belgium, a city of one million people, to Williams Lake with its population of about 20,000 including the rural fringe.

She finds the school system in Brussels quite different from the B.C. system. In Belgium she says schools also have very high academic expectations of students and concentrate on achievement in core subjects such as math, English, French, history, Latin and science. She says schools here also have far more computers than schools in Belgium.

In Brussels, Claire is a Ranger and a Brownie leader with 40 children in her unit. She says Guides in Belgium includes both boys and girls as well as disabled children. The program is mostly run by the students and is supported by parents. Participants don’t sell cookies or participate in other fundraising activities as they do here.

Claire will be attending the upcoming District Conference.

- Excerpt from Williams Lake Tribune

Burnaby Rotaractors in Action

On Sunday, April 27, Burnaby Rotaractors joined the Burnaby Deer Lake Rotary, Eagle Creek Streamkeepers and Croatian Fish and Game Pub to clean up Eagle Creek.