This close to the end........

I hope you had a tremendous week!  The Georgia District Governors have been busy with some special information requests from Rotary International this week. One of those requests was about Polio Survivors.  I had the privilege to talk to one of our own this week about her Polio story.  I didn't realize our district had so many Polio survivors.  When I sent out the email I thought we may have a few names that I would be able to submit to Rotary International, but there were so many more.  I had the honor of speaking to one of those this week.  As a members in our clubs it it is important that we continue to fight against this horrible crippling disease!  It is only a plane ride away and it only take ONE case to impact so many others.  Please take a moment to read Virginia's story.
 

My polio survivor/polio victim, as the public calls us, story begins in Rome, GA in 1945.  I became ill as a 2 year old, so my parents got medical help for me. The doctors determined that I had polio from my neck down. I was taken to Grady Hospital, Atlanta, GA, where I was quarantined in a room by myself and in a bed with high sides. I missed my parents and sisters. The door of the room had a small window in it so that the nurses could see me, and I could see them check on me. My beautiful, loving, kind, educated mother and my handsome, educated, hard working, Lt. Commander in the Navy during World War II, loving father and twin sisters, a year younger than I, were all quarantined in Rome, GA. The Floyd County Health Department man came every day to verify that none of the family left the home for the two-week, quarantine period. My aunt would come to the screen door of our home, bring food, and sit on the porch to talk with the family.

After Grady Hospital, I went home with a brace on my right leg, from hip to ankle, in a high-top, brace shoe, and at night, I had a different leg brace with a high-top, tennis brace shoe. Around my waist, the doctors prescribed a long elastic brace. My next years were spent wearing the braces. Emory University Hospital was my next experience. A team of male doctors watched as I walked across the room without the braces to observe my condition. I went to Emory periodically for observation until 1953. At this time, I was sent to the sanitarium at Warm Springs Foundation, Warm Springs, GA for operations on my right leg, the main effect of this disease on me. The Foundation was founded by President Franklin D. Roosevelt to help children/people with polio. Again, I was taken away from my loving family and friends to go to a Girls' Ward at Warm Springs with 12 girls severely crippled by this childhood disease. The girl next to me had braces from her neck down her body. I had a normal, loving, settled home life in Rome, GA. My father, especially, did not recognize my illness, as he did not want his oldest child to be weak of character. Warm Springs taught me so much about life, mainly the value of health.

This time in my life is unforgettable and riveting, as I look back on this time. I learned to invent happiness. Since I was somewhat mobile with a cast on my right leg, I told the nurses that I could help put the thermometers in the girls' mouths and put them on their bedpans. Thus, I became known as "Little Sunshine". I feel that you can choose to be miserable or you can choose to be happy, daily as you live in the unknown. After the first operation,I was allowed to go home for a short time to be with family and friends. When I returned to Warm Springs for my second operation at 10 years old, many changes shaped my next experience. The nurses placed me in what I felt was a big baby bed with high sides. Learning to adjust to the unknown again as a child has strengthened my character as an adult. This trip at Warm Springs, I learned to walk again. My ankle and leg were straightened, and I could wear normal shoes. The iron lungs, old fashioned wheelchairs, crutches, whole-body casts, etc. shall forever be embedded in my heart and mind as I count my many blessings to be a Polio Survivor in the great United States of America, where medical help is prized.

It was terrifying experience that has helped me understand many challenges that people have daily. Good daily habits have helped me be a strong Rotarian, today. Thank you Rotary for all that you do to eradicate POLIO worldwide. You change many lives as you help a polio survivor. Please do not quit this incredible program.

Thank you Virginia!  As a Rotarian I'm so extremely proud of the legacy Rotary will leave in our fight against Polio. We will rid the world of this crippling disease because we do not want to see anyone go through what so many in our district and around the world have experienced with Polio.  The Gates Foundation is still matching every dollar that is contributed with two dollars!  What a great way to honor those in our district by contributing something toward Polio Plus.  It is not too late to register for Atlanta either!  Bill Gates will be addressing Rotarians in Atlanta!  

What is your legacy?  Are you part of the fight against Polio?  We can't forget those that are survivors!  We can't forget those lives that have been changed because they were vaccinated against Polio because we are THIS CLOSE to the end!  For more information on Rotary and Polio visit the web page.  www.endpolio.org  Please take a few minutes to hear from President John Germ and what Polio means to him. This was from my time in San Diego last January with 528 of my classmates from around the world.   http://video.rotary.org/RGk8n/closing-remarks-john-germ/   What is your Legacy as a Rotarian?

Thank you for all that you do! 
Pam
2016-17 District Governor

Rotary District 6920 Newsletter - May 2017 All Star Tidbits Pam Lightsey, District Governor      Only 37 more days before we host Rotarians from around the world in our state. You can still register!  If you are not going but would like to still be part by having your business listed as a sponsor, please let me know. Sponsorships are still available from $200-$1000. The district will have a hospitality suite and be part of welcoming those Rotarians from around the world.             I’m excited to announce we have a new 100% Paul Harris Fellow Club banner, the Rotary Club of Ocilla!  Thank you Rotarians of Ocilla! Their average of giving per Rotarian this year came to $256 per capita!  WAY to go and what a year to contribute. There are a few more clubs that are very close to reaching that goal. Please contact Herschel Scott, Ted Thompson or myself if you are interested in making history this year!  We have almost two months to make it happen.      Are you still thinking about what your Legacy will be? You still have time to submit your paperwork to become a Major Donor or a Bequest Society member. There is still room at the Georgia Aquarium to be part of history! The Centennial Million Dollar Dinner will be held June 9, 2017!  And President John Germ and First Lady Judy Germ will join us for a black tie event. You will join others from District 6910 and 6900.  What is an Arch Klumph Society Member?  It is a contribution to the Rotary Foundation of $250,000 or more that has generated a tax receipt. We will be joined by the newest Arch Klumph Society member in our state. There are several new Bequest Society members and Major Donors from all three districts who will enjoy a private party with RI President Germ for their commitment during this 100th Anniversary. Please let me know if you are still interested in making history and being part of those in Georgia sharing with the world that we are supporters of the Rotary Foundation.      Don’t forget to get the final reports for district grants turned in.  Make sure that the report, receipts and photos are included in your report. I’m going to be putting together a presentation of those photos submitted with the projects to share with the district as part of the year-end report.  District Governor Elect Hamsa would like to distribute his money once his year begins, but we will need to complete this year.  So please get it in now if you have completed it. Thank you so much for your help with this deadline.      WOW!  What an amazing year filled with so many great memories.  It was supposed to be shown at District Conference, but here it is. https://youtu.be/uUJCFCeQnHY       May is Youth Month!!  A time for us to focus on changing lives of young people in our communities.  A time to focus on our Interact and Rotaract Clubs in our areas as many of them are finishing up their school year.  Don’t forget they still can sign up for Atlanta as well.       We are very close to our goals in giving and membership.  Let’s have one more push before June 1 on making a legacy gift to the Foundation and bring a friend to Rotary that you submit their name for membership!  We can finish this year strong!  Thank you for all you are doing!  What an honor to serve as your District Governor.  Make sure to look at your June issue of The Rotarian magazine.  You may see someone in there you know! Service Above Self, Pam 2016-17 District Governor      Congratulations to the Rotary Club of Ocilla for becoming the newest 100% Paul Harris Fellow Club. Convention Voting Credential Certificates      Certificates were emailed to each current club president, secretary, executive secretary, and club email address, if known. Please note that there will be no duplicates issued. Instead, club officers can issue a letter to their delegates attending the Convention in Atlanta. The letter should include the delegate's name, the membership total as of 1 January 2017, and signatures from the club officers. This letter will be accepted at the Voting Delegate's Booth onsite at the Convention.   Volunteers Still Needed in Atlanta       We are still in need of volunteers in Atlanta.  If you are registered and would like volunteer, please register now at the following link: https://projection.typeform.com/to/SK4qIJ      You don’t want to miss this opportunity to be surrounded by 40,000 of your closest like-minded friends!  Rotarians from around the world will be here soon! Area of Focus: Youth Service Month       Many districts are participants in Rotary’s youth and young adult programs such as Interact, Rotaract, Rotary Youth Leadership Awards (RYLA), and Rotary Youth Exchange. Youth service recognizes the positive change implemented by youth and young adults through leadership development activities, involvement in community and international service projects, and exchange programs that enrich and foster world peace and cultural understanding. The RI Strategic Plan encourages clubs to balance their activities in all five Avenues of Service, and regarding the New Generations Avenue of Service, it acknowledges the exceptional work that Rotarians do to support youth programs. The Rotary Foundation is the Best Steward for Your Money        In 2016, The Rotary Foundation received the highest possible score from Charity Navigator – 100 of 100 points – for its strong financial health and commitment to accountability and transparency. It was the ninth straight year the Foundation earned a four-star rating from the independent evaluator of charities across the U.S., a distinction only 1 percent of charities have attained. The Association of Fundraising Professionals likewise named the Foundation the World’s Outstanding Foundation for 2016, an award previously given to other familiar names such as Kellogg and MacArthur. These organizations agree: When you donate to The Rotary Foundation, you’re investing wisely. We followed your money from start to finish to discover how the Foundation ensures that your gift makes an impact for years to come. Directing your donation      There’s a reason Rotarians donate to The Rotary Foundation: It’s a simple way to achieve your philanthropic goals – whether it’s supporting clean water, the eradication of polio, or a particular global grant.       Any gift can be donated to a specific fund – End Polio Now, an individual global grant, or one of Rotary’s areas of focus. Illustrations by Gwen Kereval      “Even the smallest of gifts can be donated to a specific fund – a global grant, polio, or an area of focus within the World Fund,” says April Jensen, a member of the Rotary Club of Evanston, Illinois, USA, who works in fund development for the Foundation. You can also leave your gift unrestricted so that the Foundation has the flexibility to use the money where it is needed most.      Do you ever wish you could set up a scholarship or your own family’s foundation but don’t want the headache of administering it? Let The Rotary Foundation handle it. When you make a gift over $25,000, you will receive personalized reports detailing the projects you are supporting. You can make your gift in the way that suits your financial situation best – such as cash, stocks, or bequests. Investing your money      In 2015-16, 91 percent of the money the Foundation spent went to programs and grants, with only 9 percent of expenses going toward administration. How does the Foundation make sure that the bulk of your donation supports the sustainable programs you want it to?      “To ensure that the funds for the project are there when needed,” says past Rotary International President Ron D. Burton, chair of the Foundation’s Investment Committee, “all contributions to the Foundation’s Annual Fund are invested for three years.”       After three years, the investment earnings on your gift go toward the operating expenses of the Foundation.      The Investment Committee includes three Foundation trustees and six Rotarians who are professionals in the field, who make sure that your money is invested responsibly during this period. When the three years is up, the investment earnings on your gift go toward the operating expenses of the Foundation.      “I don’t know of any other organization like ours that has a system like this,” Jensen says. “It’s brilliant.” Your principal is split 50/50, with half going to your District Designated Fund and half going into the World Fund, a pool that the Trustees of The Rotary Foundation use to match grants where they are most needed. Awarding grants      When the Foundation awards a grant to fund a project, how does it ensure that your money will have lasting impact?      “Sustainability begins with the community assessment,” explains Philip J. Silvers, a past RI director and chair of the Foundation’s Cadre of Technical Advisers. Six elements of sustainability must be addressed in the design of a global grant project:             Start with the community            Encourage local ownership            Provide training            Buy local            Find local funding            Measure your success Learn about 20 noteworthy grants Read tips for strong projects      Before Rotarians design projects, they talk to people in the community – fathers, mothers, children, elders, political leaders – to understand the broader context behind what the community needs.      “Then whatever project emerges, the community can see their fingerprints on it,” he says. “It’s not buy-in you want. We all know about buyer’s remorse. What we really want is community ownership right from the beginning.”      Six elements of sustainability must be addressed in the design of a global grant project: start with the community, encourage local ownership, provide training, buy local, find local funding, and measure your success.      These ensure that the project provides long-term solutions that the community itself can support after the grant ends.      Project sponsors don’t have to figure out all this on their own. The Rotary Foundation provides staff to help with your project design – grant officers are knowledgeable about regional and cultural issues, and area of focus managers have significant field experience in their specialties.      By connecting clubs with local and regional experts for guidance on developing sustainable, large-scale global grants early in the planning process, Rotary is committed to funding projects with lasting impact in communities.      Your district’s international service chair, a Rotarian appointed by your district governor, can help you connect with a network of local Rotarian experts – such as members of Rotarian Action Groups, Rotaractors, and peace fellows and other alumni – who have volunteered to help with projects and global grant planning. Check Out Rotary’s Latest Webinars!      Do you or members in your district want to learn more about Rotary’s online tools? Visit the webinars page on My Rotary to sign up for upcoming webinars or watch recordings of past ones. Topics include My Rotary, Discussion Groups, Rotary Ideas, Grant Center, and more!  https://my.rotary.org/en/learning-reference/webinars/on-demand CLUB NEWS Centerville Rotary Club     Centerville Rotary members Bob Griggers and Jack Steed recognize Maj. Alan Everidge of the Houston County Sheriff’s Office as a Paul Harris Fellow. Joining Everidge are his wife, Felicia, and his daughter, Conner. (Photo by Alline Kent of The Sun News.) COLLEGE OF COASTAL GEORGIA ROTARACT CLUB      College of Coastal Georgia (CCGA) Rotaract Club was recently named Club of the Year for 2016/2017 at the Student Affairs leadership awards on April 24th. There are over 50 clubs and organizations here at CCGA and Rotaract came out on top! Rotaract was one of 7 clubs nominated by students, faculty and staff to be considered for the award. Two of the nominated clubs are much larger and major specific (Biology Club, Coastal Educators) and Rotaract proves that a small, dedicated group of students can do great things!      In addition, Oni McCoy, Rotaract’s outgoing President, was named the recipient of the “Mariner’s Pride” award for her school spirit and engagement on campus. 7 students were nominated for this award, including fellow Rotaractor Danielle Perry.      And last but not least, Brianna Dozier, Rotaract VP and top recipient (for the 2nd year in a row) of the Rotaract Scholarship provided by the Brunswick Rotary Club was honored with the “Outstanding Service Award”, bestowed upon one CCGA student who goes above and beyond in community service. Camden County Rotary Club Rotary Club of Camden County President Bert Guy is pictured with the club's latest Paul Harris awardees. They are Jedon Lilliston (+2), Louise Mancill (+1), Blair Strain (+2) and John Holman (+2). McIntosh Rotary Club      Rotary Club of McIntosh sponsored their yearly event of recognizing the STAR Student and STAR Teacher.  This event was established by the Professional Association of Georgia Educators (PAGE) to recognize graduating high school seniors with the "highest score on a single test date on the three-part SAT and be in the top 10 percent of their class."  Congratulations to STAR Student-Skylar Caldwell and her selected STAR Teacher-Lance Rosenbaum of McIntosh County Academy!  Thank you Rotary Club and the Ladies of the First Presbyterian Church! Rotary Club of Milledgeville In February, The Rotary Club of Milledgeville was proud to have hosted Past District 6920 Governor (2012-2013) Bob Griggers to present the weekly program. Bob regaled the club, on the historic 112th anniversary of the founding of Rotary, with Rotary history and trivia. Bob focused on charitable giving, a history of women in Rotary and the importance of the Rotary Foundation to the mission of Rotary. Bob is pictured here with his wife Brenda and Past Milledgeville Rotary President Brad Oliver. Waycross Rotary Club          Presenter Wilton De Loach, Public Works Director (left) with sponsor Dana Chancey, Waycross Rotary Club member, spoke about Satilla Riverkeeper, an organization he personally suports that is dedicated to ensuring adequate water quality and quantity for all recreational, economic and ecological uses throughout the watershed. He explained the history of this non-profit group since the year 2000 that officially formed in 2003. They conduct about six river cleanups each year. Water is tested on an on-going basis. They also work cooperatively with local industry to help the river be environmentally friendly.       To learn more and how you can support this organization you can find it on Facebook or call 912-510-9500. Skidaway Rotary Club      For the third consecutive year, green replaced red as the color of choice for Valentine’s Day on Skidaway Island.  On February 14 and 15, the Rotary Club of Skidaway Island (GA) held its major fundraiser called ‘Love Is In The Air.’  By popular demand, the fundraiser again featured the hallmark talents and energies of The Savannah Theatre ensemble.  The event was held in the Plantation Club ballroom at The Landings on Skidaway Island and was catered by The Landings Club.  Over 340 attendees enjoyed the cuisine of the Mediterranean followed by The Savannah Theatre ensemble showcased in a song / dance / skits supperclub atmosphere.      During the two evenings, over $15,000 was raised.  The major beneficiary is the Savannah Early Childhood Foundation (SECF), established in 2011 as a first-of-its-kind organization working to stitch together community resources to ensure that all Savannah children are ready for school.  SECF combines public and private resources to help parents create high quality learning environments for their children starting at birth through age five.     Below, Tom Macek (center), Immediate Past President of the Skidaway Island Rotary Club, ‘volunteered’ to sing a rousing rendition of “Elvira” on stage with the ‘Oak Ridge Boys.’     Perry Rotary Club       On Saturday February 25, 2017, the Perry Rotary Club teamed up with Boy Scout Troup 96 and the local Interact Club for our annual spring cleanup at Rotary Centennial Park in Perry, Georgia.  We had over 40 volunteers throughout the day and a great deal was accomplished.  In addition to the normal mowing and pruning, we were able to restore the beautiful rain garden and plant over 40 new trees and shrubs.  The park is in great shape and will be a wonderful place to spend spring and summer days. 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