R o t a r y D i s t r i c t 5 4 9 0—H o m e o f t h e G r a n d C a n y o n Jun e, 2013

Inside this issue:

DG Message 2-3

2nd Century Award 3

Champion of Change &

Sedona Red Rocks Golf

4

Meritorious Service &

Microcredit

5

Microcredit Photos 6

Mohave HS Interact &

Rollin Rotarian

7

District Conference

Photo Collage

8-9

Peace Through Service

Chuck Denney Receives RI Service Above Self Award Rotarian Chuck Denney (E Club of Arizona) received Rotary’s highest award, the Ser-

vice Above Self Award, presented by Past RI President Cliff Docterman. That is a great honor. Congratulations Chuck!

Only 150 of these are ever given by RI in any year. There is never more than one in any of the 530 districts worldwide. It is thus a very prestigious award. The application is submitted in September and the district notified later in the year. Chuck’s nomination re-lated his many years in Rotary starting in 1966 but the salient part, the part that certainly swayed the judges was his personal dedication to a f riend stricken by polio at a young age and who later died of complications brought on by the same disease decades later. You may know the story but it’s worth repeating: Chuck visited each and every club in our district; solicited support f rom key Rotary leaders in preparing and then obtaining a matching grant which resulted in 1,200 wheelchairs delivered to those in need in Puebla, MX. Thirty -one Rotarians went on that trip of which for 20 it was their f irst international experience. “1,200 received the gift of mobility while 20 others have a new-found passion for TRF:Chuck’s wheelchair efforts are still but one of a lifetime of Rotarian and Community Service;

a lifetime of shared concerns and direct actions to help those less fortunate.” We thank you Chuck for your years of service to Rotary and also for pointing the way for the rest of us. That is Peace Through Service. Congratulations Chuck!

Full House at District

Conference 10

As Rotary Year 2012-13 winds down it is time to thank you and extend kudos to so many for a job well done.

We tried very hard to make a difference in our communities and indeed the world. We did.

The US-Mexico Fellowship Conference resulted in more active grants completed than we have seen in quite some time. Those grants reached as far south as Argentina and into our own state. Relationships were established, cooperation and collaboration begun on great ideas. Well done.

A new club was started; the E Club of Arizona with 24 new members; several clubs redef ined themselves (Surprise, Needles and Quartzite) and increased membership.

We continued a visioning initiative started by PDG Jim Green to bring order to the chaos we know as Rotary Clubs. Interested clubs, about 8 this past year, sought to create a vision for their club, to plan and then begin the implementation process. Like the old story of Alice and the Cheshire cat, “One day Alice came to a fork in the road and saw a Cheshire cat in a tree. Which road do I take? she asked. Where do you want to go? Was his response. I don't know, Alice answered. Then, said the cat, it doesn't matter.”

That program will continue for all that want to participate.

Membership is an elusive number but it appears that despite some impressive growth in some clubs, overall we are either even or down. We have also learned a very hard lesson. We were notified in late April of this year that we lost our tax exempt status because for three f iscal years, 2009, 2010 and 2011 we failed to file tax returns! We took immediate action to rectify the situation. We f iled the missing returns; f iled for reinstatement of tax exempt status but still face substantial penalties and f ines. Part of the reason for this situation is the turnover each year in almost every off ice in the district; we do not have a structure that easily accommodates change; we trust but fail to verify that jobs are done properly, professionally; there is almost no oversight, no one responsible to see that the very basic requirements of any tax exempt organization are met. We have begun to make changes which may lessen the chances of a repeat.

We made a new effort this year to focus on Rotary and held the f irst ever Rotary Bi-District Conference with RD 5510. It was an unqualif ied success in terms of content, energy and attendance. The expectation was that we would have about 500 attendees and we did. We had quality speakers who inspired, cajoled and

challenged us. We had a service project that allowed us all to help with the Million Meal Challenge for the upcoming Centennial Year of Rotary in Arizona. Over 13,000 meals were packed. We also had fun at the hospitality suites, meeting old f riends and making new ones.

We tried really hard to give out the District Simplif ied Grant money; we even extended the time and allowed for two application processes! Guess what, the clubs that paid attention got the money and all they had to do was f ill out a one page form. Imagine that.

We trained, studied and readied ourselves for the new grants procedures. We became familiar with MOUs, IOUs, etc. that the Audit Committee needed for Global Grants; early application for District Grants and more responsibility for our money.

Our cooperative PR campaign with RD 5510 reached the social networks with a landing site that channeled membership inquiry between 5490 and 5510. Rotary was on movie screens f rom Lake Havasu to Phoenix; Flagstaff to Mesa. We created an enduring methodology to assist in creating Rotary awareness and perhaps help focus potential members’ expectations. We took a step in the right direction.

Continued on Page 3

It Was a Very Good Year

District

Governor

CRAIG WILSON

Year-End Report

to the District

Page 2

Peace Through Service

One of our goals was to communicate more f requently and more effectively with the membership. We revamped the website, spiced up the Facebook page and made efforts to keep information current. Clubs are learning to supply relevant information, to post; to invite, to comment and encourage. It takes time. The signs are good that we will actually be able to collaborate more among our clubs because we know better what clubs are doing.

We invited our guests f rom Germany, the GSE team, into our homes and hearts. They went home

better for the experience. Our team is due home soon and they have had an equally good experience. GSE as we know it is now gone f rom the Rotary play book. While Vocational Training Teams (VTT) is meant to take the place of GSE; it will never replace the memories.

Youth programming continued apace with an outstanding RYLA (144 students, a new high); active and involved Youth Exchange (recipient of the NAYEN award for “outstanding efforts toward a positive experience for the young people in Youth Exchange”); Interact Clubs growing and Rotaract

seemingly on a roll. Youth is an enduring engine for change and we in Rotary need to listen. It should be nothing new to us that ‘the times they are a changing:”

Me? Well, I had a good time. I met some wonderful people along the way who are dedicated to making the world a better place. People who see what everyone else ignores; people who listen when no one else is and people who believe the words of the philosopher, ‘if it is to be, it is up to me:” Thank you for allowing me to serve!

DG, Craig Wilson

It was a Very Good Year—Continued

Clef

Petersen

Receives

Second

Century

Award

Page 3

Peace Through Service

Carl F. “Clef ” Petersen,

Rotarian Clef Petersen (Rotary Club of Phoenix, Phoenix 100) was given this prestigious award for his dedication to all things Rotary throughout the past year. PDG Charlie Tegarden described the award as our Rotarian of the Year Award.

Governor Craig presented the award to Clef at Conference ‘13 saying, “Clef has made a real impression in his 4 years in Rotary. He is president-elect of his club; received his club’s very highest award; and served on the gala committee which has raised $300,000 for children’s projects.

He has worked closely with RI Director, Ken Boyd and the board of the Thunderbird School of Global Management to bring about a collaboration between RI and Thunderbird to encourage Rotary on campus and spread Rotary throughout the world.

He is an accomplished facilitator as evidenced by his work with our visioning project, PETS and RLI. All of this while working full time at his investment f irm. Clef epitomizes Rotary’s motto of Service Above Self .”

Congratulations Clef !

Carl F. “Clef” Petersen Receives

The Second Century Award

Rotary International and the White House team up each year to award major recognition to individuals that made a positive difference in our world. Out of 160 applications f rom all over the Rotary world only 12 are selected and our nominee, Bob Solis and Open Arms Home made it to the top 10%. Our nomination stated: “Bob Solis is a community Champion, because he embodies the very best of Rotary. He took his life savings, founded an orphanage on

the other side of the world and has worked constantly to make it the most loving and warm home imaginable. The children at Open Arms call him “Bobo” and consider him to be a father f igure in their lives. Just as important, Bob has energized others to be involved in the cause of providing a home for children orphaned by AIDS.

In 2008, he walked 750 miles across South Africa to raise awareness and funds to expand Open Arms. This effort enlisted the help of Rotarians all

across South Africa and the United States. More than $250,000 was raised to build more cottages at Open Arms: His passion and enthusiasm for “his children” has led to two successful Rotary Matching Grants for a new van and kitchen equipment: He truly is a man who Rotarians are proud of in every way.

We recognize Bob’s efforts and salute him for “doing good in the world.”

Congratulations, Bob!

Bob Solis Given Champion of Change Award

Sedona Red Rocks Golf Outing which will allow Red Rocks Rotary to continue sponsoring its many youth oriented programs.

Visiting German GSE team leader Joe Richter borrowed golf clubs f rom one of the Sedona host families and participated in the event. The rest of the GSE team, along with PDG

Don Schiller, joined in the lunch and raf f le that followed the round of golf . Anthem Rotarians Jim Metoyer and Dave Newman, along with their team mates Kelly Godlein and Red Rock Rotarian Dave Blauert picked up the second place team trophies with a score of 58.

Since its inception in 2002, Red Rocks Rotary has supported over $100,000 in Sedona area projects. New projects this year were dental care for low income children and special needs adults, as well as scholarships to Graduating Sedona Red Rock High School seniors.

Chairman Hawk said “It takes nearly three months of soliciting donations and behind the scenes organization to produce an event of this caliber. We appreciate our sponsors and donors.”

A f ield of ninety-two golfers teed up for charity at the 13th annual Rotary Club of Sedona Red Rods Howard Hawk Memorial Golf Classic at the Sedona Golf Resort on May 19, 2013. According to tournament chairman Donna Hawk, the event netted a prof it of $18,600

Bob Solis—

Champion of

Change

Sedona Red

Rocks Host

Tourny

Page 4

Peace Through Service

Golfers and friends crowd the Sedona Golf Resort

clubhouse while enjoying a burger and brat buffet.

Rotarian Rebecca Wilks (Rotary Club of Peoria North) was notif ied at Conference ‘13 that she is the 2013 recipient of this award. It is given to “an individual who has

demonstrated the principles of Rotary in all that she does.” It is one of the highest awards that the TRF makes on an annual basis. Her work with the foundation committee,

district simplif ied grants, US-Mexico projects, Guatemala Literacy Project and much, much more made the selection by TRF an easy one.

Rebecca Wilks Rotary Foundation Meritorious Service Award

One day in Mexico, Rebecca Wilks, Peoria North

typically less than 1%. Nothing compares to

talking with the benef iciaries. I thought you might enjoy learning a bit about my new Mexican friends.

Lela has two teenaged kids and has used her microcredit loan expand her business selling Avon products. Her income has been spent weather-proofing her house and providing necessities for her children. She’s considering hiring other women to expand her business.

Doña Nativada Is clearly the matriarch of the neighborhood. She watches her own grandkids and other local children. She uses her loans to buy a variety of used items in the U.S. and resells them locally. She’s been able to keep her family together in Mexico, build a new home for them, and loves the choices she has because of the additional income. "It is nice to have money," she says.

Leopold is a single man who operates a successful small store selling food and household items. With his last loan, he has expanded the back of his store and created a small video game arcade for kids, which they pay for hourly. He’d like to

spend his next loan on a second store which his nephew will operate.

Julia is a beautician who, working for someone else, paid 50% overhead. With her loan, she went into business for herself, in her home. Her overhead is now 20%. Her husband works in an electronic factory. She smiles widely when she explains that the best thing about the new arrangement is that she doesn’t have a boss.

Bruno is a baker. He primarily serves as a wholesaler for the many small grocery stores nearby. He has expanded, with the help of En Comun, and has two employees. His dream is to grow the business so that he and his wife and two daughters can move out of her parents’ house. He is justifiably proud of his product and his success.

Five families changed forever.

Please contact me info@drwilks.com or Wayne Rish (Fountain Hills Rotary) nwrish@cox.net if you'd like more information or want to get involved.

See photos of the borrowers (sampling some Rebecca Wilks photography) on page 6.

As many of you know, I’m a professional photographer. I especially love to combine passions and photograph for great Rotary projects. En Comun, a microcredit Bank on Nogales Mexico, is certainly one of those.

My husband Marco (e-Club of the Southwest) and I have supported it for years. Recently we had the privilege to travel to Nogales with Rob and MaryAnne Baker (Peoria North), Lisa Van Ella (London Bridge), Rick Nollenberger (Anthem) and 11 Rotarians f rom Districts 5510 and 5500. We met some of the borrowers and saw their businesses.

Modern Microcredit was devised by Mohammad Yunus, a Bangladeshi Economist who won the Nobel Prize for Peace in 2006 for this work, said, “Poverty is unnecessary.”

The gist of the Grameen Model, as his bank has come to be known, is that borrowers work in groups. Mostly women, they take on progressively larger loans which are paid back over a short period. The borrowers have classes in business and receive coaching and support. The default rate is

Wilks named

TRF

Meritorious

Service

Recipient

Micro-Credit

in Nogales

Highlighted

Page 5

Peace Through Service

Page 6

Peace Through Service

Microcredit Borrowers—see story on page 5

WHAT IS A WAPI? (Water Pasteurization

Temperature Indicator)? A WAPI is a simple low-cost device containing a special soy wax that, when melted, allows users to determine when water, milk and other liquids have reached pasteurization temperatures.

And:the WAPI is reusable and virtually indestructible. Disease-causing organisms in water, milk and other liquids are killed by exposure to heat in a process known as pasteurization. The WAPI pasteurization is accomplished in less time and with much less scarce fuel than boiling.

What does this mean? In many parts of the world women and children spend hours traveling great distances in unsafe territory to scavenge for scraps of wood and brush for the daily fire. To boil liquid requires 212 degrees F. The WAPI stretches the use of the

fuel because Pasteurization takes place when the liquid is heated to 149 degrees F (65 degrees C) for a short period of time rendering it free from microbes, including E Coli, Rotaviruses; Giardia and Hepatitis A virus. The WAPI indicates that liquid has reached 160 degrees F rendering the liquid pasteurized and safe for drinking.

Interested in making WAPIs?

The Monterey Peninsula Sunrise Rotary Club has WAPI Kits available. The WAPI Kit comes in a small box with assembly instructions and the materials needed to build 200 WAPIs.

The cost of the kit is $85 plus shipping. That’s $.42 per WAPI. Why is this cost so reasonable? The club purchases the supplies in large quantities at substantial discounts which are passed on to you. This is a great

hands-on project for Interact, Rotoact, Rotary Clubs and other organizations. The WAPI is simple and fun to build. Your club should have a WAPI party and save lives! To order WAPI Kits contact PDG Don Kremer at WAPI@pacbell.net.

Our Mohave High School Interact Club, together with the help this year from the Laughlin Interact members, have produced so far and shipped off more than 400 of these WAPIs. They will be distributed in conjunction with a Rotary project in Kenya.

Photo ID (from left to

right): Rotarian Interact Advisor Kari Hoffman, Faculty Interact Advisor Vanessa Buus, MHS Student Body President & Interact Activities Director John Douglass, and Interact President Jackie Varner.

Mohave High School Interact WAPI Project

Renata Barnwell, Rollin’ Rotarian distinction of being “The First Lady” of her club.

When she was 29, Renata was in a car accident and suffered a broken neck leaving her permanently disabled, using a wheelchair full time. But her wheelchair did not hold her back from pursuing her dreams of raising a family, running a business and becoming a Rotarian.

It wasn’t until Renata and her husband, Richard, moved to Sedona, Arizona in 2007 that Renata renewed her interest in Rotary. A neighbor Rotarian suggested she consider joining the organization that meant so much to her family. She joined the Rotary Club of Sedona in 2008 where her capabilities and infectious enthusiasm

were quickly recognized. She decided to “dig deep” to better understand Rotary and quickly became the number one volunteer in the club. If it needed to be done,

Renata was there... membership chair, Newsletter editor, GSE area coordinator, Board member. She received the club’s meritorious service award in 2008 and has received the District Governor’s Citation in 2009, 2010 and 2011. Recognizing her leadership, the club elected her Secretary, then Vice President and currently Club President.

What’s next for Renata? Look for the “Rollin’ Rotarian” at your next Rotary International Conference, she just might be there!

Renata Barnwell’s passion for life began at a young age when her parents took her traveling around the world, mostly to Rotary International Conferences. Her parents had a deep love and commitment to Rotary that inspired and guided Renata’s life story.

Her father, Reuben Kaehler, joined and became immediately active in the Rotary Club of Novato, CA in 1955. By 1981 he was elected Rotary District 513 Governor. Renata often asked him “how come women aren’t Rotarian’s?” And by 1987 when he passed, Rotary International was accepting women into Rotary.

In 1988 her mother, Rena, joined The Rotary Club of Novato and to this day has the

Mohave HS

Interact Project

will save lives in

Kenya

Page 7

Peace Through Service

Article submitted by RRFC

Art Harrington, Rotary

Club of Bullhead City

Photo: (left to right) Bremen,

Germany Group Study

Exchange Team members

BiancaNiemieczek, Olga

Magunia, Steffan Hawranek, Eric

Takenberg and Jochen

Richtergather around Rotarians

Renata Barnwell and Jennette

Bill

Page 8

Peace Through Service

Page 9

Peace Through Service

Newsletter Editor:

PDG Jeanie Morgan

P O Box 1926

Lake Havasu City, AZ 86405

Phone: 928 486 4328

Fax: 928 453 9049

E-mail: ryla5490@citlink.net

District Governor—R. Craig Wilson

District Governor Elect—Duce Minor

District Governor Nominee—Chuck Fitzgerald

District Secretary—Gail Peretz

District Treasurer—Nancy Teff

Assistant Governors:

Area 1—David Lesnick: Buckeye, Estrella, Goodyear WhiteTanks, and Li-

tchfield Park

Area 2—Stan Mah: Glendale, Glendale Kachina, and Glendale West

Area 3—Larry Evans: North Phoenix, Phoenix Rotary 100, and Phoenix

West

Area 4—Angel Aguirre: Peoria, Peoria North, Sun City, Sun City Del So l,

and Sun City West

Area 5—Jim Clemens: Chino Valley, Prescott, Prescott Valley, Prescott

Frontier, and Prescott Sunup

Area 6—Catherine Moore: Sedona, Sedona Red Rocks, and Verde Valley/

Cottonwood

Area 7—Dan Messersmith: Bu llhead City, Kingman, Kingman Route 66,

and Needles, CA

Area 8—John Nygren: Lake Havasu City, Lake Havasu City Sunrise, and

London Bridge

Area 9—Jim Bultema: Grand Canyon and Williams

Area 10—Paul Pu licken: Parker, Parker-Poston, Poston, and Quartzsite

Area 11—Paul Pu licken: Anthem, Surprise, and Wickenburg

Peace Through Service

Visit our Website: www.rotary5490.org

R o t a r y D i s t r i c t 5 4 9 0 H o me o f t h e Gr a n d C a n y o n