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February 2, 2007
Honolulu, HI
Dear District Rotarians:
I'm looking west from our hotel at a full moon setting over Pearl Harbor; it's pre-dawn but by the time I finish this, the
sunrise will light-up Waikiki's high-rises - mostly hotels and condominiums - and the hundreds of solar-powered "mooring lights" in the yacht basin
directly below the hotel will be doused by automatic sensors as the sunlight shifts them automatically into charging mode. And speaking of "charging
mode", consider this.
The ceremony we attended on Thursday afternoon was held in the new Pacific Aviation Museum; another well done preservation of
war memories from the "day of infamy" with beautifully restored aircraft, a politely staffed (and young) crew of retailers and a great souvenir shop!
Impressive action murals primarily associated with carrier aviation and the attack on Pearl Harbor are on display. Day before, as
forecasted in Tuesday's Topics, we completed the waterborne tour of Ford Island and yes, Arizona Memorial, the most visited attraction on Oahu.
The rusting topside base of Arizona's forward 14" gun turret, prominently visible just feet from the memorial's bridge deck
along with oily rainbow slicks spreading on the water at about a quart a day from the still thousands of gallons of diesel fuel entombed with the
dead below the surface are - according to local legend - the tears being shed for the dead and survivors of the attack - said to end when the last of
survivors will have passed away.
And when the last survivors of the Pearl Harbor attack and others of what is called the last good war will have passed away,
what then? Each new generation must answer.
Examples of courage in war, commitment to peace, dedication to service and citizenship evident in the youth and leadership of
WWII were seeds planted in the body politic of our great country and for almost six decades have been nurtured by commitment to international law,
self-determination, human rights, equal opportunity and the deterrence of nuclear conflict. Now?
Rotarians - the gentlemen "farmers" tending this crop - were extensively involved in the nurturing of these ideals and
providing the world with an uncommon theme of Service Above Self. PRIP Herbert J. Taylor's Four Way Test also
title of a centennial project book subtitled by its author, Dr. William E. Hull - " the core values of the
Rotary Movement" - is a must read. It helps us understand how sowing the seeds of love could only have sprung from - but is definitely not
limited to - an American experience. And I still say, "Rotary International and its Foundation are the most
important organizations in the world today dedicated to doing good in the world and promoting world peace and understanding."
Later in this news letter, look for how we are trying to live up to that commitment as we lead the way in continuing
obligation to completing OUR Rotary Year 2006-07 with full confidence in our abilities to achieve RESULTS. Let's prove for years
to come that Rotary Shares!
In Rotary Service,
Dennis
PS: Lorrie and I were re-charged February 1st by participation in the promotion of our son to Captain,
USN. We know who and what Mark is. Assembled were dozens of Staff, US Pacific Command with whom we had the pleasure to associate and confirm our
beliefs in the uniqueness of our nation's armed forces; bound by uncommon oath to support and defend The Constitution of the United States of America
and subservience to civilian leadership that is equally obligated by oath to preserve, protect and defend the world's and democracy's longest lasting
written constitution.
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District Leadership Meeting Report
Our District Leadership met on January 26 at Harbert Center, Birmingham preceded by meeting of Committees on
Nomination and Finance and The Council of Governors. The Nominating Committee, chaired by PDG Tom Milford, RC Greater Huntsville,
interviewed two outstanding Rotarians placed in consideration from their respective clubs for District Governor Nominee 2009-2110.
Each of these dedicated candidates represents the very best of qualities required of continuing service in Rotary Leadership. Join me
in congratulating Dr. Mary Jean Sanspree, RC Trussville-East Jefferson who is the nominee. After March 15, absent objection, the nomination
will be placed before the District's Voting Delegates at the annual business meeting on May 6 for ratification.
The Finance Committee received Treasurer, Holland Powell's report and following motions, report
was filed.
The Council of Governors received information briefings on the status of our District's finances, its Designated
Funds and our completed obligation to a new initiative to endow Rotary's Peace Scholarship Fund as part of Zone 29-30. The
transfer of $10,000 lump sum was, according to PDG and RRFC Ken Schuppert, a first in the Zone and he added, "Indeed in all North
America." He commended the district for "leading the way" to bolster this important commitment to peace and conflict resolution.
The general meeting of the leadership included focus upon our District Literacy initiative and I shared an
incredibly coincidental exchange of emails with Rotarian Jim Barr of the Eastwood-Irondale Club regarding the Imagination
Library and our opportunities there to promote pre-school literacy. This small, determined to grow club has made an impressive commitment to
partnering with Junior League of Birmingham in this exciting program. I also introduced our new
District Literacy Chair, Doris Jones, from whom you will be hearing more. (See Bham News Editorial)
Our GSE Chair, Carol Argo, and selection committee member, Sidney Summey,
reported that our GSE Team will depart for Paris in March and return home following six weeks exchange with D1770, Paris-east. The
team from Paris-east will participate in our district conference, May 4-5, 2007 and return to Paris on May
6th.
International Youth Exchange Chair, Bill Hereford, reported our district is provisionally
certified for the conduct of exchanges. He reported that progress is on track for full-certification by RI once our local
background checks procedures and other administrative procedure is formally reported. Youth Exchange is Rotary's oldest international program. We
have an outstanding opportunity here to promote world peace and understanding through our most important assets of the future - our youth.
Council of Legislation Representative, PDG Ty Robin, reminded that the entire list of proposed
amendments to the Manual of Procedure is being subject to review by himself and PDG Phil Williams. Ty also stated that the summary
is available online at Rotary's website for review.
PDG Ty also reported on the North American Disaster Council Conference convened by Director (RI Zones 29-30) Bob
Stuart in New Orleans, LA January 11-13, 2007.
DGN Phil Fowler said that our net increase in membership as of the meeting date was
37. One net new member/club qualifies for RI Presidential Citation (along with several other requirements that are likely already
on the achievements list for each club). D6860 Goal net +2/club. How 'bout it?
PDG J.G. Brazil and DG Dennis reminded it's not too soon to be thinking of annual
awards. There will be a new award - the Imagine Alabama (Image Alabama Award) this year's special recognition
available to every qualifying club.
PDG Phil Williams noted a leadership opportunity through the Bequest Society of The Permanent Fund
of The Rotary Foundation. Check it out, Rotarians!
PDG Tom Milford reminded of our goal $500,000 for the Annual Programs Fund of The Rotary
Foundation. Look for more from Tom and me regarding:
The Paul
Harris Society of RI District 6860
Need for moving the cash on hand from EREY and other giving to TRF.
($$ + Time = ROI)
Note: Ten of our 56 clubs have not yet submitted the Club Goals Report for
2006-2007. Please review your 'things yet to do' file and send to DG Dennis for forwarding to TRF. EREY means every Rotarian Every
Year. $25/quarter makes it $100/capita the worldwide goal for support of OUR Foundation.
On to Pell City and On to Salt Lake City were covered by DG Dennis (with assistance from
Ms. Kathy McCoy, Executive Director, Pell City Center) who extended encouragement to attend both conference and performance of the
Broadway Production, Music Man, during 6860 Conference 2007 in Pell City. DG Dennis reminded that the registration process should begin by
mid-February.
DGE Johnnie Aycock had reported from International Assembly, San Diego that the Long-range
Planning Committee was on track for a wrap-up report to Conference 2007, Pell City.
Communication Coordinator and Directory Editor, Frank Deaver, reminded that Rotary Awareness is
achieved in a variety of ways and suggested using the articles on ROTI's website. Frank also updated progress on providing a draft of the 2007-08
Directory by mid-March (but still needs a few more clubs' contact information for the new Rotary Year.)
PDG/TRFC Ron and Ann Layne have agreed to serve as Aides to RIP Bill Boyd's and
Lorna's representatives to our conference. Representatives James O. "Jim" Coleman and Margaret are
residents of St. George, Utah. Jim is PDG RID5420, a Real Estate Executive and Committee Member, RI Convention, 2007, Salt Lake
City. Our own District Conference Committee is hard a work to MAKE A DIFFERENCE and provide each of us a memorable, informative
and fun experience May 3-6, 2007.
What a team!
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Groundwork for early learning
Monday, January 29, 2007 Opinion Page The Birmingham
News
THE ISSUE: State government should put more of its education money where it counts
most: prekindergarten.
The best investment the state of Alabama can make in education is to put
prekindergarten within reach of every child who could benefit from it. Sadly, it's an investment the state hasn't seen fit to make, even as our
neighbor states move farther ahead in this crucial area.
The benefits of early-education programs are well-documented.
Decades of research show that the dollars spent to provide kindergarten for 4-year-olds pay huge dividends in students' performance. So much so that
former state Superintendent of Education Ed Richardson famously said he'd gladly give up the 12th grade in exchange for pre-K for
4-year-olds.
It's easy to see why. Giving children an early start means they come to grade school ready to learn. They perform better in the classroom. They
are less likely to drop out or become pregnant, and more likely to go to college and land a good job. Pre-K also helps level the playing field by
reducing the number of children who start school already behind their peers.
What's difficult to see is why the state isn't doing more to give children a good
start in learning.
Alabama spends a measly $4.3
million a year on prekindergarten programs, enough to reach only about 2 percent of 4-year-olds. Tennessee spends $35 million, while Louisiana spends
$63.5 million and North Carolina, $67.7 million. Georgia puts in a whopping $277 million a year on early-learning programs.
Among Alabama's neighbors, only Mississippi, which doesn't spend anything on pre-K,
does less. But even Mississippi is talking about a possible initiative.
Alabama's $4.3 million pays
for only 59 public pre-K sites in the state. In the Birmingham area, the state funds only one preschool, in Shelby County. Some school systems do use
federal money for low-income students to offer pre-K in some of their schools, but those schools meet only a small percentage of the need.
This year, a coalition of education and child advocacy organizations is pushing for a
greater investment from the state in early education. The Alabama School Readiness Alliance is led by the Alabama Partnership for Children, the
A-Plus Education Foundation, VOICES for Alabama's Children and Alabama Giving (representing 21 foundations, including the Community Foundation of
Greater Birmingham).
The alliance's goal is a statewide, voluntary pre-K for 4-year-olds. This year, it
will ask the Legislature to set aside $10 million for pre-K through the Alabama Department of Children's Affairs' Office of School Readiness, enough
to reach 4 percent of 4-year-olds. That's an extremely modest amount, especially in an state education budget whose revenue is projected to grow by
hundreds of millions of dollars this year. But the increase should help the state at least begin to lay the groundwork.
The Alabama Reading Initiative is a model education program that works. The state is
working on a similar initiative in math and science. Those programs help Alabama students compete with students from other states.
But what if more of Alabama's students didn't start behind? What
if the state gave its youngest the same chance for a good start, or better, than our sister states? Alabama needs to answer those questions by
funding a statewide, voluntary pre-K program.
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The 2007-08 theme Rotary Shares will act as a daily
reminder of what ordinary people can accomplish through the
extraordinary work of Rotary, said RI President-elect Wilfrid J.
Wilkinson at the 2007 International Assembly's opening session today.
"What makes Rotary great is our expressing the love in our hearts
through the work of our hands and our minds," said Wilkinson. "As
Rotarians, we don't just sit back and talk about loving other human
beings. As Rotarians, we demonstrate that love, and we share that love,
through helping each other."
Almost everything Rotary does involves sharing, Wilkinson told the
532 district governors-elect gathered at the meeting in San Diego. "We
share our time, we share our talents, and we share our money with
others who need our help."
Furthermore, he said, "In Rotary, sharing doesn't mean giving away
what you have to spare, what you don't need for yourself. Sharing means
giving of yourself, selflessly, for the good of others."
And Rotarians don't need to do this alone. They know that when the
need for service in their community can't be met by one club alone,
they can call on Rotarians from around the world to help, said
Wilkinson.
More than a theme, Rotary Shares is a call to action. As
the incoming governors begin preparing for the year ahead with the
training and inspiration they receive at the International Assembly,
Wilkinson asked them to focus on sharing their leadership, skills, and
dedication to making clubs and districts stronger.
Sharing Rotary does more than strengthens Rotary; it ensures that Rotary continues a second century of service. Rotary Shares means
inviting people to join their local Rotary clubs.
"Rotary will only be able to continue sharing if it continues to
grow," said Wilkinson. To help Rotary grow, Wilkinson requested that
all of the incoming governors ask their club presidents to bring in one
new club member during their year in office.
"Without new members, nothing else matters," he said. Without our youth
and new members, "it will only take a few decades for Rotary to
disappear, and we've already seen that happen in other service clubs."
In addition to the crucial job of welcoming new club members, the
president-elect said Rotarians should not forget their past. He asked
them to reach out to former club members, including club members'
widows and widowers.
Wilkinson reminded the audience that the opportunities they'll have to help may not come their way again.
"This year is your chance to be a district governor, to help your clubs, to guide them, to share your strengths and your love."
In the year ahead, a great deal will be asked of Rotarians, said Wilkinson.
"I ask you all, this year, to share Rotary freely and fully. Work
hard, and work with love. And remember that everything you do in
service to others is part of the magic of Rotary, the magic that allows
ordinary people, like you and me, do absolutely amazing things."
District Attendance Report
Club Name
Dec Ending
Attendance Ranking
Cullman
60
98.37% L1
Pell City
75
90.22% L2
Vestavia Hills
108
88.27% L3
Decatur
184
82.33%
Athens
95
80.29%
Albertville
82
79.29%
Greater Shoals
58
73.21%
Shades Valley
152
67.91%
Guntersville
63
67.20%
Scottsboro
94
61.70%
B'ham Sunrise
176
60.00%
Florence
173
60.00%
Tuscaloosa
208
59.00%
Anniston
126
59.00%
Jasper
67
57.46%
Birmingham
554
56.46%
Gtr Huntsville
141
53.00%
Homewood-Oxmoor
69
52.90%
Gadsden
64
49.20%
Huntsville
392
41.60%
Boaz
48
97.13% S1
Gardendale
44
95.40% S2
LaFayette
24
91.67% S3
Madison
37
89.93%
Birmingham East
36
82.41%
Trussvle/E. Jefferson
34
80.04%
Sylacauga
37
80.00%
Alexander City
29
80.00%
Decatur D'break
43
79.00%
Centre
41
78.86%
Aliceville
44
78.79%
Fort Payne
33
78.00%
Hartselle
43
77.00%
Shds
Mtn. Sunrise
27 76.00%
Tuscaloosa AM
43
75.00%
Montevallo
16
74.00%
Gordo
18
73.61%
Oneonta
27
71.00%
Tarrant-Pinson
20
70.00%
Eastwood-Irondale
15
70.00%
Arab
34
69.44%
Leeds/Moody
24
68.00%
Alabaster-Pelham
44 67.00%
Anniston AM
26
65.40%
Bessemer
28
64.37%
Roanoke
31
64.00%
Hoover
40
63.75%
Inverness
44
61.90%
Russellville
41
59.00%
Lawrence County
30 58.00%
Reform
19
57.00%
Oxford
14
54.50%
Talladega
34
54.00%
Haleyville
24
53.20%
Columbiana
11
39.00%
Goodwater
13
25.00%
District Membership for the
Month 4057
Average District Attendance
for the Month 69%
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