December Notes from District Governor Regina:
As I write this December 2022 newsletter, I think about the family events many of us will participate in before the end of the year. Each family is unique and has its traditions, culture, and memories connected with the many festivals and religious celebrations that dot this part of the calendar. During my club visits, I asked you to take time to get to know your fellow club members. If you haven’t already begun to do so, now is a perfect time. Talk about the traditions that are treasured by you and your family, including food, gift exchange, and those silly events you no longer recall who started, why, or when. But more importantly, ask about what others do. As you do so, consider adding a new “tradition” you learn from another Rotarian. Use this time to ensure everyone in your club feels included and respected when we talk about “holiday” celebrations.
Thank you to the many Rotarians who volunteered to make Thanksgiving a time of joy for others. And thank you in advance, to those who will volunteer throughout the rest of the year. If your club has held book drives and wonders what’s next, consider adding a book to that gift basket for a family in need. Coloring books and crayons count! My office conference room is filling up with books! Thank you. Our District Conference Committee has ideas they will share with you if you need inspiration for distributing this bounty.
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Meet your District Leaders:
PDG Randy Feldman responded to my request for an article about why he is a Rotarian. Follow this link to learn more about Randy. My Passion for Rotary - PDG Randy Feldman | District 6840 (clubrunner.ca)
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District Calendar Updates:
- Please take the time to register for Mid Year Checkup, set for Saturday, January 14, 2023, in Bay St. Louis. The registration link is on the website here: MidYear Checkup 2023 | District 6840 (clubrunner.ca). Remember to bring the description and contact information of your service, fundraising, and social projects for the District Directory.
- The Paul Harris Society Gala is Friday evening, Jan. 13, 2023. The registration link is on the website here: MyEventRunner - Event Public Fill (crsadmin.com)
- Greg Lier’s zoom series on Rotary Foundation began on November 29, 2022, but there are several more opportunities to hear about what the Rotary Foundation means to us as Rotarians. If you would like someone to speak to your club during Foundation Month, please contact Greg Lier. (greglier@gmail.com)
- As part of Foundation Month, Greg Lier, our Deputy Governor for Foundation, will be hosting a series of informational zoom meetings beginning this month to talk about the Rotary Foundation, its importance, and ways to donate. Here is the tentative schedule. The seminars will run from 6 pm to 7:30 pm central time:
- January 17, 2023 – How to Close Your District Grants (Click HERE register)
- February 7, 2023 – Fundraising Ideas and How to Contribute to the Foundation (Click HERE register)
- As part of Foundation Month, Greg Lier, our Deputy Governor for Foundation, will be hosting a series of informational zoom meetings beginning this month to talk about the Rotary Foundation, its importance, and ways to donate. Here is the tentative schedule. The seminars will run from 6 pm to 7:30 pm central time:
- RLI is scheduled for January 28th from 8:00 – 6:00. Check the District website for registration information, including dates, times, and locations here: RLI In Person 2022-2023 | District 6840 (clubrunner.ca)
- PETS will be here in a few short months. DGE Vicky Gutierrez has already started talking with the 2023-24 Club Presidents 2023-24 about ways to be ready for a year of leadership and growth. Please remember that Rotary International requires each President to attend PETS before their year begins, even if they have previously served in this position. More information to come, but check here for updates: PETS - workshop. | District 6840 (clubrunner.ca)
- District Conference, April 21-22, 2023, in Hattiesburg will include a Golf Tournament on Friday morning, Optional Family events (cooking demonstration at USM or tour of Camp Shelby) on Friday morning. The opening sessions start on Friday afternoon followed by Food Fest on USM’s campus later that evening. Saturday will begin with a memorial service to celebrate the lives of those Rotarians who died during the past year. Sessions will include membership, public image, club administration, fundraising, grants, and the Rotary Foundation. We will close the day with the Governor’s banquet where we will celebrate your achievements within your clubs and the District.
- Check for updates and REGISTER here: MyEventRunner - Event Public Fill (crsadmin.com)
- HOTEL INFORMATION HERE: 22-23 District Conference | District 6840 (clubrunner.ca)
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What’s My Club?
As promised, here are the details of the prize waiting for the Rotarian with the most correct answers to our monthly scavenger hunt!
Three Day, Two Night Las Vegas, or Lake Tahoe accommodations. Taxes and Fees have been paid, but the winner is responsible for the travel. You have two years to book your travel and can choose from several different resorts, including the Luxor in Las Vegas, or Lake Tahoe South in Lake Tahoe.
December clues:
Name the home club of the Assistant Governor of the following Territories:
Bayou, Bay Pass, East Coast, Beach, and Heartland.
Make your guesses HERE: https://forms.gle/N6JDc5KBCSYQQfjv6
Have you been playing? I hope the links are now working but let me know if you have any questions.
November Clues:
- 1. Name the Assistant Governor for the Tangipahoa Territory and the five clubs in that territory.
- 2. Name the Assistant Governor for the Hub Territory and the five clubs in that territory.
Previous clues:
- Name two clubs that received their charter on the same date.
- Name the newest Rotary Club in our district. (not Rotaract Clubs)
- Name the most recent Past District Governor and his home club (2021-22)
- Name the club that hosts the Alligator Festival.
- Name the primary host club for the 2022-23 District Conference
- Name the first 4 clubs chartered in our District with the dates of each charter
- Name the home club of the current District Governor
- Name the primary host club for the 2022-23 District Conference
Please submit your guesses here: Newsletter Scavenger Hunt Guess! - Google Forms
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Happening in the Clubs:
News from The Rotary Club of Covington:
The annual "Feeding the Needy Luncheon" which raises money to feed 1,500 needy in St. Tammany and Washington Parish families happened this Thanksgiving. The food packages consist of a 14–16-pound turkey, all the trimmings, multiple packages of red beans and rice, dessert, and more.
Please consider a donation to help offset the costs and help our fellow Rotarians feed those in need this holiday season!
Click here to help and learn more: Feeding the Needy Luncheon (mailchi.mp)
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News from The Rotary Club of LaPlace
The East St. John High School Interact Club is affiliated with the LaPlace Rotary Club and emphasizes truth, fairness, goodwill, and better friendships. All students are eligible for membership.
Check out this awesome video that the students took, highlighting their activities and service! Great job, students!! east_st._john_high_interact_club (Original).mp4 (sharepoint.com)
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News from Clubs around District 6840
Thank you to the clubs who are sending me information on events at your club or communities. I think we are getting better at posting the events timely. Noelle Reznik of the Mid-City Club has agreed to help gather and organize those great stories about your club’s fundraising, service, and social events. Please watch for her requests for information. So, continue to send in your stories and flyers, including contact information. You can also submit your story here to the Google Form here.
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Let’s IMAGINE Rotary each day.
Regina