DG Bob Artis, February Message

FEBRUARY IS WORLD UNDERSTANDING MONTH

 
The month of February is very special on the Rotary calendar since it is designated World Understanding Month. The month also includes the anniversary of the first meeting of Rotary held on February 23, 1905, now designated World Understanding and Peace Day. World Understanding Month is a chance for every club to pause, plan and promote the Fourth Avenue of Service. Rotary’s continued quest for goodwill, peace and understanding among people of the world. Rotary advance world understanding, goodwill, and peace through the improvement of health, the support of education, and the alleviation of poverty.
 
 In our Rotary World skin color and gender means nothing. Diversity and inclusivity should be embraced by all Rotarians from all walks of life. And too, Rotary dignifies all professions. “The way to war is a well-paved highway, and the way to peace is still a wilderness.”- Paul Harris
 
To all, here’s wishing you a Happy Punxsutawney Day! Punxsutawney Phil brings people together, this year was estimated to be nearly 4,000 in ATTENDANCE! So you ask, what does Ground Hog Day have to do with Rotary? Attendance for an UPCOMING and exciting event, like PETS 2. You MUST come and experience the inspirational speakers, breakout sessions, fellowship and making new CONNECTIONS. What does Punxsutawney Phil and Corine, the First Lady of the District, have in common? First correct answer wins pair of happy socks.
 
Speaking of happy…Happy Valentine’s Day to all the sweethearts! Help Gift of Life by purchasing their chocolates for your sweetheart. The cause is noble and worthy in performing lifesaving medical procedures.
 
Here’s an article from RIPP John Germ: The Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation has announced the extension of our fundraising partnership. The Gates Foundation will continue matching donations to Rotary’s PolioPlus program 2-1, up to $50 million every year. Whether you’re a new Rotary member, or you’ve been fighting polio for decades—there’s a role for you to play in ending this disease. Visit endpolio.org to learn more and donate.
 
Someone recently asked: Who and what is Purple Pinkie all about??? Here’s a brief note from one of the founders, Debbie Naples: “K-kids was a 4th & 5th grade service club whose commitment was to help ‘The World, Their Country & Their Community’. They were sponsored by Kiwanis along with Advisors, Michele Dean, Debbie Naples, Rachel Newman and Sarina Micieli at Roosevelt Elementary.
Beginning about 2006 until 2016 K-kids began volunteering their time along with the Rotary Club of Kenmore and Kenmore High School students to help with Purple Pinkie Day. This is an event to raise awareness and monies to help eradicate polio around the world. For a $1 donation your pinkie is painted purple to show support. This worthwhile project has been carried on throughout other schools in the KenTon School District including Edison Elementary which has been organized by Ceil Bauer in the past and is currently being organized by Lynn Akin.”
 
We’re doing our part by using RIP Mark’s theme “Rotary Connects the World”. I’m hopeful our CONNECT letters are bridging cultures, connecting continents to champion peace, fight illiteracy and poverty, promote clean water and sanitation, and fight disease.  Continue to read more.....
 
Here’s our “Rotary Connect the World”, one email at a time:
 
“Dear Gain Park Mi Yeon:

I am Margaret Bancroft, President of the Rotary Club of Simcoe in Rotary District 7090. Recently our club had a visit from District Governor Bob Artis (DG Bob). DG Bob met you at the House of Friendship while in Hamburg, Germany for the Rotary International Convention. He had a bag of business cards from people he met and each President in the 68 clubs he visits in the District will draw a card and then correspond with the cardholder, thereby being part of "Rotary Connects the World". I drew your card and I am happy to introduce myself and my club to you and make a connection across the world from Simcoe, Ontario, Canada to Korea.
   
The Rotary Club of Simcoe was established in 1925. The club has a long and varied history of community and international service and is one of the oldest service clubs in the area. Our club is part of a "unique" international district (7090) which includes part of southwestern Ontario in Canada and several counties in western New York State in the USA. We currently have 40 members. Our main fundraising projects include an annual golf tournament and a Holiday House Tour during the Christmas season. We actively support various community and international projects and are proud to host exchange students and participate in other youth activities.
Personally, I have been a Rotarian for almost five years. I have been active in various committees, served two years as Club Service Chairperson and am now Club President. Last year, I participated in a Rotary Curling Tour in Scotland for 30 days with 22 other Rotarians from Ontario. This Rotary Curling Exchange has happened for 60 years and was a wonderful way to meet and exchange ideas with other Rotarians - another example of "Rotary Connects the World". We are looking forward to hosting a team from Scotland in November 2020.
This is just a short introduction - more information is available on our website www.simcoerotaryclub.com should you wish to review it.”

Yours in Rotary,
Margaret Bancroft
President 2019-2020
Rotary Club of Simcoe
District 7090

cc Bob Artis, DG District 7090
Bob Stevenson, AG District 7090