District 6960 Newsletter Feb.2023

DISTRICT 6960 SOUTHWEST FLORIDA

MESSAGE FROM DISTRICT GOVERNOR NEIL SNYDER

In February, Rotary celebrates Peace and Conflict Prevention/Resolution month With millions of people being displaced due to conflict, violence, persecution and human rights violations, this area of focus is an important cornerstone of Rotary’s mission to bring peace to communities around the world I encourage you to get involved with Rotary’s peacebuilding initiatives by educating, advocating, or participating in the Rotary Action Group for Peace programs

As Rotarians, we are deeply concerned by the ongoing loss of life and humanitarian hardship caused by the war in Ukraine Rotary members have already shown amazing generosity to the people of Ukraine Because of the outpouring of requests to provide humanitarian aid, The Rotary Foundation created the Ukraine Response Fund, a temporary response to the ongoing, urgent need This allows Rotarians the opportunity to continue to make a difference for people affected by the war You can help by making a donation to the Ukraine Response Fund until December 31, 2023

Turkey and Syria were struck by a devastating earthquake on February 6, 2023, that has killed tens of thousands of people, destroyed thousands of homes and other structures, and left people across the region without shelter in bitterly cold winter weather With loss of lives totaling over 41,000 and recovery efforts continuing, Rotary International has mobilized resources to aid earthquake victims. Rotary’s global partnerships with ShelterBox and Habitat for Humanity International are highlighted as part of RI's initiative There is also an opportunity for all Rotarians to get involved Through March 31, 2023, donations to the Turkey/Syria Disaster Response Fund will be used to aid earthquake relief projects These donations are eligible for Paul Harris Fellow recognition February also marks an exciting point in the Rotary year, as current and incoming leaders for clubs and districts collaborate and start working on a smooth transition come July 1 District Governor Elect Alfred Current recently represented District 6960 at the International Assembly in Orlando where Rotary International President Elect Gordon McInally announced his 2023-24 presidential theme

Of course, our District’s efforts to provide assistance to those displaced and hurt by Hurricane Ian continue in full force Many clubs are participating in rebuilding efforts, delivering drywall and other needed items to homes in the most devastated communities District grants are available to any club interested in getting more involved in a rebuilding project Visit rotarydistrict6960 org for details

Create Hope in the World View the graphics here

I encourage you to take part in each of the upcoming training events which will help you learn more about Rotary, make new friends, contribute to your club’s success, and best of all, enhance your experience as a Rotarian. Rotary Leadership Institute is open to all members and is coming up March 18, 2023. Our annual meeting, the District Assembly, will be held on April 22, 2023, and truly energizes and engages all club members The District Conference will be held at the Hyatt Regency Coconut Point on June 16 and 17, 2023, with registration on DACdb opening soon This will be a spectacular event celebrating the accomplishments of our District Rotarians and kicking off the year ahead Information on these events, and more, can be found on the DACdb calendar

Yours in Rotary Service,

Neil E Snyder, Esq District Governor 2022-23 Rotary International District 6960

February 2023

District 6960 Newsletter

JimHinck

DistrictFoundationChair jameshinck@gmailcom

DavidLusty,PDG

DistrictGlobalGrantsChair dlusty61@gmailcom

JuliePedretti

DistrictGlobalGrantsChair-Elect jpedretti29@gmail.com

RichardHall

DistrictGrantsChair rhall@rhallcpa.com

CindyCedeno

DistrictGrantsChair-Elect ccedeno@finemarkbankcom

SteveSchlueter,PDG

DistrictLegacyGiftsChair stephenschlueter@gmailcom

Dr TamMustapha,PDG DistrictMajorGiftsChair tamtonm@yahoocom

PamAkins,PDG

DistrictPaulHarrisSocietyChair pamakins@akinsmarketing.com

ErikElsea

DistrictAnnualFundChair erikelsea@gmail.com

DougSmoot

DistrictPaulHarrisFellowChair EREYChair chipgator@gmail.com

SuzanneVasbinder

DistrictMajorDonorsChair RotaryDirectChair attitude2001@msncom

EldonBohrofen

DistrictEndowmentChair ebohrofen@rohdedales.com

TomSetchel

DistrictFortune500Liaison tomsetchel@gmail.com

CherylWillett

DistrictPolioCo-Chair cheryl@willettbusinessmgmt.com

RichardWillett

DistrictPolioCo-Chair rich@weit-llccom

THE ROTARY FOUNDATION UPDATE

By: Jim Hinck, District 6960 Foundation Chair

GreetingsfellowRotarians!

TheFoundationGalaisjustdaysaway! Ifyouhavenotsignedup, pleasedosonowonDACdb,thereisnotmuchtimeleft Ienjoyedthemid-yearmeetingsthattookplacethefirstweekof Februarythroughoutthedistrict. Ilearnedthatamajorityofclubs aroundthedistrictrescheduledaPolioeventaftercancelingone theyhadplannedinOctober,duetoHurricaneIan Remember,it isnottoolatetocontributetoPolio

IfyourclubreceivedapprovalforadistrictgrantbackinJuly,you shouldbeworkingontheseprojectsnow. Theprojectmustbe completed,andthegrantclosedoutandfinalizedbyMay31st. If, forsomereason,yourclubhasdecidednottodothegrantwe needtoknowimmediately

April22ndistheDistrictAssembly Ifyourclubhasadesireto participateinagrantprojectduringthe2023-24Rotaryyear,you willneedtoattendthegranttrainingduringtheassemblyinorder foryourclubtoqualify Therewillbeeducationalopportunitiesfor allRotarianstolearnmoreaboutourRotaryFoundationatthis event Keepaneyeonfuturenewslettersformoreinformationon this.

Asalways,Iwouldliketothankeachandeveryoneofyouforyour generosity. YourcontinuedgiftstoourRotaryFoundationallows usto“DoGoodintheWorld”

RI President Jennifer Jones activated our disaster response efforts immediately following the devastating earthquake in Turkey and Syria, communicating the affected districts, and encouraging governors in those regions to apply for disaster response grants and share information about their relief efforts so that Rotary can amplify the calls for support.

The Rotary Foundation Trustees decided that all donations made, from now until 31 March, to the Turkey/Syria Disaster Response Fund will be used to aid earthquake relief projects. In addition, the Trustees made available more than $125,000 to Rotary districts affected by the earthquake through Disaster Response Grants. Click here to learn more and make a donation.

Saturday,

2022-23 District 6960

Rotary Foundation Team

PEACEBUILDING AND CONFLICT PREVENTION MONTH

February is Rotary's Peacebuilding and Conflict Prevention Month. Rotarians promote peace across the globe whether by working directly in conflict zones or supporting projects locally in their communities. Everything from fighting disease, to providing clean water, and improving the health of mothers and children build more stable and safer communities Rotarians are mediators and advocates negotiating peaceful resolutions to conflicts, and opening conversations before new ones begin

Since the inception of the United Nations in 1945, Rotary has been paving a way for peace and expanding the ways to prevent conflict. There are many opportunities to engage with peacebuilding efforts, including Rotary Peace Fellowships, Peace Centers, and collaborative projects with ShelterBox, Peace Corps, and more. Learn more.

Rotary International Convention 2023

Melbourne, Australia

UPDATE

Melbourne, host city of the 2023 Rotary International Convention, is an Australian capital in every sense of the word With its many tourist attractions and rich history, locals claim it as the culinary, cultural, sports, and shopping capital of Australia. Meagan Martin, editor of Rotary Down Under, and her husband, creative director Rhys Martin, provide insider intel on their much-loved city in the November issue of Rotary magazine

Register by March 31 to take advantage of the preregistration discount.

Rotary Youth Exchange

I want to share some of the amazing things I've been doing the past couple of months I have had such an amazing time and I am very grateful that I got this opportunity to go and see so many new places with so many new people In London, I was able to try Fish and Chips, which were good (but not my favorite food I’ve ever eaten), and I tried authentic macarons from Paris Every city was amazing, but, in my opinion, Brussels had the best architecture and was the most beautiful.

I spent Christmas and New Years with my second host family and we took a trip to visit their family's house I experienced a German Christmas and met a lot of cousins who were around my age, so I got to have fun and hang out with them For New Years, we ate a traditional German meal on a Raclette, where you cook your own meat at the table and can cook potatoes and melt cheese on them at the same time. It’s very cool.

I can’t thank Rotary enough for this experience that I have been given so far In the next couple of months I have another orientation and a Euro Tour to end out my exchange I am very excited and can not wait to see what the next couple of months have in store for me. Learn about Rotary Youth Exchange here.

Support Rotary Youth Programs with a Rotary License Plate!

We are looking for Floridians who want to support Rotary Youth Programs across the state, and we know we can count on you. You do not have to be a Rotarian to get a Florida Specialty Tag with the Rotary symbol. You can get one for every vehicle and even have it personalized! Just go to floridarotarytag.com to order your tag.

Click

Help

us hit 3,000 pre-sell vouchers!

District 6960 Rotarians are generous. They give often of their time, talent and treasure. It's time to celebrate your giving at the Imagine Your Impact Gala on Feb. 25, 2023 The Rotary Foundation does so much good locally and around the world because you choose to support it. Now it's time to take out those suits and sequins, and join fellow Rotarians, family and friends for a wonderful evening of fellowship.

A very special keynote speaker - The Rotary Foundation Board Vice Chair Larry Lunsford - will speak about Foundation accomplishments from the past year and share how The Rotary Foundation helps us leverage the work we do to make the world a better place.

This event is open to all! Register now on DACdb.

ROTARY PEACECENTERS

by PDG Pam Akins

At this moment in time, we can see the immediate effects of war and conflict, not only on the lives of individuals where one nation attacks another, but also on the rest of the world through the lack of food and energy resources, the disruption of supply chains, and the creation of economic instability. We also know the senseless violence in our homes and cities. Peace is both an immediate need for conflict resolution and the long-term work of creating civil societies Our Rotary Peace Centers train peacemakers who help achieve both

A 20-Year Investment in Peace

The first Rotary Peace Fellows began their studies 20 years ago. Today, we have over 1,500 Rotary Peace Fellows working on peace and development in more than 115 countries. Over 90 percent of our Peace Center graduates currently work in jobs directly involved in conflict resolution and development They serve as leaders in government, NGOs, education, law enforcement, the military, and international organizations like the United Nations and the World Bank. They are diplomats engaged in negotiating a settlement to the current war in Ukraine, aid workers providing housing and shelter for refugees in conflict zones, and law enforcement officers addressing human trafficking in our own cities

Rotary’s Peace Centers offer two-year Master’s programs at five universities: University of Queensland in Australia; International Christian University in Japan; University of Bradford in England; Uppsala University in Sweden; and Duke University/University of North Carolina in the U.S. There are also one-year professional certificate programs at Chulalongkorn University in Thailand and the first Rotary Peace Center in Africa at Makerere University in Uganda. We will soon be adding a third professional certificate program in the Middle East/North Africa region: the Otto and Fran Walter Rotary Peace Center.

These newest Peace Centers in Africa and the Middle East will create peacebuilders in parts of the world where they’re needed the most And our Rotary Peace Fellows are needed now more than ever If you would like to learn more about Rotary’s Peace Centers, or want to know how you can support Rotary’s peace initiatives, contact PDG Pam Akins, Vice Chair of the Peace Major Gifts Initiative, at pamakins@akinsmarketing.com.

Otto and Fran Walter started their foundation to address hunger prevention and peace. Their foundation has pledged $15.5 million to The Rotary Foundation to start a Rotary Peace Center in the Middle East or North Africa.

Jamie Lesuer Emergency Operations, Head

International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies

Peace Fellow

Rita Lopidia Executive Director, Co-founder

Eve Organization for Women Development in Juba, South Sudan

Peace Fellow

District 6960 Has a New Club!

It's official! With 20 members, and Governor Neil signing the official Charter application, District 6960 has it's newest club. Say hello to The Rotary Club of Wellen Park!

Meeting Information

2nd and 4th Wednesday of the month 6:00pm - 7:30pm

Wellen Park Welcome Center 12275 Mercado Dr, Venice, FL

District 6960's Action Group Focusing on Mental Health RC of Bonita Naples

donates $5,000 to Local Organizations for Hurricane Relief

Four organizations in Southwest Florida received donations totaling $5,000 from the Rotary Club of Bonita Naples to support their Hurricane Ian relief efforts

Recipients included Bonita Springs Assistance Office, Meals of Hope, Café of Life and the Bonita Springs YMCA Read more

Rotary District 6960 recently formed a chapter of the Rotary Action Group on Mental Health Initiatives (RAGMHI). The chapter’s primary purpose is to develop programs and initiatives to improve mental health and wellness in communities throughout southwest Florida. This takes the form of projects to break stigma, enhance awareness, and increase access to prevention and treatment resources. Learn more.

Pajama Project

Do you or your club want to join us and make an impact on a child's life?

DG Neil & Rebecca Snyder have opened their hearts and home by fostering children You can join them by participating in the district conference service project. Just start collecting brand new pajamas and books for children and teens. Then you and your club members can bring the items to the District Conference in June where we will sort, label and organize the pajamas together. We, as a district, can bring comfort to hundreds of children in the foster care system For more information, contact Traci Hamill at 941-307-0939 or tracihamillrotary@gmailcom

District 6960 is on a mission to bring comfort to kids in the foster care system by providing them with brand new pajamas and a book.

New Facebook page for Rotary Zone 33/34

Check out Rotary Zone 33/34's new Facebook page for new content and ways to engage. You can find current information and resources on any of the Zone 33/34 Facebook groups, including Membership, Foundation, Public Image, Empowering Girls, Feed 10 Million and Zone 33/34 Updates & Activities. Join as many groups as you like and start sharing!

Use the hashtags!

#RotaryShares

#RotaryZ3334

FUNDRAISER AND FAMILY FUN NIGHT WITH THE FLORIDA EVERBLADES

Support The Rotary Club of Bonita Springs' fundraising goal as the Florida Everblades host the Kansas City Mavericks! Kids 12-and-under eat FREE with the purchase of an adult entree at Breakaway Sports Pub, located inside Hertz Arena.

$17 from each discounted ticket purchased through website below benefits The Rotary Club of Bonita Springs!

Rotary Peace Fellowship Applications are now open!

You or someone your know can help promote peace in the world by encouraging peace and development leaders in your community to apply for the Rotary Peace Fellowship.

ROTARY EVENTS & ANNOUNCEMENTS

FEBRUARY 23RD

6 PM Projects of Impact webinar hosted by the Zone 34 Foundation team. Register here.

25TH 5 PM Imagine Your Impact District Foundation Gala at Plantation Golf & Country Club. Register on DACdb.

25TH-26TH

11 AM RC LaBelle Armadillo Races & Swamp Cabbage Festival at Barron Park in LaBelle.

MARCH 3RD-5TH

President-Elect Training Seminar (PETS) in Orlando.

5TH 11 AM RC Punta Gorda Annual Taste of Punta Gorda at Laishley Park; visit tasteofpuntagorda.org for info.

18TH 8:30 AM Rotary Leadership Institute Gulf Coast Division courses 1, 2, 3 offered in Ft Myers & Sarasota

APRIL 3RD

RC of Anna Maria Island Golf Tournament at IMG Golf Club

29TH 9 AM District Assembly & Rotary University Details on DACdb

29TH 7 AM Englewood Sunset / Kale Dailey Memorial Golf Tournament. Details on DACdb.

MAY 6TH 1 PM Rotary Master's Charity Golf Tournament

27TH-31ST

Rotary International ConventionMelbourne, Australia