ROTARY DISTRICT 5220 FRIDAY FACTS
 Sept 2, 2005

Hurricane Katrina

All of us in Rotary are saddened by the devastation of Hurricane Katrina and the poor people suffering in the Gulf States region. Some of the clubs in District 5220 have asked what if anything they can do to help. At this stage, RI does not have an established strategy. RI President Carl-Wilhelm Stenhammar has asked that individual Rotarians and Clubs consider donations to the Red Cross or Salvation Army who are on the ground helping in the area. This fits Carl-Wilhelm’s call for co-operation with other clubs and groups. PDG David Gallagher, Modesto Sunrise Rotary and Mike Keckler, Modesto Rotary, (see next article) are working on a hands-on project to equip a motor home/clinic and drive to the region and then donate the clinic to a poor section of the region after using it to help the people in need because of Hurricane Katrina.

District 5220 Response

District 5220 will be purchasing and delivering a mobile medical clinic to District 6840 Rotarians in New Orleans. This unit will be used to provide medical care to the people whose lives have been devastated by Hurricane Katrina. We need to raise $20,000 to purchase the mobile clinic from Emanuel Medical Center in Turlock. The motor home is in excellent condition with only 5,000 miles on it. Keckler Medical in Oakdale will provide the medical equipment that is needed. Rotarians from District 5220 will drive the unit to New Orleans area. Please make checks to Modesto Rotary Foundation and mail to PDG David Gallagher, 3908 Marigold Lane, Modesto, CA 95356. If there are any questions, contact David at 209-523-9575 or at dg2020@aol.com.

GSE Deadline Approaches

Clubs still have an opportunity to nominate candidates for our Group Study Exchange Team going to Honduras in February for 4 weeks. Candidates must be between 25 and 40, and on the job for 2 years. The next interview is September 10, and more information can be obtained from GSE chair Mark Henry at mhenry@4x6.com 209-578-5200.

New EREY Banner Criteria

Effective July 1, 2005, “Every Rotarian Every Year” banners will be awarded to clubs averaging $100 or more per capita, with every member giving something to the Annual Programs Fund (APF) of The Rotary Foundation. Sustaining Member Banners will be awarded to clubs averaging $100 or more to the APF with 100% of the membership being Sustaining Members. Banners will also be awarded to the top three APF per capita clubs in the district.

True Rotarian

This Rotarian is an important member of his club.

Bob Harmon, Merced Sunrise

New Members

I am happy to welcome new members of the Rotary District 5220 Family and they are:

Robert Watson, Sonora Sunrise Rotary, sponsored by Jim Mosson

Don Ulrey, Sonora Sunrise Rotary, sponsored by Jim Barth

Gus Alegri, Sonora Sunrise Rotary, sponsored by Jerry Kahl

Pete Galde, Sonora Sunrise Rotary, sponsored by Stan Nelson

Jose Aguilera, Sonora Sunrise Rotary, sponsored by Chris Daly

Pete Johnson, Sonora Sunrise Rotary, sponsored by Stan Nelsen

Julie Kline, Sonora Sunrise Rotary, sponsored by Jim Mosson

David Coon, Manteca Morning Rotary, sponsored by Lester Webb

Stephen Blakemore, Turlock Rotary, sponsored by William Behrens

Larry Morrison, Lodi Sunrise Rotary, sponsored by Paul Tarbell

April Hanel, Patterson Rotary, sponsored by Deborah Novelli

Marybeth Marin, Patterson Rotary, sponsored by Peter Talia

Cleve Morris, Patterson Rotary, sponsored by George Logan

Kimberly Davis, Patterson Rotary, sponsored by John Ramos

Stockton Delta Rotary Wins Literacy Award

President Mary Laughlin has informed me that Stockton Delta Rotary won an award for their literacy project. This club has adopted Nightingale School 10 years ago, and has since bought 5,000 books for the students and the school library. The award is for the non-profit organization category and is awarded by San Joaquin A+. It is nice to see one of our family get the recognition it deserves.

Sonora Meeting Location

Sonora Rotary is meeting at Melodie’s at the Sonora Inn. At this point, it is temporary; so call Secretary Gordon Sturm 209-532-9664 or President Brad Woodington 209-586-1363 to make sure. Sonora meets on Tuesdays at noon.

Groveland Rotary – Yosemite Tour

Groveland Rotary has participated in the “Experience Your Yosemite” tour and day of education as to what is going on in Yosemite National Park. President Ron Sharp and his club have recommended that other clubs in the District consider this great program. Contact the Park through Marce Ortiz at 209-372-0369 or Marce_Ortiz@nps.gov