IN THIS ISSUE

Vol. 13, No. 18, October 30, 2000

 District Governor’s Annual Visit

District Governor John Nelson paid his official visit to the BBRC on Friday, one day after meeting with the Club’s Board of Directors to learn about new initiatives the Club is taking. A 14-year veteran of the Mercer Island Rotary Club, its Past President, a former member of the Mercer Island City Council, the Island’s “Citizen of the Year” in 1991, and married to Jane for 44 years, Nelson brings an easy-going excitement to his term as Governor.

Governor Nelson was sporting “an ugly tie,” a gift from a Taiwanese Army officer who was a guest in his home while he and Jane served in the U.S. Navy. The tie was bright red, with a stitched peacock gracing the front. Since Governor Nelson was put to work judging the “Creative Tie Contest,” he was ruled ineligible to compete.

Governor Nelson took the opportunity to announce that Rosemary Aragon, who lives in Duvall and is a member of the University Rotary Club, has accepted the nomination for District Governor, beginning in July, 2002.

He proceeded to outline the various programs and projects that make the BBRC excel. In fact, he said an “Excel spreadsheet would be needed to list all of the major contributions your club has made to your community and Rotary over the years.” He cited scholarships – particularly the six annual scholarships to Business Week, the highest in the District – as one of the BBRC’s most steadfast programs. He was also upbeat about the Club’s work with Sammamish High School

On the world scene, Governor Nelson said that Rotary International had set back the date for conquering Polio, choosing 2005 as the time when PolioPlus would make its last immunization. Difficulty getting access to various countries was cited as the reason.

He talked about a plan where clubs may gather on the Internet – “a cyberspace club” – but he, himself, couldn’t see a club without face-to-face contact with members. For local public relations, Governor Nelson said to invite the media to attend our community service projects, such as the Sammamish Planting project, or the Bicycles for Mexico.

Under RI President Frank Devlyn, there are now 20 task forces designed to give all Rotarians a “menu of opportunity,” with information about important initiatives taken by Rotary. Two task forces at the top of the list are:

• Avoidable blindness [$100 buys three cataract surgeries in India]; and
• Disaster Relief and Response

Under President Devlyn’s leadership, there is an increased awareness of technology, use of the Internet, and a focus on membership.

As far as District 5030 goes, Governor Nelson pointed to three major thrusts by the District. “Computers for the World is a project that calls on Interact Club members to refurbish computers, which are then sent to countries around the world.” The Homeless Youth Project and Rotary First Harvest are continuing projects, which have become great successes.

Dick Clarke, Past District Governor, was singled out for his founding of the District Leadership Academy – 29 “students” are enrolled in the inaugural session. Clarke indicated a new class will begin in January.

The Group Study Exchange program for 2001 will feature an exchange with Thailand’s District 3340, south of Bangkok. Gary Zimmerman, a frequent visitor to the BBRC will be the team leader. Governor Nelson said a list of “17 applicants for the team gives the District a wonderful choice among very talented people.” The 2002 GSE experience will be with the Turkish district encompassing Istanbul.

“We are shooting for adding Interact Clubs through the schools of the district … a goal of 16 has been set.” As for use of District funds for overseas projects, the District has allocated $76,000 for these international projects, which can be leveraged up to $1 million through cooperation with other clubs and Rotary International. Seattle #4 has allocated $50,000 for matching fun projects in South Africa, as the result of Nelson Mandela’s visit early this year.

Governor Nelson looks forward to this spring’s annual District Conference, to be held at the Vancouver Bayshore Hotel. “The facility has undergone a $15 million upgrade. With the help of two of your members, Sharon Edberg and Howard Johnson, we are sure to have a great conference.”

Also, don’t forget the opportunity to attend the 2000-2001 Rotary International Convention in San Antonio, Texas. Details are available in The Rotarian magazine or on the RI website.

The Governor closed by saying that it’s a fact that Rotary works at the individual and club level. He urged members to use the District as a resource for programs and projects.

Thanks to President Kopczynski for his introduction.