October Message from District Governor Tom Mortimer

DG Tom Mortimer

Greetings All District 5630 Rotarians:

I can’t believe that it is already football season and the Big Red Blowout is over. According to Paul Stec it was the largest sales amount for this very worthwhile project. We in the district owe Paul and Beth a big thank you for all their efforts in making this another successful year for the Big Red Blowout. We also need to thank all of those Rotarians in the district who supported this grand event by selling or buying the record number of tickets. Congratulations to all the winners and guests, plus all the sellers and guests who got to enjoy the bus trip, tailgate, game and Chances R for dinner. GO BIG RED!

The second big event that will take place October 27-30 in Salt Lake City, Utah, is the Rotary Institute. This year not only is the Zone Institute inviting all the District Chairs in the Zone, but those of you that may be interested in learning about those positions, they would be classified as Emerging Leaders. We have two signed up so far to attend this year, but are looking for any other Rotarians that may be interested in learning about the responsibilities of a District Chair position, District Governor or any other position in Rotary. I and all previous District Governors have attended this event as an Emerging Leader. It is very informative, plus there are top rated speakers and entertainment as well. It will be time well spent to learn more about your Rotary. Plus if you sign up the Zone and your District will help with your expenses to attend this event. Also this year the Zone has invited young professionals from all the Districts to attend their own special event and some of the Institute functions as well. This part is underwritten by RI and the Zone. District 5630 has two young professionals signed up for this event, but would like anyone who is interested to contact myself, DGE Jerry Milner, DGN Dale Schultz, PDG’s Don Peterson or Dian Edwards.

October 24 is the World Day of Polio. I hope all clubs can put together a special program for this event. I know several clubs have had a special Polio Plus fund raiser and will be sending in their funds collected that day. Rotary Serving Humanity.

Sheryl and I have completed our official club visits. It has been truly enjoyable to visit all 33 clubs and meet as many of the District Rotarians as we could. The fellowship and food was awesome and the clubs and members were all great hosts. I will try and visit every club at least one more time before PETS. Thanks to all the clubs for making us feel welcome and all the good things you do in Rotary’s name.

Thanks again for being a Rotarian and serving humanity.

DG Tom Mortimer

Saturday, April 26

District Governor Elect Sarah Cathcart (Kearney Noon) began the morning activities with a powerful flag ceremony with our guests and RYE students parading their respective flag. Representing 11 nations were; Argentina, Bolivia, Brazil, Ecuador, India, Japan, Mexico, Romania, Spain, Ukraine, Nebraska, The United States of America and of course the flag that unites all of us, Rotary International. The US colors were presented by the VFW Color Guard Commander Gary Bush followed by the pledge of Allegiance and the national Anthem’s of Equador and United States.

District RYE Coordinator, Paula Witt (Hastings Sunrise) presented “Passport to Possibilities” to the two outbound RYE Students (25-26) with a gift for their upcoming exchange. Owen Phelps (Hastings) will be traveling to Brazil, while Mac Whitehead (McCook) will be traveling to Japan. Following we heard from the current inbound students themselves as Paula interviewed each of them about their exchange year in Nebraska.

Visiting DG Shawna Secker D-5390 (Montana) presented the “Exchange Effect: Changing Lives, One Journey at a Time” An inspirational story of how RYE is transforming lives across the globe, one student at a time.

Saturday Presentations

The Exchange Effect: Changing Lives, One Journey at a Time DG Shawna Secker, D-5390

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Rotary’s Secret Sauce: Attracting & Keeping Members, PDG Deb McCaslin, DMCE Toshia Jones

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Unlocking Growth: Transforming Rotary Membership in India, PAG Neeraj Bhatnagar, D-3011

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Branding Rotary: Making a Lasting Impact, DG Whitney Smith, D-5470

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Up next PDG Deb McCaslin (Broken Bow Area) and incoming District Membership Chair Toshia Jones (Cheyenne County) presented “Rotary’s Secret Sauce: Attracting & Keeping Members“, sharing fresh ideas and proven strategies to help grow and strengthen clubs.

Visiting Rotarian Neeraj Bhatnagar, PAG District 3011 (Dehli, India) presented his first of two presentations, “Unlocking Growth: Transforming Rotary Membership in India.” PAG Neeraj demonstrated how innovative strategies are driving incredible membership and engagement across one of Rotary’s most dynamic regions.

Visiting DG Whitney Smith D-5470 (Southern Colorado) presented “Branding Rotary: Making a Lasting Impact” teaching how to harness the power of storytelling, social media and visual identity to effectively share Rotary’s mission and amplify its impact in your community.

Luncheon Keynote

Davanne Moul; Sr. Sales Director Mary Kay, delivered a powerful message of how passion, planning and perseverance has lifted her to tower above others. Ms. Moul intertwined messages of hope with her stories of growing up on a ranch in Aladdin WY. Ms Moul described how she has lived a life of service to others and how that has empowered her to become a top sales leader for Mary Kay nationally for many years. Her message most certainly encouraged all to pursue their dreams.

Pride Points: 60 Years of Inspiration, Innovation & Impact, Davanne Moul Mary Kay

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Rotary’s Blueprint for Global Impact: The 7 Areas of Focus, PAG Neeraj Bhatnagar, D-3011

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How it Began... PDG Pedro Zanini & Elba Bernat D-4945

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Global Grants: Turning Vision into Action, PDG Dale Schultz

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CRMC Clinic: Honoring Life through Service, Dr. Kim Baxter

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PRIP TRF Trustee Chair-Elect Mark Daniel Maloney Bio

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PRIP TRF Trustee Chair-Elect Mark Daniel Maloney [Speech w/ cues]

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PRIP TRF Trustee Chair-Elect Mark Maloney

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PAG Neeraj returned to the stage to present “Rotary’s Blueprint for Global Impact: The 7 Areas of Focus“, a message of how one person with a single focus can drive meaningful change in communities around the world.

PDG Bob Mayber, DRFC (North Platte Noon) shared “The Heart of Rotary: Transforming Lives Through Giving.” Bob shared a hopeful message of how the simple act of giving can be a force multiplier in Rotary’s mission and provide immeasurable impact on the lives of people whom he thought he would never meet.

PDG Pedro Zanini D-4945 (Argentina) and his wife Elba Bernat presented “This is How it Began“, sharing how a chance meeting of two DG classmates PDG Pedro and PDG Don Peterson (Kearney Dawn) on ZOOM and later in Person in Atlanta, GA would lead to a lasting friendship, and a “Ripple-Effect” of many wonderful projects.

PDG Dale Schultz (Hastings Sunrise) walked everyone through four individual Global Grant projects between D-4945 and D-5630 totaling more than $140,000. Sharing how Rotary has made a lasting impact through the power of collaboration.

Dr. Kim Baxter (North Platte) presented “CRMC Clinic: Honoring Life through Service” A global grant in Kenya. Dr. Baxter shared the incredible work being done to improve healthcare and make a lasting impact in Kenya through this vision to honor his son, Craig Baxter.

Past President Mike McQuillan (Ogallala) served as the emcee for the Dinner and District Celebration. The event was held at the historic Haythorn Ranch Arthur, NE recognizing the efforts of everyone across the district. The Haythorn Family was so gracious hosting and providing a world class Nebraska beef dinner.

Our most honored guests were Past Rotary International President, Mark Daniel Maloney and his lovely wife Gay. It was very special to have PRIP Maloney attend our District Conference because the PRIP is only allowed ONE official appointment from the current RI President each year. Having Lorena’s PRIP from her year as President of the Ogallala Rotary club accept her invitation was truly an honor.

Mark delivered an inspirational message with a little humor tossed in for good measure. “Marks Magical Markers” should be something that every Rotarian should strive to achieve. Download the speech and use the cues to view the Powerpoint and follow along with his message. Mark’s Bio is also provided on the right.

District Awards

Club of the Year (Small)

Arnold

Club of the Year (Medium)

Kearney Dawn

Club of the Year (Large)

Holdrege

Rotarian of the Year

PDG Deb McCaslin