“Serving Our Communities . . . In The Valley and Around The World”

March 31, 2016

“Whatever Rotary may mean to us, to the world it will be known by the results it achieves.” —Paul P. Harris

Our 1.2 million-member organization started with the vision of one man—Paul P. Harris. The Chicago attorney formed one of the world’s first service organizations, the Rotary Club of Chicago, on 23 February 1905 as a place where professionals with diverse backgrounds could exchange ideas and form meaningful, lifelong friendships. Rotary’s name came from the group’s early practice of rotating meetings among the offices of each member. Our ongoing commitment Rotarians have not only been present for major events in history—we’ve been a part of them. From the beginning, three

key traits have remained strong throughout Rotary: We’re truly international. Only 16 years after being founded, Rotary had clubs on six continents. Today we’re working together from around the globe both digitally and in-person to solve some of our world’s most challenging problems. We persevere in tough times. During WWII, Rotary clubs in Germany, Austria, Italy, Spain, and Japan were forced to disband. Despite the risks, many continued to meet informally and following the war’s end, Rotary members joined together to rebuild their clubs and their countries. Our commitment to service is ongoing. We began our fight against polio in 1979 with a project to immunize 6 million children in the Philippines. By 2012, only three countries remain polio-endemic—down from 125 in 1988. Rotary is the largest volunteer philanthropic organization in the world, with 33,000 clubs located in more than 200 countries. We are a global network of more than 1.2 million business and professional volunteers serving our communities ... in the Shenandoah Valley and around the world.

Schedule of Meetings Monday

Rotary Club of Harrisonburg

Tuesday

Rotary Club of Rockingham County

11:45 AM Next to Comfort Inn 1400 East Market Street, Harrisonburg, Virginia 22801 7:00 AM Next to Comfort Inn 1400 East Market Street, Harrisonburg, Virginia 22801

Rotary Club of Bridgewater 7:00 PM at Bridgewater Retirement Community Houff Center, 302 N. 2nd Street, Bridgewater, Virginia 22812

Rotary Club of Broadway-Timberville 7:00 AM at Town & Country Restaurant 221 W. Lee Street, Broadway, Virginia 22815

Thursday Rotary Club of Harrisonburg-Massanutten

12:00 PM at Virginia Mennonite Retirement Community Park Gables Building, 1491 Virginia Avenue Harrisonburg, Virginia 22802

The five Rotary Clubs in Harrisonburg and Rockingham County are pleased to bring you this publication. Rotary International is a wonderful 110 year old organization which promotes and develops the better aspects of our human nature. Rotary first came to the Harrisonburg and Rockingham County area in 1921. Our motto is “Service above Self.” Winston Churchill once said that, “We make a living by what we get, but we make a life by what we give.” The object of Rotary is to encourage the development of friendship and acquaintance as an opportunity for service and to promote high ethical standards in business and professions. We recognize the worthiness of all useful occupations and the dignifying of each Rotarian’s occupation as an opportunity to serve society. One profits most who serves best. Service to others in each Rotarian’s personal, business, and community life is paramount to us. We believe service to others advances understanding, goodwill, and peace. Our immediate and pressing international health goal is to complete the eradication of Polio – only three countries remain. Rotary launched its PolioPlus program, the first initiative to tackle global polio eradication, in 1979. Since then, Rotary and its partners have helped reduce the number of annual cases from 350,000 to fewer than 250. Additionally, we aim to end illiteracy, make provision of safe water for those without, reduce hunger, and improve the health of the citizens world-wide. Locally, our clubs are engaged in many different facets of improving the lives of individuals in our community from the newborn to our seniors. The local clubs raise funds through many fun events including corn hole tournaments, golf tournaments, pancake and spaghetti dinners, a soap box derby, and car raffles to support local organizations such as First Step, Generations Crossing, the Harrisonburg– Rockingham County Free Clinic, Friendship Industries, Valley Associates for Independent Living, Massanutten Regional Library, The International Festival, The Fairfield Center, Shenandoah Valley Economic Education, the Harrisonburg and Rockingham Thermal Shelter and many, many more organizations. I dare say that there is not a charitable organization in our community that has not been benefitted by our local Rotary Clubs. We financially encourage our students with scholarship and awards for ethical conduct measured by our Four Way Test. The Four-Way Test is an ethical guide for Rotarians to use in their personal and professional relationships. Rotarians recite it at club meetings; it is “Of the things we think, say or do First: Is it the TRUTH? Second: Is it FAIR to all concerned? Third: Will it build GOODWILL and BETTER FRIENDSHIPS? and Fourth: Will it be BENEFICIAL to all concerned?” We promote peace and understanding by sending our local youth to foreign lands and welcoming international students into our local community to study and learn about new cultures. We send and receive teams of professionals who learn about foreign countries. The goal of this newspaper insert is to introduce Rotary to you, accentuate its basic convictions, display how we Rotarians diligently strive to improve the human condition locally and around the globe by putting our guiding principles into practice. Rotary is not just about charity. Its founder Paul P. Harris once said, Rotary “can do more than that; let it remove the cause of that which makes charity necessary.” Matthew C. Sunderlin Assistant Governor Area 3, District 7570

A message from District Governor Alex Wilkens Rotary is the oldest service organization in the world and is represented right here in the Daily News – Record reading area by several local clubs. You may not personally realize Rotary’s impact, but your local Rotarian Clubs consistently provide benefits to our neighbors that allow this community to better support our neighbors and each other. Rotary’s primary role is to provide service to others. In this

light, we provide ourselves as servants, we provide our talents as mentors and leaders, and we provide our financial capabilities where needed. All of these things we do in a logical mix to support our community. Whether it is fundraising, providing manpower for local community projects, or being the catalyst that leads others to engage at a more robust level, Rotary is a capable and viable tool of the service world. The work of Rotary always

begins in the local community, and often times it grows across regions and continents. And while every community has its own unique needs and concerns, we have realized that we can serve in countless ways, while still focusing our efforts in six key areas to maximize our impact. These areas encompass some of the world’s most critical and widespread humanitarian needs, and we have a proven record of success in addressing them:

They are: Peace and conflict prevention/resolution, Disease prevention and treatment, Water and Sanitation, Maternal and Child Health, Basic Education and Literacy, and Economic and Community Development. Please enjoy this insert and see how Rotary continues to impact our community. We appreciate being your neighbor.

received the District Governor’s 110% award twice. Alex received a BA in English from The Citadel, graduated from the USMC Command and Staff College, and has an MBA from Averett University. He retired from the United States Marine Corps in 2002 after serving

24 years and participating in two armed conflicts. During his Marine Corps career, he commanded a Marine FighterAttack Squadron of F/A-18s, was assigned twice to billets at the Pentagon, and was present at that location during 9/11. Alex is currently employed by Federal Express as a commercial pilot. During his two careers, Alex has visited all continents except Antarctica. He has attended Rotary clubs in Hiroshima, Japan; Atsugi, Japan; Seoul, Korea; and Delhi, India. Alex is a deacon of the Stuart Baptist Church, serves on the committee of the local Boy Scout troop and has been a registered Boy Scout since age 11. He has hiked more than three quarters of the Appalachian Trail in Virginia and all of it in Georgia. Alex is a Board Member of the Martinsville Blue Ridge Airport Authority and a Board Member of the Virginia Association of Fairs.

Alex’s wife Janice earned her BS in Nursing at Radford University. Janice is a member of the Rotary Club of Stuart where she has served as director and twice as president. Janice has served as the chair of the District Training Committee. She is a recipient of the 110% award and the Five Avenues of Service Award. She is the Past President of the Patrick County Chamber of Commerce. Janice served as President of the Virginia Rural Health Association for two years from 2010-2012 and has received two prestigious Rural Health awards since 2009. Alex and Janice are Major Donors, Bequest Society Members, Paul Harris Society Members, Sustainers, Skelton Fellows, Benefactors and RLI graduates. They have two adult sons, Davis and Brandon, and a daughter-in-law Holli (Brandon’s wife). Both sons are Naval Aviators serving as Officers in the United States Marine Corps.

ABOUT THE GOVERNOR DG Alex Wilkins lives in Stuart, VA, and is a member of the Rotary Club of Stuart. He has served as a sergeant-at- arms, director, and president of that club. Alex served as the District 7570 Lieutenant Governor in 2012-13 and Area 7 Assistant Governor for 2013-14. He has

What Rotary Means to Me By: Dan Plecker, Rotary Club of Bridgewater I first became acquainted with Rotary as a young boy. Some of my earliest memories are of my dad sitting at his make-shift desk in the basement typing up Rotary reports on the old Royal typewriter. I didn’t really know what Rotary was or did, but I knew my dad (and Mom) was extremely committed to it since he went on to have 46 years

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of perfect attendance and served as secretary-treasurer for many, many years. And, even in her later years, my mom enjoyed attending Rotary banquets with my wife and me and would reminisce about past special Rotary functions she had attended and people she had met. I remember going to some of the early pancake and spaghetti dinners, my parents going to special Rotary events, and my dad getting up when it was still

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dark on a Saturday morning to go to some place called the Homestead in Hot Springs (wherever that was) for a Rotary conference. And when we were in Germany visiting my sister, I went with my dad to a Rotary club in Wurzburg so that he could get his make-up. As an adult, like many, I resisted the weekly commitment to a service club like Rotary. But through the friendly persistence of Dave Pascarella and the late Marvin Smith, I finally joined the Bridgewater Rotary Club in 2001. Now, to me, Rotary means good friends, fellowship, a good song or two, fun, sharing, caring, making pancakes and spaghetti, and having a connection with people, not just in our community and our Rotary district, but literally all around the world. Rotarians in Bridgewater support the Challenger Little League, Big Brothers/Big Sisters, the Dictionary Project for local 3rd graders, highway clean-up, and other projects. But, it is that worldwide connection that really makes Rotary special to me. Visiting with the Group Study exchange teams, the exchange students this club has hosted, the ambassadorial scholars, and some of the speakers at the District Conference are some of those special connections. But, it is also learning about the projects around the world where many diverse clubs and individuals are working together toward a common goal to eradicate polio, provide clean water, eliminate

illiteracy, and just improve the lives of those much less fortunate than you and me. And, since my sister was also influenced by the Rotary spirit of my dad and mom, we decided to start the Bridgewater Rotary MP3 Scholarship at Turner Ashby High School. The MP3 stands for my dad, M.B. Plecker, my mom, Miriam Plecker, and my late wife, Marina Plecker (who was a teacher and administrator in Alleghany and Rockingham counties for 24 years before her death from cancer in 1997). The scholarship goes go to a TAHS senior planning to major in elementary or early childhood education (in honor of Marina and my sister, Susan, who also taught elementary school for many years) and who upholds the ideals of Rotary and the Rotary motto of “Service Above Self ” (in honor of my parents, M. B. & Miriam Plecker). And, remember, as we go forward, “Be Enthusiastic About Rotary.” (Dan is currently the secretary for the Rotary Club of Bridgewater. He is also a past-president of the club. During his presidency, “Be Enthusiastic About Rotary” was his theme.)

Rotary Club of Bridgewater, Virginia Meeting Place: Houff Center, Bridgewater Retirement Community Meeting Time: Tues. evenings, 7:00 p.m. Club Officers and Board Members President: Chuck Berbes Presidents-Elect: Alaina Henry and John Morrow Secretary: Dan Plecker Treasurer: David Huffman Sergeant-at-Arms: Chuck Berbes Club Administration: Doug Wine Rotary Foundation: Sam Moore Membership: Charlette McQuilkin Service Projects: Sally Jane Conner Public Relations: Johna McFarland Past President: Matthew von Schuch 32 Club Members 32 Paul Harris Fellows 20 Sustaining Members Projects • Pancake Supper • Spaghetti Supper • Christmas in July – Interfaith Food Pantry • Dictionaries to 3rd graders at John Wayland Elementary, Ottobine Elementary, and Blue Ridge Christian School • Highway Clean-Up • RYLA Students • Christmas for Families in Bridgewater • Vocational Awards – Turner Ashby High School, Pence Middle School, and Massanutten Technical Center • Scholarship for Turner Ashby Senior

Direct Support in the Past • Bridgewater Challenger Little League • Girl Scouts • Mercy House • Haiti Ministry • Happy Dollars to Annual Fund • End Polio Now • Shelter Box • Library at Dayton Learning Center • Endowed Scholarships at Bridgewater College

3rd Grade Dictionary Project In this age of online reference sources, area students still love to have their very own personalized dictionary! The Rotary Club of Bridgewater each year donates Student Dictionaries to all third grade students at John Wayland Elementary School, Ottobine Elementary School, and Blue Ridge Christian School. Rotary members make formal presentations of these dictionaries, which contain a specially made Rotary Club of Bridgewater bookplate with the student’s name and school.

PRESCRIPTION FOR READING Put five local Rotary Clubs and one District grant together and what literacy project do you have---support for the Prescription for Reading program of the Massanutten Regional Library. Each of the five clubs (Bridgewater, BroadwayTimberville, Harrisonburg, HarrisonburgMassanutten, and Rockingham) donated $500 with the District matching a grant of $2500 for a total of $5000 to purchase tote bags and baby board books. These tote bags will be distributed by two local pediatricians’ offices to the parents of

6-, 9-, and 12-month-old babies during their well baby checkups. On October 29, 2015, Rotarians from the five clubs and District Governor-Elect Chris Runion gathered together at the Massanutten Regional Library to pack the tote bags for distribution. Rotarian Charlette McQuilkin (Bridgewater) spearheaded this project to promote the early language/literacy development of babies in the Harrisonburg/Rockingham County areas.

Bridgewater Rotary Club Election Day Pancakes

A major project for the Rotary Club of Bridgewater is the Annual Election Day Pancake Supper, served at Turner Ashby High School. Community members turn out for a delicious meal and great fellowship as they support the Bridgewater Rotarians and their service projects.

mornings at his invitation also know him as “Coach.” Many of them probably knew little of his historic role in Virginia athletic competition. As a football, basketball and track athlete at Bridgewater, he was the first black to compete in intercollegiate sports Invited to Rotary by the late Orland “Jack” in Virginia for a school that was not a Wages, then librarian at Bridgewater College, predominantly black college. Mr. Whitelow joined the club in May 1970. Then, there’s his morning ritual at the The image of men in suits going to Rotary still shapes his respect for the organization. corner of Mt. Crawford Avenue and Main He never shows up without a coat, tie and Street – 7:30-8:15 every weekday – of waving his Rotary pin. “I will never come casual,” he (“and I can’t wave without smiling”) to the students on school buses and to parents and insists. “It’s a very professional meeting.” children as their cars pass by. It started simply He cites the fellowship of Rotary as a major one morning as his way of greeting a friend, draw for him, but, even more, he’s committed Bobby Shank, who drove a school bus. When to what Rotary means, what it does, its Mr. Whitelow wasn’t there the next morning, allegiance to the Four-Way Test. As the club’s Mr. Shank questioned his absence. “I didn’t chaplain, his prayers always lift up Rotarians know I was expected every day,” he replied. and community members who are grieving Mr. Shank countered that he was on the bus or ailing, and they always express gratitude every day, so Mr. Whitelow needed to be on for our pledge to put “service above self.” duty. When Mr. Shank retired, Mr. Whitelow thought he could stop his ritual, too. But, so Now, about those nicknames. many people missed him and worried that The story goes that his mother Muriel perhaps he was ill, he has continued. would walk about town with infant Carlyle in He lives out his life as service above self. a baby carriage. Friends would stop to admire the cute little boy and invariably would rub Over the years, he has served on numerous his head and declare: “His hair feels just like boards. Currently, he’s on the local Salvation cotton!” So, many folks still call him Cotton. Army board, a chaplain with Industrial Commercial Ministry, treasurer at John And he’s “Coach” to the Bridgewater Wesley United Methodist Church, a regular College students who played tennis, football visitor with hospital patients and nursing and basketball under his tutelage during his home residents, the writer of innumerable faculty tenure at his alma mater, where he notes of encouragement and a compassionate retired in 1997. Some of the younger youths friend ready to lend a hand. And when he who flocked to the college gym on Saturday waves, he’ll smile, too. High School (now the Blue Ridge Christian School), he questioned his mother who they were. She explained that they were Rotarians. “I’d like to do that sometime, maybe,” he declared.

Some call him Cotton. Others say Coach. Then there are those who may not even know his name, but they anticipate his wave and his big smile as they travel to school or work every weekday morning. The Bridgewater Rotary Club’s Carlyle Whitelow may be the best-known, mostrespected man in Bridgewater – and he’s never run for office or been president of a bank or a major business. Becoming a Rotarian fulfilled a desire that he held as a child. Seeing men in suits going to dinner at the former Bridgewater

Matt Von Shuch, 2014-15 president, presents Clayton Towers his 56year perfect attendance pin at the June 2015 club banquet.

Clayton Towers reveres the Four-Way Test. “It’s what Rotary stands for,” he says, “and it’s what I stand for.” A native of the eastern shore of Maryland, Mr. Towers came to Bridgewater to attend college. “Bridgewater College was a turning point in my life,” he declares. Not only did he get an education that prepared him for a career in education, teaching

at Clover Hill, Dayton and John Wayland elementary schools, he also met the love of his life. He jokes that in choosing the former Jackie Grove as his wife, “I married the prettiest girl at the college, and she married the ugliest man.” Even at age 96, he delivers that line with a hearty laugh, declaring that “it’s been a good marriage.” The couple has three children, nine grandchildren and five, soon to be six, grandchildren. He is a man who honors more than just his marriage commitment. Since joining the Bridgewater Rotary Club in January 1957, he has compiled a record of perfect attendance for 56 years. He was introduced to Rotary by the late Roger Cole, then a member of the Bridgewater College music faculty. The two men shared interests in music and amateur radio – avocations that still hold fascination for Mr. Towers. He plays and has taught numerous aspiring musicians, including some at the Bridgewater Retirement Community, to play a full range of string instruments. Although

his health has declined, he says even if he’s in bed, he can “squirm” around and reach his radio transmitter and send out some messages. His name probably is best known locally, however, as a weather man, reporting Bridgewater statistics to WHSV-TV for about 35 years and, for some years, to WSVA radio, too. He’s kept weather records for “about 50 years.” He delights in the prediction of a storm. His fellow Rotarians anticipate the nights when Mr. Towers is in charge of the program. Sometimes, he brings some of his students to play and sing with him. Sometimes, he recalls stories from his childhood in Maryland, Other times, he regales the club with humorous anecdotes from Rotary meetings and local events long ago. And he always works in some jokes. He even lists “comedian” as one of his hobbies in the club’s directory. He does epitomize the commitment from the FourWay Test to “build goodwill and better friendships.”

Bridgewater Rotary 2016 RYLA Participants - Leah Lilley and Morgan Kimbrough

May, 2015 Vocational Awards Jerry Ridgeway (TAHS), Lucinda Eye (WPMS), and Neil Tucker (MTC)

Meetings are held on Tuesdays at 7AM, at the Town & Country Restaurant in Broadway, VA. President: Alan Shelton Vice President: Gannon Irons Secretary: Robert Teague Treasurer: Joe Paxton

Being new to the community service organization, Sean observed, “I was pleasantly surprised by the depth of commitment to the club. I saw first hand how the individual Rotarian members deeply care and are committed to making a difference in the lives of people in our county as well as internationally. Between the weekly reading at local elementary schools; the scholarships given away annually; local road clean ups; participating in a shoe drive; the list goes on and on. It is very exciting to be a small part of the growth of a community.” His most rewarding experience thus far was Christmas shopping for the less fortunate: “Shopping was not only fun during Member Sean Philpott: the moment, but being able to see Sean Philpott is both the newest the faces of the recipients opening and the youngest member of the the gifts made it all worth it.” Broadway-Timberville Rotary Club. He joined in the summer of 2015 Being of the millennial generation, because he felt Rotary would provide Sean recognizes the need to recruit the opportunity to not only invest young members and to develop himself but also to give back to his those young members into future community. As a result of attending leaders. “Our veteran leadership meetings regularly and actively continues to lead well, but we participating in club activities, Sean constantly need to be in the search has quickly developed relationships of the next generation of leaders with fellow club members. rising up to take their place.”

Member Wanda Wilt:

instrumental in approaching local leaders, writing letters and meeting with people to inspire the new club. The first meeting of the BroadwayTimberville Rotary was held in July of 2003 with 17 in attendance. The club was officially chartered on September 15, 2004 with 26 members. There are many outstanding memories in Wanda’s mind regarding club activities: hosting weekly speakers; donating money and resources to support various projects including the Village Library, the Plains Area Day Care Center, the Broadway High basketball goals, offering scholarships, providing Christmas gifts and dinner to local families; both fun and fellowship are fostered within the club. Her most rewarding experience came as she was appointed special representative to the District Governor while again furthering development by helping to start another new club in Mt Jackson-Edinburg. Under her leadership alongside fellow member John Mrotek, the Mt JacksonEdinburg club is now active and in its seventh year.

Wanda Wilt was first introduced to Rotary in the 1970’s when she accepted an invitation from the late Mr Sam Shrum to a Monday noon lunch. Women were not yet allowed as members of Rotary, but Wanda served as a member of the Rockingham County supervisors at the time and Sam wanted to bend her ear on a project regarding county utilities at Sunnyside. Wanda was immensely impressed by the large gathering of business men, specifically the camaraderie they enjoyed and the way they created opportunities to make a difference in their community. Wanda is excited for the future of the Broadway-Timberville Rotary Twenty five years later, Rotary club, especially because there will was not only looking to expand, be a concentrated membership drive but also was inviting women to this coming spring. However, she join. Whit Krumm was charged says, “You don’t have to wait until with club development and asked spring, come join us on Tuesday Wanda to get involved. She was mornings!”

ROTARY PROJECTS: “Every Rotary Project anywhere in the world is always started with one person who had an idea” EDUCATION: Through the main fundraising effort, Night at the Races (held annually in early March), the BroadwayTimberville Rotary is able to provide scholarships; One is a $1000.00 scholarship to an eligible Broadway High School Senior attending a four year college or university. Acknowledging that not every student will assume that path in education, the club also offers 2, $500.00 scholarships to graduating seniors attending a vocational or technical school.

the Valley: the Village Library! The library incurred debt upon moving to a larger location in the town of Broadway several years ago. Through the annual fundraiser, Night at the Races, the club has helped reduce the debt service owed on that move and remains committed to donating funds annually. Additionally, members Tim Bryan and Alan Robbins manufactured a Rotary reading car which is placed in the children’s section of the library, providing a fun place for kids to enjoy reading.

LITERACY: One of the tenets of Rotary is supporting basic education and literacy. The Broadway-Timberville Rotary has taken this focus to heart and makes an impact on this issue locally in a number of ways: First, Club members read to children weekly at John C Myers and Plains Elementary schools. Members state that showing up to read for just twenty minutes and witnessing the joy it brings to the children is often the highlight of their week.

“Library manager Barbara Andes sitting in the Rotary Car ready to read.”

The car is used daily and is a main attraction of the library.

Third, the Broadway-Timberville Rotary has partnered with other local Rotary clubs and the Massanutten Second, the club is also committed Library on the “Prescription for to one of the best kept secrets of

babies” book project. This program provides books to area pediatric offices, to be given to new mothers to read to their children in hopes that literacy will develop from infancy onward. ETHICS DAY & RYLA Ethics and leadership training help to grow a community. Every two years, rotary participates in Ethics Day at Broadway High School. Club members educate students on the ways in which ethical dilemmas

occur in our daily lives, and facilitate students as they work through such dilemmas in discussion. The Rotary Youth Leadership Awards (RYLA) conference is a leadership development program run by Rotary where students learn leadership fundamentals and ethics; communication skills; problems solving; conflict management; community and global citizenship. This year, the club was able to send a senior from BHS named Kaitlyn

Beach to RYLA. Kaitlyn reported that this conference was one of the best experiences of her life to date and that she felt the friends she met there as well as the experiences offered her would surely help her to grow into a future community leader.

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the Broadway-Timberville Rotary club, including Executive Director of Pleasant View Homes Nancy Hopkins Garris, adopt and provide gifts to such residents. Each year, the club is flooded with hand written cards of appreciation from the recipients. The club also works with the local social services department CHRISTMAS SHOPPING to provide gifts for underprivileged Many residents of Pleasant View children. Thousands of Rockingham Homes no longer have family and county children would not receive a will often not receive gifts for gift for Christmas if this program Christmas as a result. Members of did not exist. On the first Saturday

Rotary Club of Virginia Board Members

of each December, our members meet to shop together and to wrap gifts for the 40 children they adopt each year. NIGHT AT THE RACES All of the funding for each of these projects derives from the annual “Night at the Races” fundraiser. The first Saturday of every March, members gather at the Plains Community Center for a fun filled night of horse races and casino games. Over 150 guests join in the

fun while raising money to support club programs. Attendees participate in 50/50 drawings, pull tabs, black jack and poker games, horse race betting and a grand prize drawing of $1000.00. Pre-recorded, live horse races are presented on the big screen; guests pick their winners and celebrate any winnings! But the real winner is the Broadway-Timberville Community, as all proceeds go back to support the local community.

Reading at Plains and John C. Myers Elementary School Several years ago Rotarian Dr. Fred Fox had a vision to include all the local schools in a reading project. He approached our club and we accepted the challenge. So we adopted the two local elementary schools. Reading to children is a highly rewarding activity. Every Tuesday and Thursday members of our club go to John C. Myers ES in Broadway and Plains ES in Timberville and read to students. It starts locally to change the world. Time will tell what a difference this small activity will make on these children. (The children being read to love it, but the Rotarian reader gets more good feelings about the activity than anyone.)

Social Services Christmas Shopping In the past, our club used to adopt two local needy families and provide a Christmas meal and presents for the members of the family. Recently we changed our focus. Rockingham County Social Services puts forth a daunting effort of hundreds of volunteers to provide gifts for local children that wouldn’t otherwise have a Christmas. This massive goal touched our club. Now every year we provide for 40 of those children. Our annual shopping trip is finished with a wrapping party.

Pleasant View homes support Nancy Hopkins-Garris, a member and Director of Pleasant View Homes brings us another opportunity to serve the community. There are many residents of Pleasant View Homes that don’t have any involved family or any family left at all. So our members adopt them for Christmas. Nancy brings in a list every year and each member adopts one or two of the residents. We are very fortunate for what we have so giving to a simple pleasure like receiving gift at Christmas is rewarding for everyone.

President - David Larson President - Elect - Billy Robinson Secretary - Tom DuVal Treasurer - Bob Grogg

Kenya Trip

Alumni

Keston Fulcher, Dr. Iona Black, Sue Totty and Lynn Diveley in Kenya with widows that were supplied solar lanterns and new homes.

Past Rotary Club of Harrisonburg president, Ken McNulty, hosts the Rotary Alumni Luncheon.

Monday, 11:45 am 1400 E. Market St., Harrisonburg (next to Comfort Inn) RotaryHburg.org

Board Elections:

Great Day of Sharing:

District Conference

International Festival

Courtney Leach, Ed Chappell and Howard Hahn collect food for One Dr. Downey at District Conference Great Day of Sharing which collected Dr. John Downey taking a selfie after over 11,000 pounds of food to restock the Race to End Polio at the Rotary local food pantries. District Conference.

Rotarian Tarpley Ashworth giving guests a lift at the Harrisonburg International Festival.

Stop Hunger Now:

Pie Face

“Our annual board elections are taken quite seriously as Dr. John Sloop campaigns for his candidate.”

Stephanne Byrd and Betsy Hay are all smiles after packing 60,000 meals for Stop Hunger Now

Winning “driver”, Matt Sunderlin poses with his car and other Rotarians who cheered him on Rotarians Betsy Hay, John Sloop, Pictured left to right:Abe Clymer, Andy Dave Larson, Chris Runion, Tim Vanhook, John Downey, Chris Runion, Matt McAvoy and Billy Robinson pose Sunderlin, Thomas Rea, Matt Findley, Billy after taking Pies in the Face to raise Robinson, Ron Ross, Dave Larson. Front row: Lisa Sunderlin and Jennifer Runion money for One Great Day of Sharing.

Current Rotary Club of Harrisonburg president, David Larson, is the owner of Bluestone Financial Services. “I joined Rotary nine years ago because I knew that I wanted to be more active in the community and because I felt Rotary would be a great way to get to know other like-minded professionals, says Larson. “ I felt that Rotary would be a great way to give back, while at the same time meeting new people.” Rotary typically starts out as a networking opportunity for most people (which is great!) but that evolves and goes much deeper with time.

“I have stayed in Rotary because I have embraced the ideals of Rotary and have seen how Rotary can impact our community and the world. Rotary emphasizes literacy, global service, and high professional ethical standards and I feel that being connected to Rotary helps me to further those causes,” said Larson. The Harrisonburg Club is always looking for new members. Our meetings are open to anyone, as are our service projects. “Someone should join Rotary if they desire weekly fellowship with others who care about the community and want to find new ways to serve. Rotary has helped me to have a more complete perspective of our community and the world, and has helped me to better understand the role that I should play in service to those who need our help,” Larson says. He continues, “Although I expected to make acquaintances at Rotary, I did not expect to find so many close friendships. Rotary has helped to foster so many deep friendships that I will have for the rest of my life, and for that I will always be grateful.”

Karen Wigginton is the Vice President of Corporate Marketing and Communications for Sunnyside Retirement Community. She has also been a Rotarian with the Rotary Club of Harrisonburg since 1992. “I joined Rotary as a way to serve the local community and to, in some small way, make a difference in the world,” Wigginton said. She has served in various roles within the club. Not the least of which was being the first female president of the Harrisonburg club. “It was a tremendous honor to serve as our club’s president. I didn’t really think about it in terms of being the club’s first

female president. My focus was on the year ahead and what our club could accomplish. From the beginning, I received a tremendous amount of support from our members. I could not have asked for a better year.” Karen has remained involved including as co-chair of the annual Ethics Awards Program hosted by the club to honor one female and one male student in the highest grade level in each school for their high ethical standards. “The more you become involved in Rotary, especially when you take on a leadership role and participate in district conferences, you quickly learn that Rotary has the ability to transform lives for the better,” she says. Besides opportunities to network and help the community, there are often unexpected benefits of being a Rotarian. “(I have) a greater appreciation for the impact Rotary makes in the lives of others,” says Wigginton. Looking to join leaders like Karen? Membership into Rotary is open to anyone and here’s a great reason to join: “Very simply, to work collaboratively with others to make a difference,” Wigginton says.

James Madison University Rotaract An up and coming organization here in Harrisonburg and one of the most welcoming service oriented clubs is open to not only students, but anyone in the community between the ages of 18-30 years of age. This organizations prides its self on opening its arms to any opportunity that comes their way for they want to give back to the community that surrounds them. General meetings our constructed on a bi-weekly format where sometimes there are speakers with an influential message or a group character building activity, for the spring at 7:30-8:30 p.m. in Zane Showker Hall room 106 where anyone can attend. They commonly work together on different events like the Blacks River Run Clean up and yearlong service projects like Project Read and SPCA. One way they try to bring the club together is with social events as in hiking and volleyball to give more opportunities for members to meet each other and grow as they talk about aspirations for the organization. Overall the members all come together for one common goal and that is universal motto of Rotary, Service Above Self. Below are two interviews one of an exceptionally active Freshman, Marin Deutrich and the President Patrick O’Neil who is a Junior and pictures that display the efforts of Rotaract members throughout the past semesters.

The interview of Marin:

Q: How long have you been a member? A: I have been a member of Rotaract, a service organization, since Fall 2015 which was my first semester here at James Madison University.

members that go to local elementary schools to read to the children. This is one of my favorite service opportunities because the kids are so excited when you read to them. You can see that their faces are filled with such joy and excitement as you read. It is a great start to my day as well as theirs.

Q: How did you find Rotaract? A: I found Rotaract through the Our club also participated in the Student Org Night in the beginning of the academic year. I was Salvation Army Kettle bell around instantly intrigued by this service Christmas time. A few members took organization when they told me their main focus is to give back to the community and their motto is “Service Above Self.” I thought this was a great message. Q: Why did you choose to join Rotaract? A: I chose to join Rotaract because it stands for everything I believe in: giving back to the community, helping others in need, and doing what is in the best interest for others over your own. The group dynamic within Rotaract is also inspiring because each member gives 110% for every volunteer project. I enjoy working with people who share the same goals and passion for giving back as it makes me strive to become a better person. Q: What impact has your club had on the community? (Local, regional, national or global) A: As a group, Rotaract has helped the Harrisonburg community in many ways. One example is each week there are groups of our

turns ringing the bell for an hour on the commons to help raise money. This event was very successful and a wonderful experience. As I was ringing the bell countless people came up to me thanking the Rotaract group for what we were doing.

Q: What impact has being a member had on your life? A: Rotaract has impacted my life by making me see that no matter the size of a service opportunity the

outcome is great. I enjoy waking up every Wednesday morning to read to little kids, being part of a team n that packed meals for Stop Hunger Now, and being able to make people d smile through the help Rotaract is providing. e t Q: Why would you tell someone to join? A: It allows people to come together to reach a common goal of making the community better and giving e back when you have the chance. I r told my best friends about this club e and they decided to join because they also believe it stands for a great cause and they admired all the community service opportunities available. All are welcome and encouraged to join!

The interview of Patrick: Q: How long have you been a member? A: I have been a member of Rotaract since 2013 which was my first semester here at JMU. Q: How did you find Rotaract? A: I went to Student Organization Night, which is a night where nearly 300 JMU clubs are on display, I went looking for the Rotaract club in hopes to continue what I had done in high school. Q: Why did you choose to join Rotaract? A: After being a member of Interact at Powhatan High School for three years and becoming elected as the President for my final two years. My senior year as a club we received the most active high school club in the

Mid-Atlantic region of Virginia, at that moment I decided that I had found my niche as I was beginning my collegiate career.

day old donuts to us for free to sell for a dollar a piece in the mornings, that allowed us to give the Well of Hope founders a donation last fall.

Q: What impact has your club had on the community? (Local, regional, national or global) A: Our club at JMU has made an unique amount of differences here in Harrisonburg and globally. First, locally we have certified nearly 150 students at JMU to be eligible to volunteer at the Harrsionburg SPCA shelter which is great for them as their adoptance rates continue to rise as the animals become tame with interactions from the volunteers. Another vast impact that has built steam recently is Project Read, where I take a car full of members to Smithland on Wednesday mornings and another one to Keister on Thursday mornings each week, this project is extremely contagious for once you see that the children look up to you as superheroes you want to be there for them before we both start are academic days. Globally, we have participated in two Stop Hunger Now campaigns, last semester with donating 800 dollars to Ashbury Churches campaign, which we are grateful for Abe Clymer to allow us to do a proceeds night at his local Dairy Queen that helped us raise what we donated. We also participated in the campaign in the Festival Ballroom on the JMU campus. Another global impact that we have made is with donating shoes to the Well of Hope in the past and collecting shoes at every meeting, we are also thankful to Strites Donuts, for they donate their

Q: What impact has being a member had on your life? A: Being a part of Interact/Rotaract for six years of my life has opened my eyes to different cultures by meeting other people from different countries and allowed me to learn that I am privileged to be in the situation I am in so having the ability to give back to the less fortunate is the least I can do Also these clubs have given me

the opportunity to meet a variety of Rotarian’s that have all made great impacts to communities across the world that inspires me to one day be in there shoes. Q: Why would you tell someone to join? A: I would tell someone that if they want to give back to the community in anyway and understand the true meaning of happiness then they can find it in the happiness of other by doing random acts of kindness and living by the motto of “Service Above Self” that Rotaract instills.

As the day came to an end one Friday last fall members came together for a cookout with corn hole and volleyball.

Members of Rotaract gather in the Festival Ballroom on the campus of JMU to come together with other students and members of the community to participate in the annual Stop Hunger Now campaign.

As the day ended Rotaract was able to raise nearly $115 dollars by ringing the Salvation Red Kettle Bell in the Commons on JMU campus.

On the final night to return gifts to the Angle Tree in Madison Union where anyone could grab a gift tag to support families of the Salvation Army, the tree was surrounded with gifts for 50 plus children.

In the closing days of last semester in the mountains of Bridgewater the executive team was privileged with the opportunity to meet Rotarians and other volunteers that had helped the Well of Hope in Kenya, as well as meeting the founders to give them a donation of $75.

The final product of what Rotaract was able to pick up at last year’s annual Blacks River Run Clean Up.

Easily one of the most successful events of JMU Rotaract history was the proceeds night at Abe Clymer’s Dairy Queen off of North Carlton Street that allowed us to give Ashbury Church $800 for their Stop Hunger Now Campaign.

Members of Rotaract spend the day hiking up Furnace Mountain as one of their social events and enjoyed the scenic view from the top.

Rotaract hosts an annual Halloween dance for the members of the local ARC shelter as other members of the community come and volunteer to celebrate.

Why Rotary We stay involved with Rotary because of the impact we’ve seen Rotary make in other people’s lives. Whether it is giving kids the opportunity to learn more about science and technology on a soap box derby track, or providing families in South Africa with clean water, Rotary made that difference. Simply put, Rotary gets things done. When local leaders wanted to help families in Haiti after the tragic earthquake a few years ago, they used Rotary to do it. When superstorm Sandy hit the

northeast, it was the local Rotary Clubs that served as a distribution point to collect supplies for those in need. When leaders had an idea about bringing new ideas and dynamic speakers to the Valley it was Rotary that created and facilitated the Valley Business Keynote, the Shenandoah Valley’s largest and premier networking and business leadership event. Membership in Rotary offers more than the professional development opportunities one might expect from joining a

civic organization. Numerous networking, marketing, and leadership opportunities, like in most other organizations, are of course available to Rotarians. But the influence, means, and desire to make a difference in someone else’s life is what distinguishes Rotary from other groups. Rotarians are members of not only their local clubs but also the global organization known as Rotary International. Rotary International is the oldest service organization in the

world, and is comprised of more than 33,000 clubs in more than 165 countries, with 1.2 million members. These members form a global network of business and professional leaders who volunteer their time and talents to serve their communities and the world. The backing of this network gives Rotarians the opportunity to make a difference in the lives of not only those living across the street, but around the world.

President: Tim Reamer President Elect: Gayl Brunk Secretary: Frank D. McMillan Treasurer: Nicholas A. Perrine

Meetings are 12:00 noon on Thursday in the Park Gables Building at Virginia Mennonite Retirement Community. Visit us in person or on Facebook at Harrisonburg-Massanutten Rotary Club!

Cold water does not deter Harrisonburg Massanutten Rotarians from supporting a local non-profit, Valley Associates for Independent Living (VAIL). For the past 2 years, several Rotarians have joined the ranks of community members who chose to “do the dip” in the Arctic Dip held at Shenandoah Acres Family Campground to raise money and awareness for the services that VAIL provides to individuals with disabilities in the community. VAIL is a Center for Independent Living (CIL) and all CILs provide the four core services of Advocacy, Peer Mentoring, Independent Living Skills Training, and Information and Referral to individuals with disabilities to help these individuals remain independent in the community.

In addition to these four core services, VAIL also works to collaborate with other service providers in the community in order to ensure that individuals with disabilities receive the support they need to be independent. The Harrisonburg Massanutten

Rotarians decided to get involved in the Arctic Dip since VAIL’s mission of working to keep individuals independent and in the community is compatible with the Rotarian spirit and is beneficial to all concerned. The Rotarians host a corn hole tournament that also

directly supports VAIL. For the Arctic Dip this year, the weather was 65 degrees, but the temperature of the water was 34 degrees. Rotarians braved the cold waters for a great time and wonderful memories. These fearless Rotarians jumped into the water to embody the motto of Service Above Self. Rotarians felt great about serving the community by supporting VAIL. The Harrisonburg Massanutten Rotary club prides itself in having fun and building lasting friendships while making an impact in our community, through supporting VAIL.

Spotswood High School Starts Interact Club Penn Laird, VA- Rotary International welcomed a new Interact Club to the area last fall. Interact is a service organization for young people, age 12-18, sponsored by Rotary International. Interact clubs carry out multiple service projects per year that help out local schools or the community and promote international understanding. The

Interact Club of Spotswood High School has been in the planning stages since the spring of 2015 and their charter was issued in September. Planning for the new club began when club officers Julia Sheffer and Nathan Horner returned from RYLA, a youth leadership conference developed and run by Rotary in Blacksburg,

VA. Sheffer and Horner participated in workshops, presentations, and activities with youth, including Interact students, from other High Schools in Virginia. Topics included leadership, communication, skills, problem solving, and community/global citizenship. After speaking with other students at the conference, Sheffer

reached out to the Harrisonburg Massanutten Rotary Club, which sponsored them for RYLA, about starting a new Interact Club. “Our rotary club has been actively encouraging students at Spotswood High School who have attended RYLA to think about starting their own Interact Club”, said club youth activities coordinator Jeremy Spilman. “We want to develop the next generation of rotarians, and it starts with getting young people involved with Interact”. Club directors unanimously approved support and sponsorship of the Spotswood Interact club last summer. “The biggest hurdle in the process is to find a faculty advisor,” said Spilman. “This is where Julia and Nathan really stepped up.” Faculty member, Andre Swartzentruber, agreed to be their advisor over the summer. The first meeting was held in the fall, with nearly 25 students joining the club. Since the Interact club started, the students have not wasted any time getting involved. In the fall, they began a project called Soles for Souls, collecting used shoes to send to Africa. Used American shoes can have great value in

third world countries such as Kenya. Interact students have also participated in the Memory Walk to end Alzheimer’s, bell ringing for the Salvation Army’s Red Kettle Coin Drive. Their goal moving forward has now shifted to focusing towards fundraising for a Stop Hunger Now event they hope to have in April at Spotswood High School. These projects typically involve getting large amounts of volunteers and packaging food through a mobile operation that supplies ingredients and supplies. The meals are distributed through feeding programs operated by partner organizations in developing countries that promote education, encourage children to attend school, improve health and nutrition, stimulate economic growth, fight child labor, and address global issues. Interact’s first club started in Melbourne, FL, in 1962. Today Interact has over 30,000 clubs worldwide in more than 200 countries. The Spotswood Interact club is one of 64 clubs in the Rotary 7570 district, encompassing the western part of Virginia and northern tip of Tennessee.

First Step The Harrisonburg Massanutten Rotary Club has shopped each Christmas for the ladies and children of First Step, a shelter for battered women located in Harrisonburg. This twenty plus year old tradition has become a favorite activity for the members of our club during the Christmas season. For those who are trying to make a new start in their lives and the lives of their children, presents of household goods, clothes, and presents are selected wrapped, and delivered to the First Step Shelter a few days before Christmas each year. It is a joy to help those who can use a gesture of encouragement and support and the event adds to the season for our club.

Rotary Club Raises Money For Local Charities Harrisonburg, VA- Lots of teams of two turned out at Turner Pavilion in Harrisonburg on Saturday, October 10, 2015 for the Harrisonburg Massanutten Rotary Club’s Cornhole Challenge. The event, which is in its 4th year of existence, draws people of all ages and skill levels to play c cornhole (bean bag toss) for charity. The Harrisonburg Massanutten Rotary Club, also known as the “Fun Club”, enjoys raising m money for a good cause, while also having a good time. “The thing about this type of event is that a anyone can throw a cornhole bag”, said member Jeremy Spilman. “We want an event that draws p people from the community and supports the community.” This fundraiser is still new to the area. B getting participants, volunteers, and sponsors from the community, the club hopes to raise By a awareness and draw more participants for the event each year. This year the club raised over $9000 through team signups in amateur and professional bracke as well as through corporate sponsorships and food sales. The proceeds from the event go to ets t three local non-profits, the Harrisonburg Rockingham Free Clinic, Friendship Industries, Inc., and Valley Association for Independent Living, Inc. (VAIL). Gayl Brunk, Executive Director at VAIL, says “The funds will go to direct service of our clients, to teach independent living skills. The clients need help budgeting, meal planning, housekeeping, and paying bills. This is a service we would otherwise not have funding for.” In a change from previous events, the club set up this year’s Cornhole Challenge as a doubleelimination tournament. Club members found that based on surveys of previous participants, the thing they most wanted to see changed was being able to play longer. In between matches, event organizers setup a long toss, sold food, and had a DJ to make the event more “fun”. Next year’s event will most likely see more small changes to increase participation and sponsorships. The Harrisonburg Massanutten Rotary Club was founded in 1992. They are one of 5 clubs in p of the Rotaryy International organizag the Harrisonburg-Rockingham County area which are part tio tion.

World Polio Day

Kevin Iwanicki snaps a photo of Matt Findley, Tracey Blido and Andy Vanhook at the World Polio Day breakfast. Blido spoke on how close we are to ending polio and her travels to participate in National Immunization Days in India.

Rotary Tailgate

The event, coupled with a Cask for a Cause held at Brothers Craft Brewing that evening, raised nearly $6,000. The Gates Foundation Rotarians from all local clubs mingle at a will match polio donations 2-to-1 turning JMU tailgate that raised over $1,700 for polio eradication. this donation into nearly $18,000.

ROTARY INTERNATIONAL FAQ WHO founded Rotary? Paul Harris, 1905 WHAT is Rotary about? Uniting people who want to use their skills, experiences, and expertise to solve some of the world’s most pressing problems. WHEN do rotary members meet? Clubs typically meet for breakfast or lunch in their area. WHERE does Rotary Serve? All over the world! There are approximately 34,282 clubs worldwide with 1.2 million Rotarians on 6 continents. WHY should I join Rotary? To make a difference! Connect with community leaders who care about issues facing your hometown and hometowns across the world. HOW do I get started? Find a club in our area by going to the local website www.rotary7570.org

Club Officers President: Jim Elmore President-Elect: Paul Riner Secretary: Katherine (Kay) Harrison Sergeant-At-Arms: Grand Bodkin

Club Director: Wiley (Jack) Osborne Membership Chair: Steve Flora Public Relations Chair: Lydia Heatwole Rotary Foundation Chair, Past President: Thomas Rea

Club Events for 2015-2016 December 2015: Rotarians donated gifts and money to provide Christmas presents for 68 children and 9 adults in our area March 18-20, 2016: District Conference at the Homestead. Rotarians from District 7570 join to recognize all of the great projects and work done throughout the year! April 2016: Annual Car Raffle. Contact a member of the Rockingham Club for a chance to win a car! May 21, 2016: Strawberry Festival June 2016: Soapbox Derby. Come out to watch local kids as they race down East Washington St. in Harrisonburg! September 2016: Ronald McDonald Golf tournament. The Rockingham County and Waynesboro clubs unite to host a golf outing for anyone to join! See more events for our district at http://www.rotary7570.org/Calendar Find Us on Facebook! https://www.facebook.com/RockinghamCountyVARotaryClub

…….EMBRACING THE NEW

Over the last year, our rotary club has seen a surge of new members, primarily from professionals in their 30’s. The name “rotary” has begun to shy away from its stereotype of older gentlemen into fresh, active men and women, eager to help our community while making a difference in lives across the world. One of our younger members is Brad Cohen, who joined rotary last year. Brad is a JMU student and a realtor with Funkhouser Real Estate Group. When asked why he joined Rotary, he replied, “I have always been very driven by service and helping others. I believe the values of Rotary are directly in line with my own.” He went on to explain that after meeting a few members, he could

tell it was a great group of people that all shared the same values as himself. He encourages others to have breakfast with our club Tuesday’s at 7am and eat some bacon! Leadership is an essential aspect of Rotary. To help emerging leaders develop their skills, the Rotary Youth Leadership Awards (RYLA) was established. While participants can be any age, most events focus on secondary school students, university students, or young professionals. RYLA Events are typically 3-10 days long and include presentations, activities, and workshops that cover a variety of topics. Shown above are students from East Rock High School who spoke about their experience with RYLA.

HONORING A CHARTER MEMBER……. George H. Blomstrom was born April 7, 1933 in Mansfield, MA and was the son of Carl Hugo Blomstrom & Hazel May (Wilson) Blomstrom. He served in the US Army from 1953 to 1955 at Fort Myers, VA. Upon discharge, he went to receive a Forestry degree from the University of Massachusetts, Amerherst, in 1958 and was a member of the Sigma Alpha Epsilon fraternity. In 1975 he was united with his wife, Vera (Patton) Mayfield. George was a founding member of the Rockingham County Rotary Club, formed in 1985. He received special recognition (Paul Harris Fellow) for his International service for the promotion of education & culture. George visited Romania several times and taught

classes in Entrepreneurship at the RomanianAmerican University in Bucherest. In his leisure, he loved playing cards with friends. He was an avid reader, especially WEB Griffin books. Bill O’Reilly, M.A.S.H. & the History Channel were among his favorite TV shoes. He loved sailing. He had a 14ft. Omega and was an excellent sailor. You could always find “Forester George” cutting, splitting and stacking wood in his back lot. Our woodstove was a joy to all of us. Lastly, he had a couple cats whom he treated as “Royalty.” - As told by his lovely wife of almost 40 years, Vera Blomstrom

ANNUAL CAR RAFFLE The Rotary Club of Rockingham County hosts an annual Care Raffle and Silent Auction to benefits 3 local charities: First Step, Generations Crossing, and the Rotary Foundation. Last year’s winner received a brand new 2015 Chevrolet Sonic LS! Contact a member of our club to purchase a ticket! You can also email us at [email protected] Attendees purchase tickets from Rotations to the event for a chance

to win a new car. Tickets are pulled to say, it’s a good time for a great case! and numbers eliminated until only ten finalists remain. The lucky few are brought up front and one ticket is pulled at a time. Those in the audience can then bid on the car. One a high dollar amount bid is reached, the MC asks each finalist if they would like an equal share of the bid price of it the want to continue in pursuit of winning the car. If just ONE finalist refuses, then another ticket is pulled. Needless

ALL AMERICAN SOAP BOX DERBY Over the past 10 years, 200 children have benefitted from building, designing, inspecting, and driving the soap box derby cars. The event is part of the Rockingham County Public School’s (RCPS) Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) curriculum. The local Boys and Girls Club has

partnered with RCPS to sponsor the event. As the event has grown, it has become one of the club’s annual signature events,

including almost 100% club participation. The special project is the brain child of Matt Findley, member and

The derby is run on East Washington Street in Harrisonburg. The City is kind enough to close the road for the day while racers speed down the hill, reaching more than 30 miles per hour! Almost 25 of those children participating have been sponsored by the club to continue on to the International Soapbox Derby finals held every year in Akron, OH. Winners gain access to the race, as well as accommodations for their family.

past president, of the Rockingham Rotary club. “The idea for starting the derby was to do something different and to be able to impact kids,” said Findley, who champions the project each year and pours countless hours of time, effort, and sweat equity into being the race chairperson.

SIX WOMEN RECOGNIZED AT UNITED NATIONS FOR LEADERSHIP, HUMANITARIAN SERVICE

Six Rotary Global Women of Action were honored during Rotary Day at the United Nations on November 7, in New York City. They are, from left: Lucy H. Hobgood-Brown, Dr. Hashrat A. Begum, Stella S. Dongo, Kerstin Jeska-Thorwat, Dr. Deborah K.W. Walters, and Razia Jan.

T

he six Rotary Global Women of Action for 2015 were recognized during Rotary Day at the United Nations on 7 November in New York City for their dedication and service, which have improved the lives of thousands around the world. “The women we are honoring here today are leaders in Rotary,” said Rotary President K.R. Ravindran. “They are pushing the boundaries of Rotary service, pushing us all to do more, be more, and achieve more.” Lakshmi Puri, assistant secretarygeneral of the United Nations and deputy executive director of UN Women, praised Rotary for its acknowledgment of the crucial role women play. “I’m very pleased you have picked this team of gender equality and women empowerment,” she said. The six women, who were selected by Rotary senior leaders and staff from more than 100 nominees from around the world, are: • Dr. Hashrat A. Begum, of the Rotary Club of Dhaka North West, in Bangladesh, who has implemented several large-scale projects to deliver health care to poor and underserved communities.

• Stella S. Dongo, of the Rotary Club of Highlands, in Zimbabwe, who leads the Community Empowerment Project in the city of Harare. The project provides basic business and computer training to more than 6,000 women and youths affected by HIV/AIDS. • Lucy C. Hobgood-Brown, of the Rotary E-Club of Greater Sydney, in New South Wales, Australia, who co-founded HandUp Congo, a nonprofit that promotes and facilitates sustainable community-driven business, educational, social, and health initiatives in underprivileged communities in the Democratic Republic of Congo. • Razia Jan, of the Rotary Club of Duxbury, in Massachusetts, USA, who has spent decades fighting for girls’ educational rights in Afghanistan. An Afghan native, she is the founder and director of the Zabuli Education Center, a school that provides free education to more than 480 girls in Deh’Subz, outside Kabul, Afghanistan. She was also recognized as a CNN Hero in 2012. • Kerstin Jeska-Thorwart, of the Rotary Club of Nürnberg-Sigena, in Germany, who launched the Babyhospital Galle project after surviving the 2004 tsunami in Sri Lanka. With a budget of $1.8

million and the support of 200 Rotary clubs, the project rebuilt and equipped the Mahamodara Teaching Hospital, in Galle, Sri Lanka. The hospital has served more than 150,000 children and more than 2.2 million women. • Dr. Deborah K.W. Walters, of the Rotary Club of Unity, in Maine, USA, a neuroscientist who has served as director of Safe Passage (Camino Seguro), a nonprofit that provides educational and social services to families who live in the Guatemala City garbage dump. Each of the women addressed attendees and led discussions on topics related to her work. More than 1,000 Rotary members, UN officials, Rotary youth program participants, and guests gathered at this year’s annual event, which celebrated 70 years of partnership between Rotary and

the UN. A morning youth session was open to high school students, including members of Rotary’s Interact and Youth Exchange programs. Guest speakers included Fabia Yazaki, acting chief for evaluation and communications in the UN’s department of public information; Karin Ryan, senior project adviser for the human rights program at the Carter Center; Ambassador at-Large Susan Coppedge Amato, director of the Office to Monitor and Combat Trafficking in Persons for the U.S. Department of State; Melissa Russell, vice president of strategic partnerships for the International Justice Mission; Jeffrey Kluger, Time magazine editor at-large; and Archie Panjabi, Emmy Award-winning actress and Rotary polio ambassador.