Group Study Exchange schedule announced

Cathy Gifford, who has spearheaded the group of Van Buren Rotarians working to promote the Van Buren portion of the Group Study Exchange from Chile, announced the final schedule of events this morning, September 28th. Rotarians also received a copy of the schedule by email. Rotarians: be sure to contact Cathy at 459-3351 if you can help or attend one or more of the special events on the schedule.

The Group Study Exchange (GSE) program is a unique cultural and vocational exchange opportunity for businesspeople and professionals between the ages of 25 and 40 who are in the early stages of their careers. For four to six weeks, team members visit a number of host clubs and observe how their vocations are practiced abroad. Team members and Rotarians in the host clubs also develop personal and professional relationships, and experience the host country's culture and institutions.

The Van Buren Rotary Club also wants to extend a special thanks to all the host families and businesses who have sponsored visits to share information about their firms and professional practices, and all the Rotarians in the area who have volunteered to help with the event.

SCHEDULE OF EVENTS:

Tuesday 9/29 -
9:00 a.m. Pick-up guests at airport, transport to Holiday Inn Express for a day of rest; Rotarians Jim Spears and Cathy Gifford

Wednesday 9/30 -
10:00 a.m. Jim will pick-up GSE team take to make presentation to Downtown FS Rotary
1:00 p.m. Tour of Historical Sites in Fort Smith Thurman Ragar will assist Jim
5:00 p.m. Welcoming Reception for Guests, Host Families, Rotarians at Sisters Bistro

Thursday, 10/1 -
9:30 a.m. Tour Lake Fort Smith State Park Meet at VB Police Training Center For Host families and GSE Team
Noon: GSE team makes presentation to Van Buren Rotary Club
1:30 p.m. - 5:00 p.m. Professional Visits
Ricardo visits with David Ford, Hubbs Animal Clinic
Carolina, visits WAGCC, Warren Blaylock
Robinson, visits with Kenneth Fry, Press Argus Courier, East Lab
Veronica , visits Rusty Myers and Staff, WAPDD
Teresa, Tom Watkins, VB School District, Fine Arts,

Friday, 10/2 -
9:00 a.m. until 2:00 p.m. Professional Visits
Ricardo, MarrLynn Trucking, County Extension Office
Carolina, Center for Arts and Education
Robinson, Michael Tilley, Williams/Crawford
Teresa, UAFS Takeo Suzuki
Veronica, Van Buren Chamber, County Judge Hall, Mayor Freeman
6:00 p.m. Tailgate party at Blakemore Field Attend Pointer football game

Saturday, 10/3 -
10:00 a.m. Visit Historical Van Buren Main Street
11:00 a.m. Train Ride to Winslow
2:00 p.m. Free Time
7:00 p.m. Toxic Audio, Acapella Singing Sensation,Van Buren Fine Arts Center

"Sensational entertainment... Something for everyone!"

Tom Watkins, Director of the Van Buren School District's Fine Arts Center, provided a preview of the Fine Arts Center's 2009-2010 Entertainment Season at the August 27th meeting of the Van Buren Rotary Club. The schedule provides an outstanding set of professional events as well as three theater productions and four concerts showcasing the students of Van Buren High School. Watkins reminded those present that the programs not only promote cultural and entertainment opportunities for the community, the Fine Arts Center programs include components that promote arts education for Van Buren school students.

Season highlights include:

September 26, 2009 7:00 p.m. - Groovelily Concert Musical "Sleeping Beauty Wakes"
October 3, 2009 7:00 p.m. - Toxic Audio
November 14, 2009 1:00 p.m. and 4:00 p.m.- Bits N Pieces Puppet Theater "Alice in Wonderland"
November 19-22, 2009 VBHS Music and Theater Cole Porter's "Anything Goes"
November 19 7:00 p.m.
November 21 7:00 p.m.
November 22 2:00 p.m.
December 11-12 2009 7:00 p.m. - VBHS Choir Dinner Concert "Ye Olde Madrigal Feaste 2009," Tickets: $15.00
December 15, 2009 7:00 p.m. - VBHS Band Free Community Christmas Concert
February 27, 2010 7:00 p.m. - Larry Dalton in Concert
March 13, 2010 7:00 p.m. - The World Famous Glenn Miller Orchestra
March 19, 2010 7:00 p.m. - "Route 66" (new hit musical comedy review)
April 10, 2010 7:00 p.m. - The Harlem Gospel Choir

For more information about the schedule including artist's web pages and video previews visit: http://www.vbsd.us/fac/Showdetail.aspx

Both season tickets and tickets for individual shows are available online at:
https://secure.ticketsage.net/EventsPage.aspx

Season tickets may also be purchased by calling the box office at 479-471-4017.

Van Buren Rotary's newest Rotarian

Photo: Shirley Williams pins a Rotary member badge on Kevin Holmes, the newest member of the Van Buren Rotary Club. Kevin is an attorney at the firm of Hopkins & Holmes.

Comprehensive Juvenile Services covers six Western Arkansas Counties

Support services for troubled children as young as 10, teenagers and young adults and their families were the topic at the August 20th program at the Van Buren Rotary Club. John Furness, Director of Comprehensive Juvenile Services, Inc. and Janice Justice, the organization's Assistant Director, discussed the types of help available within the Western Arkansas area covered by CJS.

Established in 1976, over 10,000 children and families have received assistance for problems such as runaways, family difficulties, abuse, delinquency and truancy. CJS operates an emergency shelter, provides mental health services, parenting classes, and a variety of other state contracted services. CJS counties include: Crawford, Logan, Montgomery, Polk, Scott and Sebastian.

More information about the CJS program is available at: http://cjservices.org/content/index.php?option=com_frontpage&Itemid=104

Flashback - The District 6110 Installation Dinner in Altus - 6/30/09

As you might expect with one of our own club Past Presidents, A.C. Moncrief, being installed as the new District Governor, Van Buren, Alma and Fort Smith were well represented at the District Installation Dinner on June 30, 2009 in Altus. Actually, Rotarians came from Missouri, Kansas and Oklahoma and all over the district. Thanks to all the folks in Altus and to the Ozark Rotary Club who hosted the event.Thanks also to the Alma Rotary Club who arranged for an air-conditioned bus and Rotarians from all three neighboring communities enjoyed the fun and fellowship on the ride to Altus and the return trip.

The first stop was the Post Familie Vineyards and Winery at the bottom of St. Mary's Mountain. Several guided tours of the winery were conducted and members and guests had the opportunity to taste and purchase the fine Arkansas wines available in the gift shop.

The Installation Dinner was held in Lawrence Hall located on the grounds of historic St. Mary's Catholic Church on the mountain above the winery. The dining area has large windows showing a panoramic view of the Arkansas river valley which is spectacular at sunset. 2008-09 Dist. Gov. Ron Petersen first installed A.C. as the new District Governor for 2009-10, and A.C. installed all the individual Club Presidents who were present. Among those installed were Shirley Williams, President of the Van Buren Rotary Club and James McGhee , President of the Alma Rotary Club.

Shirley also introduced three proposed Van Buren Rotarians who had attended the dinner: Tifanie Weeden, Denise Hill and Travis Hill. All three were inducted into the Van Buren Rotary Club on July 1st, 2009.

The slide show below will give you a brief "taste" of all the fun that everyone had at the Installation Dinner in Altus.

HINT: You can move your mouse over the slide show to access the controls. You can click on the pause button (between the two arrows) and then use the arrows to advance the slide show manually. You can also click on the Picasa icon in the lower right corner and follow the link to the actual Picasa Web Album where you can download or print individual pictures.

CASA helps Crawford County Children

Debra Rieske, Program Director for the Court Appointed Special Advocates for Children (CASA) of Crawford County was the guest speaker at the August 13th Rotary Luncheon. CASA volunteers are trained to monitor the care of abused and neglected children in the custody of the state. In an underfunded and over-burdened child welfare system, CASA volunteers help make sure abused and neglected children have a voice in court. For more information about how you can volunteer or support the important work of CASA of Crawford County contact: Debra Rieske at 479-474-8502.

Catching up with June and July...

It may take a while to catch up with all the changes and events that occurred in June and July. In June, the Van Buren Rotary Club Board of Directors took steps to convert our club's member records to the new district-wide data system. The district's goal was making record keeping much easier for clubs and improving communications with all our members. Part of the package includes a new "permanent" web page for the club that we'll be working on through the Fall. I'll be sure to have links from this web log or "blog" so that everyone can see what's happening within the club. You can already see the link to the District and Club data base (DaCdb - usually pronounced Dak-dee-bee).so that committee chairs and members can share information with their committees. Members can even use the new DaCdb system to update their own member information as it changes with a new phone number or email address.

In the meantime, I'll post pictures from the district installation banquet in Altus and several special programs that occurred while I was concentrating on the conversion process. While all of us are catching up, officers and committee chairs can still send me an email and we'll pass along the announcements and post committee meeting dates in the calendar section.

On a personal note, thanks for all the prayers and encouragement while I've been recovering from a few complications from what started off as minor surgery. I'm doing fine now and getting a little stronger with each day, but it feels even better to get back to work. See you at Rotary!

BR549 - Chief Blogger

Thanks to Everyone who helped with the Rotary Golf Tournament

Drew Deffenbaugh, the Van Buren Rotary Club President is on the record, “The Rotary Club would like to extend its deepest appreciation to all who were involved in the 2009 Golf Tournament at Eagle Crest Country Club. The money we raised will go towards awarding scholarships to local students and it would not have been possible without your involvement. Thanks again and we look forward to the next one.”

"We all had a good time. it was another successful event. The rain held off. I was to thank Brent Peters, Nathan Hurst, Shirley Williams, Bernie Manard, Nancy Smith, I sure there's more, but these people went above and beyond." added Bob England, who with Bernie Manard and other Rotarians, has led led the golf tournament project for several years.

Drew and Bob are both right. All of our contributing sponsors, individual and corporate hole sponsors, Eagle Crest, the host club, every Rotarian and every community member who made a phone call or recruited a team or wrote a check for the event will have helped the Van Buren Rotary toward its community service goals.

You'll notice the sponsor signs were wearing clear plastic "raincoats" and located near the clubhouse to protect them in the event of a heavy rain. You can click on any of the pictures for larger images. Check out the list of sponsors and contributors below. If you get a chance, be sure to thank them in person for their helping us make Van Buren and Crawford County a very special place to work and live.

And what was the final tally for the event? Checks are still arriving in the mail and expenses are being paid. We'll do an update later when we have the final tally. Suffice it to say, it's more money than we had when we started planning this year's event. Thanks to all who helped.

09 Van Buren Rotary Club Golf Tournament Sponsors and Contributors:

Arkansas Oklahoma Gas Corp. Arkansas Valley Electric Cooperative Arvest Bank Back in Action Chiropractic BancorpSouth Bank of the Ozarks Belle Point Beverages Inc Best Western Big Jakes Bob Miller Insurance Chuck Fawcett Realty Citizens Bank & Trust Coca-Cola Bottling Co. of Fort Smith Cornerstone Medical, Internal Medicine - Dr. Henry Edwards Crawford Health Care and Rehabilitation Center Eagle Crest Farm Bureau - Cathy Gifford & Justin Lovett First Community Bank of Crawford County Hawkins-Weir Engineers

Hubbs Animal Clinic Hubbs Lyon and Co Jim Wynn Liberty Bank Lumber One Pete Rogers Rhodes Chrevrolet Richard & Earlene Boone Rick Franzmeier, D.D.S. Shaw Dawgz Discount Golf Simmons First National Bank SPMI Steve Hoz Summit Medical Center Tate's Flowers and Gift Shop Tri Hill Pest Control Warren Blaylock William C. LaRue-CPA Williams/Crawford & Associates

Airport Security in Arkansas: Staying Safe

Larry Lundeen and Bill Smiley who work with the Transportation Security Administration, briefed the Van Buren Rotary Club on the current status of airport security on May 7th. Larry explained that the TSA's role covers all modes of transportation: air, ground and sea, however their security role has evolved as threats have evolved. He also noted that there are 20 layers of security that must be cleared before a passenger gets on a plane.

Bill Smiley (pictured) brought a display of prohibited items that are not allowed through security inspections and distributed guidelines that can help passengers get through the security check point at airports faster.

For helpful information on how to pack and help you speed your way through airport security see:
Getting through the line faster: http://www.tsa.gov/travelers/airtravel/screening_experience.shtm
Prohibited items: http://www.tsa.gov/travelers/airtravel/prohibited/permitted-prohibited-items.shtm

Stan Vlademar introduced the program as Rotarian of the Day.

District Assembly sets participation records and honors local Rotarians

The 2009 District 6110 Assembly in Rogers set a new record with over 300 members registered for the May 2, 2009 training sessions in Rogers. The annual district assembly provides training for incoming club officers and committee chairs. The goal is to explain new programs and update club officials on any changes in existing procedures.

This year District 6110 introduced an online member-oriented application intended to increase communications and improve services for individual club members. When fully implemented, upwardly mobile Rotarians can easily update their own contact information, check the club's calendar, and even register for special conferences and events with a few clicks of their computer. Working committees and their committee chairs can quickly share information about community service projects. Communications between clubs, districts and Rotary International are likewise enhanced.

Two Van Buren Rotarians were recognized at the event. Fines Bachelor, was honored as a 50-year member of Rotary. Fines joined the Van Buren Rotary Club in 1952. Eck Rowland was also recognized during the luncheon introductions, as an outstanding Rotarian (and former Arkansas Razorback football veteran) who serves as a role model for his friendliness and willing service.

Also attending the District Assembly training were Shirley Williams, President-Elect; Clarke Moore, President-Elect nominee; Harry Tommy, incoming Secretary, and B. R. Black, outgoing secretary.

Relay for LIfe on June 12th

Kayci Haberer, Community Representative for the American Cancer Society, spoke to the Van Buren Rotary Club on April 30th. Kayci provided an overview of local services and noted that the American Cancer Society's local Relay for Life was scheduled for the Van Buren High School Track on June 12, 2009. The relay provides an opportunity for everyone in the community to participate in the fight against cancer. You can learn more about the event, sign up, donate, or volunteer at: http://www.relayforlife.org/crawford
Rotarian Dennis Motes arranged for the program as Rotarian of the Day.

Rotary Invitational at Eagle Crest on May 8th

The 15th Annual Van Buren Rotary Invitational Golf Tournament has been scheduled for May 8, 2009 at the beautiful Eagle Crest course east of Alma. Cash prizes include $600.00 for 1st place and $400.00 for 2nd place. Once again, the Hole-In-One Grand Prize is a 2009 Chevrolet Silverado 1500. Other hole-in-one prizes on selected par 3 holes. The event begins with lunch starting at 11:45 A.M. and tee time is at 1:00 P.M. All proceeds from the event will benefit the Van Buren Rotary scholarships as well as local community projects.

Click on this blue link to download a PDF copy of the 2009 golf tournament flyer and entry form.

While the editor was away...

While the "web-editor" was out of town, the Van Buren Rotary Club continued with excellent programs. On April 2, 2009, Cindy Long and Jennifer Goodson presented a program on the Fort Smith Library. On April 9th, the club learned about the Group Study Exchange Program and that District 6110 will be hosting a group from Chile this year. Cathy Gifford and Shirley Williams will serve as local team members for the exchange program. Then Tom Watkins, Director of the Van Buren Fine Arts Center, brought his bagpipes to the Rotary meeting on April 16th. Tom discussed the colorful history and traditions that eventually led to their use in the Highlands regiments formed by the British Empire.

Thanks to the speakers and the Rotarians who arranged for the interesting programs.

Pictures from RYLA

Steve Reid has posted several pictures from the 2009 RYLA Session, March 26-39. The Rotary Youth Leadership Award program in District 6110 provides intensive leadership training for 11th grade students at the Salvation Army’s “Heart O’ the Hills” facility located outside Tahlequah, Oklahoma.

In addition to leadership classes and making new friends with outstanding students from other high schools in the area, RYLA uses a ropes course to build self-confidence and reinforce the leadership skills and teamwork covered in the classroom.

Ross Hellilker, who participated in the RYLA camp this year, will be the club's special guest at the May 21st meeting.

To check out the pictures and learn more about RYLA -
RYLA Pictures: http://www.ri6110.org/news/09/03/26/RYLA_Fri2009/index.html
RI RYLA Brochure (PDF): http://www.rotary.org/RIdocuments/en_pdf/636en.pdf

Photo: Steve Reid, District 6110

Univ. of Arkansas Fort Smith showcases the arts and local talent

The Van Buren Rotary Club had two special guests at the March 26th meeting. First, Stacey Jones, Vice Chancellor for Campus and Community Events at the University of Arkansas Fort Smith reminded all present of the special presentation of the Birdhouse Factory at the Fort Smith Performing Arts Center on the Fort Smith Campus on April 1, 2009. Imagine bringing together an international cast of actors, acrobats, machines and laughter in the tradition of Rube Goldberg and Charlie Chaplin's Modern Times and then putting it all on the stage. For more information about the show (and a quick preview) visit: http://www.birdhousefactoryshow.com/ and then call 479-788-7300 for tickets.

Jones then introduced the new Miss University of Arkansas Fort Smith, Lindsey Lochmiller. Lindsey will be competing for the Miss Arkansas title and hopes to represent the State of Arkansas in the next Miss America contest. Lindsey ended her portion of the program singing two selections from her repertoire which includes both contemporary music and opera. By the end of her performance, all the Rotarians present were impressed by Lindsey's musical accomplishments and that Fort Smith and Arkansas would certainly be well represented in the state and national competitions.

Snapshots from MAPETS - 2009

It's always more fun if you're there, but the comments around the coffee urn or at the banquet were that this was the best PETS the participants had seen yet.

The luncheon speaker was a special guest, John Kenny, Rotary International President for 2009-10 who will be installed this summer in Birmingham, England at the Rotary International Convention. Kenny's theme for the next year is "The Future of Rotary Is in Your Hands." He admonished every Rotarian that we all are responsible to see Rotary's Polio project through until the end - when new infections of Polio are completely eliminated. Close is not good enough! Our reputation is on the line.

Larger versions of the images may be downloaded from: http://picasaweb.google.com/brt.black/MAPETSFortSmith?feat=directlink

Van Buren Housing Authority promotes gardening with "Dig-N-It"

This summer the Van Buren Housing Authority plans to continue its gardening program for children. Since Dig-N-It was started in 1999, over 480 have enjoyed being outdoors and participating in the learning activities the program provides. Those children who participate in Dig-N-It all get to divide up their weekly harvests to take home and share with their family. This year, the children decided that they want to plant an extra garden plot that will be dedicated for the housing authority's food pantry.

During the March 19th meeting, Shirley Williams, the Van Buren Rotary Club's President-Elect, explained how Dig-N-It worked and could help build a life-long interest in gardening. She also pointed out several ways that Rotarians could help.

The housing authority is looking for donations of plants (tomatoes, cucumber, pepper, etc.) children sized gardening tools and gardening gloves. Tax-deductible monetary donations from community members and organizations would also help fill in the gaps and purchase other needed supplies to help the children get the gardens started. Community members with gardening experience are also welcomed to share their knowledge and experience. If you can help, call Tammie Locklear, Garden Coordinator at 479-471-0438.

For more information visit: http://www.vbha.org/DigNit.asp
Photo: Van Buren Housing Authority

Alzheimer's Disease: help available in Western Arkansas

Beth Deramus, representing the Alzheimer's Association's Western Arkansas Regional Center, updated the Van Buren Rotary Club on the current trends in Alzheimer's research, treatment and support for family members and care givers at the March 12th luncheon. Alzheimer's disease symptoms vary widely but the disease can cause problems with memory, thinking and behavior that are not a normal part of aging. Crawford County residents are fortunate to have a regional center located in Fort Smith where information and support groups are available.

Beth emphasized that a 24-hour help line is available at 1-800-272-3900 where trained staff members can help with information, decision-making support and crisis assistance. Confidential referrals to local community programs and services are also available.

Additional information is available on the web:
National Alzheimer's Association website: http://www.alz.org/index.asp
Alzheimer's Assoc. Oklahoma and Arkansas Chapter: http://www.alz.org/alzokar/index.asp

Rotarians helping with King School 5K Run

Kelly Turner from the King School PTA greeted Van Buren Rotarians at the March 12th meeting with a course map and an community service opportunity to work as road crossing guards for King School's 4th Annual 5K Run on Saturday, April 4, 2009. If you've ever worked as a 5K run crossing guard with Eck Rowland and his Razorback noise maker, you know this can be a fun way to help your community. If you're available April 4th, and missed your chance to volunteer, send an email to Kelly at: kellyturner@cox.net to get on the list and then find your cow bell or whistle to urge all the runners and walkers who participate in the event.

If you're a runner, jogger or walker, on-site registration begins at 6:30 A.M. on the day of the event. Race begins at 8:30. The first 300 entrants will receive a 5K run T-shirt. Entry fees: Adults-$15 if pre-registered by March 30th, $20 after and day of the race, $10 for students 18 and under, and students 8 and younger run for fun. For more information, call 479-806-7440 or 479-883-2949.

Waiva Strain recognized for over 30 years of service

Mrs. Waiva E. Strain, was recognized at the March 5, 2008 luncheon for having served as the Rotary Club's pianist for over 30 years and contributing to the fun and enjoyment shared at each meeting. In honor of the occasion, Drew Deffenbaugh presented Mrs. Strain with a new Rotary Club songbook to a rousing ovation of appreciation from the club members.

Denise Hill, of Hill Vision Center in Van Buren was the program speaker and discussed several of the health factors that can influence a person's vision. Hill recommends an annual eye exam to check for such conditions as glaucoma and cataracts.

UAMS Rockefeller Cancer Institute making progress against cancer.

Gloria C. Redman, brought several pieces of "good news" regarding progress in cancer treatment to the Thursday, February 26 Rotary Club meeting. Redman, who is the Community Affairs Coordinator for the Winthrop P. Rockefeller Cancer Institute Foundation, noted that while breast cancer is the number one type of cancer in women, researchers at the Rockefeller Cancer Institute are testing a new vaccine intended to prevent the recurrence of breast cancer and are currently in the second stage of clinical trials. She added that over 20 counties in Arkansas lack the medical equipment necessary for local doctors to perform mammograms. The center purchased a mobile mammogram unit for use in remote rural communities to promote state efforts toward early detection and saving lives.

Prostate cancer is the second leading type of cancer in men. The Rockefeller Institute was the first of three cancer centers in Arkansas using robot technology to assist in the treatment of prostate cancer. The new robotic procedure is less invasive, offers faster recovery and with fewer complications than older types of prostate surgery. Redman added that while affiliated with the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, the primary focus of the Rockefeller Cancer Institute is to take care of patients.

To learn more about UAMS visit: http://www.uams.edu/chancellor/about.asp

Rotarian of the Day, Justin Lovett, arranged for and introduced the program.

New Pavilion signs recognize earlier Van Buren Rotarians

The Van Buren City Parks Department has completed a portion of the cleanup and repairs after storms damaged trees and facilities at the city park. Part of the cleanup and repairs included the Rotary Club pavilion along the lake. The picnic pavilion was constructed by Van Buren Rotarians in 1982 and the new metal signs replace the weathered wooden signs installed when the pavilion was dedicated 27 years ago. Our thanks to the Van Buren Parks Department for their hard work restoring the pavilion and nearby playground area for the community.

Rev. Wes Hilliard tells a chaplain's story of Iraq

There are all sorts of heroes, especially in wartime. The Van Buren Rotary Club was honored on February 19th to have as its guest speaker, Chaplain Wes Hilliard, Lt. Colonel, Arkansas Army National Guard, who recently returned from his second tour of duty, this time in southern Iraq. Using pictures taken while overseas and a mixture of humor and straight-from-the-shoulder stories, Hilliard conveyed not only a few of his own experiences in Iraq, but the vitally important ministry carried on by all military chaplains at home and abroad. Hilliard also serves as the lead pastor at Heritage United Methodist Church in Van Buren. Welcome home.

Paula Morton Rotarian of the Day, arranged for the program and introduced Rev. Hilliard.

RI President-elect John Kenny's keynote at PETS only a month away

Members have less than a month to purchase tickets for themselves and their guests to hear Rotary International President-elect, John Kenny, address the PETS Luncheon at the regional training session in Fort Smith. Kenny will become President of Rotary International at the International Convention in Birmingham, England in June. The Luncheon is scheduled for Saturday, March 21st at 12:00 noon in the Holiday Inn, City Center, Fort Smith. Tickets are available from most club secretaries for $20.00 per person.

For more information about President-elect Kenny see: http://www.rotary.org/RIdocuments/en_pdf/kenny_bio.pdf

Rotary Clubs distribute dictionaries to 3rd-graders

By Brett Peters, Dictionary Project Chair

The Van Buren Rotary Club distributed dictionaries to 3rd grade students at Cedarville, Mountainburg, Mulberry, and Van Buren this year. The Alma Rotary Club partnered with us this year to distribute dictionaries in Alma. The county wide project costs approximately $1,800 per year, and half of the annual cost is donated by Citizens Bank & Trust Company. A donation from Clovis and Pat Satterfield to the Alma Rotary Club helped cover the cost of the dictionaries for the Alma 3rd-graders.

This is the fifth year for the project by the Van Buren Rotary Club, and since its beginning, our club have distributed approximately 4,000 dictionaries to Crawford County Schools. Thanks to all the schools and teachers who participated in the project and the Rotarians who helped distribute the dictionaries in all the 3rd grade classrooms.

Updated: For more information about the District 6110 Literacy Project see: http://www.rotaryliteracy.com/
Pictures of the Mountainburg Elementary dictionary distribution are on the Mountainburg Dragons web page: http://www.mountainburg.org/
Short Video from the dictionary distribution at Alma Elementary School: http://almarotary.blogspot.com/2008/12/dictionary-distribution_26.html

"Thoroughly Modern Millie" previews at Rotary to rave reviews!

Millie Dillmount (Brittany Redding) and Miss Dorothy Brown (Deidre Fears) came into Feb 12th Rotary meeting like the roaring 20's, and in costume, to present a preview of "Thoroughly Modern Millie," a musical production by the Van Buren High School Theater and Music Departments. Introduced by Tom Watkins, Van Buren School District Fine Arts Center Director, Redding and Fears provided a spirited rendition of one of the many songs from the Broadway musical which was greeted with smiles and applause from the Rotary audience. Watkins added that the entire cast and crew have been working hard at rehearsals in anticipation of the February 27 opening.

"If the rest of the performance is as good as the sample, it will be a delightful evening," offered one Rotarian after the meeting.

Performances will be on February 27 and 28 at 7:00 P.M. and on March 1 at 2:00 P.M. Tickets are $6.00 and may be purchased online at www.centerforfinearts.org or by calling 471-4017 between 9:00 and 11:00 A.M. Tickets will also be available at the door.

Invitation to Beginner's Bonsai Class

From: Sue Moore, Rotarian of the Day, Jan. 15, 2009

Received letter from the American Bonsai Nursery. "Thank you for inviting us to the Rotary Club" We certainly appreciate the Rotary members' attention during our presentation. We wish to invite everyone to visit with us at our nursery anytime, and even our beginner's class on February 21."

AC Moncrief won the "adoption" rights of a Barbados cherry bonsai. Several think he will need the beginner's class!

For more information on bonsai see: http://www.american-bonsai.com/

Alma Rotary Club investing in their community

Congratulations to all the members of the Alma Rotary Club, who broke ground on January 14, 2009 on the Alma Rotary Community Center. The club is one of the newest clubs in District 6110 receiving their charter on June 30, 2008. Working in partnership with Alma's city government the Alma Rotarians hope to have completed the new facility during 2009.

Click on the picture for a larger view. You can see more pictures from the ground breaking ceremony at; http://www.almarotary.blogspot.com/

DG Ron Petersen announces release on matching foundation points!!!

In District Governor Ron Petersen's November Blog, he called on all Rotarians in District 6110 to support the Rotary Foundation.

Consider giving just $25 a quarter over the course of every year through electronic funds transfer (EFT). Your giving will insure that future projects will not go undone. Thanks primarily to PDG Gerald Harp's continuing generosity, we still have matching Foundation credits available for Rotarians who sign up for EFT. Want more information? Go to www.ri6110.org where you can download the form to make your gift today, then lead the way as an example and be proud to stand up and challenge every member of your club to do the same.

A very generous PDG Gerald Harp provided $50,000.00 in matching foundation points for new EFT signups during the 2008-09 Rotary year. According to DG Petersen, "We find that we have a balance of nearly $31,000 in Gerald's foundation points remaining in the account, and Gerald has agreed to allow us to use these points to provide a match for Paul Harris Fellowships until the balance is used up within this Rotary year." [Emphasis added.]

The district will continue to match new EFT signups through the end of June until the balance is used up. This means that new EFT sign-ups received before June 30 will be matched. Your EFT donation program will remain in place until you notify RI that you no longer wish to participate.

The district has just four months to implement this program; so if you want to take advantage of Gerald's generous offer, please do not delay. This offer continues on a first come first serve basis until points are depleted.

The applications must be sent to Terri Pollmiller, Dist. 6110 Administrator, to qualify for the matching points. Contact your club secretary for assistance in obtaining the forms and making sure the paperwork is processed so that you get full Paul Harris Foundation and district credit for participation in the program.

UPDATE: 4/16/09 Club Presidents have been advised that matching points for this year's Rotary Foundation giving program have been depleted. Thanks to all who participated.

For more information see: Annual Program Funds (Every Rotarian Every Year)

Dennis Gilstrap provides Emergency Management Update

Thanks to Dennis Gilstrap, for an update on the recent activities of the Crawford County Emergency Management Department at the February 5, 2009 meeting. All levels of federal, state and local disaster assistance have been active as many communities in NW Arkansas endured one of the worst ice storms in living memory. Dennis stressed the importance of each family having their own emergency plans and preparing a 3-day supply kit with basic necessities. Businesses also need to make emergency plans to "stay in business" following severe weather. If you missed the emergency preparedness web address Dennis mentioned, checklists and help with family and business emergency planning can be found at: www.ready.gov

Photo: Arkansas State Parks E-Newsletter Click on the blue link to view the newsletter and more info about Arkansas' State Parks.

Gates Foundation donates $255 million to help Rotary fight polio

From Rotary International News, 29 January 2009
Rotary Photo/Monika Lozinska-Lee

Last week during the 2009 International Assembly, Bill Gates announced a new US$255 million challenge grant to Rotary in the global effort to eradicate polio. In response to the new grant, Rotary will raise $100 million in matching funds. In November 2007, RI received a $100 million Gates Foundation grant, which Rotary committed to match by raising $100 million.

"...Rotary International and other donors are doing a great job so far coming up with the extra resources that are needed (for polio eradication)," Gates states in the letter. "Just this month I went to a Rotary meeting and helped announce more than $600 million in new money from various sources that will go toward eradicating polio."

Update: View a short video of Bill Gates' remarks to the RI Assembly : http://www.6110times.org/news/09/02/03/gates/gatesvideo.html

For more information, see: http://www.rotary.org/en/MediaAndNews/News/Pages/090129_news_gatesletter.aspx

Two Million Rotarians in Ten Years

"Rotary International expects to have over two million members within 10 years," according to A.C. Moncrief, District 6110 Governor-Elect. reporting on the recent 2009 International Assembly in San Diego, CA. Moncrief, who was the President of the Van Buren Rotary Club in 1997-98, was the speaker at the club's January 29th noon meeting.

Sharing the enthusiasm for Rotary generated by bringing together next year's District Governors from around the world, A.C. recounted several examples of how Rotarians "are part of something special, working with friends and making new friends."

A.C. also announced the Rotary International theme for 2009-10, "The Future of Rotary is in Your Hands."

Hello Everyone

Welcome to the Van Buren Rotary Club blog!

The primary goal of this blog is to share club announcements, reminders, news and even an occasional picture or video with club members and other Rotarians in the area, but if you are a casual visitor to our blog, feel free to explore some of the links to Rotary International and Rotary District 6110 websites and newsletters. Rotary International and its 1.2 million members are dedicated to continuing their record of service to their community and to the world. We welcome your interest and thank you for your support for our service projects. (Learn more about Rotary.)

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