Dear 5830 Rotarians,
 
I hope you are actively seeking opportunities to be engaged in Making a Difference in your communities. We have just had a group led by PDG Carroll Greenwaldt return from Guatemala where they saw the work done with the District 5830 Global Grant Hospital for Mothers and Children. This was a fantastic trip, and the people of Tekal, Guatemala and the local Rotarians were very appreciative of all that had been done to improve the quality of life there by your generosity. I encourage our clubs to reach out to Carroll for a program on this visit. We will have more local Rotarians heading down to Honduras later this month to participate in a local water project that will supply close to 1000 people with fresh running water. Again, your generosity is making a difference and improving the quality of life for people in desperate need.
 
I have really enjoyed visiting the clubs in 5830. As of today, I have made 39 of 44 visits. It is so very encouraging to see the commitment to helping others and service above self. It is inspiring to talk and discuss about ways to grow and attract new members. It is motivating to see and hear about the service you are doing locally. I am continually impressed with the ways you raise funds to help your club do good in the world! I want to say, “Thank You” for the hospitality and generosity you have shown to Angela and me.
 
This month’s Rotary focus is on Economic and Community Development. It is a great time to talk with your community leaders and identify some problems or challenges your community faces and put together a plan on how to address and correct these issues. Rotarians are leaders and problem solvers! We do this best when we collaborate and work together.
 
We will also celebrate World Polio Day this month- October 24th-. Please make every effort to hold some type of event, large or small, to increase the sharing of information about this ongoing battle and how we are truly this close //. So far, in 2017 there have been 11 new cases of polio worldwide. Last year, there were 37 cases.

 

 
I have extended the date for selling the Truck Raffle Tickets until October 24th so you can include them in your fundraising efforts.  Please have all the funds and ticket stubs submitted to District Polio Chair, PDG Shirley Griffin, by October 30th.  We will draw for the prize winners at the District Conference in Shreveport on November 11th. 
 
I strongly encourage each Rotarian to attend our upcoming Joint District Conference on November 10th and 11th in Shreveport.  Friday the 10th we will have RLI, Rotary Leadership Institute, training at the downtown Hilton hotel. That afternoon we will have a Young Professionals social event. That evening there will be a dinner with live band, cash bar and fellowship at Centenary College. This will be a great opportunity to see old friends and meet new Rotarians from District 6190. Hotel rooms at the Hilton are only $99 per night for two people.  Saturday, we will have a breakfast, speakers, breakout sessions, awards luncheon and service project. The cost for all three meals, the RLI training, speakers and fellowship will only be $75. You don’t want to miss this opportunity to celebrate the 2016-2017 Rotary Year! Registration information/ links will be available soon on our website at rotary5830.org.
 
The 2018 Rotary International Convention will be held in Toronto, Canada from June 24-27th. You do not want to miss this opportunity to experience the International scope of Rotary. Toronto is a wonderful cosmopolitan city with so much to see and do. The activities, speakers, and people you meet will be wonderful. Toronto is just across from Niagra Falls and has excellent access by air. Go to riconvention.org to find the link to register. The earlier you register the cheaper the registration cost and easier it is to access hotels. You will see Rotary like never before!
 
In Rotary Service,
DG Ted Huffhines