We Celebrated at the
MAY 5 , 2006 ANNUAL FOUNDATION DINNER
of Rotary District 7150

The 89th annual recognition dinner honoring District 7150 Paul Harris Fellows and other donors was held at Dibbles Inn in Vernon, NY on May 5, 2006. Our featured speakers were our Ambassadorial Scholars, Bahar Salimova from Azerbaijan and Na Ra Song from Korea, and Henry MacDonald our GSE Team leader, so attendees saw their Foundation dollars at work. A social hour and hors d’oeuvres began at 6:00 pm, dinner was served at 7:00 pm. The honors ceremony followed the dinner, and the evening ended at 9:00 p.m..

Following the 6:00-7:00pm cash bar cocktail hour with hors d'oeuvres, at 7:00pm attendees headed to the dinner tables which were pre-set with Salads, Rolls & Butter, and Dessert. Dinner was served at 7:15pm. Choices were either 1.) Roast Prime Ribs of Beef au Jus with Baked Potato or 2.) Chicken Cordon Bleu with Hollandaise Sauce, Rice Pilaf, Green Beans Almandine. (Vegetarian stir fry also available). Coffee, Decaf Coffee & Tea were included and were also served by our waiters.

The sit-down dinner was $22.00 per person, if registered by April 15th, and $25.00 per person thereafter, including at the door. It was important we had an accurate count of numbers and guests to make sure we had enough food. Registration forms were forwarded to each club. They also were able to download the registration form here (instructions on the form with where to mail or fax with payment).

The program began at 7:45pm and ended at 9:00pm. In addition to speeches by our Ambassadorial Scholars and our GSE Team leader, our Honors Ceremony included recognition of new Paul Harris Fellows (April 1, 2005 through March 31, 2006); recognition of current Multiple Paul Harris Fellows present at the dinner; recognition of Major Donors; Benefactors; and Sustaining Members (April 1, 2005 through March 31, 2006). Also, two Major Donor Awards Level 1 were presented, along with a special Major Donor Recognition Leve 4 Crystal presented in memory of Harry and Mary Jane Miller to their family, who attended the dinner with Sherrill Rotary Club members.

The Agenda:
6:00 to 7:00 p.m. - Registration & Cash Bar with hors d'oeuvres
7:00 p.m. - Call to Order with Master of Ceremonies - Marlene Brown, M. C., & District Governor-nominee
7:01 p.m. - Pledge to Flag, District Governor-nominee-designate Larry Calabrese
7:02 p.m. - Song Leader, Rome Rotary Past President Donna Schonewetter
7:03 p.m. -Introduction of & Thanks to District Foundation Committee: Bob Batley- Foundation Chair; George Davenport- Annual Fund; Jenny Doane, Information; Dee Petta, Grants; Richard Butler, Scholarships; James Mozley, Scholar Counseling; Tim Gaul, Permanent Fund; Dick Kemmis, GSE; Joette Deane, Water Resources; Herb Jerry, International Services Avenue Director by MC Brown
7:04 p.m. - Welcome by District Governor Jerry Gortner
7:06 p.m. - District Foundation Update by Robert Batley, Foundation Chair
7:09 p.m. - District Annual Funds Update by George Davenport
7:12 p.m. - Upcoming District Events by District Governor-elect Carol Anthony
7:14 p.m. - Invocation by Past District Governor Ed Paparella
7:15 p.m. ~ Dinner Served ~
7:45 p.m. - Introduction of Keynote Speakers by DGN Brown - Bahar Salimova, Ambassadorial Scholar, followed by NaRa Song, Ambassadorial Scholar, followed by Henry MacDonald, GSE Team Leader
8:15 p.m. - Recognition of Paul Harris Fellows, Benefactors, Major Donors, Sustaining Members, PDG's present
8:20 p.m. - Introduction of 2005-06 Paul Harris Fellows with Awards presented by Robert Batley, TRF Chairman assisted by Committee & Congratulated by DG Jerry Gortner & DGE Carol Anthony
8:40 p.m. - Introduction of Level 1 Major Donors & Special Major Donor Level 4 Award by District Governor Jerry Gortner
8:45 p.m. - Special Presentation - by Sherrill Rotarian Sandra Corney & D7150 Foundation Chair Robert Batley to Kathleen Wright, representing the Miller family
8:50 p.m. - Brief remarks by the family
9:00 p.m. - Closing Remarks - by Master of Ceremonies & DG

More information was available by emailing DGN Marlene Brown.

Our 2006 Foundation Dinner Speakers

BAHAR SALIMOVA BIO:
In 2003 Bahar graduated from Baku State University, Baku, Azerbaijan with a B.A in International Relations/Diplomacy. While earning undergraduate degree, in 2000, she became a finalist of the U.S Department sponsored Undergraduate Exchange Program and spent an academic year in Valdosta State University, Valdosta, GA, studying Political Science. She graduated from the program with GPA 4.0 and was included in the Dean’s List of the university.

Her first work experience was as Governor Intern in South Georgia Development Center in Valdosta, Georgia. She has been assisting the team of planners in their rezoning and annexation work. Afterwards, she worked as a Public Relations Officer for human rights defending organization. Later on she joined Unocal as an Executive Assistant and worked with the company for almost two years. Her last job was with the International Finance Corporation’s Azerbaijan Corporate Governance Project as a Communications Specialist, where she was responsible for the Project’s public relations and communications strategy.

Currently studying Public Administration at Maxwell School of Citizenship and Public Administration at Syracuse University, with an area of focus in International Development, through the Rotary Ambassadorial Scholarship program, Bahar also has the Donald Flaherty merit based award from the university. Upon graduation she hopes to find a job in this area with the United Nations or other related organization.

SONG, NA RA (Joanna) BIO:
Joanna is a 2006 candidate for the Master of Arts in International Relations (MA-IR), at Maxwell School of Citizenship and Public Affairs, Syracuse University, concentrating on area of Global Development Policy and Foreign Policy. She joined the Rotary Ambassadorial Scholarship program in 2004 as a multi-year scholar.

She received Dual Bachelor’s Degrees from Ajou University, South Korea, in Political Science and Diplomacy and International Trade in 2003. In her senior year of undergrad, she was selected by the International Students Exchange Program and spent an academic semester at University of Tennessee-Knoxville, Tennessee studying Political Science and International Business. During her stay in Tennessee, she earned GPA 4.0.

Before joining the Maxwell, Joanna worked at the Office of International Affairs of home university. She was a coordinator for international exchange program and external relations. During undergrad years, she volunteered to work at the Korean Political Science Association, helping preparations for forums and newsletters. Also she worked as the Student Representative for International Trade Studies at university.

Her upbringing background in the countries of Korea, the Philippines, New Zealand, and Thailand allowed her to be fluent in English and other indigenous languages. With these diverse experiences, she developed a heightened sensitivity understanding of and appreciation for different people and culture and hopes to find a career related to development programs and foreign policy at the UN or other international organizations.

Henry (Mac) McDonald BIO:
Auburn Rotarian Henry A. MacDonald was chosen to serve as Team Leader of our GSE Team to District 3830, Manila, Philippines during their 2006 four week study trip. Henry is a 26 year member of the Auburn Rotary Club and served as past president of that club.

With seven years in the US Army Paratroopers, Henry served three tours of duty in Viet Nam, retired on disability at the rank of Staff Sergeant. He has had sixteen plus years as Department head for Community Services Outreach department of the Auburn YMCA, and has also served as Field Coordinator for National YMCA East Field, responsible for development and implementation of programs for youth "At Risk".

He was recently voted to serve on the Downtown Auburn Business Improvement District of which he is currently Treasurer. His business has been recognized with the SBA Excellence in Small Business Award. Hhe has traveled extensively throughout the US and parts of the world both in the military and as a private citizen and for his business. A major part of Henry's business, Finger Lakes Scuba, international dive travel trips, has led groups of up to 37 people on trips in numerous places around the globe.

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2006 Scholar
Rotary District 7150

December 2005, Report from Ben Zogby - "Where do I start in detailing and describing the wonderful experiences I have had so far in the first two months in Beirut, Lebanon? Well, first of all, the Rotarians of Beirut have been enormously hospitable and great resources on myriad issues and concerns. My host counselor, Habib Bassoul, specifically has greatly helped me with matters of banking and finance, not to mention his gracious welcome at the airport on the night of my arrival. That night he helped me locate my apartment in the confusing nad meandering neighborhood of Hamra, Beirut. With regards to the finance matter, in the beginning of the semester I experienced difficulty in disbursement of my funds due to a technical problem in the wiring process. Habib assisted me kindly and prevented AUB from exacting late fees from me.

In addition, upon arrival, Mr. Bassoul instructed me to attend a meeting held by BCRC, which I did promptly, and thoroughly enjoyed. Meeting all the Rotary folks in the meeting was a beneficial experience, as I made contacts in various sectors, including medicine, business, and education. Also, I was given the opportunity to introduce myself and speak about my goals and aspirations while in Beirut, as well as time to speak about my local club in upstate NY. Interestingly enough, I met an individual who was a relative of a family friend back in NY, and we shared memories about this individual. Since that meeting, I have been consistently involved in Rotary events, but not solely in Beirut. I've attended 3 Rotaract functions, 2 of which were part of the Matn district and then another was a Beirut function at the Korean Ambassador's residence. There have also been 2 dinner parties hosted by Rotarians that I've attended, in addition to the 2 BCRC meetings. At this point, pending a change in my flight schedule home for the holidays, I am planning to attend the BCRC Christmas meeting and dinner.

By way of studies, I've put myself in position to obtain a Master's degree in one year, despite the program within which I'm enrolled being a two year deal (Center for Arab and Middle East Studies, CAMES). Classes are consistently riveting and thought provoking, especially my economics course (Econ. Developement and Democratization), which is comprised of only Lebanese graduate students other than myself. I am impressed on a weekly basis as they provide profound remarks each session. It was in this class that I was afforded an opportunity to make my second presentation heretofore. The topic concerned sustainable development and projects undertaken at the local level to complement international/national laws and ordinances. This is an issue that is especially important to me, as it is something I hope to discuss in the near future with my sponsor club back in Utica, NY.

On top of my undertakings in Lebanon that include Rotary business and academia, I have engaged in several exciting cultural activities. First of all, I had the opportunity to travel to Baalbek (Heliopolis), the site of the largest surviving Roman ruins, with several ampitheaters and temples. This trip was especially cultural not least of which is attributed to the history that we soaked in, but also because the trip consisted a great mix of international students and Lebanese citizens. Another great cultural experience was when I was able to visit distant relatives way up in the mountains north of Beirut. It was quite an affair as it seems the whole village came to greet me as we dined on some splendid Lebanese, traditional food, exchanged Arabic and had a great view of the Mediterranean sea. Speaking of the language, my Arabic has gotten much better, and I'm now able to converse with everyday people on a variety of topics. The language training that I engaged in with fellow Rotary scholars was especially helpful. My goals as they pertain to Arabic are evermore attainable, and I see myself adjusting them to even higher levels as the time passes here."

Download to read article "U.S. Rotary scholars in Lebanon as part of cross-cultural awareness efforts" sent by Ben which appeared in the February 09, 2006 Lebanon newspaper, The Daily Star.

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DISTRICT 7150 AT A GLANCE (6/30/07)

As of June 30, 2007, the Foundation reported the following about District 7150:

Paul Harris Fellows -- 1,754

Sustaining Paul Harris Fellows -- 222

Benefactors -- 117

All Time Foundation Giving: $2,840,304.

Recognition History
Major Donors = 8
Bequest Society Members = 6

Program History
Scholars sponsored = 61
World Peace Scholar = 1
Group Study Exchanges = 25
Volunteer Grants Awarded = 4
Volunteer Service Grants = 1
Matching Grants Sponsored = 29

DISTRICT 7150 PROJECTED (6/30/08)

The leadership in Rotary clubs of District 7150 is making every effort to attain and surpass the club Foundation goal for the Rotary year 2007-2008.

Our 2007-08 District 7150 Foundation Goal is:
Paul Harris / Multiple Fellows -- 2,000
Sustaining Members – 300 (each club strive for 100%)
Benefactors – 163 (each club strive for 1)
All Time Foundation Giving: $3,000,000.
Recognition History
Major Donors = 10
Bequest Society Members = 8
Paul Harris Society Members = 3
Program History
Scholars sponsored = 61
World Peace Scholar = 1
Group Study Exchanges = 27
Volunteer Grants Awarded = 5
Volunteer Service Grants = 2
Matching Grants Sponsored = 31

The need for services supported by the Rotary Foundation continues to grow. It is important that Rotarian's provide additional financial support to the Annual Fund so the District can maintain its level of support for Matching Grants, Group Study Exchange and Educational projects in addition to wrapping up efforts to eliminate Polio in the world.

* Every Rotarian Every Year (EREY) is the slogan used to emphasize Sustaining Memberships. Sustaining Members contribute $100 at a minimum every year to the Annual Fund to provide reliable source of Funding for Rotary's continuing programs including the relatively new "Rotary Centers for International Studies in Peace and Conflict Resolution”.

* A Paul Harris Fellow is someone who has contributed $1,000 to The Rotary Foundation (this can be US $1000, 1000 Recognition points, or a combination of the two.

* Each donor who annually contributes $1,000 to the Rotary Foundation will be awarded membership in the Paul Harris Society of District 7150.

* The Permanent Fund is an endowment fund designed to provide additional support, from its earnings, to the Annual Fund. It also supports the World Fund, out of which come our GSE teams, Volunteer Grants, Matching Grants, and 3-H Grants.

* The Benefactor Recognition is given to an individual or couple that has made a provision in their estate plan to gift a minimum $1,000 to The Rotary Foundation.

* The Bequest Society member is an individual or couple that has made a provision in their estate plan to gift a minimum $10,000 to TRF.

More information can be found on the Rotary Giving link at the top of this page.

You are encouraged to participate in and promote The Rotary Foundation within your club so we can continue with the Foundation’s basic tenet of – "DOING GOOD IN THE WORLD."

Take a reading of your club progress at this point, and if your Club Foundation Chair is having difficulty downloading the RI Foundation reports, let us know and we'll help.