The Rotary Foundation directs 90% of its spending to programs, far exceeding the benchmark of 65% that independent charity-rating services view as a measure of high efficiency.   This is jut one of several important facts reported in the April 2013 edition of the TRF Zone 26 Connections newsletter. It also reports that US$4 billion has been pledged toward the final eradication of polio.  Click HERE to open the newsletter.

Welcome to the District 2620 GSE Team from Japan! This is the last GSE team and they are in store for an exciting four weeks visiting us at District 5280.

Pictured Above (from left to right): Makiko Nakasone, Hiroki Ogino, Satomi Omata (leader), Minami Wada, Namiko Ishikawa, and Noriaki Oshimura.

To view photos from their welcome party, check out the photos provided by PDG Rick Mendoza by clicking HERE.

To view more pictures from PETS follow the link HERE.

Following the untimely passing of District Governor-Elect Jim Dyer in mid-January, the current leadership of District 5280 turned to Rotary protocol to name a replacement.  After consulting with Rotary International officials in Evanston, Illinois, Governor Lew Bertrand announced that PDG Doug Baker will replace Dyer and serve as District Governor.  Following is the letter he wrote to the District Leadership Team announcing the appointment:

"This is to announce to the Leadership team of D-5280 that PDG Doug Baker has graciously accepted the appointment to serve as DG for the Rotary year 2013-2014. This appointment was made in compliance with the rules and guidelines as set forth by Rotary International in the RI Manual of Procedure and RI Code of Policies. This appointment was made in concurrence with PDG Scot Clifford, District Legal Counsel, and Jim Damato, Supervisor Club Administration at Rotary International.

"These references clearly define the line of succession as:

1. The District Governor Nominee (DGN)
2. The current District Governor (DG)
3. Qualified Past District Governors (PDGs)

"DGN Elsa Gillham has made it clear she is not in a position to fill the vacancy due to personal needs and business obligations at this time.

"As the current DG, I feel that bringing the 65 clubs together has been a major goal of this Rotary year. I am confident this has been accomplished and I am very proud of the cohesive efforts on the part of all District leadership resulting in the successful merging of District 5260 & 5280. I am most flattered to have been asked by many Rotarians to continue as DG for 2013-2014, but my family has made it abundantly clear – they want and need me back. I will decline this position as DG for 2013-2014.

"Next in descending seniority is PDG Brad Robinson who has declined the position.

"Please join me in acknowledging Doug Baker as DG for 2013-2014 and extending our utmost support."

Lew Bertrand
District Governor2012-2013
Rotary International District 5280

RI President-elect Ron Burton will ask Rotarians to Engage Rotary, Change Lives in 2013-14.

He unveiled the RI theme during the opening plenary session of the 2013 International Assembly in San Diego, California, USA, the annual training event for incoming district governors.

“If we really want to take Rotary service forward, then we must make sure that every single Rotarian has the same feeling about Rotary that each one of us here has today,” Burton said. “We need to make sure that every Rotarian has a meaningful role to play, that they’re all making a contribution, and that their contribution is valued.”