Rotary Club of New Berlin, New Berlin Rotary, District Governor Karen WhiteSounding an upbeat message for Rotary
 
District Governor Karen White brought a message of hope and inspiration to our meeting on Sept. 23.
 
White, a member of Rotary Club of Plymouth, began by imploring Rotarians to "Get your ask on!" Meaning, proudly wear the "Ask Me About Rotary" buttons that are available from International. She also encouraged us to be a "gift to the world" by giving of our time, talents, and resources.
 
White's district, 6270, comprises most of eastern and southeastern Wisconsin, and includes 55 clubs. She encourages every club to have each member take the Every Rotarian Every Year pledge. This is a commitment of $100 to Rotary Foundation each year. This money is invested for three years, after which 50% is available for matching grants to clubs. (See the article below for more on Every Rotarian Every Year.)
 
On the polio front, White noted that Nigeria has been polio free for one year. If no new cases appear in the next two years, the country--and, indeed, the entire continent of Africa--will be declared polio free.
 
The fight against polio has made great strides elsewhere. Afghanistan had 304 cases in 2014, and 27 so far this year. There were 28 cases in Pakistan in 2014, and just 6 this year. White praised the efforts of the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation for its support over the years. She says the foundation is committed to the cause until polio is eradicated.
 
White acknowledged that our club meets just two times a month, down from weekly. As district governor, she will encourage clubs to think outside the box. Doing so can help clubs remain vital and strong.
 
Nearing the end of her visits to Rotary clubs, White now turns her attention to Interact and Rotaract clubs in this district. "It's important that they feel connected to Rotary," she says.
 
White reiterated this year's theme as her call to action. "Be a gift to the world," she says, "for our time is now."
 
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Erica Moranski, New Berlin Junior Women's ClubAlso during this meeting, Erica Moranski of New Berlin Junior Woman's Club discussed the efforts of her organization. For years, NBJWC has been raising money for a splash pad at Malone Park. They have raised $175,000 so far for a project estimated at $1 million.
 
Part of that cost, she says, would be for removing the existing playground equipment. The city is expected to do that next spring anyway.
 
Moranski learned recently that the city will not provide any tax dollars. NBJWC is now considering a universally accessible playground, possibly with a small splash pad. That will bring down the total cost. She invited Rotary Club of New Berlin to consider a donation.
 
To learn more about NBJWC, visit their website.