In this article from Rotary’s bi-monthly Reconnections newsletter, learn how members of a recently chartered Rotary club in Hong Kong, many of whom are alumni of Rotary Foundation-sponsored programs, are investing in the future of youth in their community through their club: By Maureen Vaught Rotary International News — 9 March 2010 The Rotary Club of Central, Hong Kong, understands the value of helping young people reach their potential. Over a third of its 33 charter members come from a Rotary background, having been involved in Rotary Foundation programs, Rotaract, or RYLA, or as...

Rotary International President John Kenny is one of Rotary’s most visible ambassadors. Since the beginning of 2010, he has traveled to several different locations worldwide, including Pasadena, California for the Rose Parade and Haiti, where he aided earthquake victims and showed Rotary’s support for their cause. Take a look at this travelogue, which features a wide variety of photos showcasing our President’s work this year: see where he’s been and what he’s doing to benefit Rotarians and the people they serve.

The Eugene Airport Rotary club is not the only Rotary group in the Eugene area. Several other clubs exist and a member of one, the Eugene Southtowne Club, was featured on the main Rotary International news site last Thursday in a story about her efforts to supply Central Americans with safer, more fuel-efficient cooking stoves. Nancy Hughes (pictured at left) visited Guatemala six years ago while volunteering for a U.S. medical team. While in Guatemala, she met an 18-year-old young woman who had lost the use of her hands after falling into a cooking fire at the age of two. Hughes’ team was...

This Friday, we’re featuring a photo of McArthur Court, the home arena for the University of Oregon’s basketball teams since 1927. An era ends tomorrow when the final game at McArthur Court is played. Next season, the Ducks will play their home games in Matthew Knight Arena; the new court is still under construction. Will you miss Mac Court, or are you excited for a new era in a new arena to begin? Feel free to share any memories you have of McArthur Court!

Learn about Rotary’s efforts to end polio in Africa, the 2010 World Cup host continent, in this article from the Rotary International website: CAPE TOWN/CAIRO (Feb. 19, 2010) – In the lead-up to the FIFA World Cup in South Africa this summer, Rotary clubs across Africa are gearing up for the final push to kick polio out of the continent. On Feb. 23, which marks Rotary’s 105th anniversary, the Pyramid of Khafre, the second largest of the ancient Egyptian pyramids of Giza, and the Old Port Captain’s Office, at the Victoria and Alfred Waterfront in Cape Town, will provide a dramatic backdrop...

Looking for a fun family activity this weekend? Want to see a zebrafish, like the one on the photo at left? You can do both by heading to the Science Factory’s University Day event on Saturday, February 27. From 11 am – 3:30 pm, visitors of all ages are invited to drop in at any time and experience hands-on exhibits presented by real scientists: University of Oregon Professors and students. Check out everything from zebrafish to substances that melt and boil at the same time and hear about science research happening in the community. Admission is free with exhibit hall admission. For...

By Ryan Hyland, Rotary International News A Rotary club chartered during the last Winter Olympics in Canada has teamed up with a charity to make wishes come true for six children with life-threatening illnesses. As the Olympic Games return to the country this month, The Rotary Club of Calgary Olympic, Alberta, is working with the Children’s Wish Foundation of Canada to provide accommodations for the children, ages 4-14, so they can attend. “Our club wanted to do something special since the Olympics are back in Canada,” says Tamara McCarron, club member and project chair. “We...

If you want to learn more about Rotary International but don’t have hours to dedicate to reading lots of material about the organization, try watching “Rotary Minute.” These short videos are designed by RI to spread the message of Rotary and share what Rotarians throughout the world are learning through their involvement. They are perfect for learning more about Rotary while not interfering with your busy schedule. To get a taste of what Rotary Minute videos and Rotary International are like, watch the video below: See more videos at the Rotary Minute page on the RI website.

This Friday, we’re featuring the Oregon state flag. Why? On Valentine’s Day, Oregon celebrates 151 years of statehood. If you haven’t already made your Valentine’s Day plans, celebrate Oregon’s birthday at the Museum of Natural and Cultural History on the University of Oregon campus in Eugene. In honor of Oregon’s statehood anniversary, the museum will offer free admission for all visitors and activity stations for children on Sunday from 11 am – 5 pm. Give the kids a fun history lesson and explore a museum right here in Eugene! For more information about...

We are very excited to announce that five members of our district will be leaving on February 28 for an adventure to the Eastern Caribbean, including Barbados, Dominica, Saint Lucia and Saint Vincent. Their trip is part of Rotary’s group study exchange (GSE), a unique program that provides cultural immersion and a vocational exchange opportunity for young professionals between the ages of 25 and 40. While they may spend some time soaking up the sun on a beach like the one shown in the photo at left, GSE participants will spend most of their time observing how people in other countries practice...