A Fantastic November – and an Exciting December Ahead
I hope everyone enjoyed a warm and joyful Thanksgiving with family and friends. Like many of you, I am grateful for good health, family, friendships, and the privilege of living where we do. And I am especially thankful for you—the dedicated Rotarians of District 5710. Your commitment to serving others and supporting one another continues to make an extraordinary difference in our communities and beyond.
November was a fantastic month for our District. The Johnson County Trailblazers celebrated their official Charter Night on November 5. We are now 40 clubs strong plus two satellite service companion clubs, plus one Rotaract Club. And that is not all – during this Rotary year including November, our district has welcomed 36 new Rotarians – to bring our membership to 1865. Thank you for inviting others into our mission of service.
Our clubs continue to shine with meaningful service projects, strong Foundation support, and creative fellowship events. I am especially grateful to Roger Aeschliman, Maria Wilson, Ken Selzer, and our entire District Foundation Team. Their dedication—and your generosity—are fueling the work of The Rotary Foundation: providing scholarships, supporting Peace Fellows, delivering meals, vaccinating children against polio, and improving lives everywhere. Don’t miss Roger’s exciting update and fantastic announcement in this newsletter. Thank you all for helping make this a remarkable Rotary Foundation Month.
As we turn to December—Rotary Disease Prevention and Treatment Month—here are key requests and highlights:
Requests for Our Members
1. GIVING TUESDAY - December 2nd Please consider supporting The Rotary Foundation on this special day of generosity. Every contribution makes a difference. Go to: https://my.rotary.org/en/donate
2. Gathering for Good – April 11, 2026 - Mark your calendars! Our annual fundraiser for the Annual Fund will be back at the DoubleTree Hotel in Lawrence. Start thinking about silent auction items and contributions for the wine and liquor pull.
3. Promote “Proud Rotarian” - Even though Foundation Month has wrapped up, keep the momentum going. Post your “I’m a Proud Rotary Foundation Donor” message and share your club’s Foundation success story with Roger Aeschliman (RAeschliman@corefirstbank.com), District Foundation Chair, Stephanie Gassen (Stephaniegassen538@gmail.com), District PI Co-Chair, or Mandy Sheldon (rotary5710exec@gmail.com).
Rotary Means Business
Rotary offers countless ways to serve—but also strengthens friendships, trust, and professional connections. Our new Rotary Means Business – Kansas City Chapter, founded by Craig Novorr of the Overland Park Club, brings Rotarians together to support each other professionally while building fellowship.
I attended their November social and thoroughly enjoyed reconnecting with familiar faces and meeting new friends. Thank you, Craig, for launching this great opportunity for Rotarians to connect, collaborate, and support one another.
December is Rotary Disease Prevention & Treatment Month!
This month, Rotary focuses on improving global health and expanding access to care. Areas of emphasis include:
· Polio Eradication: A top priority for Rotary is the global effort to eradicate polio.
· Mental Health Awareness – a major focus for our District. See below for how we Rotarians can be more involved.
· Health Infrastructure: Clubs work with communities and others to build or improve infrastructure for healthcare access, such as setting up health camps and training facilities.
· Water, Sanitation and Health (WASH): preventing waterborne illness.
· Disease-Specific Initiatives: Members support projects and raise awareness for a wide range of diseases, including HIV/AIDS, diabetes, and mental health conditions.
· Global Collaboration: international partnerships that transform lives.
What is your Rotary Club doing to focus your efforts on Disease Prevention and Treatment?
Our District is already leading by example. One major global grant project—with District 4250 in Guatemala and District 5680—supports improved health outcomes for the indigenous people of Patanatic and San Luis. And I’m pleased to share the launch of our District 5710 Chapter of RAGMHI (Rotary Action Group–Mental Health Initiatives), expanding opportunities for Rotarians and others to support mental health work locally and globally. For club project ideas, visit Rotary’s Service Project Center at https://spc.rotary.org
Club Visits – Very Warm Welcomes
October brought my visits to eight fantastic clubs—Community Action Against Human Trafficking, Paola, Johnson County, Lawrence Central, Shawnee Satellite Service Companion Club, Olathe, Garnett, and our newest club – Johnson County Trailblazers.
Your hospitality, passion, and creativity were truly inspiring. Thank you all.
Looking Ahead
· January is Vocational Service Month. an opportunity to share career skills and inspire youth.
· Rotary Quick Takes—coming in January (technology permitting). Stay tuned!
Final Thoughts for December
As we enter the holiday season, I am reminded once again how fortunate we are—especially to serve alongside each of you. Your energy, creativity, and compassion are creating meaningful, lasting change across northeast Kansas and around the world. Together, we are living our RI President’s call to “Unite for Good.”
Wishing you all a joyful holiday season filled with warmth, laughter, family, and good cheer.
