Archive for the ‘Podcast’ Category

Rotary Club Radio was honored to sit down with Peter Vodenka and hear his story.  As you’ll hear in my interview with him, he risked everything for freedom.  He and his wife and their 2 children gave up everything they knew to escape from Communism in Czechoslovakia.  Listen to his amazing story!

Rotary Club Radio Episode 032

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Length: 54 min.

Featured Segment

In today’s featured segment, I sit down with Peter Vodenka.  In June of 1983, Peter, his wife their 4 year-old daughter and two-year-old son defected from behind the Iron Curtain of Communist Czechoslovakia.  In the middle of a cold, rainy night, they ran for our lives across the border from Communist Yugoslavia to western Austria while being chased by guards with automatic weapons.

They had spent ten years planning their escape.  They could tell no-one, not even their families of their plan and they left them and everything we owned behind. This was the only way to protect them from the wrath of their government, which they knew would come if we were successful.  If captured, Peter and his wife would have faced an automatic 10 year sentence in a hard-labor prison camp with the most dangerous criminals.  Their children would have been taken and raised in government-run institutions.They would have been labeled as political criminals and would never have seen their children again.

• How did Peter and his family escape?
• What was it really like to live in a communist country?
• How did they get to America?
• Did they ever see their family again?
• Was freedom really worth the risk?

Listen to the interview to find out!  Peter is an amazing story teller, author and speaker.  He is available to speak at your next event and his book is available on his website.

Links

• www.JourneyforFreedom.com
• www.Rotary5960.org

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Rotary Club Radio is a unique online community and we encourage you become part of it. Looking for ways to get connect? Leave us a comment, become a fan on Facebook, or leave us feedback on the Rotary Club Radio Feedback Hotline at 715-942-7367 – again that is 715-942-7367.

Contact Rotary Club Radio

To contact the host of this program with questions, show ideas, or any other reason, email him at: kirk@rotaryclubradio.com. Rotary Club Radio is produced with the support of Rotary District 5960 and Rotary International.

Copyright 2012

On February 8, 2012, Rotary Club Radio hosted 6 Russian delegates for a live interview on Rotary Club Radio.  See the video or audio below.

Rotary Club Radio Episode 031

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Length: 36 min.

Featured Segment

In today’s featured segment, we will be interviewing delegates from the Open World Leadership Center.

About the Open World Leadership Center

The Open World Leadership Center administers the Open World program, one of the most effective U.S. exchange programs for countries of the post-Soviet era.  Begun as a pilot program in 1999 and established as a permanent agency in late 2000, the Center conducts the first and only international exchange agency in the U.S. Legislative Branch and, as such, has enabled more than 17,000 current and future leaders from Azerbaijan, Georgia, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Moldova, Russia, Ukraine, Tajikistan, and Turkmenistan to meaningfully engage and interact with Members of Congress, Congressional staff, and thousands of other Americans, many of whom are the delegates’ direct professional counterparts.

Mission Statement:
To enhance understanding and capabilities for cooperation between the United States and the countries of Eurasia by developing a network of leaders in the region who have gained significant, firsthand exposure to America’s democratic, accountable government and its free-market system.

Open World Website

Rotary International is a Host Organization and active supporter of the Open World Leadership Center.  It is a privilege to have the opportunity to interview the delegates and look forward to finding out more about the program.

The Delegates

The delegates are all educators, with an emphasis on Special Education.  During their stay in America, they will experience a wide variety of both cultural and educational learning experiences.  They will arrive in Minneapolis/St. Paul on February 3 and depart on February 11th with a greater understanding of American culture and experiences.

Some of the activities they will take part in are:

• Minnesota ‘Special’ Ice Hockey Game
• Super Bowl Party
• Multiple School Tours
• College Tour
• Rotary Clubs
• Golf day with Disable War Veterans
• Feed My Starving Children Packing
• Hiking Interstate Park
• NHL Hockey Game – MN Wild
• MN Supreme Court Visit
• MN State Capitol Tour

Meet the Delegates:

• Yevgeniya Cherepovskaya – Facilitator
• Zoya Berdnikova
• Larisa Falkovskaya
• Yuliya Vitalyevna
• Yelena Levina
• Olesya Romanova

Delegates spoke at the St. Croix Falls Rotary Club

After the live Rotary Club Radio broadcast, the delegates met at the St. Croix Falls Rotary Club meeting where they were introduced and gave a program about their local Rotary Club in .  They will also be speaking to the club about their experiences in Russia and the United States over the last week.

Due to the number of Members & visitors on February 8th – if you are interested in visiting the club, please email rotary@scfrotary.org.

Links

• St. Croix Falls Rotary Club
• Open World Leadership Center
• www.Rotary5960.org

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Watch this episode.

Rotary Club Radio is a unique online community and we encourage you become part of it. Looking for ways to get connect? Leave us a comment, become a fan on Facebook, or leave us feedback on the Rotary Club Radio Feedback Hotline at 715-942-7367 – again that is 715-942-7367.

Contact Rotary Club Radio

To contact the host of this program with questions, show ideas, or any other reason, email him at: kirk@rotaryclubradio.com. Rotary Club Radio is produced with the support of Rotary District 5960 and Rotary International.

Copyright 2012

Happy New Year!  It is January 1, 2012 and today on Rotary Club Radio, I’ll be interviewing Pat O’Malley, a member of the River Falls Rotary Club and President of a non-profit organization Haitian Relief Services.  Thanks for listening!

Rotary Club Radio Episode 030

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Length: 51 min.

Featured Segment

Haitian Relief Services

Pat O’Malley has an inspirational story about his many journeys to Haiti, over 150 trips, to build relief housing and school as part of his non-profit organization, Haitian Relief Services.

Pat spoke to my Rotary Club in St. Croix Falls Wisconsin and immediately knew I wanted to have him share his story with you and Rotary Club Radio!  It was inspirational & motivational!

I know you’ll enjoy this episode of Rotary Club Radio.  If you have any questions or think your club may like to get involved with the Haitian Relief Service project, please visit www.haitianrelief.org.

Links

• www.haitianrelief.org
• Episode #8 – Friends of the Orphans – Haiti
• www.Rotary5960.org

Thank you for listen to this podcast; please leave feedback!

Right Click Here To Download This Episode

Rotary Club Radio is a unique online community and we encourage you become part of it. Looking for ways to get connect? Leave us a comment, become a fan on Facebook, or leave us feedback on the Rotary Club Radio Feedback Hotline at 715-942-7367 – again that is 715-942-7367.

Contact Rotary Club Radio

To contact the host of this program with questions, show ideas, or any other reason, email him at: kirk@rotaryclubradio.com. Rotary Club Radio is produced with the support of Rotary District 5960 and Rotary International.

Copyright 2011

Featured Segment

Today on Rotary Club Radio, I’ll be interviewing Steve Wilcox, a member of the Hudson Day Break Rotary Club and International Vision Facilitation Council – Chair.  Today we’re going to talk about your club’s vision for the future.  If your club lacks a vision, hang on to your hat, because when were done today you’ll definitely know where to get one!

Rotary Club Radio Episode 029

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Rotary Minute

 

Links

• R.I. Vision Facilitation
• www.Rotary5960.org

Thank you for listen to this podcast; please leave feedback!

Right Click Here To Download This Episode

Rotary Club Radio is a unique online community and we encourage you become part of it. Looking for ways to get connect? Leave us a comment, become a fan on Facebook, or leave us feedback on the Rotary Club Radio Feedback Hotline at 715-942-7367 – again that is 715-942-7367.

Contact Rotary Club Radio

To contact the host of this program with questions, show ideas, or any other reason, email him at: kirk@rotaryclubradio.com. Rotary Club Radio is produced with the support of Rotary District 5960 and Rotary International.

Copyright 2011

Featured Segment

Today on Rotary Club Radio, I’ll be interviewing Steve Wilcox, Membership Chairperson for District 5960. Today we are going to talk about getting new members, retaining existing members, and a little brainstorming on ideas that could help your club.

Rotary Club Radio Episode 028

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Rotary Minute

 

Today’s Show is Dedicated to Patrick Struve

I want to dedicate this show to the memory of fellow Rotarian Pat Struve – a long time member of the St. Croix Falls Rotary Club – who past away recently.

Patrick had a passion for Rotary and loved to serve others. He was particularly interested in the fight to eradicate Polio throughout the world through Rotary vaccinations and supporting a children’s hospital in the Country of Haiti after the tragic earth quake in 2010. You can hear about that project in Episode 8 of Rotary Club Radio, which was recorded after Pat told me about the incredible work happening there.

Patrick’s service would have received his 8th Paul Harris Fellow Award (Paul Harris Fellow +7) the week before he died. Although Patrick was unable to receive the award at the meeting, it was a celebration of his ‘Service Above Self” lifestyle, generosity, and spirit of Rotary in action.

http://scfrotary.org/rotary-club/remembering-rotarian-patrick-struve/

 

Rotary Club Project Spotlight

The St. Croix Falls Rotary Club is working with the Salvation Army and individuals from the community and the St. Croix Falls School District to create a hunger relief backpack program and on Friday, October 28 the St. Croix Falls School District officially kick off the Program.

This program is designed to meet the needs of hungry children when other resources are not available. Backpacks are filled with food, and students bring them home on weekends to help feed their families.

There is no fee charged to be in the program. Currently, over 68 backpacks are filled on Thursday afternoons and sent home with children the following day. 68 backpacks help feed 273 people.

The program is dependent upon donations. Here is how it breaks down: $7.50 will help feed a family for a weekend, $90 will help feed a family for three months, and $270 will help feed a family for the school year.

The Rotary Club of St. Croix Falls is raising money to provide milk, a much needed item, to the program. By setting up special vouchers with local grocery stores, families can redeem the vouchers for milk anywhere they are accepted. Milk is an important part of a child’s diet and at almost $4 a gallon, the Rotary Club of St. Croix Falls is working hard to raise the funds necessary to help out.

I look forward to bringing you updates on this program to see how things are going. If you community is like most communities, 1 out of 6 children go home on the weekends worried about what they are going to eat. Perhaps your club would be interested in creating a backpack program in your community.

Links

• St. Croix Falls Backpack Program
• Remembering Pat Struve
• Friends of the Orphans in Haiti
• www.Rotary5960.org
• www.Facebook.com/5960Membership/

Thank you for listen to this podcast; please leave feedback!

Right Click Here To Download This Episode

Rotary Club Radio is a unique online community and we encourage you become part of it. Looking for ways to get connect? Leave us a comment, become a fan on Facebook, or leave us feedback on the Rotary Club Radio Feedback Hotline at 715-942-7367 – again that is 715-942-7367.

Contact Rotary Club Radio

To contact the host of this program with questions, show ideas, or any other reason, email him at: kirk@rotaryclubradio.com. Rotary Club Radio is produced with the support of Rotary District 5960 and Rotary International.

Copyright 2011

Rotary Club Radio Episode 027

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Rotary Updates

District 5960 is excited to initiate ’200 Videos in 200 Days’ – a Public Relations project that seeks to spread the message of Rotary using the power of video and social media!  here is an example from the St. Croix Falls (WI) Rotary Club.

You’re Invited to Attend!

The 10th Foundation Celebration: “Embracing Humanity Through The Rotary Foundation”

Location: Prom Center in Oakdale, MN
Date: Saturday, November 5, 2011
Time: 6:00 –9:00 pm
The featured speaker will be Past Rotary International President Wilf Wilkinson from the Rotary Club of Trenton, Ontario, Canada – he is currently the Chair-Elect of  Board of Trustees of The Rotary Foundation

There will be a Special Presentation on the National Immunization Day for Polio in India.  Proceeds from this event will benefit the Polio Eradication Fund and Annual Programs Fund of The Rotary Foundation.

Registration is required, so don’t wait to sign up for this exciting event!

Featured Segment

Ray Menard is the Founder, CEO, and Executive Director of Cheetah Development.

• Has been in Tanzania since 2008.
• ¾ time in Tanzania
• Comes home to find investors & donors.
• 5 business in Tanzania that are a sustainable model for other relief organizations.

Joined by Angela Eiferts – Past President of Twin Cities Rotaract Club, former Fast For Hope delegate to Nicaragua, and a Group Study Exchange recipient to India in 2009.

Links

• Foundation Celebration
• www.cheetahdevelopment.org
• www.Rotary5960.org
• www.Facebook.com/

Thank you for listen to this podcast; please leave feedback!

Right Click Here To Download This Episode

Rotary Club Radio is a unique online community and we encourage you become part of it. Looking for ways to get connect? Leave us a comment, become a fan on Facebook, or leave us feedback on the Rotary Club Radio Feedback Hotline at 715-942-7367 – again that is 715-942-7367.

Contact Rotary Club Radio

To contact the host of this program with questions, show ideas, or any other reason, email him at: kirk@rotaryclubradio.com. Rotary Club Radio is produced with the support of Rotary District 5960 and Rotary International.

Copyright 2011

Rotary Club Radio Episode 026

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Featured Segment

On September 22, 2011 at the Walker Art Center in Downtown Minneapolis, a documentary film will be previewed featuring the band Staff Benda Bilili.  The band originates from the Democratic Republic of the Congo – and each band member has a unique story to tell about how Polio has effected them.

Rotary International has been a supporter of this event and film, which promotes so much of what Rotary is known for around the world and they want to encourage you to to attend and promote this important events that focus on Rotary’s efforts to eradicate polio.

The documentary Film, “BENDA BILILI!” will be previewed on September 22, 2011 at the Walker Art Center, but it will be released widely around the united states in coming months – so if you missed it, be sure to look for again soon!

Here is a little more about the group:

Staff Benda Bilili, is an up and coming group of rising music stars that will be touring our area. Most of the members of the group are survivors of Polio. This is a major opportunity to to get the word out in your community of the fact that Rotary is dedicated to the eradication of this deadly disease.

Significantly the group is from the Democratic Republic of the Congo where the disease had been eliminated but has now resurfaced in a major way.

Staff Benda Bilili, has a wonderful sound that is truly unique to our Midwestern ears, especially when you understand the messages they are conveying to the listeners. Watch the video below where they are singing about the importance of Polio Vaccinations.

Links

• www.staffbendabilili.com
• www.myspace.com/staffbendabilili
• www.WalkerArtCenter.org
• www.Rotary5960.org

Thank you for listen to this podcast; please leave feedback!

Right Click Here To Download This Episode

Rotary Club Radio is a unique online community and we encourage you become part of it. Looking for ways to get connect? Leave us a comment, become a fan on Facebook, or leave us feedback on the Rotary Club Radio Feedback Hotline at 715-942-7367 – again that is 715-942-7367.

Contact Rotary Club Radio

To contact the host of this program with questions, show ideas, or any other reason, email him at: kirk@rotaryclubradio.com. Rotary Club Radio is produced with the support of Rotary District 5960 and Rotary International.

Copyright 2011

Rotary Club Radio Episode 025

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Rotary Minute

What is Rotary?

This is a question that we all here from time to time, as we share with others more about the organization that we invest our time, talents, and money into each week.  Would you know how you’d answer the question – “What is Rotary?”

District Fall Training

On September 17th, Rotarians in District 5960 will be given the opportunity to learn how to answer the question, “What is Rotary?” during the Fall Training that is taking place in Hudson Wisconsin.

The Fall Training is an interactive, informative and practical opportunity for Club Presidents, Presidents-Elect, Membership Chairs, Foundation Directors, Grants Subcommittee Chairs, Public Relations Chairs, as well as any Rotarian to learn how to excel at their current and future role in Rotary.

There will be speakers, presentations and break-out sessions focused on membership, public relations, scholarships, and other Foundation programs.

The day will also provide an introduction to the district’s “200 Videos in 200 Days” project.  You can get a chance to be help plan, produce and possibly star in your very own video. This will be a hands-on, interactive day of learning and doing.

There is no charge for event and it comes with a free lunch.  Please go to www.rotary5960.org to find out more.

See the Press Release for this event by Rotary Club Radio too.

Rotary Club Radio Host Update

On August 19, 2011 at 5:11am – my wife, Shara, and I welcomed Sawyer Wayne into the world.  Weighing in at 8lbs. 8oz., Sawyer joined his big brother Cade and sisters Ella and Addie.  We’re very lucky to have a photographer in the family, who came to the hospital to take some newborn photos of our little guy.

I appreciate all the well wishes, prayers and support from the Rotary Club Radio community!  Yes, mom and baby are doing great!

Featured Segment

I interview Bill Breon with Students Today Leaders Forever, an independent non-profit organization.  Bill is a member of the Twin Cities Rotaract.  He is the Professional Development Chair for that club.

Students Today Leaders Forever started in 2003 by a group of University of Minnesota students with a desire to server others.  It is currently in 13 states and has worked with over 3,300 students.  Students Today Leaders Forever provides opportunities to server through Community Service Road Trips for young people.

Each Road Trip take 30-40 students to various locations to perform service activities and teach leadership skills and responsibilities.   The trip length depends on the age group (see below).

Middle School – 3 day trip
High School – 5 day trip
College Age – 9 day trip

Students pay a portion of their own way, but the majority of the funds are raised through individual and corporate donors and grants.  Students and staff will stay in the communities they server at facilities like churches, YMCA, Salvation Army, or Hotels.  Services include, but are not limited to environmental clean up projects, visiting nursing homes, cleaning up youth/community centers, and habitat for Humanity projects.

Students Today Leaders Forever has partnered with Rotary Clubs in several states to bring students to help with Club Projects in local communities.  This is a unique opportunities for Rotary Clubs like yours to connect with an organization willing to provide students willing to server in your community at no cost to the club.  I highly recommend you take advantage of this opportunity.

Links

• www.stlf.net
• Twin Cities Rotaract
• www.Rotary.org
• www.Rotary5960.org

Thank you for listen to this podcast; please leave feedback!

Right Click Here To Download This Episode

Rotary Club Radio is a unique online community and we encourage you become part of it. Looking for ways to get connect? Leave us a comment, become a fan on Facebook, or leave us feedback on the Rotary Club Radio Feedback Hotline at 715-942-7367 – again that is 715-942-7367.

Contact Rotary Club Radio

To contact the host of this program with questions, show ideas, or any other reason, email him at: kirk@rotaryclubradio.com. Rotary Club Radio is produced with the support of Rotary District 5960 and Rotary International.

Copyright 2011

Rotary Club Radio Episode 024

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Rotary Minute

Watch RI President Kalyan Banerjee speaking at the January 17, 2011 International Assembly as he unveils the next RI theme, Reach Within to Embrace Humanity .

Featured Segment

Judy Feund is the District Governor for District 5960.  It was a privilege to interview her and have her here in the Rotary Club Radio Studio to talk about her vision for District 5960.

Some of the important things we discussed are:

• Her vision for Rotary District 5960 in 2011 – 2012
• The Foundation
• The Governor’s Blog
• Friendship Exchange with Brazil
• 200 Videos in 200 Days – Public Relations initiative
• District Conference – April 13 & 14, 2012

Here is an example of the short video that the St. Croix Falls Rotary Club created, which is playing before every movie in the local theater.  It will play over 5,000 times this year!  It was  a Public Relations gift from the theater and the advertising agency that produces the ads.

Links

• www.Rotary5960.org
• Governor’s Blog
• www.Rotary.org
• www.scfrotary.org
• www.rosevillerotary.org

Thank you for listen to this podcast; please leave feedback!

Right Click Here To Download This Episode

Rotary Club Radio is a unique online community and we encourage you become part of it. Looking for ways to get connect? Leave us a comment, become a fan on Facebook, or leave us feedback on the Rotary Club Radio Feedback Hotline at 715-942-7367 – again that is 715-942-7367.

Contact Rotary Club Radio

To contact the host of this program with questions, show ideas, or any other reason, email him at: kirk@rotaryclubradio.com. Rotary Club Radio is produced with the support of Rotary District 5960 and Rotary International.

Copyright 2011

Rotary Club Radio Episode 023

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Humanity in Motion

Featured Segment

On our second segment on successful fundraisers, I want to focus on 2 ways to have a successful fundraiser right away. Rather than re-inventing the wheel, it may be better to follow these 2 suggestions and nearly guarantee a successful fundraiser!

• Fundraising Rule #1
  Partner with an existing event that will allow you to provide the entertainment, food, or a service at the event. An example of this is the St. Croix Falls Rotary Club, who is the main Beer vendor at the Wannigan Days Festival in St. Croix Falls.
• Fundraising Rule #2
  Get a big name to headline your event. This may cost you some money up-front, but if the Return on Investment is greater than the cost, you’ll make money. An example of this is the St. Croix Falls Rotary Club, who partnered with the Festival Theatre to provide Beer and Wine sales for a Comedy special with Louie Anderson.

Listen to the interview with legendary comedian Louie Anderson.

If you would like to get tickets to Louie’s show, please check out the links below.  We would love to see you here in St. Croix Falls.

If your Rotary Club has a fundraising idea or a successful fundraiser you’d like to share or if you would like to use Rotary Club Radio as a way to promote your fundraiser to District 5960 and all the listeners around the world, go to RotaryClubRaido.com and click “Submit a Story” to tell us about it.

Links

• www.LouieAndeson.com
• www.festivaltheatre.org
• www.wannigandays.com
• www.Rotary5960.org
• www.Rotary.org
• www.scfrotary.org

Thank you for listen to this podcast; please leave feedback!

Right Click Here To Download This Episode

Rotary Club Radio is a unique online community and we encourage you become part of it. Looking for ways to get connect? Leave us a comment, become a fan on Facebook, or leave us feedback on the Rotary Club Radio Feedback Hotline at 715-942-7367 – again that is 715-942-7367.

Contact Rotary Club Radio

To contact the host of this program with questions, show ideas, or any other reason, email him at: kirk@rotaryclubradio.com. Rotary Club Radio is produced with the support of Rotary District 5960 and Rotary International.

Copyright 2011