The Wheel for April 26, 2018

by Apr 26, 2018The Wheel0 comments

The Wheel


PDG Sylvia Whitlock

Sylvia Whitlock, Rotary District 5300 Governor in 2012-2013, was the first woman president in Rotary International. She was born in New York City but was educated, through high school, in Kingston, Jamaica. After returning to New York City she earned a B.A. in Psychology from Hunter College. Sylvia worked for the United Nations, as a Statistical Clerk, before moving to California to start a career in Education. In California, she went on to earn a Masters Degree, cum laude, in Education from Cal Poly, Pomona, and a Ph.D., cum laude, in Education, from Claremont Graduate School. She earned another Masters Degree, in Marriage and Family Therapy, from Azusa Pacific University, and began a second career as a therapist. She is licensed by the Board of Behavioral Sciences in California.

In 1982, while an Elementary School Principal in Duarte, California, she was invited to join the history-making Ex-Rotary Club of Duarte. The club was chartered in District 5300 in 1952. Just before its twenty-fifth birthday in 1976, the club violated Rotary’s bylaws by inviting women to join, ultimately causing its charter to be revoked by Rotary International. Undeterred, the club renamed itself the Ex-Rotary Club of Duarte and its members continued on their quest not to be outcasts of one of the greatest humanitarian organizations in the world.

Sylvia became President of the club in 1987, the year the United States Supreme Court ruled that the club be reinstated, thus making her the first woman in the Rotary World to head a club as President. She has served as President twice, Secretary, Treasurer, and Foundation Representative, and District Governor. She has been a speaker at Rotary Clubs conventions and meetings, here and overseas, including South Africa, Jamaica, Washington and Texas.

Sylvia considers Rotary to be the best vehicle for humanitarian ventures in service to mankind. Some favorite club projects have included sinking water wells in Nigeria, setting up an AIDS Center in Jamaica and supporting an orphanage in Mexico. She continues to be inspired by the many Rotarians who have taken the organization to the edge of tomorrow and is committed to using the opportunity she has been given to further the cause of Rotary, in her community, in her country, and in the world.

Sylvia is a multiple Paul Harris Fellow and benefactor. She has three adult children – Meredith – a Paul Harris Fellow, BG is a deputy county counsel in San Mateo County and Arlan. She considers raising her children the most satisfying and enjoyable job she has ever had. Her book, “Women Also Serve,” published in 2015 by iUniverse Publishing, is filled with facts and personal anecdotes and shares a compelling history of the Duarte Rotary Club.

Message From The President

Dear Rotarians,

Recently, I had the good fortune to represent our club at the local Junior Achievement (JA) Finance Park open house. Through our superstar principal Katie Decker, I had heard of Finance Park but had never visited one of these facilities. The local Finance Park is located in the library across from the old Mormon Fort. As soon as I entered, I was blown away by the exposure JA gave to our club – as can be seen in the photos below. Under the leadership of President Dave Thorson, our club made a $3,500 donation to JA and they certainly showed their appreciation.

This is yet another example of how our club lives up to its mission by addressing youth literacy in our community!

Michael Gordon
95th President
Rotary Club of Las Vegas

Member Highlights

Scribe – April 19, 2018

Las Vegas Rotary Club Meeting: April 19, 2018

  • President Elect Jim Kohl called the Valedictorians meeting to order. PP Mary Ann Avnet gave the invocation. Sidra Kain led the club in singing our National Anthem, followed by the Pledge of Allegiance. The Sergeant at Arms was Kim Nyoni.
  • There were (0) International Rotarians, (2) visiting Rotarians and (1) Guests of Rotarians introduced.
  • The weekly drawing began at $1,680 plus this week’s donations. There was no drawing conducted due to the high school valedictorians who were in attendance.
  • Feedback from recent events included: PP Jim Hunt raving about the great time we had in fellowship and touring Boom Town at Springs Preserve, including the railroad cottage of JA Tiberti; and PP Karen Whisenhunt reported the fun time at the GCE Team BBQ at PP Tom Krob’s house, followed by the team having a night on the Strip and on to California, and reminding club members that golfers and sponsors are still needed for the upcoming Putting Tournament to benefit the Rotary Youth Exchange on Sunday, May 6th.
  • PE Jim Kohl acknowledged the great work of the Car Show committee members and volunteers and that the Annual Car Show added over $11,000 to the Las Vegas Rotary Foundation Fund.
  • Marie Walsh gave a very special welcome and congratulation to the many young Valedictorians recognized at our meeting from all of the high schools in the Las Vegas and surrounding areas, who, one by one, introduced themselves, enthusiastically thanked their accompanying principal, vice principal, counselor or advisor, and announced their impressive college choice(s) and educational goals, receiving from PE Jim Kohl a certificate and a special pen by Dr. Walt Rulffes.
  • Kim Nyoni introduced our speaker program, Dr. Liam Frink, UNLV Executive Director of the Office of Undergraduate Research and Professor of Anthropology. Dr. Frink provided a motivating presentation, focusing on the Valedictorians, encouraging them to stretch themselves in the transition they are about to encounter, the components to assist them in that transition, including public relations, communication skills, mentoring, versatility and adaptability. He encouraged the young people to seek out the services and sources at whatever school they attend, work on an Individual Development Plan (IDP) and start now setting their goals.
  • President Elect Jim Kohl presented our speaker with a “Share What You Can” award to benefit a veteran in need and then adjourned the meeting.


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