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Welcome to District 6290 Connections! Discover what's happening across our district! This interactive newsletter is packed with inspiring stories from local Rotary clubs, updates on district events, leadership resources, and practical tools to help your club thrive. Be sure to explore the active links throughout the newsletter—they'll take you directly to registration pages, helpful resources, forms, websites, and additional information with just one click. Published six times each year, District 6290 Connections keeps you informed, connected, and inspired. Our next issue will be published in September. We'd love to feature your club! Share your stories, photos, upcoming service projects, fundraisers, and special events with the district. Please send your submissions to CAO Kathy Hegedus at kathyh@ridistrict6290.org.
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I am honored to serve as District Governor of District 6290 for the 2026–2027 Rotary year. We embark on a new year inspired by Rotary International President Olayinka (Yinka) Babalola's presidential message: Create Lasting Impact. This message reminds us that Rotary is not measured simply by the projects we complete, but by the enduring difference that we make in people's lives. Every new member we welcome, every youth we mentor, every partnership we build, and every service project has the power to create an impact that extends far beyond today.
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As District Governor for 2025–26, Mark Andresky not only served with distinction while balancing the demands of a full-time career, but he did so with remarkable energy, dedication, and enthusiasm. His commitment, work ethic, and positive example inspired all of us. Our district is stronger, more vibrant, and better prepared for the future because of Mark's outstanding leadership. As a former Rotary Ambassadorial Scholar (now Rotary Global Scholar), Mark will be stepping into the role of District Rotary Foundation Chair. With a deep appreciation for the impact of The Rotary Foundation in funding Global Scholars, Peace Scholars, building Peace Centers around the world, and supporting Programs of Scale, Mark will be leading a Million-Dollar Campaign for The Rotary Foundation. On behalf of our district, thank you for sharing your heart, your vision, and your unwavering dedication as District Governor. We are all better because of your leadership. May you take great pride in all that has been accomplished this year, knowing that your kindness and servant leadership have left a lasting impact on our district and on each of us who have had the privilege of knowing you. With deepest appreciation and gratitude.
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As Rotary International Zone 28 & 32 Director, Chris Etienne has represented more than 50,000 Rotarians across hundreds of clubs with grace, wisdom, and an unwavering commitment to Rotary's mission. As her term comes to a close, Rotarians throughout our district join thousands across our zones in expressing our deepest gratitude for her extraordinary leadership and lasting impact.
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Rotary International President Yinka has encouraged clubs and districts to strengthen connections and try new approaches. Taking President Yinka’s message to heart, District Governor Julie Schumaker will be holding regional multi-club mixers. These events are a great way to meet with District Governor Julie in a relaxed, informal setting, learn what other clubs are doing, and build connections with Rotarians from nearby clubs.
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Rotary’s theme for 2026-27 is to “Create Lasting Impact.” To showcase Rotary’s lasting impact throughout the district, we plan to create a map of physical Rotary projects throughout District 6290 (gardens, playgrounds, gazebos, parks, peace poles, amphitheaters, etc.). This will enable Rotarians and community members to easily locate and visit Rotary projects across D6290. To have your club’s projects included, use the link below to provide information about your projects (name, date built, 1-2 sentence description, location and a photo). It should only take 10 minutes to complete the form for each project. The deadline for submissions is October 15.
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Join fellow Rotarians for a beautiful sunset cruise on Lake Michigan in September. What could be better than enjoying the company of fellow Rotarians and guests while enjoying the splendor of an early fall sunset? There are two locations to choose from: Aquastar Lake Cruises in Muskegon - Wednesday, Sept 2, 6-8 PM, board at 5:30 PM Little Traverse Bay Ferry Company in Petoskey - Monday, Sept 21, 6-8 PM, board at 5:30 PM. The cost for the 2-hour cruise is $45 which includes appetizers, wraps or sandwiches, and dessert. Soft drinks, wine, beer and liquor are available onboard for purchase. Save the dates! An email with more details and a reservation link will be sent in the next few weeks.
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If your club plans to apply for a District or Global Grant, we invite you to join us for a Grant Management Seminar on Monday, August 10, at 7:00 PM via Zoom. The seminar is expected to last 60–75 minutes and will provide the information your club needs to meet the Grant Management Seminar requirement. What You Need to Know
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The theme of the 2026 International Day of Peace, Invest in Peace - For Everyone, Everywhere, Every Day, invites us all to do our part for peace. This year, on September 21st, the world marks the International Day of Peace, established in 1981 by the United Nations General Assembly. Our Rotary District 6290 Peacebuilders Team is working to help you, our Rotary family, discover tools and find opportunities to be champions for peace in your own communities.
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On Saturday, June 27, Rotarians from across District 6290 came together for a Peace Walk across the International Bridge connecting Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan, and Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario. The event provided an opportunity to reaffirm our commitment to peace and celebrate the enduring friendship between the United States and Canada. Video created by JR Muller, District Public Image Chair, Rotary Club of Grand Rapids
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This past spring, I had the privilege of serving as an aide to the incoming Rotary International President, Olayinka Hakeem Babalola (Yinka) of the Rotary Club of Trans Amadi, Nigeria, during the Great Lakes Rotary President Elect Leadership Seminar (PELS) in March, which many of you know as PETS.
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I served as a facilitator at the LLC, which means I was assigned a group of 12 students to mentor throughout the conference. On Day 1, I helped usher students from the drop-off area to the check-in lobby, where I first met Sam (name changed to protect their identity). Sam appeared reluctant to be there.
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At the 2026 Life Leadership Conference, I dropped off five Benzie Central students and stayed for a few hours to see what the next three days might hold for them. As they found their rooms, the warmth of the LLC staff quickly eased any nerves.
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Five years ago, the message of HANWASH (Haiti National Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene) was shared at the Petoskey Noon Rotary Club as PDG Jane Millar, a member of the Petoskey Noon Rotary Club, wanted their message shared with her club. It wasn’t long until PDG/PRID Chis Etienne moved forward in presenting the need for a Champion District to partner with a Haiti Rotary Club providing leadership, guidance and funding to provide a source of water in the Terre Neuve region, a very remote area of Haiti. Then District 6290 Governor Gary Chenoweth (2021-22) along with D6290 District Governor Elect Paul Heroman (2022-2023) signed a Memo of Understanding with HANWASH Inc.; Rotary Club of Gonaives Memorial and Rotary District 6290.
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Muskegon Rotarians Susan Crain and Roger Morgenstern were part of a group of 15 Rotarians, Interact students, and family members from Muskegon and Grand Haven who spent the last week of June creating a library at Corea Elementary School in Tegucigalpa, Honduras, the country's capital. They were joined by Grand Haven Rotarians Bari Johnson and Gail Ringelberg.
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