NEWSLETTER for February 2025 - Rotary Club of D6330 Passport

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Rotary International President, Stephanie Urchick (Pennsylvanie, USA) District 6330 Governor, Katherine Hahn (Rotary of Stratford, ON) Club President, Mariann Timmers (2024-25) Club Newsletter, Kitty Bucsko

District website: https://rotary6330.org/

District 6330 Governor 2024-25 Katherine Hahn Rotary Club of Stratford Focus on Adaptation

February 2025

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TABLE OF CONTENTS Rotary Calendar and Themes Coming Events INSPIRATIONAL THOUGHTS FOR FEBRUARY IMPORTANT ROTARY INFORMATION RI President Stephanie Urchick’s February message The Rotary Foundation Trustee Chair’s February message D6330 Environment Committee QUICK ECO MINUTE D6330 CONFERENCE IN MAY 2025 PEACE FELLOWS FOCUS ON PEACE – FEBRUARY ROTARY ACTION GROUP FOR PEACE 8 PILLARS OF PEACE POLIO NOW

History Timeline UNITED NATIONS DATES ENVIRONMENT NOTES

3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21

CLUB NEWS Do you need a make-up? + our 2024-25 Club President Activities Projects – Migrants and Cup of Kindness Club Officers and members February Focus on Peace Environment Videos ECO Minutes Happy Chats – Click here. (Wednesdays at 6:30 p.m. Eastern) January Meeting – KIVA ROTARY STORY - Liberation

26 27 28 29 30 31 32 35 37 38

BACK PAGES Object of Rotary Four-Way Test Code of Conduct EREY Humour Become a Sponsor References

41 42 43 44 45 47 48

February 2025

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The Calendar below shows Rotary’s 2024-25 monthly themes.

ROTARY CALENDAR and THEMES Month July August September October November December January February March April May June

Theme Maternal and Child Health Membership and New Club Development Basic Education and Literacy Economic and Community Development The Rotary Foundation Disease Prevention and Treatment Vocational Service Peace and Conflict Prevention/Resolution Water and Sanitation Environment Youth Service Rotary Fellowships

Click the flags below to listen to the respective national anthems.

February 2025

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PEACE & CONFLICT PREVENTION/RESOLUTION Month of February REGULAR MONTHLY MEETING Wednesday, February 5 at 7:00 p.m. Eastern Time ROTARY TURNS 120 February 23, 2025 HAPPY CHATS ONLINE – JOIN US! Every Wednesday at 6:30 p.m. Eastern Time 2025-26

THE MAGIC OF ROTARY FOCUS ON CLEAN WATER, SANITATION, & HYGIENE Month of March WORLD WATER DAY Saturday, March 22, 2025 The need for clean water around the world!

EARTH DAY Tuesday, April 22, 2025

Rotary Anthem Right click here to open the link and listen to the Rotary Anthem!

February 2025

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INSPIRATIONAL THOUGHTS FOR FEBRUARY

"In the quiet moments between the busyness, we find the power to refocus, to rekindle our passion, and to reimagine the possibilities ahead.

As the new year unfolds, let February be a month to nurture seeds of growth, act with purpose, and embrace the small steps that lead to big transformations."

February is a perfect time to remind ourselves that progress isn’t always bold or immediate—it’s often found in steady, consistent actions that build momentum for the months ahead.

Peace begins with understanding.

When we take the time to listen without judgment, to see the world through someone else’s eyes, we create the foundation for tolerance, empathy, and lasting harmony.

Let February inspire us to build bridges where walls once stood and to approach conflicts with compassion and a commitment to unity.

February 2025

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IMPORTANT ROTARY INFORMATION 2024-25 RI PRESIDENT INTERNATIONAL PRESIDENT, 2024-25 Stephanie Urchick Pennsylvania, USA

RI PRESIDENT Stephanie Urchick

RI President Stephanie urges all members to “grow the Magic of Rotary by adding new members to our Rotary family and providing wonderful experiences to those already involved.”

“Unlock the Magic of Rotary by unlocking the power of women and girls. Advance the Magic of Rotary by fundraising to help change the world.”

“Together, we can make every club and every district ‘simply irresistible.’” \\\\

February 2025

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ROTARY INTERNATIONAL PRESIDENT FEBRUARY 2025 MESSAGE Ripples of hope and change This month, as we come together for the International Assembly and the Presidential Peace Conference, we celebrate The Magic of Rotary – a unique blend of global connection, vision, and action that empowers us to create lasting change.

One of the most inspiring examples is our Rotary Peace Fellowship program, a cornerstone of Rotary’s mission to build a more peaceful and just world.

For more than 23 years, Rotary Peace Fellowships have been transforming communities. Our Rotary Peace Centers, hosted at leading universities around the globe, have educated over 1,800 fellows who now work in more than 140 countries.

These centers cultivate expertise in fields like conflict resolution, sustainable development, and peacebuilding, preparing fellows to tackle some of the world’s most pressing challenges. This program exemplifies how Rotary turns vision into action, creating a ripple effect of hope and change.

This month during the Presidential Peace Conference, we celebrate a significant milestone with the opening of our newest peace center in Istanbul. This center will focus on training leaders to address peacebuilding challenges in the Middle East and North Africa, further extending Rotary’s impact.

Peace fellows are dedicated champions of transformation, addressing critical issues such as refugee resettlement, youth and women’s empowerment, and reconciliation in conflict zones. Many founded vital organizations or hold leadership roles in governments, nongovernmental organizations, and international institutions like the United Nations and World Bank.

One inspiring story is that of Ntang Julius Meleng, a 2024 Rotary Peace Fellow at Makerere University in Uganda.

Through his Social Change Initiative, Julius has worked to empower young people in Cameroon to take active roles in peacebuilding and leadership.

His project provided training in conflict prevention, civic engagement, and leadership to youths and community officials in areas affected by conflict, equipping people to drive sustainable peace efforts.

Julius harnessed Rotary’s global network to overcome obstacles, including limited funding and security risks, and make a meaningful impact.

The Rotary Peace Fellowship gave Julius the tools and support to turn his vision into reality. His work embodies The Magic of Rotary – the transformative power of connecting people, sharing resources, and uniting for a common purpose.

As we reflect on the achievements of our peace fellows and celebrate Rotary’s enduring commitment to peace, let us also recognize the role that everyone in our network of 1.2 million members plays in creating magic through service.

Together, we can amplify our impact, inspire new generations of leaders, and build a brighter, more peaceful future.

STEPHANIE A. URCHICK PRESIDENT, ROTARY INTERNATIONAL 2024-25

February 2025

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THE ROTARY FOUNDATION TRUSTEE CHAIR JANUARY 2025 - MESSAGE Ambassadors of peace By some measures, great progress has been made in building more peaceful societies around the world. Yet the reality of ongoing regional wars, skirmishes, and violence globally reminds us how far we still have to go. These conflicts affect the humanity of us all, whether they occur far from us or in our own communities.

So, what can Rotary do to build peace?

As a global force for peace and conflict prevention, Rotary addresses the root causes of conflict. Our role at the 1945 United Nations charter is a testament to this enduring commitment.

Another cornerstone of this work is the Rotary Peace Centers program. Through The Rotary Foundation, these seven centers provide fully funded fellowships empowering individuals to address the complex challenges of conflict and development.

More than 1,800 alumni now work in over 140 countries as champions of peace, creating lasting change in their communities. Consider alumni like Pablo Cuevas, a 2015 peace fellow who leads the Paraguay office of the International Organization for Migration, aiding those displaced by crises. Leni Kinzli, a 2023 graduate, advocates for Sudan’s humanitarian needs with the United Nations World Food Programme. Yuki Daizumoto, a 2007 peace fellow, supports life-changing agricultural and livelihood projects in Afghanistan with the Japan International Cooperation Agency. These individuals embody Rotary’s investment in peace.

This month, the Foundation Trustees will consider a plan to establish our eighth Rotary Peace Center, in Asia, as part of our vision to have peace centers on every inhabited continent by 2030.

But our commitment extends beyond the peace centers. Through Rotary’s partnership with the Institute for Economics and Peace, we have trained over 300 Positive Peace Activators from 60 countries. Our forgiveness and social cohesion curricula help members heal communities. Through our Foundation grants and service, Rotary members are fostering peace by engaging with youths, strengthening civil society, and resolving core issues that can lead to conflict.

At President Stephanie Urchick’s Peace Conference in Istanbul this month, we will celebrate this work and the first class of the Otto and Fran Walter Rotary Peace Center at Bahçeşehir University.

Remember that you are also ambassadors of peace through service projects, exchange programs, and as supporters of The Rotary Foundation.

My wish for 2025 is for peace to take root and flourish ever more widely, with Rotary playing an increasingly meaningful role in that noble pursuit.

MARK DANIEL MALONEY Foundation Trustee Chair, 2024-25

February 2025

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DISTRICT 6330 ENVIRONMENT COMMITTEE CLIMATE CHANGE Global warming is related to fossil fuels, and polluting our planet with plastic is an example of nonsustainability. We live in 1.7 worlds, we are emptying the bank, Mars is not an alternative, and there is no plan B. -- Rotarian Doug Thompson (Chair District Environment Committee)

Environment message – Suggestions for our Rotary Climate Champions A personal message from the Environment Chair, Doug ENGAGE YOUR CLUB! BECOME AN ENVIRONMENTAL CHAMPION! Environmental short presentations can serve as powerful tools to share important messages during Rotary meetings. When kept brief and presented frequently, they can convey simple, actionable ideas while encouraging broader member involvement.

Small steps can inspire larger ones, and given the increasing information overload in today’s society, concise messaging is key to capturing attention.

Doug Thompson Chair D6330 Environment Committee

Why Short Presentations to Your Club Work • •

Frequent and Inclusive: These presentations can be delivered regularly by different members, avoiding over-reliance on a single person (e.g., “not him again!”).

Simple and Practical: Focus on easy, community-relevant actions to address climate change or clarify common misinformation with legitimate science.

Balancing Content and Tone Actionable Tips: • Offering straightforward solutions (e.g., reducing food waste, minimizing single-use plastics).

• Messages should be tailored to the club's needs and easy to implement.

Doug Thompson Chair, Environment Committee

February 2025

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A QUICK-READ ECO MOMENT Food waste or air travel pollution? Which contributes more Greenhouse Gases (GHG) to our atmosphere?

Both air travel and food waste significantly contribute to greenhouse gas emissions, but the scale and mechanisms differ.

Food Waste: • Global Impact: Food waste contributes to about 8-10% of global greenhouse gas emissions, according to the UN Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO). If food waste were a country, it would be the thirdlargest emitter after China and the United States.

• Key Mechanisms: o Methane Emissions: Food that ends up in landfills produces methane, a greenhouse gas up to 28 times more potent than CO₂ over a century. o Resource Waste: The water, energy, land, and labor used to grow, transport, and store wasted food are squandered, leading to indirect emissions. o Global Scale: Roughly 1.3 billion tons of food is wasted every year globally, with significant environmental costs.

Air Travel: • Global Impact: Air travel accounts for about 2.5 - 3% of global CO₂ emissions, according to the International Energy Agency (IEA). However, the total climate impact of aviation is higher—some studies estimate around 4-5% due to non-CO₂ effects like condensation trails (contrails) and other emissions at high altitudes.

• Key Mechanisms: o Jet Fuel Combustion: Releases CO₂ directly into the atmosphere. o High Altitude Effects: Emissions from planes at cruising altitudes contribute disproportionately to global warming due to the formation of contrails and clouds. o Global Scale: Air travel emissions are growing rapidly, with aviation projected to account for a larger share of emissions as other sectors decarbonize.

Which is More Damaging Overall?

In terms of global greenhouse gas emissions, food waste has a significantly larger footprint (8-10%) compared to air travel (2.5-5%).

However: • Air travel is a concentrated emitter: A relatively small proportion of the global population flies, meaning a single flight can have a much higher per-person carbon footprint compared to food waste.

• Food waste is widespread: Everyone consumes food, so the cumulative impact of wasted food is massive and more distributed.

Key Takeaways: 1. Addressing food waste has a larger global potential for reducing emissions. Its footprint is bigger and affects multiple sectors (agriculture, transportation, energy, and waste management).

2. Reducing air travel is critical for high-frequency flyers, as the per-trip emissions are high.

3. Tackling both issues is vital for a comprehensive approach to mitigating climate change.

February 2025

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OUR DISTRICT 6330 CONFERENCE IN MAY 2025

Location The Arden Park Hotel - Best Western – Stratford, Ontario 552 Ontario Street - Stratford, ON - Canada Dates May 02, 2025 - May 04, 2025 Join Katherine Hahn, District 6330 Governor for 2024-25 Rotary embodies magic! It's inclusive, it's innovative, and it's deeply rooted in service to others.

In these transformative times, our commitment to service above self is more vital than ever. As we navigate change, Rotary stands firm, adapting to meet the evolving needs of our communities and the world at large.

Stratford is a place where creativity takes center stage, where stories unfold, and where ideas come to life. It's a community that embodies the very essence of Rotary's spirit of service.

That's why I'm thrilled to extend a heartfelt invitation to you to join us in Stratford in May 2025 and experience firsthand the magic of community service – the Magic of Rotary.

February 2025

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ROTARY’S FEBRUARY FOCUS PEACE & CONFLICT PREVENTION/RESOLUTION Click here for read more.

Today, over 70 million people are displaced as a result of conflict, violence, persecution, and human rights violations. Half of them are children.

We refuse to accept conflict as a way of life. Rotary projects provide training that fosters understanding and provides communities with the skills to resolve conflicts.

Rotary creates environments of peace As a humanitarian organization, peace is a cornerstone of our mission. We believe when people work to create peace in their communities, that change can have a global effect.

By carrying out service projects and supporting peace fellowships and scholarships, our members take action to address the underlying causes of conflict, including poverty, discrimination, ethnic tension, lack of access to education, and unequal distribution of resources.

Our commitment to peacebuilding today answers new challenges: how we can make the greatest possible impact and how we can achieve our vision of lasting change. We are approaching the concept of peace with greater cohesion and inclusivity, broadening the scope of what we mean by peacebuilding, and finding more ways for people to get involved.

Rotary creates environments where peace can happen.

Learn how Rotary is responding to the war in Ukraine.

At Rotary, we are deeply concerned by the ongoing loss of life and humanitarian hardship caused by the war in Ukraine. We’re using our deep networks and decades of experience to take meaningful action in the region.

Learn more and view a short video of how Rotary is responding to Ukraine. Click here.

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Fully funded fellowships. Each year, Rotary awards up to 130 fully funded fellowships for dedicated leaders from around the world to study at one of our peace centers.

Rotary Peace Centres program. Through academic training, practice, and global networking opportunities, the Rotary Peace Centers program develops the capacity of peace and development professionals to become effective catalysts for peace. The fellowships cover tuition and fees, room and board, round-trip transportation, and internship and field-study expenses.

Click here to read and learn more.

February 2025

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February 2025

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ROTARY ACTION GROUP FOR PEACE

10 things to Hope and Work for in The Second Quarter of the 21st Century 1. People around the world become intentional in building peaceful attitudes, institutions and structures that create the basis for peaceful societies in the next 25 years 2. The second quarter of the 21st century becomes known for universal kindness and care for one another.

3. Country Leaders understand how improving the economic circumstances and the increasing standard of living of their neighboring country populations increases the peacefulness of their respective countries.

4. Country Leaders realize how peacebuilding efforts and investments in all countries is the foundation to a sound approach to National Defense.

5. Country leaders realize an approach of “we will teach them to fear us” translates to “we will teach them to hate us.”

6. World leaders will decide the costs of war, creating refugees, destroying homes and buildings, destroying life will be assessed against the country or countries causing those impacts.

7. People who are struggling mentally due to disaster, war, or just with the struggle of day-to-day life get the assistance they need to find inner peace.

8. People work on creating lines of communication and opportunities for all peoples to build safe and resilient communities.

9. We identify which of the 8 pillars of Peace needs work in our communities and countries and we each work together to strengthen them.

10. All peoples learn to respect each other.

February 2025

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EIGHT PILLARS OF POSITIVE PEACE The 8 Pillars of Positive Peace are commonly referenced in peace-building initiatives, including Rotary International's work in promoting peace.

These pillars were developed by the Institute for Economics and Peace (IEP) as part of their Positive Peace Framework.

They describe the characteristics of societies that are more likely to experience peace and sustain it over time.

The 8 Pillars of Positive Peace are: 1. Well-Functioning Government A government that is effective, transparent, and accountable to its people, upholding justice and the rule of law.

2. Sound Business Environment A climate that supports entrepreneurship, economic activity, and fair opportunities for business growth.

3. Equitable Distribution of Resources A society where resources like education, healthcare, and infrastructure are distributed fairly and inclusively.

4. Acceptance of the Rights of Others A culture that respects and upholds the rights of all individuals, including minorities and vulnerable groups.

5. Good Relations with Neighbours Positive relationships and collaboration both within communities and across national borders to resolve disputes peacefully.

6. Free Flow of Information Open and accessible communication channels, along with a media environment that is free, transparent, and truthful.

7. High Levels of Human Capital Investment in education, health, and skills development to enable individuals to reach their full potential and contribute positively to society.

8. Low Levels of Corruption An environment where corruption is minimal, and institutions operate with integrity and fairness.

These pillars are interconnected, meaning improvements in one area can positively affect others, creating a virtuous cycle of peace and stability.

February 2025

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Summary of new polioviruses this week, cases and positive environmental isolates: • • • • •

Pakistan: two WPV1 cases and 17 WPV1-positive environmental samples Chad: three cVDPV2 cases Ethiopia: seven cVDPV2 cases Germany: eleven cVDPV2-positive environmental samples Nigeria: one cVDPV2 case

Partners of the Global Polio Eradication Initiative (GPEI) have updated the Global Polio Surveillance Action Plan (GPSAP) for 2025-2026, to maximise benefits of available technical and operational tools. The GPSAP 2025-2026 is aligned with the GPEI Polio Eradication Strategy 2022-2026: delivering on a promise, extension to 2029. It reflects the key surveillance activities that will facilitate achievement of the GPEI strategic goals to eradicate wild poliovirus type 1 and interrupt transmission of circulating vaccine-derived poliovirus type 2.

The GPSAP is available here.

Maintaining detailed and accurate inventories of poliovirus infectious and potentially infectious materials, in laboratories and other facilities, is a key first step to minimizing containment risks. A new data collection and reporting system being rolled out in the African region is helping to enhance data timeliness, quality and reliability. More.

The polio eradication campaign has been ongoing for many years and has achieved so much through the years since the idea germinated in the 1980s.

Setbacks are nothing new and it has been to the credit of all associated with the polio eradication partners that their dedication has brought the eradication achievements to such a high level.

We are so close – and we have been so close for a very long time.

We CAN finish the job – and we WILL finish the job!

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A LITTLE HISTORY – GPEI GLOBAL POLIO ERADICATION INITIATIVE Our goal Rotary has been working to eradicate polio for more than 35 years. Our goal of ridding the world of this disease is closer than ever.

As a founding partner of the Global Polio Eradication Initiative, we've reduced polio cases by 99.9 percent since our first project to vaccinate children in the Philippines in 1979.

Rotary members have contributed more than $2.1 billion and countless volunteer hours to protect nearly 3 billion children in 122 countries from this paralyzing disease. Rotary’s advocacy efforts have played a role in decisions by governments to contribute more than $10 billion to the effort.

Today, polio remains endemic only in Afghanistan and Pakistan. But it’s crucial to continue working to keep other countries polio-free. If all eradication efforts stopped today, within 10 years, polio could paralyze as many as 200,000 children each year.

Explore the history of Rotary and polio eradication

February 2025

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DATE 1894 1905 1908 1916 1929 1955 1960 1979 1985 1988 1994 1995

2000 2003

2004 2006 2009

2011

2012

2014 2019 2020

February 2025

POLIO ACHIEVEMENT MILESTONES The first major documented polio outbreak in the U.S. occurs in Vermont; 18 deaths and 132 cases of permanent paralysis are reported.

Swedish physician Ivar Wickman suggests that polio is a contagious disease that can be spread from person to person and also recognized that polio could be present in people who show no symptoms.

2 physicians in Vienna, Karl Landsteiner and Erwin Popper, discover that polio is caused by a virus.

A major polio outbreak in New York City kills more than 2,000 people Across the U.S., polio takes the lives of about 6,000 people and paralyzes thousands more.

Philip Drinker and Harvard University’s Louis Agassiz Shaw Jr. invent an artificial respirator for patients suffering from paralytic polio – the iron lung.

A vaccine developed by Dr. Jonas Salk is declared “safe and effective.”

The U.S. government licenses the oral polio vaccine developed by Dr. Albert Sabin.

Rotary International begins its fight against polio with a multi-year project to immunize 6 million children in the Philippines.

Rotary International launches PolioPlus, the first and largest internationally coordinated privatesector support of a public health initiative, with an initial fundraising target of U.S. $120 million Rotary International and the World Health Organization launch the Global Polio Eradication Initiative. There are an estimated 350,000 cases of polio in 125 countries.

The International Commission for the Certification of Poliomyelitis Eradication announces that polio has been eliminated from the Americas.

Health workers and volunteers immunize 165 million children in China and India in one week.

Rotary launches the PolioPlus Partners program, enabling Rotary members in polio-free countries to provide support to fellow members in polio-affected countries for polio eradication activities.

A record 555 million children – almost 10% of the world’s population – receive the oral polio vaccine. The Western Pacific region, spanning from Australia to China, is declared polio-free.

The Rotary Foundation raises $119 million in a 12-month campaign. Rotary’s total contribution to polio eradication exceeds $500 million. Six countries remain polio-endemic – Afghanistan, Egypt, India, Niger, Nigeria, Pakistan In Africa, synchronized National Immunization Days in 23 countries target 80 million children, the largest coordinated polio immunization effort on the continent.

The number of polio-endemic countries drops to 4 – Afghanistan, India, Nigeria, Pakistan.

Rotary’s overall contribution to the eradication effort nears $800 million. In January, the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation pledges $355 million and issues Rotary a challenge grant of $200 million.

This announcement will result in a combined $555 million in support of the Global Polio Eradication Initiative.

Rotary welcomes celebrities and other major public figures into a new public awareness campaign and ambassador program called “This Close” to ending polio. Program ambassadors include Nobel Peace Prize Laureate Desmond Tutu, violinist Itzhak Perlman, co-founder of the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation Bill Gates, Grammy Award-winning singers Angelique Kidjo and Ziggy Marley, and environmentalist Dr. Jane Goodall. Rotary’s funding for polio eradication exceeds $1 billion.

India surpasses 1 year without a recorded case of polio and is removed from the list of countries where polio is endemic. Polio remains endemic in just 3 countries. Rotary surpasses its $200 Million Challenge fundraising goal more than 5 months earlier than expected.

India goes 3 full years without a new case caused by the wild poliovirus, and the World Health Organization certifies the South-East Asia region polio-free. Polio cases are down over 99% since 1988.

Nigeria goes 3 full years without a new case caused by the wild poliovirus.

The World Health Organization (WHO) certifies the African region wild polio-free.

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INTERNATIONAL DATES TO NOTE (plus links)

Sunday, February 2 World Wetlands Day https://www.un.org/en/observances/world-wetlands-day Tuesday, February 4 International Day of Human Fraternity https://www.un.org/en/observances/human-fraternity Thursday, February 6 International Day for Zero Tolerance for Female Genital Mutilation https://www.un.org/en/observances/female-genital-mutilation-day Tuesday, February 11 International Day of Women and Girls in Science https://www.un.org/en/observances/women-and-girls-in-science-day/ Thursday, February 20 World Day of Social Justice https://www.un.org/en/observances/social-justice-day Did you know?

Women are typically given smaller research grants than their male colleagues and, while they represent 33.3% of all researchers, only 12% of members of national science academies are women.

• •

•

In cutting edge fields such as artificial intelligence, only one in five professionals (22%) is a woman.

Despite a shortage of skills in most of the technological fields driving the Fourth Industrial Revolution, women still account for only 28% of engineering graduates and 40% of graduates in computer science and informatics.

Female researchers tend to have shorter, less well-paid careers. Their work is under-represented in highprofile journals, and they are often passed over for promotion.

Mark your calendars – Tuesday, April 22, 2025 55th Anniversary of Earth Day!

February 2025

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OUR FRAGILE ENVIRONMENT ROTARY’S 7TH AREA OF FOCUS A TEDTalk by Dr. Jonathan Foley Solutions | Jonathan Foley | TEDxBoston Click the link below to view the TEDTalk. (approx. 20 minutes) – Click here.

Dr. Jonathan Foley is a leading climate scientist, sustainability expert, educator, and public speaker.

Project Drawdown. He is also executive director of Project Drawdown — the world’s leading resource for climate solutions. His work focuses on finding solutions to sustain the climate, ecosystems, and natural resources we all depend on.

For the first in the Drawdown series videos, click here.

A CIRCULAR ECONOMY SHOULD BE OUR GOAL – A circular economy is an economic model focused on sustainability, aiming to minimize waste and make the most of resources. Unlike the traditional linear economy, which follows a "take-make-dispose" pattern, a circular economy is designed to be regenerative, keeping materials and products in use for as long as possible.

The prosperity that we are enjoying today could largely be attributed to the industrial revolution of the 18th and early 19th centuries. Yet this enhancement of our standard of living has come at a steep price: the creation of the so-called linear economy. In other words, we have a “take, make and dispose” economy. We take natural resources, make things and dispose of them in landfills and elsewhere. Read more here.

Key Principles of a Circular Economy: 1. Designing Out Waste and Pollution: Products and systems are designed to reduce waste and pollution from the outset.

2. Keeping Products and Materials in Use: By prioritizing reuse, repair, refurbishment, and recycling, the lifecycle of products and materials is extended.

3. Regenerating Natural Systems: The model encourages using renewable resources and restoring ecosystems, ensuring that economic activity contributes to, rather than depletes, the planet’s natural resources.

Examples: • Recycling: Turning used products (like plastic or paper) into raw materials for new ones.

• Product as a Service: Renting or sharing products (e.g., car-sharing services) instead of owning them.

• Closed-Loop Manufacturing: Using waste materials as inputs for new production cycles.

• Repairable Products: Designing items to be easily fixed, like modular smartphones. …educating about the environment and climate change

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In essence, the circular economy challenges us to rethink the way we produce, consume, and dispose of goods, shifting toward a system that works in harmony with nature. It’s a pivotal concept in addressing climate change and resource scarcity.

Here are some key references: •

Ellen MacArthur Foundation: This organization defines a circular economy as one that is restorative and regenerative by design, aiming to keep products, components, and materials at their highest utility and value at all times. They emphasize three main principles: designing out waste and pollution, keeping products and materials in use, and regenerating natural systems.

Ellen MacArthur Foundation •

U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA): The EPA describes a circular economy as a system that keeps materials and products in circulation for as long as possible, reducing waste and promoting resource efficiency. They highlight strategies such as recycling, reuse, and sustainable product design.

Environmental Protection Agency •

Wikipedia: The Wikipedia entry on the circular economy defines it as a model of production and consumption involving sharing, leasing, reusing, repairing, refurbishing, and recycling existing materials and products for as long as possible. It contrasts this with the traditional linear economy's "take-makedispose" model.

Wikipedia •

IBM: IBM explains that a circular economy creates closed-loop systems where waste is minimized, resources are conserved, and natural systems are regenerated. They discuss strategies like reducing waste and pollution, extending product lifespans, and regenerating natural systems.

IBM Recent Developments in Circular Economy Initiatives The Times Circular economy start-ups can thrive in throwaway society

HOW DOES A PLANT-BASED DIET BENEFIT OUR PLANET? It’s not just our own health that can benefit from a plant-based diet!

A 2019 study published in Science found that a global shift to plant-based diets could reduce food-related emissions by 49%. According to the United Nations, transitioning to plant-based diets could help meet climate targets and reduce agricultural land use by 76%.

Small Changes, Big Impact • Even reducing meat consumption by one meal per day can significantly lower emissions and resource use. (Science Daily) According to numerous sources, a plant-based diet can significantly mitigate environmental impacts, particularly concerning greenhouse gas emissions, land use, and water consumption.

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Environmental Impact of Livestock Farming • Greenhouse Gas Emissions: Livestock farming contributes about 14.5% of global anthropogenic emissions, primarily methane from digestion and manure. (FAO) • Land Use and Deforestation: 80% of Amazon deforestation is linked to cattle grazing and feed crops.

Livestock occupies 83% of agricultural land but provides only 18% of global calories. (Springer Link) Environmental Impact of Fishing • Overfishing: Nearly 90% of fish stocks are overexploited, threatening marine ecosystems. (Vox) • Habitat Destruction: Trawling disrupts seabed habitats and releases stored carbon, akin to deforestation.

(Vox) Benefits of Plant-Based Diets • Emission Reduction: Switching to plant-based diets could reduce food-related emissions by up to 70%.

(BBC) • •

Water Conservation: Producing beef requires 15,000 liters of water per kg, while vegetables need just 322 liters. (Scientific American) Health Benefits: Plant-based diets lower the risk of chronic diseases like heart disease and cancer.

(Scientific American)

BECOME AN ECO-CHAMPION!!

VIEW AN IMPORTANT CLIMATE VIDEO Please click the link below to view this important Climate video (8 minutes) We don’t have to be on our own. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9_d0qrlDHaw&t=1s

READ THE LATEST ESRAG NEWSLETTER Further reading for our Environmental Champions Click here.

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PER-CAPITA GHG EMISSIONS & STANDARD OF LIVING There is a general correlation between high Fossil Fuel Reliance per capita greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and a relatively high standard of living, but it’s not a perfect match. Here's how they relate: How Per Capita Emissions Reflect Standard of Living 1. Energy-Intensive Lifestyles: o High-income countries often have greater access to energy-intensive conveniences, such as private vehicles, air conditioning, and large homes, all of which increase per capita emissions. o For example, countries like the United States, Australia, and Canada combine high per capita emissions with a high standard of living. (Source) 2. Fossil Fuel Reliance o Countries like Qatar, Kuwait, and Saudi Arabia have high per capita emissions due to their economies being centered on fossil fuel production and energy-intensive industries. These nations often use heavily subsidized energy, leading to wasteful consumption patterns, even though they may not always equate to a universally high quality of life for all citizens. (Source) 3. Population Size and Distribution: o Countries with small populations and vast resources, like Australia and Canada, tend to have higher per capita emissions because the infrastructure (roads, utilities, etc.) serves fewer people, making energy use less efficient per person. (Source) 4. Urbanization and Transport: o High-income countries with less urban density (like Canada and Australia) often rely more on personal vehicles, which increases emissions compared to densely populated countries with efficient public transportation systems. (Source) Exceptions to the Correlation 1. Resource-Exporting Nations: o Nations like Qatar and Kuwait have exceptionally high emissions, largely due to their role as fossil fuel exporters, which inflates per capita emissions without necessarily reflecting broader prosperity or diversity in their economies.

2. Economic Inequality: o A high national average per capita emission doesn't always mean everyone benefits equally. In some countries, emissions may be concentrated in industries or among wealthier segments of the population, while others live modestly.

3. Sustainable High Standards: o Some countries with high standards of living, like Sweden or Denmark, have relatively low per capita emissions because of their investment in renewable energy and energy-efficient technologies.

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Our Fragile Environment and Climate Change A quick, interactive, online, and fun way to think about our environment.

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18 19 20 21 22 www.CrosswordWeaver.com

ACROSS 5 What simple term describes the gradual rise in Earth's temperature due to trapped greenhouse gases?

7 What term refers to the practice of reducing water usage?

8 What is the term for the contamination of water bodies with harmful substances?

10 What energy source is harnessed from the Sun? 12 What type of energy is produced by the movement of water?

13 What layer of the atmosphere protects us from harmful UV rays?

17 What term is used for the cutting down of forests for agriculture or urban use?

18 What term refers to the variety of

life on Earth?

19 What international agreement aims to reduce greenhouse gas emissions?

20 What is the process of turning waste materials into new products?

21 What is the main cause of rising sea levels?

22 What term refers to the destructrion of coral reefs due to temperature changes?

DOWN 1 What phenomenon occurs when ocean currents are disrupted by warming waters? (2 words) 2 What is the main greenhouse gas emitted by burning fossil fuels? (2 words) 3 What element is the building

block of all known life on Earth?

4 What type of car uses both gasoline and electricity?

6 Which natural disaster is caused by prolonged periods of rain and melting snow?

9 What is the term for species that no longer exist?

11 What is a large-scale planting of trees called?

14 What gas is a major contributor to the greenhouse effect besides carbon dioxide?

15 What agricultural practice uses natural pest control and avoids synthetic chemicals?

16 What do we call the process of turning organic waste into nutrient-rich soil?

Click here to try the online INTERACTIVE Environment Crossword.

Looking for help? Click the

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at top right of the crossword screen.

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Do you need a make-up? missed meetings?

To learn about other Rotary clubs?

The Passport Club members are encouraged to join local (and other) clubs to learn more about Rotary, get to know other Rotarians, gain a new perspective and appreciation for Rotary and Rotarians. Here is a list of online clubs where you can earn a make-up along with learning a whole lot more about Rotary! Why not visit them all?

• Rotary E-Club of Canada One – Rotary On Demand, Where you want, When you want!

• Rotary Club of One World • Rotary E-Club of World Peace Click here to attend this week’s posted meeting of E-Club of Canada One. These meetings are posted online and available 24/7!

Club President for 2024-25 – Mariann Timmers

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NEWS & INFORMATION IMPORTANT TO ROTARIANS

Get involved! Join us!

Click here to view a short video – We are Rotary!

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OUR CLUB PROJECTS HELPING MIGRANT WORKERS The Passport Club of District 6330 is happy to be continuing our successful service project, Backpacks for Migrant Workers. More information to follow.

North Lambton Community Health Care created the Migrant Worker Project to support the 700 migrant workers working in Sarnia and Lambton County. Our club is working with the Project Coordinator, Andrea Jones-Peper, by providing backpacks for newly arriving workers.

We will continue through the 2024-25 year to fill the backpacks with items requested by workers, such as toiletries. The date of delivery is hoping to be the start of the season in the spring. We will continue to support these workers. Stay tuned! Consider what items you can individually add to these backpacks!

A GREAT SUCCESS – CUP OF KINDNESS We also are continuing our successful club project – a Cup of Kindness. In 2024, our total amount collected/donated was $3644! Thank you to everyone!

The club chose to make a substantial impact on reducing food insecurity with a project aimed at raising funds for Food Banks in our individual communities.

Each member “filled a Cup of Kindness" by filling a cup or two cups (or more) with coins, hopefully loonies and toonies, then donating the funds to their local food bank. Or you chose to make donations directly to those in need. Donations could be rewarded with a tax receipt. The results were tallied regularly. With the success of this project, we are planning to keep it going.

Message from Bev Anderson – Project Services Chair Thank you for all of your donations to the Cup of Kindness, donating to your local food banks. We are making a difference and helping our neighbours. The amount for 2024 was $3644!

Thank you!

Some useful links London Food Bank Strathroy Sarnia – Inn of the Good Shepherd Stratford

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CLUB OFFICERS 2024-25 President Secretary and IPP Treasurer Membership Chair Project Chair Directors

Mariann Timmers Sue Storie Lynn Coates Deb Beaupré Bev Andersen Rick Storie Kitty Bucsko

MEMBERSHIP LIST BELOW – CLUB MEMBERS LIST WITH EMAIL ADDRESSES A.C. Alrey Bev Andersen Deb Beaupré Terry Bennett Sarah Bongers Rich Bouchard Kitty Bucsko Marilyn Buttery Lynn Coates Brittany Elliott Sue Elliott Wendy Jennings Heather Macdonald Jessica Morrow George Ottewell Nancy Ottewell Nancy Powers Rick Storie Sue Storie Lynne Ternosky Mariann Timmers John Wade

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acalrey@gmail.com bandersen181@gmail.com debmarjean@gmail.com terbenn@gmail.com csbongers@icloud.com rbouchard@racetoerase.com ladykitt@gmail.com marilyn@buttery.com lynn.coates.1@outlook.com brittany.lyn.elliott@hotmail.com susan@sutherlandelliott.ca wendy.jennings@bell.net heathermac@BMTS.com jessicaherbert2023@gmail.com george.ottewell@gmail.com nottewell@gmail.com nancypowers607@hotmail.com rick.storie@sympatico.ca sue.storie@sympatico.ca lynneternosky@gmail.com gtimmers@aol.com john@askthedogguy.com

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PEACE AND CONFLICT RESOLUTION MONTH February: A Month for Peace and Understanding As Rotarians, we are called to be architects of peace in a world that often seems divided.

Through our service, we build bridges where walls once stood, fostering dialogue, understanding, and hope.

Let us remember that peace begins with small acts of kindness and a commitment to resolving conflicts with compassion. Together, we can create a ripple effect of harmony that extends far beyond our own communities.

“Peace is not the absence of conflict, but the ability to cope with it peacefully.”

- Ronald Reagan This February, let us dedicate ourselves to being champions of peace and conflict resolution, living our values in ways that inspire others to do the same.

An interesting video highlighting peace and understanding. Click here.

Why do some parents reject vaccines, despite evidence that they've helped generations of children stay healthy?

When sociologist Jennifer Reich started interviewing parents about this growing trend, she realized it wasn't as simple as being ignorant or anti-science. In this fascinating talk, she explains why this movement is the symptom of a much bigger problem -- our broken beliefs about parenting & health.

Jennifer Reich is Professor of Sociology at the University of Colorado Denver. Her research examines how individuals and families weigh information and strategize their interactions with the state and service providers, particularly as they relate to healthcare and welfare.

Over the last decade, she has examined how parents come to reject vaccines for their children, in dialog with physicians, complementary healthcare providers, activists, and researchers.

She wrote Calling the Shots: Why Parents Reject Vaccines.

Jennifer & her husband have three children. This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Click here to view the video.

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An Important Environment Video Click here to view this important video.

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ECO MINUTES – ECO SHORTS FOR CONSIDERATION 1. Eco Minute: Why Rotarians Care About Climate Change Why should Rotarians care about climate change? Why? Because, according to climate scientist Katharine Hayhoe, climate action passes the Four-Way Test.

She once gave a presentation to a Rotary Club in Texas. On her way into the meeting, she saw a poster outlining the Four-Way Test. “That’s climate change and climate action,” she thought.

Climate change is the truth based on decades of scientific evidence.

Taking action to slow climate change is fair, because climate change often unfairly disadvantages the poor and marginalized.

Many climate solutions help to build goodwill and better friendships as well as healing the planet.

And of course, fighting climate change is beneficial to everyone everywhere. Climate action is a natural for all Rotarians!

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2. Eco Minute: What can we do to fight climate change?

We all wonder how we can have an impact on such a big problem. And Climate Change is a huge problem.

Here are some of the things the David Suzuki Foundation suggests: • • • • • •

Use energy wisely at home — and save money in the process!

Consume less, waste less, and enjoy life more Invest in renewables and divest from fossil fuels Eat for a climate-stable planet Reduce your emissions by taking public transit, riding a bike, carpooling, considering an electric or hybrid vehicle, and flying less Demand bold climate action from governments Remember - Be the change you want to see in the world!

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3. Eco-Minute – Why We Should Care About Biodiversity Loss We all love experiencing nature, whether it’s in our own backyards or on a voyage of discovery. It’s estimated that there are five to ten million different species on our amazing planet! …continued next page

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But the science is clear: nature is in trouble.

Biodiversity is declining faster than at any time in human history. When we lose biodiversity, we jeopardize the things we rely on and often take for granted: • • • • •

clean air and water, flood regulation, food security, pollination, and the foundation for much of our economy.

Consider this: • • • •

Up to one million species globally are threatened with extinction.

Canada has lost 80% of original wetlands in and around urban areas, and approximately 80% of native prairie grasslands.

Populations of birds that feed on insects have declined by 59% since 1870.

One in five species in Canada are at some level of risk of extinction.

Halting and reversing biodiversity loss is one of the great challenges of our time. If we get it right, the transition will have positive impacts on our collective well-being, economic prosperity, and quality of life now and into the future.

So let’s all become climate champions!

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4. Eco Minute: - Reducing food waste I want to focus on an impactful and practical way we can address the climate crisis together: reducing food waste. I always thought that this was a local problem, but I’ve recently learned that reducing food waste can have a positive impact upon the climate crisis.

One-third of all food produced globally is wasted. This not only squanders precious resources like water and energy but also contributes significantly to greenhouse gas emissions when food rots in landfills. Reducing food waste isn’t just an individual responsibility—it’s a community effort.

Here’s how we can act, both personally and as a Rotary club, to tackle this issue: Personal Accountability 1.

2.

3.

4.

Plan your meals and shopping—buy only what you need to avoid over-purchasing.

Store food wisely—learn to freeze or preserve food to extend its life.

Reimagine leftovers—get creative with yesterday’s meals to avoid throwing them away.

Compost your food scraps instead of sending them to landfills.

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Community-Focused Actions 1. Start a local food-sharing network to distribute surplus food among neighbors and community members.

2. Organize community composting programs to make it easier for others to reduce waste.

3. Collaborate with local grocery stores and restaurants to rescue surplus food for donation.

4. Host awareness campaigns or workshops to educate others about the environmental impact of food waste and how to minimize it.

By holding ourselves accountable for our personal habits and working together as a community, we can reduce food waste and contribute to a healthier, more sustainable planet. As Rotarians, let’s lead the charge— because small actions, multiplied by many, can create extraordinary change.

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5. Eco Minute – Reducing the use of plastics I want to talk about a pressing issue that impacts the climate, our environment, and our communities: reducing the use of plastics. Again, I always thought that reducing plastics would help somewhat in our local communities, but there’s far more to it than that.

Single-use plastics, like bags, bottles, and packaging, are designed for convenience but leave a lasting legacy of pollution – we all know that. They take centuries to degrade, harm wildlife. But what I learned only recently was the significant contribution plastics make to greenhouse gas emissions throughout their lifecycle. Reducing plastic use is both a personal responsibility and a community effort. So there are some things we can do.

Personal Accountability 1. Carry reusable bags, bottles, and utensils—ditch single-use items for durable alternatives.

2. Choose products with minimal or plastic-free packaging—support businesses that prioritize sustainability.

3. Refuse plastic straws and utensils when dining out and encourage others to do the same.

4. Repurpose and reuse plastic items that you already have to extend their life and reduce waste.

Community-Focused Actions 1. Organize community clean-ups to remove plastic waste from local parks, beaches, and streets.

2. Work with local businesses to reduce plastic packaging and encourage reusable alternatives.

3. Promote education campaigns in schools, clubs, and neighborhoods about the impact of plastic pollution and how to minimize it.

4. Advocate for local policies that ban or limit single-use plastics, such as plastic bags or straws.

By taking responsibility for our personal habits and engaging our communities in solutions, we can drastically reduce plastic waste and its harmful effects.

As Rotarians, we can lead by example, showing that even small, consistent actions can drive significant change.

Together, we can create a cleaner, more sustainable world.

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Why should someone join Rotary? Click here for a short, important video.

Remember our Happy Chats – get to know our club members!

Join the Happy Chats – get to know our club members!

Happy Chats are online every Wednesday.

Every Wednesday at 6:30 p.m. - 7:00 p.m. -ish – Join us!

Join your Rotary friends for an informal 30-minute get together.

Chat about “stuff” – and what’s important to you. Let’s get to know our members!

Plan to join our Zoom Meetings! Click here.

QUICK ROTARY MINUTE Rotary Puzzle Minute: Unscramble the Words Unscramble these jumbled letters to reveal key Rotary themes or values. Each word is connected to what makes Rotary special.

1. RVSEIEC 2. AEPEC 3. TROARY 4. ICITOVNAON 5. PSLFWLEIHO 6. AICGM Hint: These words describe what Rotary is all about.

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HOW ROTARY HELPS –

Our monthly meeting of Wednesday, January 8, 2025 Or click here to view the meeting video.

Eco Minute for January 8, 2025 – Presented at the Passport Club meeting This evening, I want to talk briefly about a pressing issue that impacts the climate, our environment, and our communities: reducing the use of plastics.

As a member of the D6330 Environment Committee, I am helping to raise awareness about the causes of climate change, emphasizing that it is a very real and urgent problem. My goal is to promote the idea that each of us, individually and collectively, can take meaningful actions to help mitigate its impacts.

Now you’re going to ask what have plastics to do with climate change?

I always thought that reducing plastics would help somewhat in our local communities or my little corner of the world, but there’s far more to it than that.

Single-use plastics, like bags, bottles, and packaging, are designed for convenience but leave a lasting legacy of pollution – we all know that. They take centuries to degrade, harm wildlife. But what I learned only recently was the significant contribution plastics make to greenhouse gas emissions throughout their lifecycle.

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Reducing plastic use is crucial because plastics are made from fossil fuels, and their production releases significant greenhouse gases, approximately 3.4% of global greenhouse gas emissions, significantly contributing to climate change and global warming.

Additionally, plastic waste makes up about 80% of all marine debris, damaging ecosystems and limiting the ocean’s ability to sequester carbon, which exacerbates global warming.

Wikipedia https://www.theverge.com/2024/9/23/24252433/exxonmobil-knew-plastic-recycling-lawsuitcalifornia?utm_source=chatgpt.com Reducing plastic use is both a personal responsibility and a community effort. So there are some things we can do.

Personal Accountability • • • •

Carry reusable bags, bottles, and utensils—ditch single-use items for durable alternatives.

Choose products with minimal or plastic-free packaging—support businesses that prioritize sustainability.

Refuse plastic straws and utensils when dining out and encourage others to do the same.

Repurpose and reuse plastic items that you already have to extend their life and reduce waste.

Community-Focused Actions • • • •

Organize community clean-ups to remove plastic waste from local parks, beaches, and streets.

Work with local businesses to reduce plastic packaging and encourage reusable alternatives.

Promote education campaigns in schools, clubs, and neighborhoods about the impact of plastic pollution and how to minimize it.

Advocate for local policies that ban or limit single-use plastics, such as plastic bags or straws.

By taking responsibility for our personal habits and engaging our communities in solutions, we can drastically reduce plastic waste and its harmful effects. As Rotarians, we can lead by example, showing that even small, consistent actions can drive significant change. Together, we can create a cleaner, more sustainable world.

As a member of the D6330 Environment Committee, I am helping to raise awareness about the causes of climate change, emphasizing that it is a very real and urgent problem. My goal is to promote the idea that each of us, individually and collectively, can take meaningful actions to help mitigate its impacts.

KIVA - During the meeting, the mention was made of KIVA as a lending institution. Many of you wish to learn more. Click the link below to view a self-moving PowerPoint presentation – with a narrative. The presentation is about 20 minutes, and I hope there is sufficient emphasis placed on what you might want to know and learn. This video presentation was prepared as a bit of an experiment with the PPT recording feature – and I think it does have the appropriate merit as an introduction and as a review of what was presented at the December meeting - – but I hope that you won’t be overly bored as you follow through. (-- Rotarian Kitty) Click here to view the KIVA video.

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LIBERATION OF JULIE MULLIGAN After being kidnapped abroad, Rotarian Julie Mulligan set out to live a more authentic life of Service Above Self

By Kate Silver Photography by Taylor Roades This story appeared in the January 2025 issue of Rotary Magazine.

A man dozes in his bedroom. It’s around midnight, quiet except for the gentle hum of the TV. The phone rings, jarring him awake.

“John?”

“Julie? What’s wrong?”

“You haven’t heard?”

“Heard what?”

“John. I’ve been kidnapped.”

Julie breaks down crying. Then a man’s voice comes on the phone. Sharply, he demands 100 million naira — or about US$700,000 — for her safe return.

“We’ll call back,” the man says.

He hangs up.

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Nearly 16 years have passed since that phone call from northern Nigeria to a home in Drayton Valley, a small town nestled between two rivers in central Alberta. Julie Mulligan has reflected on the events of April 2009 many times. How they changed her and her family. How they continue to stir complex emotions. How they engendered a deeper understanding of the nature of forgiveness and of our interconnectedness.

“This is Julie Mulligan. I’ve been kidnapped. I’m being held somewhere in Nigeria. I’m not feeling well and I probably have malaria. The kidnappers are sitting with me now. I need some contact information of Rotary members.”

Today, Julie and her husband, John, live in British Columbia, where they remain devoted Rotary members. And Julie has come to understand what happened to her, though still painful, as almost a gift, for it opened a path to seeing the goodness in people instead of the bad.

The journey to Nigeria is supposed to be a once-in-a-lifetime professional and cultural exchange opportunity for the five women traveling together. They’ve been accepted to a Group Study Exchange program through Rotary.

For a month, they expect to explore different cities, visit government offices and cultural sites, and spend time in workplaces while living with Rotarian hosts. They plan to befriend a Nigerian team, whose members they will later host in Canada as part of the exchange.

Leading the Canadian team is Julie Mulligan, president of the Rotary Club of Drayton Valley. At 44, Julie is slender with caring green eyes, brown hair, and a quick, dry wit. She’s the oldest in the group, which is made up of four other professionals in their 20s and 30s, and she’s the only Rotary member.

At left - Clockwise from top: Julie with fellow Group Study Exchange participants before her abduction; a bustling street scene in Kaduna; a 2009 newsclip from a Canadian paper.

Courtesy of Julie Mulligan; Andrew Esiebo; Newspapers.com Julie, who works in the insurance industry, is giddy. She loved her time in Africa the year prior, when she and John cycled through parts of Tanzania.

She can’t wait to get back. A Rotary member since 2001, she’s especially excited to make new Rotary connections in Africa.

Located in north central Nigeria, Kaduna is a bustling and sometimes chaotic city of about 1.2 million. Although it’s a major industrial center, the town’s infrastructure and services have failed to keep up with its growth. Power outages are frequent, and many people lack access to safe drinking water.

Across the state, also called Kaduna, about 45 percent of people live below the national poverty line.

Today, kidnappings have become a lucrative business and a growing threat in parts of Nigeria, including the state of Kaduna. In addition to armed bandits and criminal enterprises that use kidnappings for ransom to fund their operations, Boko Haram and other militant groups have carried out mass abductions for ideological reasons and leverage in negotiations with the government. In March 2024, gunmen kidnapped 287 school children in Kaduna state.

But in early 2009, this wasn’t the case. Back then, kidnappings were concentrated around the country’s oil fields to the south, in the Niger Delta, but in the north visitors were welcomed with open arms. In fact, showing visiting Rotarians the “real” Nigeria is something that Leonard Igini has always loved to do. As a member of the Rotary February 2025

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Club of Nassarawa-Kano, Igini has hosted visitors from Norway, Sweden, Japan, Canada, the U.S., and elsewhere.

And he is among the hosts for the Canadian group’s visit in 2009, with plans to later lead the Nigerian team that is to visit Canada. “The word ‘risk’ did not occur to any one of us,” says Igini about the local Rotary team, “because it’s something we have never experienced.”

On 16 April, about a week into the trip, Julie and her Nigerian host, Moses Kadeer, who belonged to the Rotary Club of Kaduna, are driving home from a Rotary meeting at an inn, where her exchange group members had been guests of honor. As they pull up to Kadeer’s home, a teal hatchback drives up alongside them. The driver rolls down his window and asks Kadeer a question — does he know so-and-so? When Kadeer says no, three men jump out and drag him from the front seat, throwing him on the ground.

Then they grab Julie. “Moses!” she screams as they beat her with a large gun. They shove her into the back seat and speed away.

John is in shock following the phone call with Julie.

Usually, he’s a soft-spoken voice of reason when it comes to his family, whether it’s Julie, her two teenage children — Stephanie Dean, 19, and Mackenzie Dean, 17 — or his adult sons, Greg and Rob Mulligan. But this is uncharted territory.

John awakens Steph and tells her what happened. Then, he calls his sons and his most trusted friends, who also happen to be Rotarians. Within hours, Alex and Gayleen Blais, Mary and Terry Drader, and John’s son Greg have gathered round.

Together, they debate what to do. Should they get to work gathering the ransom? Do they call the police? They decide on the latter, and by morning two agents arrive from the Royal Canadian Mounted Police, or RCMP, Canada’s national police force.

The agents tell John the kidnappers will likely call again soon. They write down the exact words John is to say when he answers the phone, and he is not to stray from the script.

“They were scared the kidnappers were going to get more information about who I was, what I owned, what organizations I belonged to, all that kind of stuff,” John says, “which would lead them to increase the ransom.”

Click here to read the rest of the article.

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Right click the 4-way test above to open and listen to the Four-Way Test by RC of Saskatoon Nutana – And Sing along!

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See our Passport Club Facebook page for more up-to-the-minute Passport news! https://www.facebook.com/rotary6330passport/

THE ROTARY FOUNDATION EREY – Every Rotarian Every Year

Click here for a short video.

Our Every Rotarian, Every Year (EREY) It’s an initiative that encourages all Rotary club members to contribute at least what they can afford every year to help us reach our goal to support the Rotary Foundation financially every year.

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A LITTLE HUMOUR OR FOOD FOR THOUGHT

1. The nicest thing about the future is that it always starts tomorrow.

2. Money will buy a fine dog but only kindness will make him wag his tail.

3. If you don't have a sense of humour, you probably don't have any sense at all.

4. Seat belts are not as confining as wheelchairs.

5. A good time to keep your mouth shut is when you're in deep water.

6. How come it takes so little time for a child who is afraid of the dark to become a teenager who wants to stay out all night?

7. Business conventions are important because they demonstrate how many people a company can operate without.

8. Why is it that at class reunions you feel younger than everyone else looks?

9. Stroke a cat and you will have a permanent job.

10. No one has more driving ambition than the teenage boy who wants to buy a car.

11. There are no new sins; the old ones just get more publicity.

12. There are worse things than getting a call for a wrong number at 4 a.m.; for example, it could be the right number.

13. No one ever says "It's only a game" when their team is winning.

14. I've reached the age where 'happy hour' is a nap.

15. Be careful about reading the fine print - there's no way you're going to like it.

16. The trouble with bucket seats is that not everybody has the same size bucket.

17. Do you realize that, in about 40 years, we'll have thousands of old ladies running around with tattoos?

18. Money can't buy happiness but somehow it's more comfortable to cry in a Cadillac than in a Ford.

19. Life isn't tied with a bow, but it's still a gift.

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PLEASE CONSIDER BECOMING ONE OF OUR SPONSORS!

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REFERENCES Adams, Randal. Speaking of Rotary. USA: E.J. Press Dochterman, Cliff. The ABCs of Rotary. Evanston, Illinois: Rotary International. (363-EN) Forward, David C. A Century of Service. The Story of Rotary International. (912-EN) Rotary Club of Hobart. The Rotary Book of Readings. Inspiration to Change the World.

Rotary International. Honoring Our Past: The Words and Wisdom of Paul Harris. Evanston, Illinois: 1996.

(925-EN) Rotary International. Rotary Basics. Evanston, Illinois. (595-EN) Rotary International News. Online.

Rotary News Online – rotarynewsonline.org Rotary Global History Fellowship <https://www.facebook.com/RotaryGlobalHistoryFellowship/ > Submissions from Club members and social media Please send Club News and photos (with appropriate IDs) to Editor Kitty at ladykitt@gmail.com

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