Rotary International President, Stephanie Urchick (Pennsylvanie, USA) District 6330 Governor, Katherine Hahn (Rotary of Stratford, ON) Club President, Mariann Timmers (2024-25)
District website: https://rotary6330.org/
District 6330 Governor 2024-25
Katherine Hahn
Rotary Club of Stratford
Focus on Adaptation
The Calendar below shows Rotary’s 2024-25 monthly themes.
ROTARY CALENDAR and THEMES
Month
Theme
July Maternal and Child Health
August
Membership and New Club Development
September Basic Education and Literacy
October Economic and Community Development
November
Rotary Foundation
December Disease Prevention and Treatment
January
February
March
Vocational Service
Peace and Conflict Prevention/Resolution
Water and Sanitation
April Environment
May
June
Youth Service
Rotary Fellowships Click
ECONOMIC AND COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT
Month of October
REGULAR MONTHLY MEETING ONLINE
Wednesday, October 2 at 7:00 p.m. Eastern Time
Visit from our District Governor, Katherine!
HAPPY CHATS ONLINE – JOIN US!
Every Wednesday at 6:30 p.m. Eastern Time
2024-25
RI PRESIDENT STEPHANIE URCHICK THE MAGIC OF ROTARY
WORLD POLIO DAY
Thursday, October 24
WORLD’S GREATEST MEAL MEETING Wednesday, November 6
FOCUS ON THE ROTARY FOUNDATION
Month of November
GIVING TUESDAY, DECEMBER 3, 2024
Rotary Anthem
Right click here to open the link and listen to the Rotary Anthem!
IMPORTANT ROTARY INFORMATION
2024-25 RI PRESIDENT
INTERNATIONAL PRESIDENT, 2024-25
Stephanie Urchick
Pennsylvania, USA
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.’”
RI PRESIDENT Stephanie Urchick
It takes a team
ROTARY INTERNATIONAL PRESIDENT
OCTOBER
2024 MESSAGE
With World Polio Day on 24 October, I’m proudly rooting for Rotary as we team up around the world to End Polio Now.
I had the honour of attending a Strike Out Polio event in July at PNC Park, home of the Pittsburgh Pirates MLB team. The Rotary Club of Delmont-Salem hosted the event, which raised $1.3 million for PolioPlus.
Later in the summer, I joined members of our Rotary family in supporting the Más Millas Menos Polio (More Miles Less Polio) bike ride. Felipe Meza Chávez and his team rode all the way from Ciudad Juárez, Mexico, to One Rotary Center in Evanston, Illinois, to raise money and awareness. The ride took 12 days, and Felipe and his team collected more than $100,000 to support the fight against polio. It was a joy to greet them as they arrived in Evanston.
And I was thrilled to see Team End Polio raise global awareness around the 2024 Paris Olympics. This world-class roster of athletes, global leaders, and polio eradication supporters came together to advocate for a world where no child has to live in fear of being paralyzed by polio. Some of the athletes on Team End Polio are polio survivors themselves, adding weight to their advocacy.
These are just a few examples of the many ways Rotary has teamed up recently to End Polio Now. It is vital that we continue to seek out and recruit teammates in polio eradication, especially after the challenges our eradication efforts have faced this year.
The Rotary world was heartbroken to learn about the tragic passing in August of Aidan O’Leary, director for polio eradication at the World Health Organization.
I knew Aidan and worked with him directly. He was a tireless advocate in the fight against polio and a kind, genuine man. We will remember him both for his advocacy and his warmth.
But where there is hardship, there is also hope. I feel hopeful whenever I consider the countless ways Rotary supports the fight every day to eradicate polio.
As people of action, we don’t have the luxury of giving in to despair, even in the face of tragedy. The best way to honour Aidan’s memory is by teaming up and reaching our goal to End Polio Now.
We made a promise to the children of the world and their families. It is incumbent upon us, together with our global partners, to end this threat once and for all.
There are so many ways we can team up to eradicate polio You can donate to the End Polio Now campaign, join or initiate a PolioPlus Society in your club or district, or take inspiration from the fundraisers I mentioned above.
I encourage Rotary members around the world to continue to seek our new teammates, so that together, we end polio.
STEPHANIE A. URCHICK PRESIDENT, ROTARY INTERNATIONAL
2024-25
THE ROTARY FOUNDATION TRUSTEE CHAIR
OCTOBER 2024 - MESSAGE
Remembering a hero of polio eradication
World Polio Day, on 24 October, is a time to celebrate progress and rededicate ourselves to finishing the job of eradicating the disease. Let’s also honour the countless Rotarians and Rotaractors who have championed the cause. One such hero was John Sever.
Sever, who died in April at age 92, was a member of the Rotary Club of Potomac, Maryland. An infectious disease specialist at the U.S. National Institutes of Health, Sever recommended in 1979 that Rotary make polio eradication a global goal, expanding what began as a national vaccine campaign in the Philippines.
It is hard to imagine where we would stand today without Sever’s decades of leadership, expertise, and advocacy. In August, I was honoured to present his family with the International Service Award for a Polio-Free World and a crystal recognition piece in Sever’s name.
What he helped initiate, PolioPlus, became an example of implementing an action plan in Rotary. Thanks to him – and the volunteerism and generosity of countless others – polio cases have decreased by more than 99 percent since 1988.
The path to our goal could not have been predicted and may take longer than expected. There are sometimes setbacks, as we experienced with increased cases in Pakistan and Afghanistan this year.
But we get back on our feet. This year, we ended an outbreak of wild poliovirus in Malawi and Mozambique that was caused by an importation from Pakistan in 2021, and we decreased variant poliovirus cases. Rotary and our partners stay flexible, developing new tactics while staying focused on the long-term goal, with optimism.
Delivering a polio-free world with stronger health systems and communities is not only right for huanity but also a smalrt investment in future generations It will be Rotary’s greatest gift to the world.
Countless heroes have followed Sever’s lead – from the club president who organized her first End Polio Now fundraiser to the advocates, donors, and volunteers. We are all part of this story.
With your support, this year’s World Polio Day will be the greatest ever. Donate to End Polio Now at https://my.rotary.org/donate. Your give will be tripled, thanks to the 2-to-1 match by the Gates Foundation. Join or initiate a PolioPlus Society in your club or district. Raise awareness in your community about how we will eradicate a human disease for only the second time in history.
Whatever you do, do it for future generations who will live without this debilitating disease. Let us deliver on our promise to wthe world’s children and end polio forever.
MARK DANIEL MALONEY
Foundation Trustee Chair, 2024-25
ECONOMIC & COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT
.Nearly 1.4 billion employed people live on less than $1.25 a day.
Our members promote economic and community development and reduce poverty in underserved communities through training, well-paying jobs, and access to financial management institutions.
Projects range from providing people with equipment to vocational training. Our members work to strengthen local entrepreneurs and community leaders, particularly women, in impoverished communities.
Join Rotary and help grow local economies around the world.
INTERNATIONAL DATES TO NOTE (plus
Tuesday, October 1
International Day of Older Persons
Wednesday, October 2
International Day of non-Violence
Saturday, October 5
World Teachers’ Day
Thursday, October 10
World Mental Health Day
Friday, October 11
International Day of the Girl Child
International Day of the Girl in Canada
Saturday, October 12
World Migratory Bird Day
Sunday, October 13
International Day for Disaster Risk Reduction View video – click here
Tuesday, October 15
International Day of Rural Women
Wednesday, October 16
World Food Day View video – click here
Thursday, October 17
International Day for the Eradication of Poverty
Thursday, October 24
World Polio Day
United Nations Day
October 24 - 30
Disarmament Week
Summary of new polioviruses this week, cases and positive environmental isolates:
• Afghanistan: one WPV1 case and five WPV1-positive environmental samples
• South Sudan: two cVDPV2-positive environmental samples
• Zimbabwe: two cVDPV2-positive environmental samples
World Polio Day is fast approaching 24 October. Visit the Rotary Brand Center for graphics, videos, flyers, public relations templates, and more resources that will help your club plan an event on or around that day.
And check back often as more resources are added.
Also, once your event is planned, don’t forget to register it to help us show the world Rotary’s commitment to ending polio.
THE POLIOPLUS SOCIETY
Join the PolioPlus Society in your club or in District 6330.
Donations are matched annually 2-to-1 by the Gates Foundation up to US$50 million, generating a potential total of US$150 million toward polio eradication.
Raise awareness in your community by planning events or projects that support the fight against polio.
Visit endpolio.org to find the latest information and tools to help you share the story of our fight against polio and raise support.
Ending this disease forever remains our top humanitarian priority and needs our full commitment. How can you take action?
Donate to End Polio
Click here to view a thank you video from Bill Gates.
NEWS RELEASE *
Around 560 000 children vaccinated in first round of polio campaign in Gaza
13 September 2024, Jerusalem/Amman/Geneva - Around 560 000 children under ten years old were vaccinated against polio during the first round of an emergency vaccination campaign conducted in three phases from 1-12 September 2024 in the Gaza Strip.
The 12-day campaign provided novel oral polio vaccine type 2 (nOPV2) to 558 963 children, following meticulous planning and coordination. This involved the use of an extensive network of teams, vaccinating at selected fixed sites at health facilities and outreach posts. Mobile and transit teams actively reached out to families living in shelter homes, tents, and camps for the displaced, alongside community workers engaging families to raise awareness ahead of and during the campaign. For each phase, an area-specific humanitarian pause of nine hours daily was agreed to ensure the safety of communities and health workers, and enable vaccination efforts.
“Health and community workers have shown incredible resilience, carrying out this campaign at unprecedented scale and speed under the toughest conditions in Gaza. Swift action by the Global Polio Eradication Initiative from the moment the virus was detected to the launch of the vaccination campaign speaks to the effectiveness of the polio programme. In areas where humanitarian pauses took place, the campaign brought not just vaccines, but moments of calm. As we prepare for the next round in four weeks, we’re hopeful these pauses will hold, because this campaign has clearly shown the world what’s possible when peace is given a chance,” said Dr Richard Peeperkorn, WHO Representative for the occupied Palestinian territory (oPt).
“It was critical this ambitious campaign was carried out quickly, safely and effectively to protect children in the Gaza Strip and neighbouring countries from the life-altering poliovirus,” said Jean Gough, UNICEF Special Representative in the State of Palestine. “The progress made in this first round is encouraging, but the job is far from done. We are poised to finish the task and call on all involved to ensure we can do so in the next round in four weeks' time, for the sake of children everywhere.”
Partners at all levels recognize common operational challenges faced during these efforts, including devastated infrastructure, from health facilities to roads, limited trained healthcare workers, access issues due to insecurity, limited fuel for generators used to safely store vaccines and freeze ice packs, and constant population movements. However, these issues were addressed in a timely manner, with the key support of the Palestinian Ministry of Health and UNRWA, to enable planned vaccination activities.
Despite these challenges and the conditions that families in the Gaza Strip have endured over the past 11 months, families flocked to health facilities to get their children vaccinated. This can be attributed to traditionally positive
* WHO Media <Media@campaign.who.int>
health seeking behaviour among the Palestinian people and an impactful campaign to raise awareness and mobilize the public.
The original target for the campaign was 640 000 children, estimated in the absence of an accurate survey, which may have been an over-estimate, as the population continues to move from place to place, and people are fleeing and being killed due to the ongoing hostilities. During the campaign, trained monitoring teams were deployed to oversee vaccination efforts. As next steps, an additional 65 independent monitors are being deployed to crosscheck the proportion of children vaccinated across the Gaza Strip to independently assess the level of coverage achieved in the first round. They need safe, unimpeded access so they can visit households, markets, transit points, and health facilities to check children for the prominent purple dye marked on their little finger when they are vaccinated. These efforts will provide an independent measure of the percentage of vaccination coverage achieved and reasons for any unvaccinated children.
A second round of the campaign will follow, ideally within four weeks, to provide a second dose of nOPV2 to children in Gaza to stop the outbreak and prevent its international spread.
To repeat this ambitious intervention, reach enough children, and successfully stop further transmission of the poliovirus, WHO, UNICEF and UNRWA are calling on all parties to the conflict to commit to another round of humanitarian pauses, with unimpeded access to children in areas that need special coordination. Ultimately, we need a long-lasting ceasefire as all families in the Gaza Strip need peace so they can begin to heal and rebuild their lives.
The campaign was implemented as part of an urgent and robust response to the confirmation of circulating variant poliovirus type 2 (cVDPV2) in Gaza, which was found in the environment in July 2024, and in a 10month-old child in August 2024. It was conducted by the Palestinian Ministry of Health (MOH), in collaboration with the World Health Organization (WHO), the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA) and partners. The Global Polio Eradication Initiative (GPEI) members, donors, WHO Member States and partners in oPt, including as part of the Health Cluster, played a key role in facilitating the campaign.
The campaign kicked off using 473 teams, including 230 mobile teams, and 143 vaccination sites, in central Gaza, followed by 91 fixed sites, complemented by 384 mobile teams in southern Gaza. It concluded in northern Gaza, reaching children through 127 teams at fixed sites and 104 mobile teams. Fixed sites comprised hospitals, medical points, primary health centres, temporary learning spaces, schools, and food and water distribution points. Additionally, 749 social mobilizers were trained and deployed to engage communities, before and during the campaign to nudge families to vaccinate their children and address concerns.
Novel oral polio vaccine (nOPV2) is a polio vaccine being used to stop transmission of variant poliovirus type 2 (cVDPV2), currently the most prevalent form of the variant poliovirus. nOPV2 is safe and effective and offers protection against paralysis and community transmission. It is the vaccine globally recommended for variant type 2 poliovirus outbreaks – the type that has been found in Gaza.
Click here to read more.
World's Greatest Meal generates $7 million to fight polio
When Susanne Rea became polio chair of Rotary District 9550 in Queensland, Australia, she was living a quiet retirement of reading books and gardening.
But as she brainstormed ways to engage her fellow Rotarians in the campaign to end polio, she had an idea, and her life changed completely.
Susanne Rea, Rotary Club of Cairns Sunrise, Australia, has raised more than $7 million to fight polio.
In 2014, Rea founded World’s Greatest Meal, a program in which Rotarians host meals, anything from two people having lunch to elaborate gourmet dinners, and ask for donations. WGM started small but has grown enormously, and, with matching funds from the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, WGM has raised over $7 million to date. To keep the momentum alive, Rea reverse-mortgaged her house and embarked on a world tour, speaking, vaccinating, and motivating across 32 countries.
She pays her own way, and local Rotary members host her whenever possible. “We raise awareness as well as funds,” she says. “I spend a lot of time explaining what goes on in Pakistan with the training of the polio workers.”
Rea is a childhood polio survivor herself, but she doesn’t focus on that. Instead, her motivation is to make an impact during her retirement.
Some meals bring in a lot of money, but Rea says the number of participants is more important.
“A big donation is wonderful,” she says. “But my idea is that it’s giving back polio eradication to the ordinary Rotarian, or grassroots Rotarian as I like to call them, because no Rotarian is ordinary.”
– Jacob Meschke (https://www.rotary.org/en/woman-raises-7-million-dollarspolio-meal-program)
Click here to view a short video of the Greatest Meal
Susanne Rea
https://www.facebook.com/Meal2endpolio/
Follow the site on Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/Meal2endpolio/
Huge thanks to the Government of Canada for their longstanding collaboration with Rotary to #EndPolio and the announcement by Minister Ahmed Hussen of a new pledge of $151 million to the Global Polio Eradication Initiative, bringing Canada's cumulative investment in a polio free world to more than $1 billion!!!
Announced September 20, 2024, in Toronto at Rotary Zone 28/32 Institute
The Passport Club will hold our World’s Greatest Meal to End Polio – November 6, 2024
In 1988 Rotary took on the Challenge of Ending Polio – a disease sweeping the world which killed and crippled 320 thousand children a year. Now just two countries – Afghanistan and Pakistan – are endemic.
• Please help Rotary to finish the poliovirus by donating to help End Polio direct to the Rotary Foundation Polio Fund click here.
• Tell us how you raised funds so we can celebrate your success on social media by filling in our Report Back form click here
OCTOBER – ECONOMIC
AND COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT
Further to the article in last month’s newsletter…
Thanks to a Kiva loan, Lina was able to buy supplies for her cyber-cafe in Barranquilla, Colombia. Now, her business can provide internet and printing services to her community, while also funding her education.
Give women like Lina the resources to support their families, benefit their local economies, and create a more equitable world.
Inspiration
View a short video – click here – about a school in Namibia –and then read the note below from an alumnus from the school. Mondesa Youth Opportunities Trust
A note from an alumnus of MYO!
I am Lizinho Palais. I was part of MYO from Grade 4 to Grade 8 (from 2008 to 2012) Looking back at how fast time has flown by, I can say with a full heart that my gratitude goes to MYO. To have had at least one person look at my young self and see potential to be great, triggered a catalyst reaction to create the great visionary person I am today.
I finished High School at Namib High and continued to do Microbiology for a few years at University of Namibia (UNAM). I’ve always had plans to study in Cape Town. Despite having been accepted in the University of Cape Town to pursue my medical degree, there was always something holding me back. Some time into my Microbiology degree, I applied to UNAM School of Medicine and I made it. This is where my whole life changed, and I saw how hard work and dedication, coupled with the teachings and principles I have gained from my life experiences (majority of it from MYO), could lead me to my dreams coming true. I am currently still at UNAM completing my Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery degree, enroute to becoming a phenomenal Cardiothoracic Surgeon.
I have faced many challenges since I registered for this degree. Work gets tougher, and support gets less. But if there is one thing I am holding onto, it is knowing that I have a strong foundation and that is what keeps me going. I have come to learn that no matter what journey you take, it won’t be easy. But the harder you fight, the better you become at doing what you are doing. Nothing is too difficult to overcome. If you fail at your challenges, keep trying. Put your mind and heart in what you are doing, you might change a life or two.
To all students at MYO, don’t take this opportunity for granted. Time flies by so fast and before you know it, you will graduate from the program and what you take from it is what will help you build your life. Make sure to learn something new every day. Show up every single day with a lot of gratitude, no matter how tired you are. You are extremely privileged to be at MYO. Make sure you use this opportunity to grow and become better, so that you too can help your classmates back at school, empowering one another, just as you have been empowered.
To all the staff, your input in every learner is transformational, shaping the young Namibian child and empowering them. You have so much influence. I have an extremely great amount of gratitude towards each and every teacher I have had during my course at MYO. Even though so much time has passed, I still hold the teachings I have gotten from my teachers. Thank you. Thank you for standing up and helping the Namibian
child see life from a more educated view. Thank you for being impactful in everything you do for the Namibian child. Continue to show up, because by showing up you make another child believe that they are worth it. That everything they dream of can be achieved and that they have someone who sees the potential they carry.
And lastly, to each and every sponsor. Your contributions have been immensely transformationa. What may seem like a small contribution to you, helps people like me see life from a view pint with endless possibilities. Thank you. May you continue to transform lives, empowering your peers to contribute in making life better for one another. Together, we can make this world one we can be proud of. Thank you for seeing the potential in MYO.
I am still learning, and I am still growing. I have a long road ahead of me, but if there is one thing I know it is that nothing is impossible. I am journeying onto being a cardiothoracic surgeon. My dreams are now becoming true, and I have a huge thank you to give to MYO. Thank you!
Located in the heart of the main Swakopmund township, MYO with its 120 learners from the poorer suburbs cultivates positive thinking and high self-esteem. MYO plants the seeds for a future generation of emotionally healthy, ambitious, well balanced, and forward-thinking Namibian leaders.
MYO is a nonprofit, registered Namibian trust that operates entirely on donations. Please contact Villa Margherita prior to your arrival, should you wish to pay a visit to MYO during your stay in Swakopmund.
Click here to read the newsletter.
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
A Passport Hug
On August 30 Rick and Sue Storie delivered A Passport Hug to our club member Brittany Urquhart for her family to enjoy.
Brittany and Charles' young son Eddie recently suffered a broken leg.
The package contained -
• Bubbles for the boys
• A book for Penelope
• Chips and wine for Mom and Dad as well as best wishes from our Passport club! The Passport club wants Brittany to know that we are wishing Eddie a speedy recovery!
The delivery
Coloured pencil artwork by our very talented club member, Wendy Jennings!
September 21 Get-Together in Strathroy!
The lunch was well attended! What fun!
The whole group (including our newest potential member Sarah Bongers) is shown at the bottom of the page.
At left - Kirk Langford receiving his PHF +4 pin (that we presented to him on Zoom last October.)
Congratulations, Kirk!
We are hoping to do a lunch in Sarnia. Swiss Chalet and the Casino were mentioned because we think are both accessible for her scooter.
More information coming soon!
Below - starting at left front – Rick Storie, Rick Coates, Sarah Bongers, Kirk Langford, Bev Andersen, Lynn Coates, Sue Storie, President Marianne Timmers, and front Jessica Herbert. What a GREAT PHOTO!
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. Our club will request a district grant to increase our impact. Stay tuned!
A GREAT SUCCESS – CUP OF KINDNESS
We also are continuing our successful club project – a Cup of Kindness. 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 will “fill 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 can choose to make donations directly to those in need. Donations should be rewarded with a tax receipt. The results will be tallied regularly. With the success of this project, we are planning to keep it going.
Rotarians, friends, and relatives are encouraged to help members fill the cups in support of this excellent project!
Some useful links
London Food Bank
Strathroy
Sarnia – Inn of the Good Shepherd
Stratford
CLUB OFFICERS 2024-25
President Mariann Timmers
Secretary and IPP
Treasurer
Membership Chair
Project Chair
Directors
Sue Storie
Lynn Coates
Deb Beaupré
Bev Andersen
Rick Storie
Kitty Bucsko
MEMBERSHIP LIST BELOW –CLUB MEMBERS LIST WITH EMAIL ADDRESSES
A.C. Alrey acalrey@gmail.com
Bev Andersen bandersen181@gmail.com
Deb Beaupré debmarjean@gmail.com
Terry Bennett terbenn@gmail.com
Rich Bouchard rbouchard@racetoerase.com
Kitty Bucsko ladykitt@gmail.com
Marilyn Buttery marilyn@buttery.com
Lynn Coates lynn.coates.1@outlook.com
Brittany Elliott brittany.lyn.elliott@hotmail.com
Sue Elliott susan@sutherlandelliott.ca
Wendy Jennings wendy.jennings@bell.net
Heather Macdonald heathermac@BMTS.com
Jessica Morrow jessicacmorrow@gmail.com
George Ottewell george.ottewell@gmail.com
Nancy Ottewell nottewell@gmail.com
Nancy Powers nancypowers607@hotmail.com
Rick Storie rick.storie@sympatico.ca
Sue Storie sue.storie@sympatico.ca
Lynne Ternosky lynneternosky@gmail.com
Mariann Timmers gtimmers@aol.com
John Wade john@askthedogguy.com
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
INSPIRATION
“Our success or failure will not depend upon the machinery of Rotary or its physical growth, but upon the extent to which Rotary’s ideals or objectives are translated into positive, tangible results in personal, business, community, and international life. We shall be known by our works.” Almon E. Roth
Almon E. Roth was a prominent figure in the realm of statistics and economics in the mid-20th century. He is best known for his work in statistical research and his role as an educator. Roth was associated with various academic institutions, including Stanford University, where he contributed to the field of business and economics, particularly focusing on statistical analysis in economic forecasting.
He also played a role in the development of government and corporate statistical systems. Roth's work was instrumental in applying statistical techniques to business and economic problems, helping shape how data was used in decision-making processes during that period.
Almon E. Roth served as the President of Rotary International during the 1930-1931 Rotary year. His leadership was notable during the early years of the Great Depression, a challenging time for the organization and the world at large. Roth's presidency focused on fostering international understanding and service, which are core principles of Rotary.
His efforts as Rotary International president contributed to strengthening Rotary’s global reach and its commitment to humanitarian service. Roth’s leadership is remembered as a pivotal moment in expanding Rotary’s influence and impact on international relations.
HOW ROTARY HELPS –
Nebraska, Florida Rotarians help Belarus student Posted on September 10, 2024
What began as an online mentoring project for young teens around the world has become a story of two Rotarians from two states helping a new college student from Belarus get settled in the United States. I’m a member of the Rotary Club of Lincoln (Rotary 14), Nebraska, and Harlow Hyde is a member of Rotary in DeLand, Florida.
I met Belarus native Kira Zaitsava when she joined a small group I was mentoring through an organization called Moonshot Pirates. She was one of four high school students I met with on Zoom every other week in late 2023 and early 2024. I’d ask them about what they’d like to do in life, what their plans were for getting an education, and what challenges they were facing.
Kira was especially enthusiastic about wanting to come to the United States to attend college. I remember her saying, with certainty, that she would study here and maybe even move here. She wanted to pursue an education so she could return to Belarus and do good things. She also mused about becoming a U.S. citizen and running for
Members of the Rotary Club of DeLand, Florida, welcome Belarus student Kira Zaitsava (center with hat) to the United States. (From left) Lliki Moyer, Harlow Hyde, Keira Espada and Ilene Vegazo. Hyde formerly belonged to the Rotary Club of Lincoln, where he knew Randy Bretz.
By Randy Bretz, Rotary Club of Lincoln, Nebraska, USA
United States Congress one day. I helped her research colleges, which ultimately led to an offer to attend Stetson University in DeLand, Florida.
As her plans transitioned from hopeful to more certain, I said I’d be her “American Grandpa” if she came to the U.S. I reached out to Harlow in DeLand. We’d been friends when he lived in Lincoln, and I thought he might be able to help Kira now and then if she made it to DeLand.
Ultimately Kira did get accepted to Stetson University, then received a visa to travel. She got on a plane and made it to Orlando after more than 24 hours traveling. Then she got on a shuttle from Orlando to DeLand, using a ticket Harlow had purchased. She was met in DeLand by Harlow and three fellow Rotarians, who helped the 17-year-old make it to campus and get settled in her dorm room.
That’s just the tip of the iceberg of a story about how a young, enthusiastic, energetic, and excited young woman from Belarus has been helped by two Rotarians who believe in service above self. We’ve been guided by the knowledge that when people work to create peace through connection in their communities, it will have a global effect.
I’ve been in touch with Kira’s parents in Belarus and they’ve shared how much they appreciate Rotary and how we’ve helped Kira. Harlow and Rotary colleagues in Florida have already made more contacts with Kira as she has begun orientation. I plan a quick trip to Florida this fall and hope also to have Kira visit our home sometime during the school year.
Listen to a Rotary Voices Podcast –
Music is Medicine
Click here to open the link.
EPISODE DESCRIPTION
More and more, scientists, doctors, and caretakes of dementia patients are finding that music is medicine. For a decade, Music Mends Minds has helped organize music groups for people diagnosed with neurodegenerative dementias. Join Linda Yu as she visits the organization’s inaugural band, learns about music as treatment, and traces Music Mends Minds to its root notes.
SOMETHING TO THINK ABOUT
Click here to calculate your environmental impact.
And…what really happens to the plastic you throw away?
TED-Ed
Click here to watch this short video. A story of three plastic bottles -
Question: What happens at our local recycling stations?
ROTARY ACTION GROUP FOR PEACE
Proclaimed in 1917, Rotary's goal of worldwide peace and tolerance has been an unwavering pursuit: conducting global forums, hosting international peace symposiums, advancing peace through its 60-year collaboration with the UN, as well as grassroots initiatives such as the Rotarian Action Group for Peace.
February is Rotary’s Peace and Conflict Prevention/Resolution Month
The month of February is very special in the Rotary calendar because it includes the anniversary of the first meeting of Rotary held on February 23, 1905, in Chicago. That day is now designated as the "World Understanding and Peace Day." Links below Join Gift a membership Donate Follow us
ROTARY PEACE POLE PROJECTS
“May Peace Prevail on Earth”
The Rotary Peace Pole Project is an initiative embraced by many Rotary clubs worldwide as part of their commitment to promoting peace and conflict resolution, which is one of Rotary International's seven areas of focus. The project is centered around the installation of Peace Poles, which are monuments that display the message "May Peace Prevail on Earth" in multiple languages. Here's more about the Peace Pole Project and its connection to Rotary:
Origin of the Peace Pole
The Peace Pole Project originated with the World Peace Prayer Society, a nonprofit organization founded in Japan in 1955 by Masahisa Goi, who initiated the movement to spread the message of peace worldwide. The Peace Pole, a physical symbol of peace, has been planted in over 200,000 locations around the world, including parks, schools, places of worship, and other public spaces.
Rotary's Involvement in the Peace Pole Project
1. Promotion of Peace and Conflict Resolution: Rotary clubs participate in the Peace Pole Project as a symbol of their commitment to peacebuilding and conflict prevention. The planting of a Peace Pole serves as a public reminder of Rotary’s global mission to promote peace.
2. Community Engagement: Rotary clubs often plant Peace Poles as part of larger community events or celebrations related to peace, such as International Day of Peace (September 21) or World Rotary Day (February 23). These events bring together community members, local leaders, and peace advocates to foster discussions on peace and harmony.
3. Multilingual Message: Peace Poles typically display the phrase "May Peace Prevail on Earth" in multiple languages, reflecting the diverse and inclusive nature of Rotary’s work. Clubs often select languages that represent the cultural diversity of the communities where the Peace Pole is installed, reinforcing the message of global unity.
4. Symbolic Locations: Rotary Peace Poles are often installed in significant public spaces such as parks, schools, and Rotary gardens. Some Rotary clubs choose to dedicate a Peace Pole in memory of local peace activists or to commemorate important milestones in peace efforts, both locally and globally.
5. Collaboration with Other Organizations: Many Rotary clubs partner with local schools, governments, or international peace organizations to install Peace Poles, combining efforts to promote peace education and conflict resolution in their communities.
6. Alignment with Rotary Peace Centers: The Peace Pole Project aligns with Rotary's larger peace-related efforts, including its Rotary Peace Fellowships and Rotary Peace Centers, which train peace and development professionals worldwide. The Peace Pole serves as a physical representation of Rotary’s dedication to cultivating a more peaceful world through education, dialogue, and grassroots initiatives.
Click here to read about many of the international Peace Poles planted this past September 21, 2024.
• Rotary Club of Sarnia Bluewaterland planted a Peace Pole in the Rotary Peace Garden on International Day of Peace, September 21, 2024.
• Evans City Rotary Club
• Rotary Clubs in Polk County Florida
• Rotary Park in Muncie, Indiana
Click here to listen to “Let there be peace on Earth”
Impact of the Peace Pole Project
The Peace Pole Project serves as a powerful, visible symbol of Rotary’s dedication to peacebuilding and helps to foster a culture of peace in communities around the world. It encourages dialogue on peace, mutual respect, and nonviolent conflict resolution, all central to Rotary's mission.
The project continues to grow as more Rotary clubs embrace the idea of spreading the message of peace through the simple yet profound installation of Peace Poles.
Click here to view a short video about the Rotary Club of Newberg’s Peace Pole Project
Click here to view the website of the Rotary Club of Newberg, OR.
Presented by Rotary Club of Sarnia
I just returned from a dedication of a Rotary Peace Pole in the Rotary Peace Garden in the centre of our town, Sarnia. A very meaningful and short program on a lovely sunny afternoon.
PHOTOS BELOW FROM SARNIA, SEPTEMBER 21
Bluewaterland
If there is to be peace in the world, There must be peace between nations.
If there is to be peace between nations, There must be peace between cities.
If there is to be peace between cities, There must be peace between neighbours.
If there is to be peace between neighbours, There must be peace in the home.
If there is to be peace in the home, There must be peace the heart.
Laozi
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The lines suggest a chain of relationships, beginning with personal peace and extending outward to the world, which echoes the Taoist philosophy of balance and harmony. (circa 6th century BCE)
Right click the 4-way test above to open and listen to the Four-Way Test by RC of Saskatoon Nutana –
And Sing along!
See our Passport Club Facebook page for more up-to-the-minute Passport news!
https://www.facebook.com/rotary6330passport/
THE ROTARY FOUNDATION
– Every Rotarian Every Year
Click
for a
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.
here
short video.
A LITTLE HUMOUR
A look into the future –
Three Rotarian writers, Jack, Eddie, and Carl, who were attending the Rotary Convention in Calgary, booked a 3-bedroom suite on the 75th floor of a hotel.
When they arrived back at the hotel from the day’s activities at the convention, the receptionist told them, "I'm terribly sorry, but all the elevators are broken. In the meantime, you will have to take the stairs."
• Now, Jack was a writer of funny stories
• Eddie was a writer of scary stories.
• Carl was a writer of sad stories.
The three of them agreed that, to make it less boring, Jack would tell the other two his funniest stories while they climbed from floors 1 to 25, Eddie would tell his scariest stories from floors 26 to 50, and Carl would tell his saddest stories from floors 51 to 75.
They started to climb the stairs, and Jack started to tell funny stories. By the time they reached the 25th floor, Eddie and Carl were laughing hysterically.
Then Eddie started to tell scary stories. By the time they reached the 50th floor, Jack and Carl were hugging each other in fear.
Then Carl started to tell sad stories.
"I'll tell my saddest story of all first," he said, smiling nervously,
"There once was a man named Carl who left the hotel room key in the car..."
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)
