Tuesday, June 06, 2006
Stafford Rotary highlighter for June 7, 2006
Meeting of the Rotary Club of Stafford
May 31, 2006
President Randy Burdett presided and welcomed guests: Allie Starbuck from North Stafford Interact Club was Shirley’s guest. Allie attended Camp RYLA and was on the NSHS Interact Club’s Relay for life team. She thanked the club for the giving her the opportunity to attend Camp RYLA.
Dave’s guest was Neil Mayhew. Neil is a former school teacher who owns the Select Leaf Tobacco Shop.
Ralph’s guest was Terry Enders.
Announcements:
Ann gave a Relay for Life update. We have raised $9,985. We need to raise $1,015 more. We got a start with an auction of to a Richmond Braves game.
Nelda reminded everyone of the need for volunteers for Bluemont concerts.
President Randy gave us an update on Robin’s health. Her eye surgery has been successful. There appears to be no lasting damage to her sight.
May 31, 2006
President Randy Burdett presided and welcomed guests: Allie Starbuck from North Stafford Interact Club was Shirley’s guest. Allie attended Camp RYLA and was on the NSHS Interact Club’s Relay for life team. She thanked the club for the giving her the opportunity to attend Camp RYLA.
Dave’s guest was Neil Mayhew. Neil is a former school teacher who owns the Select Leaf Tobacco Shop.
Ralph’s guest was Terry Enders.
Announcements:
Ann gave a Relay for Life update. We have raised $9,985. We need to raise $1,015 more. We got a start with an auction of to a Richmond Braves game.
Nelda reminded everyone of the need for volunteers for Bluemont concerts.
President Randy gave us an update on Robin’s health. Her eye surgery has been successful. There appears to be no lasting damage to her sight.
Program:
John Lafley gave a classification talk. John was born in Vermont. His little town was closer to Montreal than it was to Burlington, Vermont. He had a paper route as a child. It was really cold up there. When the family moved to Fairfax he thought he was living in Florida because Virginia is so much warmer than Virginia. John’s father died when John was only 15. He is a graduate of UVA. When he attended there were only 5,000 students at UVA back then – half undergraduate, half graduate. John coached football teams in Charlottesville while teaching elementary school PE. He then taught at UVA in a non-tenured faculty position. John’s wife Karen is a licensed psychiatric social worker.
His best friend from Vermont worked for the YMCA and got John interested in this new career. John managed the YMCA in Petersburg. He talked about the problems in that city after the Brown and Williamson plant closed. After Petersburg John came to the Fredericksburg Y. He had to pull the organization out of a large debt. He began Midnight Madness basketball during the summer.
He worked at the Y in Philadelphia that had a lot of low income housing units. After that post he was sent to the Chicago area Y. John discussed the value to society of providing low income housing for the poor. He estimated that 1/3 of his clients there had mental health problems, 1/3 of them had substance abuse problems, and 1/3 of them were just ordinary people who had some disastrous financial setback. The YMCA in Chicago also provided health care, a food bank, and emergency clothing. He said that 25% of their clients in Chicago left successfully after a year in their facility.
John was happy that our effort for the Relay for Life was such a success. His wife Karen has been fighting cancer for the past ten years.
Are You Reading the Bulletin?
What is happening on August 16?
The answer can be found on our club webpage www.staffordrotary.org.
New Member Corner
District Governor Visit Protocol
Once a year the District Governor makes an official visit to each club in the district.
The purpose of the visit:
To allow the District Governor to communicate with all the club members;
For the giving of helpful and friendly advice to the club officers;
To be a useful counselor to further the Object of Rotary among the clubs of the district;
To serve as a catalyst to help strengthen the programs of Rotary.
Process:
Prior to the District Governors visit, your Assistant Governor (AG) will meet with your club officers to review the club's Summary of Club Plans and Objectives .
Additionally, the Assistant Governor for your Area will work with you to confirm the meeting and accommodation arrangements.
Reconfirm at least one month in advance of the District Governor's visit to resolve any questions as to information, format of the visit and special requirements.
2. The District Governor is a guest of your club when making an official visit. Most importantly, communicate any special plans you have for the Governor so as to be sure it fits in with his/her other plans. Contact the Governor well ahead of time to confirm times and places, thus avoiding confusion and woes.
Our visit from District Governor Burt Lamkin is scheduled for August 16.
Happy Cup
Carlos fined everyone who wasn’t wearing the sustaining member red tab under their Rotary pin.
All of Mary’s 7 grandchildren visited her this weekend. She was also happy she got to know John and Karen well.
Ann paid a “name in the paper” fine.
Shirley said that a week before Relay for Life she went to the doctor because of a tumor on her neck. The doctor ordered a CT scan and then a biopsy, but when Shirley went in for the biopsy on May 19 two different doctors were unable to find anything to biopsy. The tumor had disappeared!
AG Carol is happy that she’s been taking riding lessons for the past few months.
Carole was happy that for her birthday her children got her an Old English sheep dog puppy. This was something that Graham had planned with Meghan back last fall. Garrett was married this past weekend.
Mike West was happy to receive his first copy of the Rotarian.
Joan thanked Mark Osborn for helping her with the Foundation fundraiser.
Mark was happy to be part of the best club in the district.
Aric thanked John for the program. He said John will serve as Public Relations chairman next year. He congratulated Shirley and Ann on the success of our Relay for Life team. Aric’s wife Carol got a Relay team started at Pratt Medical soon after she went to work there.
Jeff Small was happy that Shirley sets high goals and always meets those goals.
Nicolette thanked everyone who steps up to the plate when you need them.
Dave was happy that Neil visited.
Pastor Fred was disgruntled because he had to pay a fine for not wearing his red tab because the prong isn’t long enough to hold both the red tab and the attendance pin. Fred is hoping for a “longer prong”. This caused a lot of merriment.
President Randy was happy for Mark Smith’s fellowship events all year long.
What Are We Reading This Summer?
Dave Varrelman recommends:
Harry Potter and Philosophy: If Aristotle Ran Hogwarts
by David Baggett (Editor), Shawn Klein (Editor), William Irwin (Series Editor)
Sort of a light hearted approach to philosophy using Harry Potter and his trials and tribulations as a base. As the book says most of us would like to solve our problems with magic but Harry has magic. His problems are as troublesome to him as ours are to us and he use magic in a lot of ways but fundamentally he must meet his problems in the same way we do.
The book touches on all the great philosophers of the world Kant, St. Augustine, Descartes, and of course Aristotle. Its a good way to revisit Philosophy 101, and if you have not read any of the Harry Potter books a good introduction to them.
The Rotary Foundation News
The Foundation of Rotary Stands Firm in Earthquake’s Aftermath
By Tonya Weger, Rotary International News, 2 June 2006
With more than 6,000 people killed and 30,000 injured by Saturday’s 5.9-magnitude earthquake on Indonesia’s Java island, relief is in great need. Rotarians are busy providing grassroots aid for hungry villagers, who news outlets are reporting to be pleading for food.
“At this time of crisis, one thing appreciated in the Rotary organization is the benefit of the communications systems in place,” says Rodolfo Balmater, district governor of District 3400. “This assurance provides hope to many local Rotarians that they are not alone in undertaking humanitarian works for the less privileged members of the community.”
Rotarians in the neighboring cities of Solo City, Semarang City, Purwokerto, and Cirebon have donated necessities such as food, blankets, and medicine. And large-scale relief efforts are already taking place.
“As I see it, the inner strength of the Rotary organization is the value of the networking,” Balmater says. “Our fellow Rotarians from Europe, USA, Japan, Taiwan, Singapore, and other parts of the world quickly assured Rotarians in Indonesia that they will help during the emergencies and also the forthcoming rehabilitation and reconstruction.”
An estimated 130,000 homes – including Balmater’s – were destroyed or damaged by the quake. In response, London Rotarians quickly flew about 400 Shelterboxes – containing tents and necessary equipment – to the stricken region. The ShelterBox project began in England but has since spread to Australia, Canada, and the United States. The Rotarian-sponsored groups ship units globally to areas in need.
This article is © 2005 Rotary International and is provided for the non-profit use of Rotarians worldwide; commercial use is prohibited. The article may be quoted, excerpted or used in its entirety, but the information should not be changed or modified in any way. Read more information in the RI copyright notice.
Other Dates to Remember
June Is- Rotary Fellowships Month—see a featured fellowship below.
June 11-1April, 2006- Rotary International Annual Convention, Malmö, Sweden and Copenhagen, Denmark
June 25
District Awards Banquet, Fredericksburg Country Club
July Is Literacy Month
July 1—The Rotary Year Begins
August 16—District Governor’s Visit
Featured Rotary International Fellowship
The International Fellowship of Rotarian Musicians began in 1972 to "promote and encourage the use and appreciation of music in Rotary clubs by Rotarians in our society and, thereby, to encourage world-understanding." It was first registered in New Mexico as a not-for-profit corporation in 1985.
Over the last 30 years, officers and members of the fellowship have taken a leading role in inspiring the cultural and educational use of music in Rotary, including group singing, musical entertainment, and the fostering of music projects.
IFRM has published and arranged the annual RI Presidents themes song; furnished musical leadership and performances at events ranging from local to international levels, and manned a booth at the last 12 International Conventions. For instance, entertainment is provided at the booth, songbooks and tapes distributed and new members recruited.
Upcoming Programs
June 7 -Janice Lancaster of the Image Studio.
June 14— " Sabine", a motivational speaker and singer who won the Chamber of Commerce Entrepreneur of the Year award in 2004.
June 21 - Martha Crimmons, owner of the Spooner House bed and breakfast.
June 28— Tracy Coleman, cake designer and owner of Let Them Eat Cake.
Change in Rotary International Fellowships Program
As of 1 July 2005, the Rotary Fellowships program belongs to a new parent entity known as Global Networking Groups. The new entity includes groups of individual Rotarians organized to focus on shared topics of interest on an international basis. Effective 1 July 2006, all existing and future fellowship groups with a service-oriented focus will be reclassified under a new category called Rotarian Action Groups, while existing and future fellowship groups focusing on fellowship of a recreational or vocational nature will remain under the designation of Rotary Fellowships.
During this period of transition, both Rotary Fellowships and Rotarian Action Groups will be represented on the Rotary Fellowships pages of the RI Web site. Pending the development of a separate Rotarian Action Groups Web page, both pages will be linked through a common portal for Global Networking Groups. Please check back periodically for further updates.
Global Networking Groups currently comprise more than 90 independent Rotary Fellowships and Rotarian Action Groups. Join the growing number of Rotarians who are sharing their favorite activities and professional interests through organized recreational and vocational groups in Rotary Fellowships, or explore new opportunities for international partnership in service in Rotarian Action Groups. Whether you are interested in bird watching, motorcycling, volunteer dentistry, or the fight against AIDS, Rotary’s Global Networking Groups are fantastic resources for all Rotarians to develop new friendships and to advance opportunities for service.
Bluemont at Porter Library
The Bluemont summer concerts in Stafford will be presented on the grounds of Porter Library at 2001 Parkway Blvd.
The first concert will be held Friday, June 30.
The Stafford Rotary has volunteered at these events many times. This is a fun event. Sign up to volunteer.
Here’s the Schedule
June 30 – Bill Wellington
July 7 – The Dixie Power Trio
July 14 – Daryl Davis Band
July 21 – Cathy Fink and Marcy Marxer
July 28 – Trout Fishing in America
August 4—TBA
The Stafford Rotary Highlighter for May 31, 2006
Rotary Club of Stafford Meeting May 24, 2006
President Randy Burdett presided and welcomed guests: Ward Warren, Terry Enders, Ben Maxwell, Aimee Steele, Scott Mayausky, and visiting Rotarian John Adkins from the Rappahannock Rotary.
Program:
Our program was a tour of the A. Smith Bowman distillery. It was quite an educational tour. The first thing I learned is that "Bourbon doesn't have to come from Kentucky." Although Virginia Gentleman whiskey begins its life in Kentucky it doesn’t become bourbon until it is distilled for a third time and aged in new oak barrels at the A. Smith Bowman plant. The fermentation of the grain mash and the first two distillations take place at the Buffalo Trace Distillery, in Kentucky. The twice-distilled wash is then sent from the doubler to a third pot still, this one located at A. Smith Bowman. It's the barreling and storage that makes Virginia Gentleman a true bourbon whiskey. Barrel storage at Bowman is different from the way most other distilleries do it. The barrels are not stored on their sides in ricks. They're stored upright on palettes stacked atop one another. Our guide explained how the variation in room temperature forces the distilled liquid back and forth through the oak of the barrel. Our tour guide let us smell the difference between the thrice distilled clear liquid before it had been aged in oak and the caramel colored elixir that emerged from the oak barrels. Some in the group got a chance to do more than sniff the difference.
Abram Smith Bowman came to Virginia in 1927 from Kentucky. Purchasing some 4,000 acres of what was supposed to have become the town of Wiehle, he renamed it Sunset Hills Farm and established a dairy. Immediately upon repeal of prohibition in 1934 he built a distillery just north of the railroad, which he ran with his sons, Smith and Delong. Smith Bowman began bottling Virginia Gentleman Bourbon in 1937. They later added another brand, Fairfax County Bourbon. In 1988 the distillery moved from Reston to Fredericksburg.
The new site in Fredericksburg was that of the FMC Cellophane manufacturing plant, once Fredericksburg’s largest employer, which had been vacant and decaying for a decade. The old buildings of the cellophane plant were splendid examples of the Art Deco period in industrial
architecture. The distillery made a great effort to preserve the look of these splendid old buildings. Original fluorescent light fixtures have been refitted and preserved. Many of the buildings featured textured glass blocks, which have been carefully preserved. In the office areas the original wood panels, trim, lighting fixtures and windows are intact, and the furnishings were selected to reflect the period of the original factory. The museum quality furniture was wonderful.
Thank you to Mark Steele for arranging this fabulous field trip.
Sponsoring a New Member
The bylaws of Rotary clearly outline the procedure for a prospective member to be proposed for Rotary club membership. The "proposer" is the key person in the growth and advancement of Rotary. Without a sponsor, an individual will never have the opportunity to become a Rotarian.
The task of the sponsor should not end merely by submitting a name to the club secretary or membership committee. Rotary has not established formal responsibilities for sponsors, however, by custom and tradition these procedures are recommended in many clubs. The sponsor should:
1. Invite a prospective member to several meetings prior to proposing the individual for membership.
2. Accompany the prospective new member to the Rotary orientation/information meeting.
3. Introduce the new member to other club members each week for the first month.
4. Invite the new member to accompany the sponsor to neighboring clubs for the first make-up meeting to learn the process and observe the spirit of fellowship.
5. Ask the new member and spouse to accompany the sponsor to the club's social activities, dinners or other special occasions.
6. Urge the new member and spouse to attend the district conference with the sponsor.
7. Serve as a special friend to assure that the new member becomes an active Rotarian.
When the sponsor follows these guidelines, Rotary becomes stronger with each new member.
Happy Cup
Vicki was thrilled about her new granddaughter. She had pictures to pass around.
Eric, Nicolette, John and Harrison all had wonderful things to say about the Relay for Life. It was a splendid event.
Dave announced that on Sunday there will be a Blue Mass celebrated at St. William of York Church in North Stafford.
Scott was glad to visit the club again.
Aric was happy about the field trips Mark plans.
Carlos said his business is great. His son is attending the College of William and Mary in the fall.
Eric said his boss is sending everyone in the company to Disney World.
There was lots of other happiness but your reporter had to hunt for her pen.
What Are You Reading?
Joan asked for a Summer Reading List. Here are some good books to take along to the beach or wherever:
Under The Tuscan Sun: At Home in Italy by Frances Mayes—I’ve read this book several times. Even if you never get to Italy you’ll feel like you know Tuscany after reading this book.
On The Road with Francis Of Assisi : a Timeless Journey Through Umbria and Tuscany, And Beyond by Linda Bird Francke. Another wonderful travel book.
The Hungry Ocean by Linda Greenlaw—One of the best sea captains on the East Coast tells the riveting story of a 30-day swordfishing voyage aboard one of the best-outfitted boats on the East Coast, complete with danger, humor, and characters so colorful they seem to have been ripped from the pages of Moby Dick.
We Die Alone: A WWII Epic of Escape and Endurance by David Howarth—Thoroughly outstanding chronicles of survival against all—and I do mean all—odds.
More suggestions next week.
Rotary Foundation News
UNESCO discusses 'Action for Water' at Rotary Day
Story and photo by Jane Lawicki, Rotary International News
23 May 2006
"The world is facing a water crisis," said James Michael Kulikowski, a representative of UNESCO's director-general at the first UNESCO Rotary Day. "Action for Water" was the theme for the event, held 12 May at UNESCO headquarters in Paris. More than 200 Rotary members and guests from approximately 20 countries attended.
"We have the scientific knowledge and action. We need to bring the solutions to the people who need them, particularly at the local level," said Kulikowski.
Providing an overview of today's water challenges, Andras Szollosi-Nagy, deputy assistant director-general for the natural sciences of UNESCO, explained that 97 percent of the earth's water supply is salt water. Of what remains, 90 percent is held in ice, glaciers, or underground. Only .007 percent is available for human consumption — based mostly in nine countries that hold 60 percent of the earth's water supply. Access to water will increasingly bring power struggles similar to those for oil or nuclear energy.
Rotarians should be concerned about water "because Rotary is leading the struggle to alleviate suffering and bring hope," said RI Vice-President Serge Gouteyron. One of the United Nations Millennium Development Goals is by 2015 to reduce by 50 percent the number of people without access to safe water and sanitation. The challenge is formidable because in rural areas of Africa, the Middle East, Asia, and Latin America, about 88 percent of the population lacks access to safe water.
"In developing countries, the search for water puts young women at risk of assault by humans or animals," said Ron Denham, Rotary's Health, Hunger and Water Task Force general coordinator. "They have to walk 6-12 kilometers daily when they could be in school, or the women could be teaching their children," Denham said. He added that nearly one-third of Rotary clubs participate in water distribution and sanitation system projects worldwide, which include drilling and rehabilitating wells, rainwater harvesting, purifying water through bio-sand filters, solar disinfecting, installing mini-water pipelines, and integrating water management.
"Rotary has more than 20 years of experience working with the United Nations, and our joint efforts to eradicate polio have worked for one and all," said RI President Carl-Wilhelm Stenhammar. While confirming that Rotary will not accept another corporate program until polio eradication is complete, he added that meetings such as Rotary Day at UNESCO were vital to explore new project possibilities.
For more information about the water crisis, visit UNESCO-IHE Institute for Water Education.
A Rotary Foundation Matching Grant brought clean drinking water to this small village.
This article is © 2005 Rotary International and is provided for the non-profit use of Rotarians worldwide; commercial use is prohibited. The article may be quoted, excerpted or used in its entirety, but the information should not be changed or modified in any way. Read more information in the RI copyright notice.
Upcoming Programs
May 31 - John Lafley-Classification Talk
June 7 -Janice Lancaster of the Image Studio.
June 14— " Sabine", a motivational speaker and singer who won the Chamber of Commerce Entrepreneur of the Year award in 2004.
June 21 - Martha Crimmons, owner of the Spooner House bed and breakfast.
June 28— Tracy Coleman, cake designer and owner of Let Them Eat Cake.
President Randy Burdett presided and welcomed guests: Ward Warren, Terry Enders, Ben Maxwell, Aimee Steele, Scott Mayausky, and visiting Rotarian John Adkins from the Rappahannock Rotary.
Program:
Our program was a tour of the A. Smith Bowman distillery. It was quite an educational tour. The first thing I learned is that "Bourbon doesn't have to come from Kentucky." Although Virginia Gentleman whiskey begins its life in Kentucky it doesn’t become bourbon until it is distilled for a third time and aged in new oak barrels at the A. Smith Bowman plant. The fermentation of the grain mash and the first two distillations take place at the Buffalo Trace Distillery, in Kentucky. The twice-distilled wash is then sent from the doubler to a third pot still, this one located at A. Smith Bowman. It's the barreling and storage that makes Virginia Gentleman a true bourbon whiskey. Barrel storage at Bowman is different from the way most other distilleries do it. The barrels are not stored on their sides in ricks. They're stored upright on palettes stacked atop one another. Our guide explained how the variation in room temperature forces the distilled liquid back and forth through the oak of the barrel. Our tour guide let us smell the difference between the thrice distilled clear liquid before it had been aged in oak and the caramel colored elixir that emerged from the oak barrels. Some in the group got a chance to do more than sniff the difference.
Abram Smith Bowman came to Virginia in 1927 from Kentucky. Purchasing some 4,000 acres of what was supposed to have become the town of Wiehle, he renamed it Sunset Hills Farm and established a dairy. Immediately upon repeal of prohibition in 1934 he built a distillery just north of the railroad, which he ran with his sons, Smith and Delong. Smith Bowman began bottling Virginia Gentleman Bourbon in 1937. They later added another brand, Fairfax County Bourbon. In 1988 the distillery moved from Reston to Fredericksburg.
The new site in Fredericksburg was that of the FMC Cellophane manufacturing plant, once Fredericksburg’s largest employer, which had been vacant and decaying for a decade. The old buildings of the cellophane plant were splendid examples of the Art Deco period in industrial
architecture. The distillery made a great effort to preserve the look of these splendid old buildings. Original fluorescent light fixtures have been refitted and preserved. Many of the buildings featured textured glass blocks, which have been carefully preserved. In the office areas the original wood panels, trim, lighting fixtures and windows are intact, and the furnishings were selected to reflect the period of the original factory. The museum quality furniture was wonderful.
Thank you to Mark Steele for arranging this fabulous field trip.
Sponsoring a New Member
The bylaws of Rotary clearly outline the procedure for a prospective member to be proposed for Rotary club membership. The "proposer" is the key person in the growth and advancement of Rotary. Without a sponsor, an individual will never have the opportunity to become a Rotarian.
The task of the sponsor should not end merely by submitting a name to the club secretary or membership committee. Rotary has not established formal responsibilities for sponsors, however, by custom and tradition these procedures are recommended in many clubs. The sponsor should:
1. Invite a prospective member to several meetings prior to proposing the individual for membership.
2. Accompany the prospective new member to the Rotary orientation/information meeting.
3. Introduce the new member to other club members each week for the first month.
4. Invite the new member to accompany the sponsor to neighboring clubs for the first make-up meeting to learn the process and observe the spirit of fellowship.
5. Ask the new member and spouse to accompany the sponsor to the club's social activities, dinners or other special occasions.
6. Urge the new member and spouse to attend the district conference with the sponsor.
7. Serve as a special friend to assure that the new member becomes an active Rotarian.
When the sponsor follows these guidelines, Rotary becomes stronger with each new member.
Happy Cup
Vicki was thrilled about her new granddaughter. She had pictures to pass around.
Eric, Nicolette, John and Harrison all had wonderful things to say about the Relay for Life. It was a splendid event.
Dave announced that on Sunday there will be a Blue Mass celebrated at St. William of York Church in North Stafford.
Scott was glad to visit the club again.
Aric was happy about the field trips Mark plans.
Carlos said his business is great. His son is attending the College of William and Mary in the fall.
Eric said his boss is sending everyone in the company to Disney World.
There was lots of other happiness but your reporter had to hunt for her pen.
What Are You Reading?
Joan asked for a Summer Reading List. Here are some good books to take along to the beach or wherever:
Under The Tuscan Sun: At Home in Italy by Frances Mayes—I’ve read this book several times. Even if you never get to Italy you’ll feel like you know Tuscany after reading this book.
On The Road with Francis Of Assisi : a Timeless Journey Through Umbria and Tuscany, And Beyond by Linda Bird Francke. Another wonderful travel book.
The Hungry Ocean by Linda Greenlaw—One of the best sea captains on the East Coast tells the riveting story of a 30-day swordfishing voyage aboard one of the best-outfitted boats on the East Coast, complete with danger, humor, and characters so colorful they seem to have been ripped from the pages of Moby Dick.
We Die Alone: A WWII Epic of Escape and Endurance by David Howarth—Thoroughly outstanding chronicles of survival against all—and I do mean all—odds.
More suggestions next week.
Rotary Foundation News
UNESCO discusses 'Action for Water' at Rotary Day
Story and photo by Jane Lawicki, Rotary International News
23 May 2006
"The world is facing a water crisis," said James Michael Kulikowski, a representative of UNESCO's director-general at the first UNESCO Rotary Day. "Action for Water" was the theme for the event, held 12 May at UNESCO headquarters in Paris. More than 200 Rotary members and guests from approximately 20 countries attended.
"We have the scientific knowledge and action. We need to bring the solutions to the people who need them, particularly at the local level," said Kulikowski.
Providing an overview of today's water challenges, Andras Szollosi-Nagy, deputy assistant director-general for the natural sciences of UNESCO, explained that 97 percent of the earth's water supply is salt water. Of what remains, 90 percent is held in ice, glaciers, or underground. Only .007 percent is available for human consumption — based mostly in nine countries that hold 60 percent of the earth's water supply. Access to water will increasingly bring power struggles similar to those for oil or nuclear energy.
Rotarians should be concerned about water "because Rotary is leading the struggle to alleviate suffering and bring hope," said RI Vice-President Serge Gouteyron. One of the United Nations Millennium Development Goals is by 2015 to reduce by 50 percent the number of people without access to safe water and sanitation. The challenge is formidable because in rural areas of Africa, the Middle East, Asia, and Latin America, about 88 percent of the population lacks access to safe water.
"In developing countries, the search for water puts young women at risk of assault by humans or animals," said Ron Denham, Rotary's Health, Hunger and Water Task Force general coordinator. "They have to walk 6-12 kilometers daily when they could be in school, or the women could be teaching their children," Denham said. He added that nearly one-third of Rotary clubs participate in water distribution and sanitation system projects worldwide, which include drilling and rehabilitating wells, rainwater harvesting, purifying water through bio-sand filters, solar disinfecting, installing mini-water pipelines, and integrating water management.
"Rotary has more than 20 years of experience working with the United Nations, and our joint efforts to eradicate polio have worked for one and all," said RI President Carl-Wilhelm Stenhammar. While confirming that Rotary will not accept another corporate program until polio eradication is complete, he added that meetings such as Rotary Day at UNESCO were vital to explore new project possibilities.
For more information about the water crisis, visit UNESCO-IHE Institute for Water Education.
A Rotary Foundation Matching Grant brought clean drinking water to this small village.
This article is © 2005 Rotary International and is provided for the non-profit use of Rotarians worldwide; commercial use is prohibited. The article may be quoted, excerpted or used in its entirety, but the information should not be changed or modified in any way. Read more information in the RI copyright notice.
Upcoming Programs
May 31 - John Lafley-Classification Talk
June 7 -Janice Lancaster of the Image Studio.
June 14— " Sabine", a motivational speaker and singer who won the Chamber of Commerce Entrepreneur of the Year award in 2004.
June 21 - Martha Crimmons, owner of the Spooner House bed and breakfast.
June 28— Tracy Coleman, cake designer and owner of Let Them Eat Cake.
Stafford Rotary Highlighter for May 24, 2006
Stafford Rotary Meeting May 17,2006
President Randy Burdette presided and welcomed guests: PDG Sandy’s guest Cheryl Beagle, Stafford County Budget Director; John Lynch, guest of Mark Osborn—John moved here from Fairfax County; Carole’s guests were Meaghan and Cleo; Ralph Sutton’s guests was from Heritage Press.
Quiz:
PDG Sandy discussed how gifts to the Rotary Foundation are held for three years. Joan announced that we are only 2 members short of having a 100% Paul Harris Fellow club.
Announcements:
Mark Steele reminded us that the May 24 meeting will be held at the Bowman Distilery.
The May 31 program was to have been Robin Sutton classification talk, but Robin has suffered a serious dog bite (an eye injury), so she will be unavailable for a few weeks.
Shirley gave a Relay for Life update. For the first time, this year's relay will feature a teddy bear lap. Everyone who walks in the teddy bear lap should carry a bear, which will be donated to hospitals for child patients.
Mark Smith reminded us of the May 20 party before the Relay for Life begins.
AG Carol reminded us of the District Awards Banquet on Sunday, June 25 at Fredericksburg Country Club.
Program:
Our speaker was the Speaker of the Virginia House of Delegates, Bill Howell, an honorary member of our club. He explained the problems that the House and the Senate are wrestling with in trying to set the budget during this very long session.
The Senate and Governor Kaine want to raise an additional billion dollars in tax revenues for transportation projects. The House wants to avoid new taxes and find other sources of revenue for transportation. He said he wants to reorganize the way the transportation issue is managed. Transportation is perhaps the most important issue facing Virginia. Speaker Howell has three goals:
Reform VDOT—perhaps by creating some regional transportation authorities.
Coordinate development between local governments and the Commonwealth.
Create a new income stream—including increased fines and penalties for bad drivers.
During the Q&A sessions Speaker Howell discussed the importance of rail development and the issue of affordable housing. Joan wanted to know why VDOT can’t make better use of the HOV lanes?
Are You Reading the Bulletin?
When did Rotary International officially begin to encourage clubs to exchange banners?
The answer can be found on our club webpage www.staffordrotary.org.
Happy Cup
Carlos fined everyone brought twenty dollar bills and only bought 3 tickets.
Ann was happy about an announcement that REC was making. Check http://www.myrec.coop/ to read the Thursday press release.
Mary was happy about her reward.
AG Carol was happy little Cleo visited. Jack has begun physical therapy.
Jeff Davis was happy about May birthdays—he and Carole. We sang Happy Birthday.
Carole said she was happy that Cleo was visiting her for a week.
Cheryl was happy to visit and happy to have met Sandy.
Pastor Fred was happy about Bill’s program. He joked that some friends bought an air conditioner from T, and it’s still working!
Nicolette thanked Ann and Shirley for all their work organizing the Relay for Life teams.
Mark Osborn was happy about Bill’s program and Mr. Lynch’s visit.
Joan reminded us that our big drawing is next week.
PE Aric was happy about Joan’s successful work as Foundation chair this year. His wife Carol’s boss is allowing her to work remotely from Canada for three months so she can be there with Aric Christian.
Nelda read some happy thoughts from Kim Stuller, who was our Employee of the Quarter.
Nelda was also happy about Bluemont concerts moving to Porter Library this year.
President Randy thanked Speaker Bill for his program.
New Member Corner
No Personal
Privileges
Frequently, friends ask whether Rotarians receive special business benefits from their Rotary membership. Should Rotarians expect a special discount or some preferential service just because they are dealing with a fellow Rotarian?
The answer is clearly
“no?’ The RI Manual of
Procedure expressly states the Rotary position on this matter. The policy, originally approved by the RI Board of Directors in 1933, is that in business and professional relations “a Rotarian should not expect, and far less should a Rotarian ask for, more consideration or advantages from a fellow Rotarian than the latter would give to any other business or professional associate...Any use of the fellowship of Rotary as a means of gaining an advantage or profit is contrary to the spirit of Rotary.”
On the other hand, if new or increased business comes as the natural result of friendship created in Rotary, it is the same normal development that takes place outside of Rotary as well as inside, so it is not an infringement on the ethics of Rotary membership.
What Are You Reading?
Lincoln’s Melancholy: How Depression Challenged a President and Fueled His Greatness by Joshua Wolf Shenk
Abe the Emancipator, argues Washington Monthly contributor Shenk, struggled with persistent clinical depression. The first major bout came in his 20s, and the disease dogged him for the rest of his life. That Lincoln suffered from "melancholy" isn't new. Shenk's innovation is in saying, first, that this knowledge can be illuminated by today's understanding of depression and, second, that our understanding of depression can be illuminated by the knowledge that depression was actually a source of Lincoln's greatness. Lincoln's strategies for dealing with it are worth noting today: at least once, he took a popular pill known as the "blue mass"—essentially mercury—and also once purchased cocaine. Further, Lincoln's famed sense of humor, suggests Shenk, may have been compensatory, and he also took refuge in poetry. Unlike Americans today, Shenk notes, 19th-century voters and pundits were more forgiving of psychological and emotional complexity, and a certain prophetic pessimism, he notes, was appropriate to the era of the Civil War. Sensitive history, with important implications for the present.
The Rotary Foundation News
Annual Giving Saves Lives
The Malawi Children’s Village (MCV) has meant the difference between life and death
for more than 28,000 people, including 3,000 children orphaned by AIDS.
Rotary Foundation Matching Grant projects have helped provide MCV with everything from clean water, food, and medications to blankets, sewing machines, and a windmill. Supported locally by the Rotary Club of Limbe, the program places up to two children with families in more than 37 villages in Malawi.
“Before the program started, it wasn’t uncommon for a family to be caring for up to 18 children,” says Frank Wargo, past governor of District 7890 (parts of Connecticut and Massachusetts, USA), who helped develop a Matching Grant. “With little food, no health care or
help from the government, many children died not of AIDS but neglect.” Kevin Denny, of the Rotary Club of Canandaigua, New York, USA, and Chakunga Sibale founded the program in 1997. “[MCV] has had a very great effect to relieve the suffering of children in my country,” says Sibale, director of the program. “It’s very rewarding to realize that the project has made a crucial difference for thousands of people,” adds Denny.
The Foundation’s Annual Programs Fund is extending Rotary’s compassionate reach to people around the globe. Whose life will your next Foundation contribution help save or change?
Other Dates to Remember
Upcoming Programs
May 24— Field Trip to A. Smith Bowman Distillery.
May 31 - John Lafley-Classification Talk
June 7 -Janice Lancaster of the Image Studio.
June 14— " Sabine", a motivational speaker and singer who won the Chamber of Commerce Entrepreneur of the Year award in 2004.
June 21 - Martha Crimmons, owner of the Spooner House bed and breakfast.
June 28— Tracy Coleman, cake designer and owner of Let Them Eat Cake.
Bluemont at Porter Library
The Bluemont summer concerts in Stafford will be presented on the grounds of Porter Library at 2001 Parkway Blvd.
The first concert will be held Friday, June 30.
The Stafford Rotary has volunteered at these events many times. This is a fun event. Sign up to volunteer.
President Randy Burdette presided and welcomed guests: PDG Sandy’s guest Cheryl Beagle, Stafford County Budget Director; John Lynch, guest of Mark Osborn—John moved here from Fairfax County; Carole’s guests were Meaghan and Cleo; Ralph Sutton’s guests was from Heritage Press.
Quiz:
PDG Sandy discussed how gifts to the Rotary Foundation are held for three years. Joan announced that we are only 2 members short of having a 100% Paul Harris Fellow club.
Announcements:
Mark Steele reminded us that the May 24 meeting will be held at the Bowman Distilery.
The May 31 program was to have been Robin Sutton classification talk, but Robin has suffered a serious dog bite (an eye injury), so she will be unavailable for a few weeks.
Shirley gave a Relay for Life update. For the first time, this year's relay will feature a teddy bear lap. Everyone who walks in the teddy bear lap should carry a bear, which will be donated to hospitals for child patients.
Mark Smith reminded us of the May 20 party before the Relay for Life begins.
AG Carol reminded us of the District Awards Banquet on Sunday, June 25 at Fredericksburg Country Club.
Program:
Our speaker was the Speaker of the Virginia House of Delegates, Bill Howell, an honorary member of our club. He explained the problems that the House and the Senate are wrestling with in trying to set the budget during this very long session.
The Senate and Governor Kaine want to raise an additional billion dollars in tax revenues for transportation projects. The House wants to avoid new taxes and find other sources of revenue for transportation. He said he wants to reorganize the way the transportation issue is managed. Transportation is perhaps the most important issue facing Virginia. Speaker Howell has three goals:
Reform VDOT—perhaps by creating some regional transportation authorities.
Coordinate development between local governments and the Commonwealth.
Create a new income stream—including increased fines and penalties for bad drivers.
During the Q&A sessions Speaker Howell discussed the importance of rail development and the issue of affordable housing. Joan wanted to know why VDOT can’t make better use of the HOV lanes?
Are You Reading the Bulletin?
When did Rotary International officially begin to encourage clubs to exchange banners?
The answer can be found on our club webpage www.staffordrotary.org.
Happy Cup
Carlos fined everyone brought twenty dollar bills and only bought 3 tickets.
Ann was happy about an announcement that REC was making. Check http://www.myrec.coop/ to read the Thursday press release.
Mary was happy about her reward.
AG Carol was happy little Cleo visited. Jack has begun physical therapy.
Jeff Davis was happy about May birthdays—he and Carole. We sang Happy Birthday.
Carole said she was happy that Cleo was visiting her for a week.
Cheryl was happy to visit and happy to have met Sandy.
Pastor Fred was happy about Bill’s program. He joked that some friends bought an air conditioner from T, and it’s still working!
Nicolette thanked Ann and Shirley for all their work organizing the Relay for Life teams.
Mark Osborn was happy about Bill’s program and Mr. Lynch’s visit.
Joan reminded us that our big drawing is next week.
PE Aric was happy about Joan’s successful work as Foundation chair this year. His wife Carol’s boss is allowing her to work remotely from Canada for three months so she can be there with Aric Christian.
Nelda read some happy thoughts from Kim Stuller, who was our Employee of the Quarter.
Nelda was also happy about Bluemont concerts moving to Porter Library this year.
President Randy thanked Speaker Bill for his program.
New Member Corner
No Personal
Privileges
Frequently, friends ask whether Rotarians receive special business benefits from their Rotary membership. Should Rotarians expect a special discount or some preferential service just because they are dealing with a fellow Rotarian?
The answer is clearly
“no?’ The RI Manual of
Procedure expressly states the Rotary position on this matter. The policy, originally approved by the RI Board of Directors in 1933, is that in business and professional relations “a Rotarian should not expect, and far less should a Rotarian ask for, more consideration or advantages from a fellow Rotarian than the latter would give to any other business or professional associate...Any use of the fellowship of Rotary as a means of gaining an advantage or profit is contrary to the spirit of Rotary.”
On the other hand, if new or increased business comes as the natural result of friendship created in Rotary, it is the same normal development that takes place outside of Rotary as well as inside, so it is not an infringement on the ethics of Rotary membership.
What Are You Reading?
Lincoln’s Melancholy: How Depression Challenged a President and Fueled His Greatness by Joshua Wolf Shenk
Abe the Emancipator, argues Washington Monthly contributor Shenk, struggled with persistent clinical depression. The first major bout came in his 20s, and the disease dogged him for the rest of his life. That Lincoln suffered from "melancholy" isn't new. Shenk's innovation is in saying, first, that this knowledge can be illuminated by today's understanding of depression and, second, that our understanding of depression can be illuminated by the knowledge that depression was actually a source of Lincoln's greatness. Lincoln's strategies for dealing with it are worth noting today: at least once, he took a popular pill known as the "blue mass"—essentially mercury—and also once purchased cocaine. Further, Lincoln's famed sense of humor, suggests Shenk, may have been compensatory, and he also took refuge in poetry. Unlike Americans today, Shenk notes, 19th-century voters and pundits were more forgiving of psychological and emotional complexity, and a certain prophetic pessimism, he notes, was appropriate to the era of the Civil War. Sensitive history, with important implications for the present.
The Rotary Foundation News
Annual Giving Saves Lives
The Malawi Children’s Village (MCV) has meant the difference between life and death
for more than 28,000 people, including 3,000 children orphaned by AIDS.
Rotary Foundation Matching Grant projects have helped provide MCV with everything from clean water, food, and medications to blankets, sewing machines, and a windmill. Supported locally by the Rotary Club of Limbe, the program places up to two children with families in more than 37 villages in Malawi.
“Before the program started, it wasn’t uncommon for a family to be caring for up to 18 children,” says Frank Wargo, past governor of District 7890 (parts of Connecticut and Massachusetts, USA), who helped develop a Matching Grant. “With little food, no health care or
help from the government, many children died not of AIDS but neglect.” Kevin Denny, of the Rotary Club of Canandaigua, New York, USA, and Chakunga Sibale founded the program in 1997. “[MCV] has had a very great effect to relieve the suffering of children in my country,” says Sibale, director of the program. “It’s very rewarding to realize that the project has made a crucial difference for thousands of people,” adds Denny.
The Foundation’s Annual Programs Fund is extending Rotary’s compassionate reach to people around the globe. Whose life will your next Foundation contribution help save or change?
Other Dates to Remember
Upcoming Programs
May 24— Field Trip to A. Smith Bowman Distillery.
May 31 - John Lafley-Classification Talk
June 7 -Janice Lancaster of the Image Studio.
June 14— " Sabine", a motivational speaker and singer who won the Chamber of Commerce Entrepreneur of the Year award in 2004.
June 21 - Martha Crimmons, owner of the Spooner House bed and breakfast.
June 28— Tracy Coleman, cake designer and owner of Let Them Eat Cake.
Bluemont at Porter Library
The Bluemont summer concerts in Stafford will be presented on the grounds of Porter Library at 2001 Parkway Blvd.
The first concert will be held Friday, June 30.
The Stafford Rotary has volunteered at these events many times. This is a fun event. Sign up to volunteer.
Stafford Rotary Highlighter for May 10, 2006
Rotary Club of Stafford
May 3, 2006 Meeting
AG Carol Foley presided and welcomed guests: Ron West from the Rappahannock Rotary; Meghan Green, guest of Carole Green; and the GSE team visiting from Poland.
Announcements: At the District Conference our club was given the “Best Club Bulletin” award. Shirley gave Nelda flowers.
Relay for Life is May 20. We still need walkers for 2 to 4 a.m. Harrison has sold 24 tickets.
Program:
The Group Study Exchange Team from Poland presented a program about their country, their families and their careers. Two of the team members were active in Rotaract.
May 3 is Polish National Day celebrating the adoption of the Polish Constitution 215 years ago. The team sang the Polish National Anthem for us.
Team Leader: Jacek Telanga is a graduate of the Academy of Mining and Metallurgy in Cracow, Master of Science, Bachelor of Engineering (mining). He has worked at building coal mines, and also historic building preservation. Jacek has worked in Vietnam, Latvia, Estonia and Poland. He is currently working in the building materials trade. He is the President of the Telenga Family Foundation, which helps in promotion of young and talented people. Jacek has two children: son - lawyer, post-graduate student at the Maria Sklodowska-Curie University of Lublin; daughter - journalist of a local newspaper, Past President of Rotaract in Lublin. Jacek is a member of RC Lublin Centrum, Club number: 31497, district: 2230 and a Paul Harris Fellow.Tomasz Jarczyk graduated with a Master of Science degree from the Hugo Kołątaj Agriculture Academy, Forestry Faculty in Kraków. Since January, 2005 he has worked as a specialist in forest planning for the Regional Management of State Forest in Olsztyn.Renata Kotowska received her Master’s degree in Management and Marketing from the University of Maria Curie-Skłodowska in Lublin, Poland. She received a B.A. from the University of Economics in Cracow, Poland. She is currently employed in marketing and sales for Mercure Unia Hotel in Lublin, Poland. She also worked in sales and marketing for the Rico & Echveria Steel Factory in Zaragoza, Spain.Piotr Luczynski received his MBA from the Warsaw School of Economics – Master's Degree of Business Administration, specializing in International relationships of politics and economy. He is currently the Managing Director od a real estate agency. He previously worked as sales manager for a Jaguar/Land Rover dealership in Warsaw.Karolina Marks is now at Clark University, Massachusetts/Polish Branch in Łódź in a postgraduate 4-semester studies focusing on business communication including economic international relations, intercultural communication, public relations, strategic management and global marketing; She will receive a M..S. in Professional Communication in 2007. She has worked and studied at Université Marc Bloch, Strasbourg, France; Center for Modern Translation Studies at University of Łódź, Łódź, Poland ; Justus-Liebig Universität in Giessen; University of Sheffield in Sheffield, United Kingdom and University of Łódź, Department of Germanic Studies.
Are You Reading the Bulletin?
When did Group Study Exchange begin? Where were the districts who participated in the first exchange located?
The answer can be found on our club blog http://www.staffordrotary.blogspot.com/
New Member Corner
The District Conference
Most Rotarians have never attended a Rotary district conference, which means they have not experienced one of the most enjoyable and rewarding privileges of Rotary membership.
A district conference is for all club members in the district and their spouses, not just for club officers and committee members. The purpose of a district conference is for fellowship, inspirational speakers, and discussion of matters that make one’s Rotary membership more meaningful. Every person who attends a district conference finds that being a Rotarian becomes even more rewarding because of the new experiences, insights, and acquaintances developed at the conference. Those who attend a conference enjoy going back, year after year.
Every Rotary district has a conference annually. These meetings are considered so important that the Rotary International president selects a knowledgeable Rotarian as his personal representative to attend and address each conference. The program always includes several outstanding entertainment features, interesting discussions, and inspirational programs.
One of the added benefits of attending a district conference is the opportunity to become better acquainted with members of one’s own club in an informal setting. Lasting friendships grow from the fellowship hours at the district conference.
Happy Cup
Ralph Davis volunteered Mark Osborn to walk in his place for Relay for Life.
Ralph teased Jeff Small and Karen for past talkativeness.
AG Carol was happy about the district conference and the presentation by the GSE team. Carol’s ancestry is part Polish, so she especially enjoyed speaking to the team.
PDG Sandy enjoyed hosting two of the GSE team members.
Carole has enjoyed working with the GSE team. She was also happy that Mark Smith and Jeff Small helped Garret move.
Eric enjoyed the GSE team visit.
Brenda was happy about the best bulletin award. She was pleased that Christmas in April was so successful.
Shirley told a funny story about when she took the Fredericksburg Cloggers to Czechoslovakia. The dance team was in one bus and the equipment and one dancer were driving in a lorry. The lorry driver got lost and the equipment ended up in Poland. She thanked Harrison for “leading the way” on Relay for Life.
Pastor Fred was happy with the GSE slide show.
Mary enjoyed the district conference and the GSE visit.
Dave was happy that the Nats won on Tuesday.
Mark Smith got to see the ultrasound of his new baby.
Mark Osborn was happy that Jeff Davis is well after his brief hospitalization last week.
Harrison enjoyed the GSE team presentation. He’s glad that the Relay for Life is going well.
What Are You Reading?
Team of Rivals: The Political Genius of Abraham Lincoln by Doris Kearns Goodwin
The life and times of Abraham Lincoln have been analyzed and dissected in countless books. Do we need another Lincoln biography? In Team of Rivals, esteemed historian Doris Kearns Goodwin proves that we do. Though she can't help but cover some familiar territory, her perspective is focused enough to offer fresh insights into Lincoln's leadership style and his deep understanding of human behavior and motivation. Goodwin makes the case for Lincoln's political genius by examining his relationships with three men he selected for his cabinet, all of whom were opponents for the Republican nomination in 1860: William H. Seward, Salmon P. Chase, and Edward Bates. These men, all accomplished, nationally known, and presidential, originally disdained Lincoln for his backwoods upbringing and lack of experience, and were shocked and humiliated at losing to this relatively obscure Illinois lawyer. Yet Lincoln not only convinced them to join his administration--Seward as secretary of state, Chase as secretary of the treasury, and Bates as attorney general--he ultimately gained their admiration and respect as well. How he soothed egos, turned rivals into allies, and dealt with many challenges to his leadership, all for the sake of the greater good, is largely what Goodwin's fine book is about. Had he not possessed the wisdom and confidence to select and work with the best people, she argues, he could not have led the nation through one of its darkest periods.
Ten years in the making, this engaging work reveals why "Lincoln's road to success was longer, more tortuous, and far less likely" than the other men, and why, when opportunity beckoned, Lincoln was "the best prepared to answer the call." This multiple biography further provides valuable background and insights into the contributions and talents of Seward, Chase, and Bates. Lincoln may have been "the indispensable ingredient of the Civil War," but these three men were invaluable to Lincoln and they played key roles in keeping the nation intact.
Oberle Interactors Help Rotaract Care for Orphans in Honduras.
The students in the Gladys H Oberle school's Interact Club joined the UMW Rotaract Club to help support the orphans in Honduras. Besides a cash donation, the Oberle School Interact Club gathered personal care items and small toys for the orphans. The students and their teacher, Ms. Sharp, made cotton bags for each one of the orphans and stuffed each of the bags with goodies.
The Rotary Foundation News
This week’s Rotary Foundation Thought is about year-end contributions. The Rotary year ends June 30th and all contributions must be postmarked on or before that date to be credited for this Rotary year. We are encouraged to collect and submit year-end contributions in late May and early June to count towards our club’s annual giving goal. This will ensure proper credit and recognition for this Rotary year. Contributions made in this Rotary year will be available for use in Rotary year 2008-2009. Chuck Davidson from the Springfield Rotary will be our district governor for that year. How much money will be available for district grants that year depends on how much is given to the Rotary Foundation Annual Fund before June 30.
Other Dates to Remember
May 20 –Relay for Life
June Is- Rotary Fellowships Month
June 2—Installation Banquet
June 11-15, 2006- Rotary International Annual Convention, Malmö, Sweden and Copenhagen, Denmark
June 25
District Awards Banquet
Upcoming Programs
May 10 – Hospice Support Care representative Sharron Simpson, Adult Bereavement Coordinator.
May 17— Speaker of the House Bill Howell.
May 24 - Field Trip to A. Smith Bowman Distillery Tidewater Trail
May 31 - Robin Sutton-Classification Talk
June 7 - Janice Lancaster of the Image Studio.
June 14— " Sabine", a motivational speaker and singer who won the Chamber of Commerce Entrepreneur of the Year award in 2004.
June 21 - Martha Crimmons, owner of the Spooner House bed and breakfast.
June 28— Tracy Coleman, cake designer and owner of Let Them Eat Cake
May 3, 2006 Meeting
AG Carol Foley presided and welcomed guests: Ron West from the Rappahannock Rotary; Meghan Green, guest of Carole Green; and the GSE team visiting from Poland.
Announcements: At the District Conference our club was given the “Best Club Bulletin” award. Shirley gave Nelda flowers.
Relay for Life is May 20. We still need walkers for 2 to 4 a.m. Harrison has sold 24 tickets.
Program:
The Group Study Exchange Team from Poland presented a program about their country, their families and their careers. Two of the team members were active in Rotaract.
May 3 is Polish National Day celebrating the adoption of the Polish Constitution 215 years ago. The team sang the Polish National Anthem for us.
Team Leader: Jacek Telanga is a graduate of the Academy of Mining and Metallurgy in Cracow, Master of Science, Bachelor of Engineering (mining). He has worked at building coal mines, and also historic building preservation. Jacek has worked in Vietnam, Latvia, Estonia and Poland. He is currently working in the building materials trade. He is the President of the Telenga Family Foundation, which helps in promotion of young and talented people. Jacek has two children: son - lawyer, post-graduate student at the Maria Sklodowska-Curie University of Lublin; daughter - journalist of a local newspaper, Past President of Rotaract in Lublin. Jacek is a member of RC Lublin Centrum, Club number: 31497, district: 2230 and a Paul Harris Fellow.Tomasz Jarczyk graduated with a Master of Science degree from the Hugo Kołątaj Agriculture Academy, Forestry Faculty in Kraków. Since January, 2005 he has worked as a specialist in forest planning for the Regional Management of State Forest in Olsztyn.Renata Kotowska received her Master’s degree in Management and Marketing from the University of Maria Curie-Skłodowska in Lublin, Poland. She received a B.A. from the University of Economics in Cracow, Poland. She is currently employed in marketing and sales for Mercure Unia Hotel in Lublin, Poland. She also worked in sales and marketing for the Rico & Echveria Steel Factory in Zaragoza, Spain.Piotr Luczynski received his MBA from the Warsaw School of Economics – Master's Degree of Business Administration, specializing in International relationships of politics and economy. He is currently the Managing Director od a real estate agency. He previously worked as sales manager for a Jaguar/Land Rover dealership in Warsaw.Karolina Marks is now at Clark University, Massachusetts/Polish Branch in Łódź in a postgraduate 4-semester studies focusing on business communication including economic international relations, intercultural communication, public relations, strategic management and global marketing; She will receive a M..S. in Professional Communication in 2007. She has worked and studied at Université Marc Bloch, Strasbourg, France; Center for Modern Translation Studies at University of Łódź, Łódź, Poland ; Justus-Liebig Universität in Giessen; University of Sheffield in Sheffield, United Kingdom and University of Łódź, Department of Germanic Studies.
Are You Reading the Bulletin?
When did Group Study Exchange begin? Where were the districts who participated in the first exchange located?
The answer can be found on our club blog http://www.staffordrotary.blogspot.com/
New Member Corner
The District Conference
Most Rotarians have never attended a Rotary district conference, which means they have not experienced one of the most enjoyable and rewarding privileges of Rotary membership.
A district conference is for all club members in the district and their spouses, not just for club officers and committee members. The purpose of a district conference is for fellowship, inspirational speakers, and discussion of matters that make one’s Rotary membership more meaningful. Every person who attends a district conference finds that being a Rotarian becomes even more rewarding because of the new experiences, insights, and acquaintances developed at the conference. Those who attend a conference enjoy going back, year after year.
Every Rotary district has a conference annually. These meetings are considered so important that the Rotary International president selects a knowledgeable Rotarian as his personal representative to attend and address each conference. The program always includes several outstanding entertainment features, interesting discussions, and inspirational programs.
One of the added benefits of attending a district conference is the opportunity to become better acquainted with members of one’s own club in an informal setting. Lasting friendships grow from the fellowship hours at the district conference.
Happy Cup
Ralph Davis volunteered Mark Osborn to walk in his place for Relay for Life.
Ralph teased Jeff Small and Karen for past talkativeness.
AG Carol was happy about the district conference and the presentation by the GSE team. Carol’s ancestry is part Polish, so she especially enjoyed speaking to the team.
PDG Sandy enjoyed hosting two of the GSE team members.
Carole has enjoyed working with the GSE team. She was also happy that Mark Smith and Jeff Small helped Garret move.
Eric enjoyed the GSE team visit.
Brenda was happy about the best bulletin award. She was pleased that Christmas in April was so successful.
Shirley told a funny story about when she took the Fredericksburg Cloggers to Czechoslovakia. The dance team was in one bus and the equipment and one dancer were driving in a lorry. The lorry driver got lost and the equipment ended up in Poland. She thanked Harrison for “leading the way” on Relay for Life.
Pastor Fred was happy with the GSE slide show.
Mary enjoyed the district conference and the GSE visit.
Dave was happy that the Nats won on Tuesday.
Mark Smith got to see the ultrasound of his new baby.
Mark Osborn was happy that Jeff Davis is well after his brief hospitalization last week.
Harrison enjoyed the GSE team presentation. He’s glad that the Relay for Life is going well.
What Are You Reading?
Team of Rivals: The Political Genius of Abraham Lincoln by Doris Kearns Goodwin
The life and times of Abraham Lincoln have been analyzed and dissected in countless books. Do we need another Lincoln biography? In Team of Rivals, esteemed historian Doris Kearns Goodwin proves that we do. Though she can't help but cover some familiar territory, her perspective is focused enough to offer fresh insights into Lincoln's leadership style and his deep understanding of human behavior and motivation. Goodwin makes the case for Lincoln's political genius by examining his relationships with three men he selected for his cabinet, all of whom were opponents for the Republican nomination in 1860: William H. Seward, Salmon P. Chase, and Edward Bates. These men, all accomplished, nationally known, and presidential, originally disdained Lincoln for his backwoods upbringing and lack of experience, and were shocked and humiliated at losing to this relatively obscure Illinois lawyer. Yet Lincoln not only convinced them to join his administration--Seward as secretary of state, Chase as secretary of the treasury, and Bates as attorney general--he ultimately gained their admiration and respect as well. How he soothed egos, turned rivals into allies, and dealt with many challenges to his leadership, all for the sake of the greater good, is largely what Goodwin's fine book is about. Had he not possessed the wisdom and confidence to select and work with the best people, she argues, he could not have led the nation through one of its darkest periods.
Ten years in the making, this engaging work reveals why "Lincoln's road to success was longer, more tortuous, and far less likely" than the other men, and why, when opportunity beckoned, Lincoln was "the best prepared to answer the call." This multiple biography further provides valuable background and insights into the contributions and talents of Seward, Chase, and Bates. Lincoln may have been "the indispensable ingredient of the Civil War," but these three men were invaluable to Lincoln and they played key roles in keeping the nation intact.
Oberle Interactors Help Rotaract Care for Orphans in Honduras.
The students in the Gladys H Oberle school's Interact Club joined the UMW Rotaract Club to help support the orphans in Honduras. Besides a cash donation, the Oberle School Interact Club gathered personal care items and small toys for the orphans. The students and their teacher, Ms. Sharp, made cotton bags for each one of the orphans and stuffed each of the bags with goodies.
The Rotary Foundation News
This week’s Rotary Foundation Thought is about year-end contributions. The Rotary year ends June 30th and all contributions must be postmarked on or before that date to be credited for this Rotary year. We are encouraged to collect and submit year-end contributions in late May and early June to count towards our club’s annual giving goal. This will ensure proper credit and recognition for this Rotary year. Contributions made in this Rotary year will be available for use in Rotary year 2008-2009. Chuck Davidson from the Springfield Rotary will be our district governor for that year. How much money will be available for district grants that year depends on how much is given to the Rotary Foundation Annual Fund before June 30.
Other Dates to Remember
May 20 –Relay for Life
June Is- Rotary Fellowships Month
June 2—Installation Banquet
June 11-15, 2006- Rotary International Annual Convention, Malmö, Sweden and Copenhagen, Denmark
June 25
District Awards Banquet
Upcoming Programs
May 10 – Hospice Support Care representative Sharron Simpson, Adult Bereavement Coordinator.
May 17— Speaker of the House Bill Howell.
May 24 - Field Trip to A. Smith Bowman Distillery Tidewater Trail
May 31 - Robin Sutton-Classification Talk
June 7 - Janice Lancaster of the Image Studio.
June 14— " Sabine", a motivational speaker and singer who won the Chamber of Commerce Entrepreneur of the Year award in 2004.
June 21 - Martha Crimmons, owner of the Spooner House bed and breakfast.
June 28— Tracy Coleman, cake designer and owner of Let Them Eat Cake
