Thought of the Day: Larry Rolufs -Would you have believed last February that you would be attending Rotary via Zoom? To quote the title of a recent book I read, all of our lives are now “Off Script”. It is not important that our lives have been taken off script, but it is important we adjust to our off script lives productively.
Prez Steve's opening remarks at our seventh on-line meeting:
“I have no doubt, none at all, that this spirit of service and sacrifice is alive and well in America,” Bush said. He emphasized that “empathy and simple kindness are essential, powerful tools of national recovery.” And America’s 43rd president asked us to “remember how small our differences are in the face of this shared threat.”
“In the final analysis,” he said, “we are not partisan combatants; we are human beings, equally vulnerable and equally wonderful in the sight of God.” Bush concluded, “We rise or fall together, and we are determined to rise.”
Forrest and Cindy each told a joke. Bill Jansen suggested Cindy spin the wheel. Humor is what will keep us all going.
Brandee Ambrosia introduced her guest, long-term friend and colleague Rachel Kanowsky for her fourth on-line meeting.
Over 54 attendees this week. We will meet again via Zoom next week. Look for the email meeting link from Richard Hall.
Betty Bennett introduced our outbound RYE student Alison. Alison was game to join us from Thailand even though it was 2 AM there. Her parents were on-line too as was Dave, our District coordinator for Thailand. Alison gave us a great update on her travels, Rotary meetings, classes, cultural tours and of course, the impact of the pandemic on her activities. Alison will give us another report in the future and we hope to have her join us in-person when she returns. She's an amazing representative of our club with her eagerness to experience other cultures and her poise during this difficult time.
Bob Hayden introduced his granddaughter Kate who was the national winner of the DAR essay contest. Given 90 minutes to write on the topic energizing American youth for the future of our country was a daunting task but Kate excelled! As Kate read her essay it was clear that UCLA (go Bruins!) will be receiving an inspirational leader in the fall.
Prez Steve announced that RYLA is cancelled this year due COVID 19. On a brighter note, Scott Christensen has judges viewing video submitals for the annual music contest and we will hear who won shortly. We may even get to see the videos at a future meeting. Larry Rolufs let us know that Mark is getting the scholarship letters signed and recipient announcements will be made shortly.
Our speaker was Past District Governor Dave Bianchi with the presentation, "Polio a Story to Tell". Dave outlined the history of the Rotary campaign to eradicate polio, updated us on the progress made to date, and described the impact of COVID19 on our inoculation teams. While there may be setbacks given the world pandemic, the goal of Rotary to eradicate polio has not changed and we will finish the job!
Fellowship opportunity happening this Saturday, May 9th at 5 PM. Get beer, wine, or drink of choice from our local purveyors through curbside pickup and then head home for our first Zoom Brewfest in lieu of our Foothills Brewfest at the fairgrounds. Cheers!
Member Announcement/Happy & Sad Bucks
Kathryn G had ideas for Bart to share with AIM on potential garden spots in addition to the Recology one already in the works.
Vickie gave us an update on HEART, an organization in Kenya supported by our club. The local Rotary club in Kenya is helping HEART feed single mothers and their children of the WEEP program during the pandemic. See separate email for more information on donation opportunities or contact Vickie.
Geoff's daughter had a very frustrating COVID 19 testing experience highlighting that more progress is needed in testing and surveillance. Amy added that some urgent care clinics have begun antibody testing.
