Rotary Log for October 6, 2022
President Joanie opened the meeting with the Pledge of Allegiance. Dave Underhill forcefully led the 4-Way Test and Al Lantinen, the song. John Rice’s invocation, in keeping with the program, acknowledged the world’s diversity.
Guests and visiting Rotarians were introduced, followed by announcements.
Ann Bliss reminded us that Thanksgiving Dinner remains delivery only. This will be Ann and Betsy Scott’s last hurrah as the dynamic duo plans to retire from their leadership position.
With that in mind, Betsy and Ann are seeking two volunteers to shadow them, so the newbies can seamlessly take over next year. Trish Cummings will also retire from taking telephone dinner requests, necessitating a volunteer to assume that critical job, too.
Sara Treacy announced the completion of the Warm Coats distribution. The committee processed almost 350 winter coats. Well done!
Barbara Miller reports that the William Cash Committee recently approved two grants. One is a $1000 dollar donation to Craig Taylor’s Pan Mass Challenge team which raised $20,000 for cancer research. A $5000 dollar grant went to build a Habitat home that will eventually be gifted to a needy veteran. This project will provide the club with ample volunteer opportunities. More to come.
There were many happy dollars put out today but remember next week is “Mad Dollars.” So, save up your greenbacks to vent your frustrations.
Dr. William Roberts was our speaker. After joining Rotary, he assumed leadership roles within his club and district, rising to be 7950 District Governor. Prior to that he served on the district’s membership committee, becoming involved with DEI.
DEI is shorthand for diversity, equity and inclusion in our membership and service. Rotary international has restated its mission in this regard and wishes all clubs to embrace the concept.
Diversity means everyone is invited to the party, no exceptions. Equity means removing all barriers to group involvement, like, for example, financial barriers. Inclusion means everyone is part of the group and welcome.
For years diversity has only related to race and gender. But Dr. Roberts asked us to look for other avenues through which we might expand interest in our club and its mission. To wit, the disabled and socio-economic status, among many others. Ideally, club membership should more accurately mirror community demographics.
Dr. Roberts suggests that a way we might begin becoming more diverse is to ask ourselves what intrinsic biases are present already and plan to address them. This will be an ongoing effort for Rotary with plenty of room to grow. The hope is for progress not perfection.
I am embarrassed to say I was distracted at the raffle and do not know who won. (Publisher's note: photos show it to be Mike Asselin) BUT I do know the new bonus is more than $300 dollars. That is certainly worth attending this week’s meeting and buying a few tickets!
Respectfully submitted, Al Lantinen
Photos by Francoise Meissner
