Standing in for President Narens, Larry Hewitt presided over the meeting.  

Beth Cherner explained how the Jewish National Fund, originally known for planting trees in Israel, has broadened out  to provide $80- $100 million dollars each year to provide help to the disabled, improve the environment, educate foreign students on agricultural techniques, and protect the country’s heritage.

Rotary’s founder, Paul Harris, believed that serving humanity is “the most worthwhile thing a person can do,” RI President-elect John F. Germ said, and that being a part of Rotary is a “great opportunity” to make that happen. Germ unveiled the 2016-17 presidential theme, Rotary Serving Humanity, to incoming district governors on 18 January at the International Assembly in San Diego, California.  “I believe everyone recognizes the opportunity to serve Rotary for what it truly is: not a small opportunity, but a great one; an opportunity of a lifetime to change the world for the better, forever through Rotary’s service to humanity,” said Germ. Rotary members around the globe are serving humanity by providing clean water to underdeveloped communities, promoting peace in conflict areas, and strengthening communities through basic education and literacy. But none more important than our work to eradicate polio worldwide, he said.

 

Rotary clubs which have a reputation of being "friendly clubs" usually follow a few simple steps:

First, members are encouraged to sit in a different seat or at a different table each week.

Second, Rotarians are urged to sit with a member they may not know as well as their long-time personal friends.

Third, members invite new members or visitors to join their table just by saying: " Come join us, we have an empty chair at this table."

Fourth, members share the conversation around the table rather than merely eating in silence or talking privately to the person next to them.

Fifth, Rotarians make a special point of trying to get acquainted with all members of the club by seeking out those they may not know.

Thoughts from Famous People

Doug Hanwell...America is so advanced that even the chairs are electric.
George Roberts...The first piece of luggage on the carousel never belongs to anyone.
Jonathan Winters...If God had intended us to fly he would have made it easier to get to the airport.
WH Auden...We are here on earth to do good unto others. What the others are here for, I have no idea.
Jonathan Katz...In hotel rooms I worry. I can't be the only guy who sits on the furniture naked.
Robert Benchley... I have kleptomania, but when it gets bad, I take something for it.