Notes from Friday’s meeting:

Laurie Nafziger provided our opening prayer.  Doug Wogoman led our singing of “The Star Spangled Banner,” “Roll Rotary,” “You’re a Grand Old Flag,” and “Smile.”

Andy Myers introduced visiting Rotarians and guests.  Doug Risser was our only visiting Rotarian; there were no guests.

Cathie Cripe provided our monthly recognition of history for our upcoming 100^th anniversary.  She noted writings about the 25^th and 75^th anniversaries of Goshen Rotary as well as a 50^th anniversary booklet written by Earl Roose.  In the materials written by Earl Roose, he recited historical facts about the origination of Goshen Rotary and a little about the City of Goshen at that time.  Goshen Rotary’s application was submitted on May 26, 1919.  Approval for the Club was formally given establishing the Club as of June 1, 1919.  At the time, Goshen had a population of approximately 10,000 people.  There were 32 industrial plants, and 110 retail stores.  Recognition was given to the Elkhart Rotary Club and the Warsaw Rotary Club in helping to establish Goshen Rotary.  Earl Roose also pointed out the long history of rivalry with the Goshen Kiwanis Club.  That dates back to at least the late 1920s.  Due to the stock market crash and the economic depression, the Kiwanis Club gave up its charter.  About ten Kiwanis members became Rotarians at that time.  Just as current days have seen difficulties with meeting locations and meals, those circumstances can be traced back many years as well.  The Club met in many locations during those first 50 years. 

Sharon Risser reminded the Club members that the recognition of the 100^th anniversary will take place February 8 at the Spohn Building.  Tickets are available for the event at the door and will be available for the next several weeks.  Tickets are $35 apiece.  The event is scheduled to begin at 6:00 to 7:00 p.m. with a social hour and silent auction.  Dinner will be at approximately 7:00 p.m.  The meeting is planned to be called to order at 7:30 p.m.  Gene Stutsman is planning to return from Florida to be the song leader for the evening.  A toast will be given for both the Goshen Rotary Club and Warsaw Rotary Club.  A presentation for the Goshen Rotary Club will take place.  Happy Dollars will be donated with the funds to the eye clinic and eyeglass trip to Costa Rica.  A presentation will also be given for the Warsaw Rotary Club.  International Rotary President Barry Rassin is expected to speak toward the end of the program.  Please be sure to get your tickets and plan for that evening. 

Sharon Risser also announced that Danielle Thompson was nominated to be the President-Elect next year when Jamie Stickel is the President.  Congratulations to Danielle. 

Sharon Risser invited interested Rotarians to inquire as to the ability to find a couple of host families for an international exchange student for the 2019-2020 school year.  If a couple of families are interested, the Goshen Rotary Board indicated it would sponsor an exchange student.  If interested, please let Sharon Risser know.

Laurie Nafziger introduced our program provided by Amy Rosen of Oaklawn.  Amy is a licensed clinician and has been with Oaklawn since 2013.  She is the Vice President of Medical Services Access and spoke about the difficulties encountered when mental health issues occur in the workplace and how to assist coworkers when the situation arises.

Amy reported that a 2018 poll found that 39% of the respondents reported greater anxiety issues.  68% reflected anxiety issues with respect to safety concerns.  Recent years have seen a 25% increase in book sales dealing with self-help on anxiety issues.

Amy identified the following factors as indicative of employee burnout:

When faced with these situations, Amy recommended the following “PEARLS” of wisdom in having an appropriate and informed response to assist:

            In trying to communicate with coworkers facing difficult circumstances and reflecting burnout or mental health issues, Amy highlighted the need to be aware of our own situation and try not to reflect that upon others.  Care needs to be taken with respect to body language and facial expressions to not offer inconsistent responses to what is being said.  Learning to listen in a non-judgmental way and being respectful without sarcasm is also important.  Also to be most effective and helpful, don’t try to tell other people how to feel or to act.  She suggested to de-escalate situations, reflect confidence and calmness in your response.  Offer a gentle and caring attitude without being argumentative or threatening.  Quietness and taking a break to then follow up at a later time can also be effective.  Most important, Amy suggested that one needs to intervene early and to be proactive and preventative rather than letting situations simmer over time to only explode later.  Thank you to Laurie Nafziger and Amy Rosen for the helpful and insightful program on mental health issues in the workplace. 

Quotes for the week: “There are moments when all anxiety and stated toil are becalmed in the infinite leisure and repose of nature.” – Henry David Thoreau

“Nothing in the affairs of men is worthy of great anxiety.” – Plato

“A crust eaten in peace is better than a banquet partaken in anxiety.” – Aesop

 

                                                                                    Until next time.