We are now approaching an entire month of the changes a virus introduced into our lives. However, we are approaching something more important, Holy Week! We need to keep a perspective on so many things, not being able to attend church services in person, over the next ten days, will certainly be a change in our lives. However, I find comfort in the on-line services of our church. I hope that everyone will encourage their families and friends, to worship however they can, and to pray that we can get this behind us in the next few months.
I see that the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, continues to work towards solving the problems this pandemic has created. I know that polio eradication is still a priority of their Foundation and of Rotary. I reminded a group of friends yesterday on the success we have had in that regard!
As Rotarians, we are needed to continue as people of action. As Marcia and I go for our walks, we see so many examples of people doing good. Kids writing words of encouragement with sidewalk chalk, the signs of Easter in windows and yards, kids sitting in their back yard, talking over the fence to their friends, couples and families walking together, the words of greeting between neighbors we have never seen before, the lists go on. But, what else can we do?
I suggest trying some of the following: Go to Revolution Wraps, just a block South of 27th & Cornhusker, they are giving away yard signs, thanking Front Line Responders. (They run out, but apparently make more each day); drive to a hospital, nursing home, fire station, or police precinct at shift change, encourage and thank these heroes; call people on the phone, talking to others helps us socially, and there are so many people who would love to hear from you; write words of encouragement to others in e-mails; sending candy for Easter might not work, but children would love to have an Easter card, maybe with a small gift or game. Or, do some volunteering. Marcia and I had our first shift of delivering Meals on Wheels today. This was safe, lots of hand sanitizer and food service gloves for you to wear, a compact route to deliver, bag up the food, hand it off, and be maybe the only person these people say hello to all day. A very gratifying and short shift. Finally, consider donations to: The Rotary International Foundation; the Lincoln East Rotary Foundation; polio plus; the Club 14 Foundation for their Covid-19 Task Force efforts; and financially helping those who have had a job loss.
In closing, the words of "we are all in this together” rings so true, if everyone does just one of the above, we remain, people of action.
I was culling my bookshelf anticipating a move one of these days, and came up with the book noted above, by an Otto Bettmann. He is the founder of an archive of the same name that contains photos, news articles and prints of historical events.
Although time does not permit me to go into detail about conditions in the late 18 hundreds
and early 20th century. The air quality, traffic, housing, rural life, housing, work, crime, food and drink, health, education, travel and leisure were by today’s standards miserable.
The was a lack of sanitation and regulations for food processing, medical education, and control of crime.
In 1883, Johns Hopkins under the direction of William Welch and William Osler promoted a more scientific approach to medical care along with improved standards in teaching. However, the Flexner report that looked at the state of medical education came out in 1910, decried the standards of medicare care in existence. After this medical education improved as substandard schools were eliminated. Thus, a new era of medical care followed and we now have the greatest medical care in the world, although we have problems with distributing it to all.
The point of this is that in spite of the current pandemic, we have great science and capacity to treat the sickest of patients and the capacity to develop a vaccine.
We did not have this in 1918 during the influenza pandemic that killed so many. Antibiotics to treat secondary infections had not been discovered at that point and ventilators and intensive care units were not available. These advances save many live nowadays, although not all will survive, even then.
Not only do we have science, but we have safety nets, like Social Security, Medicare, Medicaid, Food Banks, and so many social service organizations. Early, Rotary emphasized business ethics and dialogue between disciplines. However, it has morphed into the wonderful service organization it is today.
In summary, thanks to science and to our safety nets, we are in much better shape today. Let us learn from this experience and do better with future pandemics. Meanwhile, isolate, wash our hands and cover your mouths when coughing or sneezing.
Dennis has asked me to get started on the budget for 2020-2021. If you have not sent your suggestions for service projects for the 2020-21 budget year please do so. This can be a continuation of an existing project, expansion of an existing project, or a new project. Please send your suggestions to me via email at: (sunshine5254824@twc.com) or call me at 702-524-7199.
Assistant Sargent-at-Arms for 2020-2021:
We are looking for someone to "step-up" and volunteer to be an Assistant Sargent-at-Arms for the 2020-21 Rotary Year. If interested please contact Sue Schuerman at (sunshine5254824@twc) or call her at 702-524-7199.
TOGETHERwe see a world where PEOPLE unite and take action to CREATE lasting CHANGE across the globe in the communities and in ourselves
Action Plan
As People of Action, we share a strong sense of purpose.
More than a century ago, we pioneered a new model of service leadership grounded in person-to-person connections. Today, those connections are a network that spans the globe—bridging cultural, linguistic, generational, and geographic barriers—and shares the vision of a better world.
As People of Action, we understand that fulfilling that vision requires a plan.
This is Rotary’s plan for the next five years: to increase our impact, expand our reach, enhance participant engagement, and increase our ability to adapt.
By helping to realize the goals of this plan, you ensure a stronger and even more effective future for Rotary—a tremendous legacy. Our plan is rooted in our tried-and-true values and builds on the remarkable capabilities and spirit of Rotarians.
It is clear-eyed about the challenges that Rotary and the world face. It protects the value of human connection in an age of technology. It lays out a path for bringing great ideas to the forefront of the global imagination of what’s possible.
And our plan will provide us with a continuity of vision from year to year, keeping us moving toward fulfilling our shared purpose.
Here is something about those men who first met during the first year that Rotary existed, and the motives for associating themselves as a "ROTARY" group which may prove interesting. In the words of Paul Harris, "All were friendly and congenial and each represented a recognized and honorable vocation different from that of the others. In some respects they were widely variant. They had been selected without regard to religious, racial, or political differences. The group included members of American, German, Swedish, and Irish ancestry, and representatives of the Protestant, Catholic, and Jewish faiths, all products of the American melting-pot, and in that respect, fitting progenitors of the international order which they were to bring into being."
First "identification badge" used by Rotary Club of Chicago showing early "wagon-wheel" design of emblem, forerunner of the familiar cogwheel.
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ellness Chairman Greg Schnasse has requested information in regard to any illness by club members and/or their family members.
