John Keller told us about his journey to the Mayflower. John told us that his grandfather would tell him stories about his family coming over on the Mayflower which got John interested in digging deep into his family roots.
On Tuesday, 1/12/21, the Lincoln Journal Star printed a copy of a poem by Nebraska state poet, Matt Mason. He apparently wrote it 3 years ago as the political climate made him feel uncomfortable. He filed it away until the events of January 6th at the U.S. Capitol. He reports that it’s about how “seemingly small speeches or actions that are fueled by hatred will lead to aggressive behavior, such as riots.” It resounded with me as Rotary supports respect for others, peace, service, and good will. I hope this year brings more good will for all of us.
District Governor Roxie Orr reminded us of this song this past week, that we used to sing at meetings. Rotary has long promoted World Peace and is one of the areas of focus for Global Grants. Most of us would agree, we want peace, less conflict and division in our country.
Nevertheless, it is easier said than done. It’s hard to believe that the world is actually a better place than ever before as documented by Hans Rosling in his book Factfulness. People are living longer, fewer children are dying, more folks have water, more girls are being educated, etc.
This year has made us recognize that we still have more work to do. In other words, “it ain’t over till it’s over.” We have seen protests that have gotten out of hand and wonder why. Black folks cry that Black Lives matter and some White folks tell us we need to take back our country. Few people support violence and destruction of property, but the Constitution absolutely allows protest and we never want to eliminate freedom of speech.
However, this past week’s protest and riots are especially alarming, because they threatened our democracy. Fortunately, it was terminated before it caused any more death or damage that it did. This leads me to ask why are folks so upset and what does it take to bring peace and harmony. It is not enough to wish for peace. It surely takes hard work.
I believe we need to understand the roots of discontent. First of all, when people of different groups are competing for the same resources, major conflict results. In addition, minority groups often feel looked down upon and not given a fair shake. The protestors in Washington, last week on TV complained that their views were not being heard. Politicians have ignored them and that is why they are so up in arms. African-Americans in person and on social media have related that a dialogue is needed in order for us to understand their plight.
It is my opinion; we need to listen to the cries of all groups that are hurting. A dialogue is needed. How we do this is the hard part. Rotary could be a forum for such discussion. We purposely avoid political discussions, but listening to different points of view is within our purview. Next year’s District Governor mission is to make Rotary open to all groups regardless of culture, religion, ethic group or sexual orientation. This is a start. What do you think?
The Lincoln East Rotary Club board decided that we would set a goal of $500 toward the District’s virtual food drive. This is the first multi-district project with neighboring District 5630 in Western, NE. This partnership is intended to help all the people in Nebraska and Western Iowa who are experiencing food insecurity.
If you would like to donate you can go to the District 5650 website and click on Rotary Multi- District Virtual Food Drive following the online information. Where is says “OTHER” click on it and type in our club’s name. If you wish to you can also send a check to Dick Cumming for the Virtual Food Drive at 2312 S. 75th Street, Lincoln, NE 68506. Please indicate on your check that it is for the Multi-District Virtual Food Drive. Donations should be in by January 31, 2021.
Lincoln East Rotary Club gives out four scholarships each school year to Seniors who are graduating. If you know of anyone who might qualify, please give them the information listed below.
The following Rotarians contributed to our Polio Plus efforts: Dick Cumming, Al Burdick, Jerry Christensen, Minnie Stephens, Darrel Huenergardt, Ozzie Gilbertson, Duane Tappe, Tom Carson, Chuck Erickson, John Duling, Barry Stelk, Dean Douglas, Gordon Bair, Andrea Ahrens, Dennis Schimdt, Paul Horton and Wayne Casper.
Since we are going virtual during the month of December, you can send your Polio Plus dollars in a check made out to Lincoln East Rotary and send it to our Treasurer, Dick Cumming, 2312 S. 75th Street, Lincoln, NE 68506.
Please keep the following Rotarians in your Prayers and Thoughts:
Mike Carr
Gene Frederick - Gene is still with his daughter.
Even with the vaccine we continue to keep all of our teachers, school officials, and students, EMT's and first responders, hospital doctors and nurses, supermarket clerks, restaurant workers laid off or furloughed and waiting for unemployment, all those who are currently unemployed, human service organizations who still are open to serve those poor/homeless/hungry, funeral home workers, churches, airline employees, hotel employees, gas station and convenience store workers.
If you know of any of our members you would like for us to mention who are ill or need a prayer, please let Greg know and we will put it in the SPOKE.
Club Information
Welcome to our Club
Service Above Self
Wednesdays at 11:45 AM
Currently doing meetings by ZOOM
Zoom.com
Lincoln, NE 68506 United States of America
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ellness Chairman Greg Schnasse has requested information in regard to any illness by club members and/or their family members.
