Rotary Meeting for October 21, 2009: Professor John Michalczyk - Confronting Amnesia: Frozen memories of the Russian Gulag
In attendance for the meeting at the Scituate Country Club were Dietrich Bilger, Janice Brown, Lew Burridge, William Clark, Catherine Pratt, Candace Cramer, Jamie Gilmore, Walter Heller, Michael Johnson, Joe Kelley, Connie Mitchell, Bart Nuboer, Bo Price, Joan Powers, Bob Schipul, Janet Schmitz, Diane Waterfield, Bernie Westerveld, Lois Brandes, and Lambert Brandes. Guests included President-Elect Amy Aaronson of the Bridgewater/Halifax Rotary, former Governor Steve Silverman, Heidermaine Lange, Vinbarr Carr – Yarmouth Rotary, Phil Morris – Yarmouth Rotary, Professor John Michalczyk, Mimi Svenning, Alan Kaspel, and Pat Jacquart – teacher liaison from the Scituate High School.
Candace welcomed everyone to the meeting. Janet led everyone in the Pledge of Allegiance. Bob Schipul said the blessing. Janice read a Thank You Note from Catherine Pratt. Jamie reminded everyone about the Foundation Seminar on Saturday.
The club received notification from Arthur Roberts that he will be resigning from the Scituate Rotary.
Professor Michalczyk presented his movie "Confronting Amnesia: Frozen memories of the Russian Gulag". This is one the movies in the Conflict Resolution Series. This movie chronicles the terror of the Russian work camps that were instituted by Joseph Stalin form 1929 to 1953 The documentary was primarily filmed in Siberia, Moscow, Perm and St. Petersburg. Many survivors, historians, and human rights activists were interviewed. Many of the older generation of Russians still considers Stalin a hero, while the younger people have seriously questioned and honestly confronted this dark past. Professor Michalczyk gave closing remarks along with a question and answer period.
Respectfully submitted,
Janice Brown, Secretary
