ROTARY NEWSLETTER MAY 6, 2009
A delightful change of venue, our Club Night took place at WheelerParkCommunity Center, with Walter Heller hosting. President Bob greeted members and guest Heidi Lange. Candace led our members in the Pledge of Allegiance and Ben invoked God's grace upon us.
With us tonight also: Dietrich, William, Lew, Janice, Mike, Joe, Karen, Connie, Bart, Arthur, Sandi, Janet, Lisa and Diane. We miss Suzanne who is just retiring her arm sling and Joan who is giving up her heavy metal leg brace and Bernie who is in the Netherlands. We know others are away on business or otherwise engaged but miss their input and fellowship!
Dietrich honored guest Heidi Lange with a Certificate of Thanks for donating an archival file to our club. Her late husband, Peter Lange was a member of the Rotary Club of Apapa, Nigeria and this file contains club information during his membership in Apapa in 1975. When stateside, Peter was invited by the Marshfield Club to share his experiences.
And since the Marshfield Rotary Club folded into ours with the last transferring member, Walter Heller, we are happy to receive this file. Thank you, Heidi, we are glad to make you a "Friend of Rotary" and hope that you visit us often.
Before enjoying dinner, Pres. Bob outlined his Kenya Desk proposal which has evolved dramatically form very auspicious directives. It began in 2005 with Bob's trip to Kenya and our fellowship with Dan Schmelzer, a U.S. citizen, and member of the Rotary Club of Kisumu. When Dan visited the States in 2006-9, he spoke at many of our sister Rotary Clubs and also visited schools in Scituate to share his experiences in Eastern Africa.
Hence, we are currently working with Candace and the SouthShoreArtCenter to develop a program to immerse the students, beginning at the fifth grade level to the culture, geography and needs of the Kenyan community.
Also as a tremendous offshoot of our vision, with the help of Dietrich and Michael, we have been propelled into having our club-sponsored Peace and Conflict film from John Michalczyk featured at the Rotary International Convention in Birmingham, in June. In conjunction, the Rotary Clubs of Kenya are considering the utilization of these films to begin a Peace Initiative process coordinated with Dan Schmelzer and Father Ignatius Ikunza. That program is planned to be used in a teaching setting in Kenya at a possible PeaceCenter. What amazing work our little club is doing, we are all proud to be a part of this effort to make a difference in our world!!!! Thank you , all members, for your forward-thinking visions and determination.
Walter and crew prepared a stupendous meal- pork roast, home made apple sauce, almond green beans while the members supplied wine, hors d'oeuvres and desserts!! Our hats off to Walter!!!!
Don't forget to return to the Country Club next week to hear Pres. Bob's presentation on the Russia Village- Churaevka-in Connecticut!
Then on Wed. May 20, we all meet at Lantana's in Randolph at 6pm for President's Night- South Shore Council of Club.
Wed. May 27, we meet at 5:00pm at SCC for a Visioning Session led by Terri Fitch. DON'T MISS OUT- IT WILL BE AN ENERGY PACKED NIGHT.
