Last weeks program was provided by Rotarian Alan Kicklighter. Alan’s guest speaker was Kristen Hitchcock, Executive Director of First Baptist Children’s Homes. The mission of First Baptist Children’s Homes is to “change the lives of children and families through Christ-centered services. Florida Baptist Children’s Homes does a lot more than just give children a place to live. They make sure they are treated like part of a loving family! They receive quality medical care, nourishing food, proper clothes and an education.
They are given counseling, lots of love and attention and try to give them a childhood that’s as normal as possible under difficult circumstances. But the most important thing we give them is hope – because we teach them about the love of Jesus! Florida Baptist Children’s Homes has six campuses across the state of Florida where they provide residential care to children. They meet immediate needs and provide eternal hope to children through amazing HOUSE PARENTS. Children arrive on the campuses in the midst of trauma and in need of a safe, loving support system to help them find their way. They provide continued support and comfortable accommodations for house parents around the state to help them focus on being able to meet the distinct needs of each child in their care. They look for devoted, patient people who will be there for the children when they need someone to talk to, a shoulder to cry on, a hand to grasp, a word of encouragement, a healing smile and hope for the future. Campuses serve school-age boys and girls in family-style homes, referred to as “cottages”. Typically, there are bedrooms for one, two or three children, a family room, living room, kitchen and laundry room. Each residence accommodates up to eight children at a time, and each is staffed with house parents. They also provide; residential care, emergency shelter care, pregnancy care center, one more child foster care, single moms, anti-trafficking and family support services to mention just a few of the programs available. Through the “single mom’s” program the goal is to bring hope to brave mams and their children. This program helps single moms, age 18 and older work to set goals with the guidance of dedicated and supportive staff. The stay usually lasts from 9-12 months. It is a path to self-sufficiency. The One More Child is an amazing program that can always use volunteer and financial help. If you can help please contact Kristin at onemorechild.org. - provided by Mike Arndt
Club News
Rotary Community Appreciation Day
The date has been set for this year's Community Appreciation Day. It will be held Sat. August 4th from 10:00 am to 1:00 Pm. Plan now to help out with this great event. Sign up sheets will be available at the meeting Monday.
The annual meeting of members of Plant City Rotary Foundation, Inc. will be held at our regular meeting on July 23. All members of the club are also members of the foundation. Please plan on attending this meeting.
Kayla Drawdy is the new Program Chair! Please notify Kayla of you upcoming speakers at 763-1821 or kayla@htitle.com
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From Our Members
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Christine Miller – 6 years Fred Lawrence – 10 years
Bill Wilmeth – 10 years
Randy Larson – 13 years
The Minutarian
from DG Nick Hall
Look Around and Reflect
Carl Hanssen had been plying the seas since leaving Norway at the age of 17, first as a deckhand and eventually as captain of a freighter. He learned his trade working his way up the chain of command. Fifty years later, he outperformed all the other younger captains. Carl had a flawless safety record, was highly regarded by his crew, and always arrived at his destinations on or ahead of schedule.
One day, he was summoned to the shipping line’s
headquarters to describe his method, so the other captains might benefit from his knowledge. Alas, it was of little practical value. He explained how each morning, “I take a mug of coffee on deck where I feel the force and direction of the wind, study the height and pattern of the clouds, and observe the waves and rhythm of the sea. I reflect upon all these things, and when
my coffee is finished, I plot a course for that day.”
Following a change in management, it was decided all captains, including Carl, should learn to use state of the art software capable of plotting an optimal course by rapidly processing a very large amount of data. There was concern Carl would resist since he was set in his ways and thought unlikely to change. What a surprise when he enthusiastically immersed himself in the
training and embraced the state of the art tool at his disposal. Yet despite all the captains using the same process, Carl continued to out-perform them.
Once again, he was summoned to headquarters where he was accused of not using the new software. “Oh, but I do!”, he protested. “It’s an amazing tool. Indeed, the first thing I do each morning is enter data into the
computer and study the recommended course….…….but then, I take a mug of coffee on deck where I feel the force and direction of the wind, study the height and pattern of the clouds, and observe the waves and rhythm of the sea. I reflect upon all these things, and when my coffee is finished, I plot a course for that day.”
We need to make every effort to diversify, which for many Rotary clubs means recruiting younger members. But let’s not discount the experience and wisdom of previous generations. Barry Rassin has asked us to experiment so our clubs become more appealing to young professionals. However, he is not suggesting we do so in a manner that discounts the elders. After all, they and their traditions are the reason Rotary is the impactful and highly respected global institution it has become. At the same time, we need to be mindful of those traditions which may deter those who see them as relics of a bygone era.
As is true at both the individual and organizational level, success requires the willingness to adapt when appropriate, but the wisdom to stay the course when it’s not. When in doubt pour a cup of coffee, look around, and reflect.
