My father used to emphasize the concept of defining moments. In a person’s stream-of-life, the vast majority of his time is quietly paddling the smooth straightaways and gentle curves. Few and far between are the harsh rapids, violent thunderstorms, fellow travelers stranded midstream or foundering in a whirlpool. It is how we handle ourselves during those sudden, challenging – perhaps even dangerous – episodes that occur during a fraction of a percent of the trip, that defines us. I believe that for us, this is one of those defining moments.
Today, a number of us took dinner – mostly canned goods – to the shelter we helped open on Sentry Drive. By choosing packaged goods, we minimized the risk to the recipients, and by leaving them on the front porch for them to pick up as soon as we left, we minimized the risk to ourselves. But regardless, we fulfilled a commitment to compassion. We did what Rotarians do – we stepped into the breach with our resources and ourselves, to address a problem and fill a need.
I point this out not out of self-congratulation, but as a highlight that in these times, need is heightened, resources are stretched, and risk is amplified. It is these times more than any other, that we Rotarians, as people of action to whom life has been generally pretty good, should stand up and be counted. And counted on. It is easy to give generously in times of plenty and safety – the real litmus test is times like now.
We have many opportunities, some for those who want to do, and some for those who want to give. It doesn’t matter if you help at, or donate to, the Waukesha Food Pantry or ERAs or Salvation Army, or some other organization, or individuals in need. As the phrase says, “Just Do It.”
The Waukesha Food Pantry posts this with a call for donations and voluteers, and points out that Scouting For Food has been cancelled.
Eras Senior Network needs resources, cash and volunteers more than ever, with seniors forced to self-isolate.
If you are in a high-risk demographic, as many of us are, please do not exacerbate that risk with in-person volunteering. All of the organizations above need resources as well as people.
Our club may be organizing efforts such as the meal train, but in this particular emergency, efforts are necessarily more solitary, and therefore the teamwork and the social element of the work is less compelling. So, do what you can, where you can, and if you have more ideas, sing out.
Oh – and if you think of it, wear your Rotary shirt when you go. Send selfies to mail@waukesharotary.org!
If we are all informed, reasonable and careful, we’ll make it through this stronger and more vibrant – as individuals and as a club.
Stay safe, my friends, but remember what it is to be a Rotarian.
Pete Bosch
Waukesha Rotary Club
President 2019-20
Service Opportunities
Karen Tredwell provided us with these specific opportunities to serve at the Waukesha Food Pantry. Please note that the Rotaract Club at Carroll University has this Saturday covered. If you can help please contact Jess Olp, Volunteer Coordinator for the Food Pantry. If you have other questions, feel free to contact her and leave a message at 262-522-2373.
The Food Pantry is in need of help from volunteers starting Saturday, March 21st thru Saturday, March 28. They are providing prepacked food for families depending on size and then letting them chose meat, milk, and possibly some perishable items as their only choices for each family. The clients remain in their cars and provides a staff member with their identification card and their choices; the card is brought in, the client is registered; their choices are added to a cart with their prepacked box of food; the cart is wheeled out to the car and loaded into their vehicle by the client. The Pantry has gloves available if there is any possible interaction with a client. (I even use them on the computer because of handling their identification info.) Safety of volunteers, staff and clients is top of mind during this unusual time.
A generic job description is they need people to package up the boxes of food, varying by family size. Maximum weight lifting requirements would be 20 pounds. This effort would start prior to the pantry opening and continue through normal pantry hours. After opening you might be asked to add client selections to their cart to complete their order. Here is the need per day for the next week:
Sat, 3/21 - 5 people, 8:30 to noon
Mon, 3/23 as many as possible to get the week started, 11:30 - 3:30 (Not all may have to stay the entire time.)
Tues, 3/24 - Friday, 3/27 - 3 to 4 people 11:30 - 3:30
Change of Guard Dinner will be held on Tuesday, June 23rd. Details are being worked out, but for now, please, please save the date on your calendar :)
Board of Directors Meeting:
Tuesday, April 14th,2020, We will be meeting via conference call. If you are not a board member, you are still welcome to join us. Please email Colleen for the call in number.
On To BluesFest 2020:
Hard to believe, but BluesFest #14 will be here in the blink of an eye. Mark your calendars for the weekend of August 7-8. We'll need all hands on deck to put on everyone's favorite blues festival. (Please try not to schedule vacations that weekend.) Also, we need everyone's help finding sponsors this year. Please ask! Too shy? (unlikely!!) Kip has people on standby who will assist with the "ask." More information to follow - for now, please please mark your calendar.
Thought For the Day:
The best way to find yourself is to lose yourself in the service of others. ~ Ghandi
Now Accepting Articles: If you are the chair of a committee or event for our club and need an announcement or promotion to go out to the rest of our club, please send your article to Colleen at: mail@waukesharotary.org
Multi-District Conference 2020
Celebrate Rotary in Districts 6220 & 6270
Oshkosh, WI - MAY 1 & 2, 2020
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