Special Rotary Greeter Lars Herreid had a big smile and a firm handshake for those arriving at this past Wednesday’s meeting. The soon-to-be fourth grader was visiting with his grandmother Paulette Renault who just happened to be filling in as presiding meeting chair. Lars was offered a $5.00 tip for his efforts which, in true Rotary Service above Self action, he proceeded to turn in as a donation to the club.
Safety and Survival were the focus of DeKalb Police Sergeant and CASA Board Member Ray Hernandez’s remarks at this week’s meeting. Hernandez spoke about being an alert observer and not ignoring your intuition when you think something may be amiss.
DeKalb Police Sergeant and CASA Board Member Ray Hernandez shared his advice on Safety and Survival with the Sycamore Rotary Club this week. Hernandez said his law enforcement background might lead some people to believe he has special police superpowers by being a trained observer. However, he said the reality is intuition plays a big role in situational awareness and offered tips on how not to talk yourself out of warning signs that may be a natural reaction to some unusual circumstance. Saying, “if it feels off, it probably is,“ Hernandez said that intuition is right in two important ways. It is an automatic response to something out of the ordinary and it always has your best interest at heart.
Hernandez credits his upbringing in a military family for his interest in safety and security as a way to adjust to his family moving frequently. He came to DeKalb in 2003 to attend Northern Illinois University and fully expected to go elsewhere after graduation. However, after meeting his future wife while at college, he ended up staying in the area and joined the DeKalb police department ten years ago. They live in Sycamore and said he values the feeling of safety and security in the community. But he also cautioned not to become complacent.
Hernandez gave several general tips for being alert and aware. These were:
Take a break from being engrossed in your electronic device like your phone, iPad, etc.
Don’t get stalled fumbling for keys or jostling packages when entering your car in public places.
It’s best not to walk alone.
If something looks suspicious or criminal, report it.
Hernandez also recommended two books to help understand the issue of safety and security. They are “Blink” by Malcolm Gladwell and “The Gift of Fear” by Gavin de Becker.
July 28, 1929 – Jacqueline (Jackie) Bouvier Kennedy is born in Southampton, New York. Her popularity soared as first lady with her dedication to historic preservation of the White House. The image of her standing in her blood-stained clothing from the assassination of President Kennedy became a symbol of mourning for the nation’s loss.
July 29, 1905 – Dag Hammarskjold, Swedish public servant, second Secretary General of the United Nations (1953-1961), and posthumous Nobel Peace Prize winner, is born in Jonkoping, Sweden.
July 30, 1863 – Automotive pioneer Henry Ford is born in Dearborn Township, Michigan. His innovative improvements to assembly line production brought the affordable Model T car to the masses.
August 1, 1770 – Explorer William Clark of Lewis and Clark expedition fame is born in Ladysmith, Virginia.
Fellowship: Paulette Renault, Larry Berke, Sue Emberson, Dave Hamilton, Pat Shafer
Foundations:Paul Stromborg, Jim Buck, Sue Emberson, Matt Nelson, Jim Stoddard
Membership: Jonelle Bailey, Ray Dembinski, Brandon Diviak, Bob Hammon, Jeff Jacobson, Steve Kuhn, Phil Meyer, Matt Nelson, Riley Oncken, Jeff Petersen, Bob Wildendradt
New Generations: Chip Houdek, Julie Sgarlata, Becky Springer
Public Image: Bob Brown, Paul Callighan, Jeff Keicher, Joyce Klein, Tasha Sims
Scholarships:Tim Neubert, Don Clayberg, Ray Dembinski, Michele Jurkovic, Steve Kuhn, Julie Sgarlata
Service: Brandon Diviak, Alicia Cosky, Jeff Frank, Michele Jurkovic, Rob Mondi, Tim Neubert, Brendan Wilson
