Rotary Log for May 28, 2026

President Ian opened the meeting with the Pledge of Allegiance and turned it over to
Cathy Nickerson to lead the 4-Way Test. Al Lantinen started us all in “America.” 
Inspirationalist Sara Treacy challenged us to spell words from the National Spelling Bee.
Neil Ouellette and Cathy Nickerson were our proxies for words I didn’t understand and
had too many letters. Cathy won spelling a word I’ll have to accept is an actual word.
Well done.

Guests and visiting Rotarians were introduced. Steve Wood sent a callout for someone
who paid their dues by credit card, but we don’t have a name. So, if you paid your dues
last week by credit card, check with Steve to be sure you get, well, credit.

Ian and Eileen Dugan joined forces to present Paul Harris Awards from the club to two
deserving members. Jamie McCarthy has been a member for only a brief time, but you
have seen him in multiple jobs and projects. He manages the AV stuff effortlessly as
well as sells us our raffle tickets and sets up our space. He has become an integral part
of the club in a brief time, more than willing to step up if needed. He truly merits the
phrase service above self. 

Brandy McKay-Berry was working Christmas tree shifts before she became a member.
She hasn’t slowed down since attaining membership status. Her volunteer work outside
of Rotary was significant enough to earn a Vocational Service Award also before she
was a member. For her efforts, Brandy now has the unenviable job of club secretary,
working hard to improve our website among other responsibilities. She has the energy
of true commitment that we can all emulate. Congratulations, Brandy. Well deserved.

Chris Scales then introduced our speaker, James Nealon. former ambassador to
Honduras. He has spent 33 years in Foreign Service, 28 of them overseas. Mr. Nealon
reminded us about a few things such as the prejudicial treatment of many immigrant
groups like Irish, Italian, and eastern Europeans. He also stated that the last
comprehensive change in immigration law was in 1965.

Our laws and policies differ from other countries. For example, Canada uses a point
system to determine eligibility. Up until 2014 most illegal immigrants came from Mexico
who traveled here for seasonal work and then returned home.

International treaty determined the route for people to apply for asylum. After 2014 more
and more folks claimed asylum from many other countries. Those who had a credible
need for asylum were admitted and scheduled for a judicial hearing. But the system was
already over worked and hearings were scheduled for three or more years out. By 2023
up to 10,000 people a day sought asylum.

The massive influx of asylum seekers prompted a shift in regulations. Access to asylum
was restricted and detention expanded. In the past people thought they could obtain
asylum, but as word got out fewer people attempted. Mr. Nealon said that in Honduras
alone several hundred people per week were returned. Meanwhile, the American
Embassy worked to make Honduras more attractive so potential asylum seekers would
remain.

The program left us with an appreciation for how difficult and complicated this asylum
problem is. A challenge with no easy solutions.

Finally, Ted won the 50/50, which was worth $11 this week. There was no match.

Respectfully submitted, Al Lantinen