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Vocational service can be hard to define, but it is easy to describe: It is simply the point where our Rotary lives and our professional lives intersect. When we put our Rotary ideals to work through our work, that is vocational service.
When I returned to the Bahamas after many years working in health care administration abroad, I realized that my country badly needed a modern health care facility. The resources we had at the time were out of date and inadequate, and people who were unable to travel abroad for care often did not receive the care they needed. Without the experience I had gained in the United States, I could have done nothing to change the status quo. But since I did have that experience, I was in a unique position to have an impact. I knew I could turn my professional path to good and make a career out of improving Bahamian health care.
As Rotary became part of my journey, I discovered that the words of Paul Harris that became the basis of Rotary — that shared effort knows no limitations — were also true for my vocation. I could not bring modern health care to the Bahamas alone. But through partnership, both with the doctors who eventually became my partners in Doctors Hospital and with all the dedicated staff members who worked in the hospital over the years, we could change everything. My goal became a shared goal — and then it became reality.
Rotary emphasizes the dignity of every vocation and the worth of every calling. Remember that the four founding members included no doctors or peacemakers — just an attorney, a mining engineer, a coal dealer, and a printer. From the beginning, the diversity of those vocations gave Rotary a special strength. And that diversity is reflected in our classification system, which aims to ensure that each club represents the full range of businesses and professions that serve each community.
Paul Harris put it this way: "Each Rotarian is the connecting link between the idealism of Rotary and his trade or profession." It was true when he said it and should be equally true now. We only spend an hour or two a week at our Rotary meetings, but most of us spend most of our waking time at work. Through Rotary, those hours are also an opportunity for service: a chance to Be the Inspiration to those we work with, those who work for us, and the communities we serve.
David Metta and Piper Nelson, students at South Central College, attend the Rotary District 5960 mid-term meeting along with other Faribault Rotarians. Metta and Nelson recently started a Rotaract Club for young adults to serve the community. (Photo courtesy of Richard Huston)
George Wickstrom attended the Faribault Rotary Club’s monthly meeting Nov. 14, not knowing he’d walk away with Rotarian of the Year honors.
“I didn’t realize it was going to happen,” said Wickstrom. “I didn’t think it would ever happen.”
Fellow Rotarians nominated Wickstrom for the award, then the past five Rotarians of the Year and Faribault Rotary President Keith Kramer selected Wickstrom as the winner among other nominees.
In his acceptance speech, Wickstrom read two poems he can recite by memory — “The Man in the Glass” by Peter Dale Wimbrow Sr. and “The Touch of the Master’s Hand” by Myra Brooks Welch.
Five of Wickstrom’s adult children, one daughter-in-law, and several friends surprised Wickstrom with their presence at the meeting.
Wickstrom became a Faribault Rotarian July 19, 1974. At the time, he didn’t know much about the club. But in his 44 years of membership, Wickstrom has come to consider Rotary “an outstanding organization.”
Through Rotary, Wickstrom reads to fourth-graders at Jefferson Elementary through the Rotary Readers program. He also helps with Meals on Wheels and helps tidy Cedar Lake for the Rotary Camp held there. When Rotary exchange students come to town, he enjoys taking them to different places. During Rotary meetings, he collects hospitality and often delivers speeches on topics of interest. Wickstrom is particularly passionate about improving the economy and protecting the environment.
In addition to being an active Rotarian, Wickstrom serves on the HOPE Center Board, exercises daily, reads, and volunteers at the Salvation Army.
“I like to be busy, said Wickstrom, 88. “I don’t like to waste time.”
Wickstrom also devotes much of his time to The Virtues Project-Faribault. When he worked in a financial practice with Cindy Diessner, who he calls the nucleus of the project, Wickstrom latched on to the program that recognizes the best in others. He carries with him a pack of Virtues Reflection Cards and retrieves two in particular that relate to his life code — unity and detachment.
“Without unity, nothing gets done,” said Wickstrom.
According to a description on the Virtues Reflection card, through unity “we see our commonality without evaluating our differences.” Detachment, he reads, is “experiencing our feelings without allowing them to control us.”
“In this society, we’ve got to find ways to get along with people,” said Wickstrom.
If there’s one thing Wickstrom has learned, it’s that asking questions creates more unity than making statements. Where statements present opportunities to disagree, he said, “you can’t argue with a question.”
Faribault Rotarian Dick Houston, who’s known Wickstrom for at least three decades, describes his friend as extremely bright and quick-witted.
“He’s got a memory for history that’s incredible,” said Houston. “He knows it all by heart.”
Whether it’s American history or his own family history, when Wickstrom remembers stories if the message sticks with him. In particular, he recalls the profound impact a teacher made on his aunt, who in turn inspired her students when she became a teacher herself.
“You never know what’s going to happen as a result of being kind to someone,” said Wickstrom.
Reporter Misty Schwab can be reached at 507-744-2551. Follow her on Twitter @APGmisty.
©Copyright 2018 APG Media of Southern Minnesota. All rights reserved.
Positive experiences with Rotary clubs have inspired three South Central College students to start their own campus subgroup — a Rotaract.
The program invites individuals between 18 and 30 to develop ways to solve pressing local and global issues. In so doing, members cultivate leadership skills and foster relationships both within and outside the club.
Faribault Rotarian Kenneth Johnson looked for a liaison to start a Rotaract at South Central College when SCC student Piper Nelson stepped up. Johnson visited with Nicole Hamilton, SCC assistant coordinator, and the club fell into place from there.
Nelson studied abroad in Germany through Rotary Youth Exchange— another rotary subgroup. Her ears perked when she heard the word “rotaract,” associating it with the program that made a strong impression on her.
“Before, I had no idea what Rotary was,” said Nelson. “But I talked to someone who had gone [to Germany] the year before and learned more about [Rotary Exchange]. It’s helped me grow as a person.”
Nelson spread the word about Rotaract to SCC students David Mesta and Cammi Nordmeyer, who both expressed interest in joining the club. Mesta serves as treasurer of the group while Nordmeyer is a cabinet member.
Mesta is already a member of STRIVE (Students Taking Renewed Interest in the Value of Education), another Rotary subgroup, and listened to speakers from the Faribault Rotary as part of that program.
When Nordmeyer was in high school, Rotary sponsored a concert and gave scholarships to students. She also attended a camp through Rotary. Recognizing the club’s strong community involvement, Nordmeyer said she likes the idea of Rotaract having “youth cater to youth.”
The Faribault Rotary sponsors and advises the local Rotaract, an otherwise independent group. Rotaract clubs dictate their own projects, manage their own funds, and find their own ways to tackle pressing issues in their communities and the greater world. Compared to Rotary clubs, Johnson said Rotaracts “plan less and implement more” and “work on what they want to without the red tape.”
“They have their finger on the pulse of things we’re oblivious to,” said Johnson of the young adult age group. “We [Rotarians] always have a renewed commitment after meeting with students.”
Hamilton said Rotaract already fulfills the SCC’s requirement for all student organizations to conduct community service projects at least once per year. Once the Rotaract officially starts meeting, Hamilton’s duties include making sure students do everything necessary for funding and handle activities fees properly.
As the next steps in the process, Rotaract members will develop a constitution, recruit more members and reach out to the community to gather ideas for potential service projects.
Nelson said a handful of students already plan to join Rotaract, and she plans to get the word out further by word of mouth and on social media.
SCC student organizations typically hold meetings twice a month, and Rotaract is likely to follow the same trend. Young professionals in the community are welcome to attend these meetings on the SCC campus, but only SCC students can vote and make decisions. If young professionals in the community outside SCC want to form their own Rotaract club, Johnson advises those interested to call Dick Huston at 507-384-2482.
The following news story from reporter Misty Schwab appeared in the Faribault Daily News today and is reprinted here with permission. ![]() Faribault High School performing arts students started their academic year preparing for the 53th annual Rotary Scholarship Concert — an event that supports their music endeavors while entertaining an audience. This year’s Rotary Scholarship Concert is 7 p.m. Saturday in Nomeland Gym. The funds received for ticket sales go into the Rotary Youth Services Program, which is a large pool of money the Faribault Rotary Club donates to youth service clubs they sponsor. The funds benefit children in elementary school as well as students entering college, whether the activity is related to music, athletics, art or general scholarships. The Faribault Rotary Club began awarding scholarships to performing art students at FHS over 50 years ago. Last spring, the Faribault Rotary Club gave six $200 scholarships and one $400 scholarship to selected students. “The directors at the high school decide who the recipients are,” said Jonah Heinen, FHS choir director. “They pay for private lessons, attend summer camps, and also pay for new and personal instruments. The main objective is to contribute to their art-making. We’ve given [scholarships] to students in our programs who might need a little financial assistance to get started on lessons, and we’ve also given them to younger students like sophomores and juniors as they grow.” Music directors must approve of the way their students intend to use their scholarship money before a Rotarian writes the check. Choir students Samuel Temple and Naya Anter received the scholarship in last spring, as did band students Hunter Williamette and Abby Stroup. Madison Klecker and Crystal Martinez, violinists in the FHS Philharmonic Orchestra, also received scholarships. Ishmael Macias, the one Faribault High School representative at the All-State Choir Camp this year, earned the only $400 scholarship for his involvement in more than one music elective. “I already used [my scholarship],” said Williamette, holding up a new trumpet. Williamette, a junior, said band has connected him with other people. Whether he’s playing in the high school band or the community band, he values the social aspect of music. Stroup, who plays the clarinet in the FHS wind ensemble as well as the community band, used her scholarship to pay for private lessons. “Band is my favorite class, and Timmer is my favorite teacher,” said Stroup, a senior. “I want to teach in general and hopefully continue with music after high school.” Joe Timmer, FHS band director, began preparing the wind ensemble in September for the concert. All three pieces are dances of European origin –“Consuelo Ciscar,” “Albanian Dance,” and “Courtly Airs and Dances.” Michael Sloane, who began directing the FHS Philharmonic Orchestra this fall, also follows the dance theme with a Mozart opera called “Lucio Silla” and a Halloween selection titled “Waltz of the Wicked.” While none of the scholarship students perform as individuals during the Rotary Scholarship Concert, whatever skills they’ve acquired with their award money is expected to benefit their performance in a group. “Anytime you can improve one way or another how you perform and then bring that back to the group you are a part of, it has to be a positive,” said Faribault Rotarian Donn Johnson. “That’s what we’re trying to provide with these scholarships.” Reporter Misty Schwab can be reached at 507-744-2551. Follow her on Twitter @APGmisty. ©Copyright 2018 APG Media of Southern Minnesota. All rights reserved. |
When Rotary International‘s incoming president challenged each of its members worldwide to plant a tree this year, Faribault’s Rotaryfound some eager helpers to achieve the goal.
On Monday, longtime Faribault Rotary Club member Dick Huston rallied Jefferson Elementary School’s third-graders, getting them to help him plant 93 trees, one for every third-grader in the school.
“Environmental degradation and global climate change are serious threats to everyone, said Rotary International President Ian H.S. Riseley. “They are having a disproportionate impact on those who are most vulnerable, those to whom Rotary has the greatest responsibility. Yet environmental issues rarely register on the Rotary agenda,” he said.
“It is my hope that the result of that effort will be far greater than the environmental benefit that those 1.2 million new trees will bring,” Riseley said. “I believe the greater result will be a Rotary that recognizes our responsibility not only to the people on our planet, but to the planet itself.”
Besides helping achieve the Rotary Club’s goal, Huston saw the tree planting as an educational opportunity for the students to learn more about the environment. Huston said his three pillars are “education, conservation and collaboration,” all of which were accounted for in the tree-planting exercise.
Families of some third-graders agreed to take trees home and plant them there, others opted to have their trees planted at the school. The rest of the trees will be taken to Huston’s farm, where they will be planted during a special field trip for third-graders later this school year.
“I’m really excited,” said Huston before presenting to the students Monday morning. “The kids are so enthusiastic and ready to go.”
Huston and Rice County Sheriff and Rotary Club President Troy Dunn represented the Rotary Monday, but Faribault teachers led the educational portion. In a slideshow presentation, teachers asked students “What are trees good for anyway?” showing them information from the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources website.
The students also learned about northern red oak, quaking aspen, red maple and honey locust trees, the four types that will be planted by the students this year.
“It’s so great to have the school district and the Rotary come together,” said Huston of the event. “In a nutshell, it’s just fun.”
Watching them grow
Dunn, a Jefferson Elementary alumnus, proudly talked to the kids about his own tree-planting experience.
“When I was in fourth grade, I planted six trees at my house and now they’re taller than the school,” he said, describing to the kids how their efforts Monday will pay off years down the road.
“Hopefully, next year, you can plant even more and you can watch the trees grow every year,” Dunn added.
With trees donated by the Rice County Soil and Water Conservation District, fertilizer from the Faribault Garden Club and tree stakes donated by Faribo Farm and Home, the effort is truly a local one that the students will benefit from for years.
What Huston hopes is that those students will see their efforts come to fruition when they graduate.
After each tree is planted, the students will tag their tree to take ownership of it, said Huston.
“Hopefully, they can take some graduation pictures with them when they are done,” Huston said.
Reach Reporter Gunnar Olson at 507-333-3128 or follow him on Twitter @fdnGunnar.
©Copyright 2018 APG Media of Southern Minnesota. All rights reserved.
They look like birdhouses, or maybe mailboxes, but the blue and yellow structures scattered throughout town are actually little libraries the Faribault Rotary Club installed over a year ago. The 2016 international outreach project has served the local community and promoted literacy ever since.
“Literacy was one of the big efforts of our president (Richard Huston) a couple years ago,” said Dick Cook, chair of Faribault Rotary’s International Services Committee. “We took [the little libraries] on because of the demographic in Faribault and the diversity at the schools.”
I’m really big on education, and I think that if you learn to read you can accomplish anything,” said Huston.
Cook and Huston both built the little libraries, which they distributed throughout the community in 2016. Cook said eight or nine of them are now installed outside schools, churches, businesses and private residences throughout Faribault. However, Cook said not all little libraries in town are part of the Faribault Rotary program; some homeowners set them up before the Rotary Club adopted the project.
Seeing little libraries set up in the Twin Cities inspired Huston’s idea to adopt the program in Faribault as the Rotary International’s outreach program in 2016.
“I went to the Twin Cities and photographed eight to 10 I saw there, and they weren’t all the same, so I created my own ideas and dimensions based on what I saw,” said Houston.
Little libraries painted yellow and blue signify their connection with the Rotary, but Huston said he’s painted flowers and other decorations on the house-like boxes. Maggie Chen, an exchange student from Taiwan who Huston and his wife hosted at the time of the project’s conception, painted the one outside Our Savior’s Lutheran Church.
The installation of the little library outside Our Savior’s Church kicked off the Faribault Rotary’s project in July 2016. Cook said that installation inspired a couple requests from Faribault residents to monitor little libraries on their own properties. The Rotary approved those requests after evaluating the suggested locations.
Any resident with a little library installed on his or her property is responsible for monitoring and maintaining the library, and volunteers monitor little libraries outside churches, schools and businesses. However, Cook said patrons generally follow the concept of taking a book and leaving another without much guidance.
Huston monitors the little library at Our Savior’s Church, where he attends services. He tends to add children’s books to the selection while others give away books for adults. If possible, he tries to collect books pertaining to the season. On the rare occasion when the little library needs more books, he informs the congregation of the need.
“There’s a pretty good turnover,” said Huston. “People are not only taking books, but putting books in there. I see quite a bit of variety.”
Jefferson and Lincoln Elementary Schools have taken on little libraries. Cook and Huston both noted ones located outside Congregational Church, kitty-corner from the former Divine Mercy Church building, and at the State Avenue home of Lincoln Elementary librarian Judy Carver.
“If people want them, I would certainly make sure we got it done,” said Huston. “I would build it or someone else would build it.”
After a couple years in the works, Huston said the little libraries still attract patrons and maintain circulation.
“It’s pretty interesting and gratifying to see people are using them to the extent they are,” said Huston.
Reporter Misty Schwab can be reached at 507-744-2551. Follow her on Twitter @APGmisty.
©Copyright 2017 APG Media of Southern Minnesota. All rights reserved.
In order to place eight Buddy Benches at Faribault’s seven elementary schools, the Faribault Rotary worked to raise $10,000. But now that the benches are in place, the real work of educating teachers and students has begun.
The eight benches were installed across the Faribault area from Lincoln Elementary to Nerstrand Elementary in October in an effort to encourage inclusiveness among area kids. Two benches were installed at Jefferson Elementary, which has two playgrounds.
The idea of a Buddy Bench is to provide kids a visible place to sit at their playground if they are feeling alone, sad or left out while other students are at play. The goal of the bench is to attract those kids to the bench and to who’s sitting there so they can include that child.
While the aim of the bench seems simple, the Rotary members who embarked on the mission to put Buddy Benches at each school are working to make sure the benches aren’t just benches.
“Number one, it’s not just a bench,” said Jake Cook, the former Rotary president who made Buddy Benches his presidential project. “It’s to help students engage other students that aren’t feeling involved that day or are having a bad day.”
While he has not seen the benches in action yet, Cook said his children, who attend Nerstrand Elementary, have seen it work, and included kids who are sitting on the bench and taken a seat there themselves during a bad day.
“It’s great to see the finished project and hear stories from teachers and staff and my own children who have used them,” Cook said. “From my understanding, the benches are doing what I’d hoped they’d accomplish.”
The work continues
Last year, when the Buddy Bench project was being concocted, Cook teamed up with Kelly Velander, another Rotary member, who he credits with actually bringing the idea to Faribault after seeing a news report about them working in other communities.
Each year, the Rotary Club president devotes their term to a project like a downtown mural or the Security State Bank clock restoration. Last year, Cook took on Buddy Benches, raising the $10,000 and working with each of the elementary schools to implement them.
Up until the benches were unveiled in October, Cook and Velander took their efforts inside each of the seven schools, working with educators and the students themselves to maximize the effect of the benches on playgrounds.
“We actually had a meeting with staff members from each of the schools,” Cook said. “We wanted to maintain continuity among staff members, so we provided them with PowerPoints and materials developed by Kelly Velander.”
After those meetings, which took place in the first few weeks of the school year, Cook and Velander then asked the teachers to find time to talk with their students about how the Buddy Bench works.
After the conversations took place, Velander said the education appears “seamless,” among the faculty, staff and students across Faribault.
“Staff are saying that students are out there using it and students are dropping everything to go help students on the bench,” Velander said.
One of the educators who participated in the training was Jim Huberty, a behavior interventionist at Jefferson Elementary School. Huberty has noticed students using the benches at Jefferson and appreciated the training he received, pointing specifically to a video emphasizing the importance of using the bench to build longterm relationships.
Most important to Huberty, however, is the impact the benches could have within the walls of Jefferson Elementary.
“The need to fit in and that need to have social interaction is huge and I’m sure that it does transfer over into the academics,” he said. “If a kid is emotionally ready to be with a group of people, they are more ready to learn.”
In the training, teachers and students are taught that the bench should not be a place to sit and socialize, but rather, to promote socialization on the playground. Also, Cook emphasized that a student seated on the bench should play with the first person that offers, and not pick and choose the friends that ask them to play.
“I am proud that we have this in Faribault and I think we have had great support from the community on getting it going,” she said. “Being accepted by peers is a huge issue for students, so I’m hoping that this creates an empathetic group of people growing up in Faribault.”
Reach Reporter Gunnar Olson at 507-333-3128 or follow him on Twitter @fdnGunnar.
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