From Rotarian Jon Smale's post to our club's Facebook site:
Colleen Watson was able to share information on some of the many religions throughout the world and some of the art that that coincides with them. There are over 10,000 active religions in the world. Some of the ones Colleen talked about were Druidism, Hinduism and Animism. The Druids believed their gods lived in the trees. One tradition was to wassailing around feeding the trees. One of the Hindu traditions done during Diwali is the celebration of victory of over dark. Homes are thoroughly cleaned and decorated with lights and colorful rangoli designs on the floors. Feasting and the exchange of sweets are also included. Animism is the belief that all living and non-living things, including animals, plants, objects, and natural phenomena, possess a spiritual essence or soul. This is how we have totem poles to represent the family tree. Colleen's animal spirit is the tortoise. Pictured with Colleen (right) is President Jennifer.
I know that all of you have seen images of the destruction and read stories about the tragic loss of life in Kerr County, Texas. Kerr County and Kerrville are in Rotary District 5850. I have been in constant contact with their District Governor, Craig Hardy. This event has impacted countless lives. It has also impacted our Rotary family. Kerrville is home to two Rotary clubs. Even with some members suffering loss, they are working hard to assess needs and see where Rotary can have an impact. In addition to the loss of life, over 800 homes have been destroyed or damaged. Tragedy has hit our larger Rotary family. This morning I heard that the president-elect of the Rotary Club of East Montgomery County in District 5910 (east Texas) was vacationing along the river. His body was recovered, his daughter rescued, but his wife and sons are still missing. People have immediate needs to be met. To help meet those needs, District 5840 has activated its 501(c)(3) foundation to begin collecting tax-deductible donations to assist with disaster relief and long-term recovery. For ways to donate contact Dave Hanson.
Please keep these people in your thoughts and prayers.
Prez Val Namen and David Miller are heading up our club's Fundraising Committee. Please let them know if you have any fundraising ideas and/or would like to join their committee!
We meet at 7:30 Wednesday mornings at Saint Anne’s Episcopal Church located at 2035 Charlton Road, Sunfish Lake, MN 55118. Join us for a continental breakfast with good coffee followed by an engaging program. On even number months, we meet at 7:30a at the Copperfield restaurant in Mendota Heights. (e.g. first Wed in Aug)
