Rotary Meeting of August 9, 2012 “AWOL Supreme Commander, Dick takes over” and The Rotary Foundation Part 1

The Meeting

The Supreme Commander went AWOL and our own Dick Van Vranken stepped in just like he had back in the 80’s.  He ran the meeting briskly and on time taking care of business.  He did not lose his gavel or his bell as happens to the Supreme Commander from time to time.  He was humble and showed his gratitude to all for their participation in the Movie in the Park.  We had a finemaster (Dr. Michelle) and she is really good at this.  Her repartee is lively and gracious, and good spirited.  She would be my vote to do this every meeting.  That job is harder than it looks.  I have done it a few times and I thought I would be good at it, but I am awful.  Nice going Michelle (even though you did pick on me for having a flat tire in the center of town).  I like to draw attention to myself and that’s why I have done this twice in the last few months.  (I really need to visit the place that sold me the tires).

Michelle took the opportunity to praise the absent Lily Craig.  If you would have been there Lily you would have been embarrassed.  She gushed about you, your skill, your generosity, and your friendship.  I love it when people say good things behind peoples backs.  You know they mean it.  She also said you got a little “hot” in the raffle tickets at the Movie in the Park and had a few winners.  God also apparently knows what a great Rotarian and Person you are.  Are you embarrassed yet Lily.

The Program

Jack Weber talked to us today about The Foundation.  Organized and starched, he did a great job.   He quizzed us a bit by asking what we think The Foundation does.  I think the answer is “A Lot of Things”.  A Trillion Dollars flow through the foundation.  These are numbers only Astronomers and Politicians use.

It is most noted for it’s fight against Polio around the world.  We all contribute to the Foundation by becoming a Paul Harris Fellow.  Most people in the United States under the age of 60 or so don’t know what Polio is (or was in the United States).  I remember it as a small boy in the early to mid 50’s  when you heard “someone on the block had gotten Polio”.  I believe it was contagious and you feared getting it.  And then, they found a vaccine and the first ones were shots.  They hurt, but they worked.  Some children didn’t get the vaccine in time.  They still don't in some countries.  Ted walks with a walker because he had Polio.  I am sure there are many reason’s whey Ted is a Rotarian, and that would probably be one of them.  

Jack outlined the Foundation for us and one of the things mentioned early is the World Peace Initiative.  It was number one on the chart that Jack showed, and caused the most discussion and questions for Jack.  We will be hearing more about this program.  In the meantime here is a  link to help us further our knowledge.

LINK:  Rotary Peace Initiative 

That's it for now.

PS.  DISTRICT GOVERNOR'S VISIT THURSDAY.  COME TO THE MEETING DRESSED AND SOBER.