Stories

Rotary and the United Nations have a shared history of working toward peace and addressing humanitarian issues around the world.

During World War II, Rotary informed and educated members about the formation of the United Nations and the importance of planning for peace. Materials such as the booklet “From Here On!” and articles in The Rotarian helped members understand the UN before it was formally established and follow its work after its charter. 

Many countries were fighting the war when the term “United Nations” was first used officially in the 1942 “Declaration by United Nations.” The 26 nations that signed it pledged to uphold the ideals expressed by the United States and the United Kingdom the previous year of the common principles “on which they based their hopes for a better future for the world.” 

An estimated 500 million people worldwide became infected. Many cities closed theaters and cinemas, and placed restrictions on public gatherings. Rotary clubs adjusted their activities while also helping the sick.

This is how Rotary responded to the influenza pandemic that began in 1918 and came in three waves, lasting more than a year.

The Rotary Club of Berkeley, California, USA, meets in John Hinkel Park during the 1918 flu pandemic.

Photo by Edwin J. McCullagh, 1931-32 club president. Courtesy of the Rotary Club of Berkeley.

Every hero has an origin story. “I was 10 years old when the entire journey started,” explains Binish Desai. It began with a cartoon called Captain Planet, an animated TV series from the 1990s about an environmentalist with superpowers. Desai can still recite the show’s refrain: Captain Planet, he’s our hero / Gonna take pollution down to zero! “That tagline stuck in my mind,” he says. “I wanted to do something to help Captain Planet.”

President Rick Pipes called the meeting to order with the Pledge of Allegiance. Devotions were given by Don Kamban. No guests were present for the meeting.

Proclamations for Denominations: Rick Pipes is taking suggestions on Christmas gift ideas for his wife.  Michelle Ramsell is celebrating her 25th wedding anniversary next Tuesday. Sam Hitchcock wished everyone a Merry Christmas. Joe Vaughn commented on how good the new Storybook Lane sign looks on North Broadway. Kiley Kendall had a successful Grand Opening/Open House.

Today's meeting did not have a speaker scheduled and Rick Pipes indicated there were a few housekeeping items.

We are ordering membership cards that can be carried with you to show your membership in our Rotary Club. Hans Fisher had requested these for when he is traveling. Information was passed around the club and everyone was in agreement that this was a good idea.

Carey gave Rick the Rotary Shelter Campaign info that came in the mail. Rick expressed that this campaign helps individual families vs another campaign (such as the Well campaign) that could help an entire village. The information was passed around the room. Rick said unless Rotary International is pushing this campaign we would pass .

Rick brought up the fact that his term is expiring in June. He indicated that Travis will more than likely take over as President and that Travis had mentioned Kiley Kendall as VP. Kiley is currently serving as secretary. One way or another we need somenoe to step up to fill a board position.

The group discussed a membership campaign. Rick would like to hold this in between January and the Healthfair. He asked for a volunteer to step up and run this specific campaign. Rich Geib brought it to the groups attention that previous campaigns were not successful due to follow through issues. Rick requested we email him privately with any questions or concerns.

Joe Vaughn expressed that everything we do needs to reflect "Rotary" and that he is disappointed that it does not. He mentioned the Quaker project and asked that we somehow tie what we did together with the Quaker - i.e a sign in the box office.

Joe also mentioned that he misses the Rotary Christmas cards. Rick pointed out that we need people to lead these efforts.

Carey brought up the fact that Storybook Lane is in need of some attention. Again, Rick stated we need a committee to handle this.

Rich asked for an update on the Heritage Foundation. Rick said that he is frustrated and it seems like we are at a standstill. He has called to follow up multiple times with no response. He is going to drop by.

Carey asked for an update on the Frontier Grant. Rick gave an overview of the committee and the project.

Michelle asked for a date for the HealthFair - Carey indicated it is March 14th.

 This is the last meeting for 2014. See you next year!!