North Ridgeville Rotary - Newsletter - Archive (Sep 18, 2009)

Fellow Rotarians;

September is New Generations Month within Rotary. It could be called “the month of our future” because investing in our youth is all about our future. Rotarians take pride in the fact that we have youth programs for just about every age group with Rotarians serving as active, caring sponsors. I want to take a few minutes and describe the three major programs that Rotary International is involved in with the "New Generations" of today:

Interact. Interact is a program for students ages 14-18. Interact clubs can be based in the community or in schools. Please note that the school does not “take over” entirely, but works closely with the sponsoring Rotary club to implement meetings and projects. Interact clubs support many of the same causes that Rotary clubs do. For example, Interactors have helped raise funds for tsunami victims, organize outings for poor children, and renovate homes in developing countries. As one of the most significant and fastest-growing programs of Rotary service, with more than 10,700 clubs in 109 countries and geographical areas, Interact has become a worldwide phenomenon. Almost 200,000 young people are involved in Interact.

Rotaract. Rotaract is a service club for students ages 18-30. Rotaractors can meet either at a community establishment or at a school. Rotaract clubs are able to take on more ambitious projects and work more independently. They generally focus on professional development, public speaking, and career development. All Rotaract efforts begin at the local, grassroots level, with members addressing their communities’ physical and social needs while promoting international understanding and peace through a framework of friendship and service. As one of Rotary’s most significant and fastest-growing service programs, with more than 7,000 clubs in about 163 countries and geographical areas, Rotaract has become a worldwide phenomenon.

Youth Exchange. Perhaps the most popular program of all is the Youth Exchange, which allows students ages 15-19 to experience another way of life by living abroad with a host family. The student is often immersed in a new language, new religion, new political system, new currency, and new traditions. The student will find friends in the host country and could create a friendship that will last forever. They will also act as an ambassador, teaching people they meet about their country, culture, and ideas. Exchange students help bring the world closer – and make some good friends in the process.

Do you know any students who would fit into any one of these three categories? Invite them to lunch -- or better yet, introduce them to Adam Sonnhalter our Interact Guru! I believe that the more our youth are involved in our club the stronger our future membership will become. Today's youth are tomorrow's leaders!

Yours in Rotary Service,

Shawn Mueller

Four Quick Questions With . . .

Dennis Carson

1. What three items would you put in a time capsule to best describe who and what you are all about?

1. A stethoscope, which is a primitive tool used daily in the practice of medicine. This would give an indication of the limited tools available and a challenge to always upgrade technology and its ethical application. Of note, the stethoscope has not changed much in many years.
2. A pair of glasses, which helps me overcome what otherwise would have been a tremendous handicap. We all have a few handicaps to overcome, on our way to utilizing our many gifts.
3. A football, because some diversions from daily life are healthy (unless you root for a certain team of useless ((in big games)) nuts).

2. Tell us something about yourself that few people know.

A little known bit of personal history is that I was a French major (couple other majors also) in college and that I have traveled in Europe twice. One journey was a 1,500-kilometer hitchhiking trip while an "exchange" student living in the south of France. The other was a 35-day trip with backpack and train pass and one friend.

3. Would you retire if money were no object?

I would still work, although probably not quite as much. I still have things to offer the community and specifically my patients. Medicine remains mentally and emotionally challenging and rewarding and certainly worth pursuing. I do not think even Obama can change that.

4. If you were asked to introduce a new service project to the North Ridgeville Rotary club, what would it be?

A service project might be to encourage wellness in some fashion, perhaps awareness and helping offset some cost of H1N1 influenza vaccine when it becomes available. I would also consider some form of Rotary Biggest Loser or Best Quitter program.

Casey O'Conor

1. What three items would you put in a time capsule to best describe who and what you are all about?

1. Shamrock - Irish symbol of my Catholic faith, nothing is more important.
2. Family photo - They make it all worthwhile.
3. Joke Book - humor makes everything easier.

2. Tell us something about yourself that few people know.

My Great uncle invented Formica Countertops.

3. Would you retire if money were no object?

I would never retire -- I love what I do. Money isn't the goal. Doing the best with what God gives you is what makes you happy.

4. If you were asked to introduce a new service project to the North Ridgeville Rotary club, what would it be?
Service corps to help seniors who live alone. I was involved with a Boy Scout troop that helped seniors rake leaves, move furniture, change light bulbs, etc. Senior citizens would call a local councilman and he would contact us with light duties that were difficult for them to do.

Pietro "Pete" Trunzo

1. What three items would you put in a time capsule to best describe who and what you are all about?

1. A photo album with pictures of my family and friends -- Life is family and friends
2. A soccer ball with John and Matt Carey's signatures on it. John and Matt played on the first soccer team I coached and they introduced me to my wife.
3. My Rotary name badge -- It reflects the values of service above self.

2. Tell us something about yourself that few people know.

I spent the summer between my junior and senior year of high school singing with The Ohio State Fair Youth Choir.

3. Would you retire if money were no object?

I would retire. I would spend my time traveling The United States.

4. If you were asked to introduce a new service project to the North Ridgeville Rotary club, what would it be?

Cooperating with The VFW and American Legion to build a Veterans Memorial on the vacant lot located at the corner of Route 83 and Center Ridge Road.

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Jack Young Speaks: Jack joined the North Ridgeville Rotary for lunch on Sept. 11. All things considered, he is feeling well. He told the group that if the medication he is on doesn't do the trick, his doctors may have to replace two valves or even perform heart transplant surgery. Continue to keep Jack in your thoughts and prayers.

On the lighter side, Jack won the raffle for the day. He picked the 8 of Hearts -- let's hope the suit is a good sign.

Shoebox Update: Jack says the 504 boxes are on their way to Nicaragua. Our group filled 56 boxes -- and Hyacynth Williams was the Shoebox Angel for our group. The boxes should arrive at their destination in Mid-November.

Mini Project: Jack also asked members to save soaps and shampoos collected from hotel visits. He would like to donate these supplies to the VA Hospital, which has to pay for these items out of pocket.

Rotarian Magazines: Shawn is collecting these magazines for redistribution in the city. This project aims to get the community interested in Rotary. Kathy LeRoy created labels that will be placed on issues. The labels tell readers when and where they can join us for fellowship, fun and lunch! Please bring in your old issues.

Worn Out Signs: Denny Johnson says the Rotary signs that are erected at the city limits are beyond repair. We will be replacing these signs in the near future. Each sign costs about $75 to $100. Denny has volunteered to oversee the upkeep of the new signs.

Pay Your Dues: Bob Bunsey is asking all members to pay their club dues. Dues for active members is $100 per half. For exempt members, it is $60.

Dictionary Giveaway: Craig Phillips is leading the charge for the Dictionary Giveaway. Join him Sept. 23 as he presents 3rd graders in the district with their very own dictionary. Just don't scare the kids!

Special Guests

Members of the Westlake/Bay club

Vice President John England (left), Past-President Doug
Harper (middle) and Jack Ashby, a six-time Paul Harris Fellow,
joined us for lunch on Sept. 11.

On The Outside

Just what is the ‘Rotary Club,’ anyway?

Winchester, MA - Five minutes into any conversation with me – be warned – you will hear something about the Rotary Club of Winchester and Rotary International. That’s because Rotary has become, after family and client concerns, my central focus. And that’s because ten years ago it opened the door of a new (to me) world of service, community and international connectedness, and camaraderie. Stepping through that portal was one of the best things I’ve ever done. Can I tell you why?

To read more of this article, click here.

Rotary International Provides Great Opportunities

As I awoke in the early morning light the sleep quickly left my eyes and I couldn’t wait to shower and exit into the cold morning. I awoke my room mate Matt, a stock broker from Columbus, to join me on my initial exhibition onto the streets of Amritsar, India. That initial stroll was around the small town (by India standards) of 8 million. My senses were overloaded with the stench, the never before experienced crowds of way too many people crammed into a two block area, and that almost surreal feeling that I was actually in a foreign country having just left Chicago less than 24 hours earlier.

To read more of this article, click here.

Fundraising Snapshot

Pennies for Polio pays big dividends for Rotary's challenge

Rotarians celebrate the success of Pennies for Polio at District 7120's (New York) annual conference. From left: 2008-09 District Governor Michael Leone, Past RI Director M.K. Panduranga Setty of India (representing 2008-09 RI President Dong Kurn Lee), and district PolioPlus committee cochairs Bob Goodman and Jerry Rose. Photo courtesy Michael Leone

Click here for your own dividend.

Quotable Paul Harris

"Perhaps dreaming is not so bad if one dreams good dreams and makes them come true."

Speaker Assignments

September 25: Dave Gillock

October 2: Business Meeting

October 9: Bob Liston

October 16: Pete Trunzo

October 23: Jason Doerschuk

October 30: Shawn Mueller

Roto News is published on or around the 3rd Friday of the month. To contribute news, photos or articles, please send submissions to me, Traci Purdum >> tracipurdum@yahoo.com. All submissions must be in by the 2nd Friday of the month.