Meeting in Review - June 28, 2023
On June 28, 2023, the Rotary Club of Washington, DC, held a Presidential Assembly as its regular weekly meeting in person at the Whittemore House and via Zoom. The Assembly was the final Club meeting of this Rotary year.
President Marilyn Nevy Cruz called the meeting to order at 12:30 PM and led everyone in the Pledge of Allegiance.
Deputy Secretary Sofia DeMartino introduced the guests and visiting Rotarians.
Sergeant-at-Arms Lola Perez recognized birthdays and anniversaries for the week.
President Nominee Bob Schott made his final entreaty for support of the Club’s Foundation, noting how much of the Club’s activities the Foundation supports.
Past President Nancy Riker presented a blue badge to Sergeant-at-Arms Lola and Deputy Secretary Sofia.
Arrel Olano provided a brief update on the Rotary Youth Exchange Program and introduced Tabitha Vasquez, our RYE participant.
President Marilyn inducted Jennifer Spanos into membership of the Club.
Past President Lynn Holec and President Marilyn presented a check to Robin Nixon, Chief of Partnerships for the National Mall, National Park Service, for the planting of trees under the Club’s Trees for the Capital program. Ms. Nixon announced that the National Park Service was able to secure a matching grant from the Department of Interior that allowed the Service to plant 300 trees. President Marilyn acknowledged all the efforts of Bryan Ingram in organizing and managing the Trees for the Capital program.
President Marilyn recapped the DC Rotaractor Induction ceremony, noting that she was accompanied at the ceremony by Past President Lynn, Deputy Treasurer Khaled Sabah, Alexander Tu, Michael Skerritt, and District Governor Nominee Nomie Hamid.
President Marilyn awarded Member of the Month for the month of April to Michelle Ems. President Marilyn thanked Michelle for her tremendous efforts, often beyond the scenes, in managing the Club’s Dictionary Project and in other activities.
President Marilyn commenced the Club Assembly by thanking her officers, Treasurer Pamela Stern-Green, Sergeant-at-Arms Lola, Secretary Todd Miller, and Ombudsman David Klaus, her deputy officers, Deputy Secretaries Sofia and Debbie Peters, Deputy Sergeant-at-Arms Max Salas, and Deputy Treasurer Khaled. President Marilyn also thanked the Committee Chairs for all their hard work during the past year.
President Marilyn spoke about how the Imagine Rotary theme coincided with her Rotary year. As a whole, she never imagined that when she was inducted as president of the DC Rotaract Club by Past President Jennifer Hara, she would one day be president of the DC Club. But the year itself began with disruption in her own life with the unfortunate and untimely passing of her brother and her beginning a new job. Notwithstanding the difficult beginning, she embraced her themes of Excited, Engaged, and Elevated, focused on growing memberships, and ensured she was available and responsive to everyone. During her year as President, the Club netted a gain of 22 members, and she acknowledged the Membership Committee of Past Presidents Bill Dent, Jennifer Hara, Nancy Riker, and Lynn Holec, and Alexander Tu. She also noted that the Club ended with a surplus of $35,000, the Club celebrated its Foundation’s Centennial with a gathering at Past President Tim Hanson’s home, it enhanced its public image by keeping social media up-to-date through the efforts led by Past President Lisa McCurdy, the Board adopted a Vision and Mission Statement, Sterling Hoffman led a substantial fundraising effort for the Rotary Foundation, and the Club held two assemblies honoring the charities that received grants and our Twin Cities clubs, respectively. But perhaps most importantly, she endeavored to focus the year on youth and noted, among other things, the incredible success of the Career Fair, led by Donnie Shaw and Ervin Owens.
President Marilyn offered her deepest gratitude to:
Past Presidents Jennifer Hara, Gerry Murphy, Andy Cook, Tim Hanson, Howard Davis, and Bill Dent
Outgoing Board members Tim Hurd, Mary Goldsmith, and Darren Crew
Her “Kitchen Cabinet” comprised of Past Presidents Lynn Holec, Lisa McCurdy, Pat Kanvanaugh, and David Klaus, and
Perhaps most importantly her husband David Caballero.
President Marilyn presented the following awards:
Spirit of Service - Salvador Farfan, Dr. Sam Hancock, Steve Liston, Past President Nancy Riker, Treasurer Pamela Stern-Green, and Shelton Williams
Rising Star - Elise Egan
New Rotarian of the Year- Ervin Owens
Paul Harris Fellows – Sergeant-at-Arms Lola Perez and Alexander Tu (with President Marilyn noting that this will add to Alexander’s Fellow status)
Lifetime Achievement Award - Balraj Gupta
Service Above Self – Secretary Todd Miller, and
Rotarian of the Year - Sterling Hoffman
Past President Lisa McCurdy led a toast to celebrate the end of the Rotary year.
Sterling Hoffman presented Paul Harris Fellow pins to Octavian Ionici (plus 3) and Linda Solomon (plus 3).
Sterling Hoffman also conducted the Raffle which was won by Steve Liston, but the Ace of Spades was not drawn.
President Marilyn presented new badges reflecting their positions for the upcoming Rotary year to President Elect Lisa Cohen and President Nominee Bob Schott. She also acknowledged the attendance of a number of students and staff from Richard Wright (who presented their own acknowledgment of thanks to President Marilyn) and the Interact Liaisons.
The meeting was adjourned at 1:37 PM. Salvador Farfán was the producer on Zoom, and Dylan White the producer in the room. Dr. Sam Hancock and Austin Southern were the greeters, and Balraj Gupta provided hospitality.
Meeting in Review - June 21, 2023
On June 21, 2023, the Rotary Club of Washington, DC, held its regular weekly meeting in person at the University Club of Washington, D.C. and via Zoom, and welcomed guest speaker Dr. Katherine Ott, a curator at the National Museum of American History.
President Marilyn Nevy Cruz called the meeting to order at 12:30 PM and led everyone in the Pledge of Allegiance.
Secretary Todd Miller introduced the guests and visiting Rotarians.
Deputy Sergeant-at-Arms Max Salas recognized birthdays and anniversaries for the week.
Club Historian Monica Smith shared a History Moment. In recognition of Pride Month, she discussed a place that featured prominently in LGBTQ+ history in Washington, DC, Annie’s Paramount Steak House. Annie’s was opened in 1948 near its present location by George Katinas, the son of Greek immigrants. Originally known as “Paramount Steak House,” George added Annie’s name in the 1960s to honor Annie, one of his sisters who helped operate the restaurant and was noted for her compassion to gay patrons. The restaurant is now run by Paul Katinas, Annie’s nephew and George’s son, and continues to be an important community institution.
President Nominee Bob Schott encouraged everyone to give to the Club’s Foundation, noting that the Rotary Year was almost up and there are only 7 more cases of pink gin.
Past President Nancy Riker presented a blue badge to John Kropf.
President Marilyn awarded Member of the Month for the month of June to Past President Andy Cook. President Marilyn thanked Andy for his contributions this year including presiding over a lunch meeting and hosting the Spring Soiree.
President Marilyn also reminded everyone that the June 28 luncheon meeting for the Club will be held at Whittemore House, 1526 New Hampshire Ave., NW. It will be a Club Assembly and she was able to maintain the current pricing for lunches despite the change in venue.
President Elect Lisa Cohen gave a brief recap of the Changing of the Guard event at her home on June 17. She explained that the day was special to her since her son was deployed this year and the 17th was his 32nd birthday.
President Marilyn noted the next Tree Planting ceremony will be June 28, 2023, at 11 AM, down by the Tidal Basis. Further details have been sent by email by Bryan Ingram.
Club Historian Monica introduced her colleague from the Smithsonian and the guest speaker, Dr. Katherine Ott, a curator at the National Museum of American History for 20+years.
During Dr. Ott’s tenure at the Smithsonian, she has spent time thinking, talking, and writing about how and why people in the past were tagged for being different—because of disease, gender, disability, sexuality, race, or just being annoying. She has led exhibitions on HIV and AIDS, the Stonewall Anniversary, Polio, and disability history, among other topics. She teaches a graduate course at The George Washington University and has authored or coedited three books.
Dr. Ott responds to all pronouns and is energetically honing her queer superpower.
Dr. Ott began by thanking the Club for its assistance in presenting the Museum’s exhibition on polio. She focused her discussion on the materials relating to LGBTQ+ life at the Museum, noting that those materials have been spread across the collections and often the significance to the LGBTQ+ world was not known at the time it was collected. There are also a number of “quirky” LGBTQ+ artifacts including a matchbook collection because the matchbooks were used as a form of communication and John Waters’ pencil to color in his mustache.
Dr. Ott explained that she has justified her efforts as relating to the “history of sexuality,” which falls within one of her areas of responsibility (the history of medicine). She also noted the difference between collecting artifacts in contrast to maintaining archives. She shared that there are a number of current and upcoming exhibitions, including Entertainment Nation, currently on view.
After a question-and-answer session, President Marilyn presented Dr. Ott with a certificate for the planting of a tree under the Club’s Trees for the Capital program.
Sterling Hoffman conducted the Raffle, which was won by Chelsea Uzarowski, but she did not draw the Ace of Spades.
The meeting was adjourned at 1:28 PM. Salvador Farfán was the producer on Zoom, and Past President Nancy Riker the producer in the room. Dr. Sam Hancock and Austin Southern were the greeters.
Meeting in Review - June 14, 2023
On June 14, 2023, the Rotary Club of Washington, DC, held its regular weekly meeting in person at the University Club of Washington, D.C. and via Zoom, and welcomed guest speaker Dr. Hardy Boeckle, head of the economic and finance department of the German Embassy in Washington, DC.
Secretary Todd Miller introduced the guests and visiting Rotarians.
Sterling Hoffman recognized birthdays and anniversaries for the week.
President Nominee Bob Schott encouraged everyone to give to the Club’s Foundation.
President Elect Lisa Cohen reminded everyone of the upcoming Changing of the Guard event at her home on June 17 from 11:00 AM - 2:00 PM. The deadline to register is Thursday, June 15. More details are in the Rotary Progress Newsletter and in emails.
Past President Lynn Holec recapped the Interact Induction that took place on Tuesday, June 14, at CHEC.
Sheldon Ray announced a Juneteenth event at the Mt. Zion Cemetery in Georgetown (2501 Mill Rd., NW) on June 19 at 11 AM. Meet for a walking tour of Georgetown and join Rotarians for Equality for Black People for the event.
President Marilyn announced that the Rotarian of the Month for the month of February is Dr. Arrel Olano. The Club appreciates all his contributions to the Rotary Youth Exchange.
President Marilyn also announced that the June 28 luncheon meeting for the Club will be held at Whittemore House, 1526 New Hampshire Ave., NW.
Ombudsman David Klaus discussed his German heritage and introduced our guest speaker Dr. Hardy Boeckle, head of the economic and finance department of the German Embassy in Washington, DC, a position he has held since July 2021.
Dr. Boeckle’s career at the German Foreign Office has focused on European policy, economic issues, and relations with China.
Before arriving in Washington in 2021, Dr. Boeckle was responsible for relations with the southern EU member states at the German Foreign Office in Berlin. From 2014 to 2017, he served as press spokesperson of Germany‘s Permanent Representation to the European Union in Brussels.
Prior to Brussels, Dr. Boeckle was head of the cultural and education department at the German Embassy in Beijing.
From 2007 to 2010, Dr. Boeckle led the division for coordination of German Government European policy at the Federal Chancellery. Prior to that, he held postings in Berlin, Paris, and Brussels with responsibility for European policy issues, as well as questions regarding European economic and fiscal policy and the European single market.
Dr. Boeckle holds a Ph.D. in economics from the University of Cologne. Directly following his studies, he worked at the Institute of Economic Research in Cologne. He is married and has three children.
Dr. Boeckle discussed geopolitics, noting broad trends that have resulted in the current challenging environment, such as the pandemic, Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, reindustrialization/nationalism, and climate change. He discussed how these things have led to major changes in supply chains, a breakdown of trade, and a rise in new forms of trade blocs. He described Germany’s role in and responses to these trends, including decoupling its economy from Russia and enhancing transatlantic cooperation. Despite increased coordination with other countries, including the US, to discuss the response to Russia, China, and India, he suggested that a polarization of the world should not be encouraged. Germany, for example, desires not to seek the destruction of Russia but to provide Ukraine with as many bargaining chips as possible.
After a question-and-answer session, President Marilyn presented Dr. Boeckle with a certificate for the planting of a tree under the Club’s Trees for the Capital program.
May O’Brien introduced David Owens, formerly with World Vision and now with the National Museum and Center for Service. Mr. Owens explained that the Museum has been invited to put on an exhibition about service at the MLK Library. He welcomed a contribution of stories of service from the Club, noting that the Club has a strong history of service and partnering with local organizations.
Sterling Hoffman conducted the Raffle which was won for the second time in a row by Brian Blum. Alas, he did not draw the Ace of Spades.
The meeting was adjourned at 1:30 PM. Salvador Farfán was the producer on Zoom, and Chelsea Uzarowski graciously stepped in at the absolute last minute and was the producer in the room. Brian Blum provided hospitality (also stepping in at the last minute) and Dr. Sam Hancock was the greeter.
Meeting in Review - June 7, 2023
On June 7, 2023, the Rotary Club of Washington, DC, held its regular weekly meeting in person at the University Club of Washington, D.C. and via Zoom, and welcomed guest speaker Japer Bowles, Director, Mayor’s Office of LGBTQ+ Affairs.
Past President Jennifer Hara called the meeting to order at 12:30 PM and led everyone in the Pledge of Allegiance.Deputy Secretary Sofia DeMartino introduced the guests and visiting Rotarians.
Sergeant-at-Arms Lola Perez recognized birthdays and anniversaries for the week.
Deputy Secretary Sofia encouraged everyone to give to the Club’s Foundation. Sofia emphasized that the Club’s Foundation enables all Club programs and projects, such as Community Grants and Trees for the Capital. To continue to support these programs and projects, the Club’s Foundation needs funding. That funding relies on the Rotarians in this Club. Donations are accepted via mailed checks or checks given at Club Meetings to Kathy Lynch. Donations can also be made online through the DC Rotary Club website.
Jenna Hampton, the Community Service Chair of Rotaract Club, reminded everyone that they are invited to the upcoming Garden Workday with City Blossoms on June 10 from 10:00 AM -1:00 PM at Eastern Senior High School. The workday is part of a City Blossoms Youth Entrepreneurship program that partners with the high school. Jenna reminded the group that if you register to attend the event, dress appropriately for gardening and sign in with City Blossom staff upon arrival at the high school. The City Blossom event will happen rain or shine and is the last volunteer event of this Rotaract term.
President Elect Lisa Cohen reminded everyone of the upcoming Changing of the Guard event that will take place at her home on June 17 from 11:00 AM - 2:00 PM. The deadline to register is Thursday, June 15. More details are included in the Rotary Progress Newsletter.
Past President Jennifer provided everyone with a Rotary Red Line Happy Hour recap. The Dupont Circle Rotary Club held its second Rotary Red Line Happy Hour on May 31 at the King Street Oyster Bar. There were 40-50 Rotarians in attendance and the group did self-developed trivia as a fun activity. There will be another Rotary Red Line Happy Hour before the end of the Rotary year.
Past President Jennifer announced the upcoming Pride Parade. On June 10, the DC Rotary Club will be walking in the annual Pride Parade. The Rotarians of the DC Rotary Club are welcome to walk in the parade with other participating Rotary Clubs in the area. The Rotarians will meet on 15th St, between Q St and R St, and begin walking at 3:00 PM. The route is about a mile and a half long, and Rotarians are encouraged to dress in the parade’s theme of “Peace, Love, and Revolution.”
Past President Jennifer introduced the speaker Japer Bowles, Director, Mayor’s Office of LGBTQ+ Affairs. A local queer advocate and public affairs professional, Director Bowles has experience in constituent services and expertise in local and state legislative processes. He recently led a coalition of more than thirty local LGBTQ+ businesses and nonprofit organizations and over 60 elected officials to develop priorities and strategize investments and programs supportive to the LGBTQ+ community, including housing, workforce development, and a resource community center. Director Bowles previously served as a legislative manager at Stateside, where he led a team that analyzed, monitored, and reported the political actions of state legislatures and executive leaders and reported on over 15,000 legislative and regulatory matters for corporations, trade associations, and the military. Director Bowles also previously served two terms as an ANC commissioner in service of residents in Adams Morgan.
Director Bowles spoke about his personal story in becoming a LGBTQ+ advocate, the Mayor's Office of LGBTQ+ Affairs, and the resources offered by the Mayor’s Office for LGBTQ+ constituents. Director Bowles explained that there are four key components to the Office of LGBTQ+ Affairs. Those components include grant-giving, housing resources, cultural competency training, and community outreach. The Office distributes grants to innovative programs serving the LGBTQ+ community in Washington, DC. The Office currently has 25 grantees and has funded programs like Monkeypox Outreach and the Washington Improv Theater’s new LGBTQ+ cohort. The Office also provides housing resources to the most vulnerable in the community, which includes the homeless population. Director Bowles and his team provide housing vouchers to those experiencing homelessness so that they have a safe, sustainable place to live. Director Bowles’ office also does cultural competency training for government workers and youth housing providers in the area. This creates a space for workers to ask questions and leave with the tools to help serve the LGBTQ+ community. Lastly, the Office does regular community outreach to navigate current issues facing the LGBTQ+ community in Washington, DC.
Director Bowles then spoke about his LGBTQ+ advocacy journey and personal story. Born in a community that lacked diversity, Director Bowles was elated when he first visited Washington, DC. He immediately noticed the diversity and felt welcomed in his identity, which he had not felt before. Director Bowles noted that displaying LGBTQ+ flags in the city is important for visitors to see when passing through the area because it creates a visibility of diversity. After making this note, he explained his career journey that led him to his current role. Director Bowles has extensive experience in legislation and policy-making. Additionally, he has great experience in connecting and mobilizing diverse groups of people to create change. These experiences led him to his current role in the Mayor’s Office where he is proud to work for a city that is a leader in LGBTQ+ resources and protection. Director Bowles ended his presentation by encouraging Rotarians to reach out with any partnership ideas.
After an animated question-and-answer session led by Past President Nancy Riker, Past President Jennifer presented Director Bowles with a certificate for the planting of a tree under the Club’s Trees for the Capital program.
Sterling Hoffman conducted the Raffle, but the Ace of Spades was not drawn.
The meeting was adjourned at 1:29pm. Past President Nancy was the producer on Zoom, and Salvador Farfán the producer in the room. Sibel Kulaksiz was the greeter and Brian Blum provided hospitality.
Meeting in Review - May 31, 2023
On May 31, 2023, the Rotary Club of Washington, DC, held its regular weekly meeting in person at the University Club of Washington, D.C. and via Zoom, and welcomed guest speaker Dr. Sheldon Goldberg, Lt. Col., USAF (Ret.), former Commander of Air Command Staff College and the Air War College.
Deputy Secretary Sofia DeMartino introduced the guests and visiting Rotarians.
Deputy Sergeant-at-Arms Max Salas recognized birthdays and anniversaries for the week. Richard Pyle celebrated his 20-year anniversary and Susan Neely her 33-year anniversary. Mimi Kanda, Carl Reddel, and Mary Terrell all had birthdays that week.
President Nominee Bob Schott encouraged everyone to give to the Club’s Foundation. He urged the purchase of pink gin. There are seven cases left – so buy it up for summer parties – proceeds go to the Club’s Foundation.
President Elect Lisa Cohen reminded everyone of the upcoming Changing of the Guard event that will take place at her home on June 17 from 11:00 AM - 2:00 PM. The deadline to register is Thursday, June 15. More details will be included in the Rotary Progress Newsletter.
President Marilyn explained that the Board voted for Peter Kyle to be the Zone 33 Member of the Nominating Committee for RI President. She asked for a vote of the membership to endorse Peter Kyle to be on the Nominating Committee for RI President. Members in attendance voted unanimously to confirm the Board’s vote.
President Marilyn inducted a new member.
President Marilyn reminded everyone of the Red Line Happy Hour being held that evening from 6-8 PM at the King Street Oyster Bar. Thirty-five people have signed up to attend, and the event is sponsored by the Du Pont Circle Rotary Club.
President Marilyn introduced our guest speaker Dr. Sheldon Goldberg, Lt. Col., USAF (Ret.). LTC Goldberg has flown the C-124 Globemaster, the C-141 Star Lifter, and served as an F4 Pilot in Thailand. He has flown 254 combat missions, three over Vietnam. He is the recipient of two Distinguished Flying Crosses and seventeen air medals from 1970-1981.
In this 30 years of military service, LTC Goldberg served as the Commander of Air Command Staff College in Montgomery, Alabama, and the Air War College. After his retirement he went to the Institute of Defense Analysis and served in the Central Intelligence Agency until 2002. LTC Goldberg has a PhD in Modern European History from the University of Maryland.
In recognition of Jewish American Heritage Month, LTC Goldberg’s presentation centered around the history of Jews in the military. In 1654, the first Jewish settlers arrived in the New World from Brazil, where they fled to avoid the Inquisition. These new settlers, however, found the governor in New Amsterdam to be extremely anti-Semitic.
During the Revolutionary War, Joseph Blumfeld served as the first Jewish career officer. In 1855, Uriah P. Levy served as the first medical squadron Commodore, though he faced much anti-Semitism in his role. Commodore Levy is responsible for ending corporal punishment in the Navy and for purchasing, restoring, and donating Monticello to the United States.
In the Civil War, 6,000-8,000 Jewish Americans fought for the Union Army and 2,000-3,000 fought for the Confederacy. Judah Benjamin served as both the Secretary of War and the Secretary of State in the Confederacy.
In 1862, Jewish Americans were allowed to become Chaplains. Also in 1862, five Jewish soldiers were recipients of the Medal of Honor. 1896 saw the formation of the Hebrew Union Veterans Association.
During World War I, 250,000 American Jews served, 3,500 were killed, and four received the Medal of Honor. In World War II, 42,000 Jews volunteered before the draft began, and 550,000 Jewish American served, including 300 Rabbis serving in uniform. After World War II, American stopped keeping count. Although some standouts in the Korean war were Kravitz and Reuben as well as Capt. Jack Jacobs in Vietnam. Since 9/11, it is estimated that 68 service men and women have died in combat.
After an animated question-and-answer session, President Marilyn presented Dr. Goldberg with a certificate for the planting of a tree under the Club’s Trees for the Capital program.
Sterling Hoffman conducted the Raffle with a very small pot of $15; the Ace of Spades was not drawn so the large pot for next week will be $721.
The meeting was adjourned at 1:30 PM. Pamela Stern-Green was the producer on Zoom, and Sarah Ross the producer in the room. Balraj Gupta provided hospitality.
Trees for the Capital - Save the Date
On behalf of DC Rotary's 'Trees for the Capital' program and its Chairman, Bryan Ingram, I am pleased to announce that we (finally!) have a date and time for our next Tree Planting Ceremony.
It will be Wednesday, June 28th at 11:15 am. Please SAVE THE DATE!
Location. To be determined. We will let you know as soon as we hear from our partners at the National Park Service.
This Tree Planting Ceremony will be extra special, as we also celebrate the year of service of outgoing President Marilyn. How time flies!
YIRS,
Bill Dent, Co-Chair, Trees for the Capital
Youth Avenue Report
1. Rotary Youth Exchange Program (Arrel Olano):
Our outbound student has been assigned to a district in South Korea. She is scheduled to leave in August 2023. She attended the Rotary meeting on May 17, 2023, and provided an update to our member. Arrel said that plans to coordinate with our local schools to provide an overview of the Youth Exchange Program by Rotary, so that we can have more candidates in the future.
2. Dictionary Project (Michelle Ems):
Status: Currently in month four of delivery season with one month left, Nancy Riker and Bill Dent have been actively advertising the Dictionary Project to get more members to sign up for deliveries.
Successes: Creation of bookmarks, Participation from members which delivered to 27 schools, and First year of delivering dictionaries since COVID.
Challenges: Fewer people indicating availability for dictionary deliveries, and High costs of the storage.
Future Activities: Wrap up the current Dictionary Project season in June 2023 with lessons learned and a final count regarding which schools were served and how many students were served, Submit an article to our editor for publishing in the Club’s newsletter highlighting successes this year, Utilize the Club's Sign-Up Genius account as a tool for the Dictionary Project next season, Order 10 additional boxes of Spanish English dictionaries, Submit proposal to Foundation Board pertaining to reduced costs of storage, and Start advertising the next Dictionary Project in August/September 2023.
Assistance Requested: There is a need to identify a co-chair to assist with tasks.
3. Rotary Youth Leadership Awards (Alexander Tu):
Two of our RYLA students participated in the District 7620 Rotary Four-Way Test speech competition. One is from Columbia Heights Educational Campus (CHEC) and the other from Richard Wright Public Charter Schools (PCS). They both presented their speeches to our Club at the Rotary meeting on May 17, 2023.
4. Career Fair (Donnie Shaw):
The Career Fair was a big success. It was held at Richard Wright PCS earlier this year.
5. Interact - CHEC and Richard Wright PCS (Khaled Sabah):
The new member induction ceremony for the Columbia Heights Educational Campus (CHEC) Interact group is being scheduled for late May 2023. One Richard Wright Public Charter Schools (PCS) Interactor participated in the District Four-Way Test speech competition (he graduates in June 2023 and plans to attend Hampton University in fall 2023).
6. Rotaract - DC and GWU (Khaled Sabah):
Sixteen District of Columbia (DC) Rotaract members and three George Washington University (GWU) Rotaract members attended the recent District Conference. Two DC Rotaractors attended the District Club Leadership Training. The DC Rotaract PE leaves soon for Australia in order to attend the Rotary International Convention. The new member induction ceremony for the DC Rotaract group is scheduled for Sunday, June 25, 2023. Khaled Sabah is hosting the event at his rooftop. Two GWU Rotaractors are graduating this year. The GWU Rotaractors selected their new leadership team in April 2023. Several GWU Rotaractors attended our Club's spring soirée on March 30, 2023.
Rotary Foundation of Washington DC Annual Campaign
Among many other important things, our club Foundation enables the following:
- Community Service Grants
- International Service Grants
- Trees for the Capital
- Grate Patrol
- Rotaract Clubs
- Interact Clubs
- Career Fair
- Walter Reed Bingo
- Rotary Youth Leadership Awards (RYLA)
- Disaster Relief
- Rotary Youth Exchange Program
In order for the ROTARY FOUNDATION of WASHINGTON, DC to support these projects it needs funding. Funding depends upon you! The Foundation needs your contributions so, as you read this reminder, please take the opportunity to donate to the Foundation.
You may do so:
By check: Mail your check, payable to:
The Rotary Foundation of Washington, D.C.
P.O. Box 65484
Washington DC 20036
Or hand your check to Kathy at a weekly Rotary meeting.
OR
Online: Go to our club’s website, https://rotaryclubdc.org/ . Click on “Foundation” at the top of the home page. In the window that opens, scroll down and click on the gold button that says “Donate Now.” In the window that opens, enter the amount that you want to give and choose your method of payment (PayPal, credit card or debit card).
The Rotary Foundation of Washington, D.C. is a §501(c)(3) charitable agency. Our goal every year is to encourage every member of our club to make a donation, no matter how large or how small. We do hope that your contribution will be at least $100, but every contribution is welcome. All donors will receive a letter acknowledging their contribution, giving the amount and confirming that the donation is tax-deductible. You may, also, get a case of Pink Gin!
Thank you, in advance, for your generosity.
Sincerely,
Bob Schott
Annual Fund Drive Chair
Rotary Foundation of Washington, D.C.
David Fishman Obituary
David Fishman was a kind, intelligent, inquisitive, and sociable man with a wonderful sense of humor. He was also a passionate champion of world peace. Born May 24, 1947 in New York City to Alfred and Marsha Fishman, David attended Fieldston Ethical Culture School, Johns Hopkins School for Advanced International Studies, MIT, and University of San Francisco Law School.
David was admitted to the Bar in 1977. He practiced labor law litigation, arbitration, and contract negotiations, representing management for the National Labor Relations Board, the U.S. Postal Service and the Washington Metropolitan Transit Authority and later represented labor unions and workers.
Participation in the Soros-American Bar Association Program in 1991, was a turning point after which he shifted focus to Russian and Ukrainian rule of law and strategies to improve US-Russia relations. He married Mari Clarke on December 18, 1996. Over the years, he traveled with Mari to Australia, Brazil, Canada, Chile, Costa Rica, Germany, India, Mexico, New Zealand, Puerto Rico, and Russia.
David consulted on business law and rule of law for various organizations such as the International Foundation for Electoral Systems, the U.S. Free Trade Institute, the American Bar Association (ABA), George Washington University Law School, and the American Councils for International Education. This included work for the Innovation Working Group for the Obama-Medvedev Bilateral Presidential Commission with the ABA. He was a Research Associate at the George Washington University Institute for European, Russian, and Eurasian Affairs, a Visiting Scholar at the Johns Hopkins School for Advanced International Studies, and a Senior Fellow at the Schar School of Policy and Government at George Mason University. He was active in the ABA Section of International Law where he served as Vice Chair of the Russia-Eurasia Law Committee. He also served on the Board of the Friendship Force National Capital Area Club, and acted as Co-chair of the Washington DC Society for International Development Eurasia Working Group.
Most recently, he was very active in Rotary International Peace initiatives, building an extensive network of peace colleagues in Rotary and other organizations. He served on the Board of the Rotary International Action Group for Peace. He earned a “Rotary International Award – Five Avenues of Service” from the Rotary Club of Alexandria Virginia and a “Certificate of Excellence” for his leadership of the International Peace working group of the Rotary Club of Washington DC. In November 2022, he participated in a conference focused on his vision for a peace partnership between Rotary and George Mason University Carter School for Peace and Conflict Resolution at the George Mason Point of View Peace Conference Center in Lorton Virginia, launching an initiative to make that vision a reality. He worked very hard on that initiative until his last days. We lost him to metastatic pancreatic cancer on January 16, 2023, much too young and a great loss to us all.
To make a donation to the Rotary-Carter School Collaboration for Peace Fund, to help sustain David's vision and legacy in supporting international peace-building in this challenging world, copy and use the link below:
Donation link: https://advancement.gmu.edu/23CARDFI.
History Moment: Celebrating Dr. InBae Yoon
In recognition of May being Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month, for today’s Rotary history moment I will share a short story about an inspiring Korean American surgeon and inventor, Dr. InBae Yoon (1936-2014), who spent most of his career in Maryland.
Today’s talk is based primarily on articles about Dr. Yoon written by my Smithsonian colleagues Tricia Edwards, Sarah Wheeler, and Joyce Bedi.
Dr. Yoon was born in Korea in July 1936 during the Japanese Occupation and grew up through the Korean War. He attended the Yonsei University School of Medicine in Seoul and graduated with his medical degree in 1961. For three years, Yoon served as medical officer in the South Korean Navy. During that time he married Kyung Joo Yoon and then, in 1964, he participated in a program matching Korean medical doctors with United States hospitals and
medical schools.
As a result, Yoon and his wife immigrated to Maryland where he would conduct his internship and general surgical residency at the Church Home and Hospital in Baltimore. During his residency, Yoon switched from general surgery to obstetrics and gynecology and became fascinated by laparoscopy, a method of surgery performed using a scope placed through the umbilicus, sometimes with other small incisions in the abdomen. Observing some of the complications from these early, risky procedures, he became interested in safer laparoscopic methods with shorter recovery times and less scarring for the patients. He strongly believed that even complicated surgeries could be performed this way.
This conviction sparked in him a lifetime passion and creativity to invent new surgical devices.
After completing his residency in 1969 and a fellowship the year after, he joined a private practice in Hagerstown and Bethesda. Then in 1973, he joined the John Hopkins University School of Medicine as an assistant professor in the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, where he explored new laparoscopic techniques and procedures. After endless nights of drawing, redrawing, and tinkering, Dr. Yoon earned his first patent in 1975 for the applicator device of what became known as the Yoon Ring (US Patent 3,870,048). The Yoon Ring system provided a safer method for laparoscopic tubal ligation by applying a silicon band around the fallopian tube to prevent pregnancy. This simple mechanical method of tubal ligation, requiring only a local anesthetic, avoided many of the complications associated with other tubal ligation techniques that utilized electrocautery [using a needle or other instrument that is electrically heated].
Dr. Yoon could see further potential for the use of laparoscopy in many other types of surgeries beyond OB/GYN. From 1975 to 1985, he focused on inventing safety systems for laparoscopic procedures, including safety needles, safety catheters, and trocars (small tubular port inserted into a small abdominal incision that allow endoscopic surgical instruments to enter the body safely). During this time, he was appointed the Chairman of the Obstetrics and Gynecology Department at Wyman Park Hospital in 1981 where he continued his research.
In 1985, Yoon then incorporated his own company, Yoonitech, Inc. to pursue his inventions. Three years later, Yoon established a relationship with Johnson and Johnson’s subsidiary, Ethicon Endo-Surgery (EES), which licensed his shielded trocar patent (US Patent 4,535,773) to bring his product to market. Yoon spent much of the late 1980s to the early 2000s, working on new innovations such as retractable penetrating instruments, suture tie instruments, cavity stents, and expanders, as well as making modifications to previous safety system designs.
In the late 1990s, Dr. Yoon established the I.B. Yoon Multi-Specialty Endoscopic Research and Training Center at his alma mater, Yonsei University School of Medicine in Seoul, South Korea. In his dedication address, he said “To me, it goes without saying that we—the medical professionals—exist because there are and will be patients who need our care. Whatever we do, we must always question ‘Are we doing all we can for our patients?’ and ‘Are there any better ways to improve our patient care?’ When we keep these in the foremost part of our mind, I believe all creativity and necessary energy will naturally stem from them.” 1
By the end of his career, he earned more than 200 patents. Dr. Yoon passed away on December 30, 2014, in Ellicott City, Maryland, but his legacy continues through his family’s Foundation and through ongoing medical advancements inspired by his innovative work, especially in laparoscopic surgery. Today, as he predicted, minimally invasive techniques are used regularly and are considered the safest option for many surgeries across multiple fields of
medicine.
1 Quote from: https://www.legacy.com/us/obituaries/baltimoresun/name/inbae-yoon-obituary?id=19112748
Meeting in Review - May 17, 2023
On May 17, 2023, the Rotary Club of Washington, DC, held its regular weekly meeting in person at the University Club of Washington, D.C. and via Zoom, and welcomed guest speakers, Joan and Michael Kim, pharmacists and entrepreneurs.
Secretary Todd Miller introduced the guests and visiting Rotarians, which included a large contingent from Richard Wright Public Charter School and Columbia Heights Educational Campus (CHEC), Rotaractors, and prospective member Sydney Warren.
Sterling Hoffman recognized birthdays and anniversaries for the week and awarded a Paul Harris pin (+7) to President Elect Lisa Cohen.
Taron Lawson, a graduating senior at Richard Wright Public Charter School, presented his 4-Way Speech test. He focused on the fact that everyone needs a break and to practice mindful learning to focus on mental wellness.
Kyando Baylor, a student at CHEC, provided his 4-Way Speech test. His discussion centered on labels (e.g., liberal v. conservative) and the benefits of diversity in the melting pot of humanity.
President Marilyn inducted Amber Cornwell as a new member. Amber noted her excitement to be a part of the Club and will provide more details about herself at a later date during her Member Moment.
Youth Exchange Program participant Tabitha Vasquez gave an update on her upcoming placement in the Republic of Korea. In addition to general packing tasks, she has been learning Korean.
President Nominee Bob Schott urged everyone to purchase cases of pink gin. All proceeds benefit the Club’s Foundation which in turn funds virtually all of the Club’s programs.
Alexander Tu introduced the speakers Michael and Joan Kim, pharmacists and entrepreneurs. They currently have ownership in multiple pharmacies in the District of Columbia and have owned eight different pharmacies since 2005.
Dr. Michael Kim graduated from Howard University College of Pharmacy in 1998 and was part of the first ever entry-level PharmD class to graduate from the College of Pharmacy. Dr. Joan Kim graduated from St. John’s College of Pharmacy in New York in 1995 and worked in both hospital and retail settings before moving to Maryland to start a new life with Michael.
Dr. Joan Kim has helped countless patients' lives over the years with her vast knowledge of alternative medicine and nutrition. She has been featured in local newspapers and has been a featured speaker representing women in pharmacy. She has been able to juggle being a business owner, pharmacist, wife, and a fantastic mother to six children.
Dr. Michael Kim has been the recipient of several awards since graduation, including the Bowl of Hygeia award, the Howard University College of Pharmacy Alumnus of the Year award and the Washington DC Pharmacy Association Pharmacist of the Year award. He has been featured in multiple pharmacy publications and has been interviewed by many news media outlets. Dr. Michael Kim is the current Chairman of the Care Pharmacies Board of Directors, was a Vice President of the National Community Pharmacist Association (NCPA) for six years and is a board member of the Howard University College of Pharmacy Board of Visitors.
Dr. Joan Kim enjoys cooking, traveling, gardening, walking, ballroom dancing, hanging out with her children, and hosting dinners at her house. Dr. Michael Kim enjoys anything that Dr. Joan Kim enjoys because he has become wiser in his later years. He also enjoys playing ping-pong and billiards, riding his Harley Davidson motorcycle, bungee jumping, and jumping out of airplanes for fun.
Dr. Michael Kim provided a brief history of his career culminating with his purchase of Grubb’s Pharmacy (326 E. Capitol St., NE). He discussed the importance of community pharmacies, which are more closely tied and committed to their local communities than the large chain pharmacies. Dr. Joan Kim discussed how pharmacists play an important, but very under-utilized, role in the prevention of ailments. She also discussed homeopathic medicine and the importance of nutrition. She provided a great deal of practical guidance on vitamins and other dietary requirements.
After an extremely active question-and-answer session about health, diet, and pharmacy services, President Marilyn presented the Drs. Kim with a certificate for the planting of a tree under the Club’s Trees for the Capital program.
President Marilyn announced the next “Red Line Happy Hour” to held on May 31st from 6-8 PM at King St. Oyster Bar (22 M St., NE). Sign up details will be provided by email.
Amber Cornwell conducted the Raffle, which was won by Balraj Gupta, but the Ace of Spades was not drawn.
The meeting was adjourned at 1:30 PM. Salvador Farfán was the producer on Zoom, and Sarah Ross the producer in the room. Dylan White was the greeter and Balraj Gupta provided hospitality.
Meeting in Review - May 10, 2023
On May 10, 2023, the Rotary Club of Washington, DC, held its regular weekly meeting in person at the University Club of Washington, D.C. and via Zoom, and welcomed guest speaker, Kymone Freeman, award-winning playwright, activist, and commentator.
Past President Howard Davis called the meeting to order at 12:30 PM and led everyone in the Pledge of Allegiance.Secretary Todd Miller introduced the guests and visiting Rotarians. Igor Balaka from the Rotary Club in Kharkiv City, Ukraine, and his translator Dmitriy Selector, were greeted, as were Rotaractor Maria Schweitzer and Kamal Ali, a guest of Kenny Barnes.
Sergeant-at-Arms Lola Perez recognized birthdays and anniversaries for the week.
Kenny Barnes led everyone in a moment of silence to commemorate victims of gun violence and Ukraine. He then questioned what can we do about gun violence and explained that the DC Peace Initiative was attempting to consider such matters. He encouraged everyone to participate, noting that it was not a political committee but simply a group trying to stop gun violence.
Ombudsman David Klaus reminded everyone of the screening of a film about the renovation of Chartres on May 16th, 2023, at 7:00pm at the French Embassy. A reception will follow the screening of the film. Registration is required, and an email will be sent with further details.
President Nominee Bob Schott encouraged everyone to give to the Club’s Foundation. He suggested that the Rotary Year is like a toilet paper roll – as it nears the end, it seems to quickly run out. Hence, he urged everyone to give very soon.
Dr. Sam Hancock further introduced Igor Balaka and Dmitriy Selektor and asked them to provide a quick update on events in Ukraine. Mr. Balaka shared some of the many projects in which his club was engaged. These included the provision of hospital supplies, the distribution of food, demining, and the care of orphans.
Kenny Barnes introduced the speaker Kymone Freeman, an award-winning playwright, activist, and commentator. He is the subject of one chapter of the book Beat of a Different Drum: The Untold Stories of African Americans Forging Their Own Paths in Work and Life (Hyperion). He is a 2010 Green for All Fellow & co-founder of We Act Radio DC’s Best Social Justice Radio Station 2017 by Washington City Paper and 1st Place 2017 Public Media Journalists Association Award winner for his Lion and the Map Commentary from the Anacostia Unmapped radio series on WAMU/ NPR’s most successful local production in 2016. He founded the Black L.U.V. Festival in 1997 & was honored at the Kennedy Center as a Mayor's Art Award Finalist for Excellence in Service to the Arts 2005.
The 25th Anniversary of the Black Luvfest was the largest event of the 50th Anniversary of the Ft. Dupont Amphitheatre Summer Series sponsored by the National Park Service in 2022. Mr. Freeman was featured as a contributing writer in the most controversial Ebony Magazine in recent history as the last publication in print and PBS Online Film Festival for his short film Fresh Prince of Anacostia. His work has appeared in The Washington Post, Washington Informer and NY Times: Can Anacostia Build a Bridge w/o Displacing Its People? He has appeared nationally and internationally on BBC, French 24 TV, German ZDF, RT, CGTN America, Cuban National TV and TV One.
Mr. Freeman serves on the board of the Douglass Community Landtrust and has published a novel, Nineveh: a Conflict over Water with Strong Arm Press. He was honored by the Catalogue of Philanthropy at the Word Museum with the 2022 Change Maker Award.
Mr. Freeman stressed the current world is not sustainable. He focused on water and stated that water is in crisis but should be a human right, not a property right. He read selections from his book Nineveh: a Conflict over Water, and explained how what may seem like charitable matters, such as the provision of clothes to third world countries, may actually disrupt local economies.
After an animated question-and-answer session, Past President Howard presented Mr. Freeman with a certificate for the planting of a tree under the Club’s Trees for the Capital program.
Sterling Hoffman conducted the Raffle, which was won by Kenny Barnes, but the Ace of Spades was not drawn.
The meeting was adjourned at 1:28 PM. Salvador Farfán was the producer on Zoom, and Steve Liston the producer in the room. Dylan White was the greeter and Balraj Gupta provided hospitality.
2022-2023 DC Rotary Foundation Community Service Grant Awardees!
We are very pleased to announce that the Club’s and Foundation’s Boards at their April meetings have adopted the recommendations of the Community Service Grants Committee and awarded grants to the following organizations for projects in the DC area:
· An Open Book Foundation |
· Resources to Inspire Students and Educators |
The Foundation will be distributing a total of $95,000 (in addition to the $100,000 Centennial Grant awarded last December) across these organizations. While the total amount awarded this Rotary Year is an increase as compared to the past few years, it was extremely difficult to narrow the selection because of the number of high-quality applications received from organizations doing important work in our community. The Committee was extremely pleased to have so many excellent applications (many of them from first-time applicants) and to have so many Club members participate in developing the recommendations. Thanks to all who assisted either in encouraging applications or in the review and recommendation process.
Here is a detailed description of the grant recipients for your review. We hope that everyone will follow these organizations. The funding letters are going out to all applicants, whether or not awarded a grant, relatively soon.
If you have any questions about these organizations or about the process, please email grants@dcrotaryclub.org.
Elise Egan & Todd Miller, Co-Chairs
Community Service Grants Committee
DC Rotary Club Receives ShelterBox HERO Recognition
Greetings President Marilyn and members of Washington DC Rotary,
Congratulations on achieving ShelterBox HERO GOLD level recognition for Rotary Year 2022-2023.
2022 was our biggest year yet and your support helped us to reach over 400,000 people across 22 projects in 12 countries. This year is shaping up to be just as busy and your continued support is truly appreciated.
Attached is your digital award to use on your club website and please share this recognition on your club and district social media outlets. At the end of the Rotary Year your club will be listed on our HERO page www.shelterboxusa.org/hero.
Gifts from clubs, individuals identifying as club members, or anyone recognizing your club all count toward ShelterBox HERO club recognition. A Bronze HERO recognition level is achieved at $1,000, Silver at $3,000 and Gold at $5,000 in total giving within the Rotary year. A club can ‘level up’ throughout the Rotary year. If this award is the result of an individual’s gift, you can thank them by matching with a club donation and doubling their impact.
Follow this link for The latest news about ShelterBox disaster relief deployments (shelterboxusa.org) If we do not have a volunteer Ambassador in your area I would be happy to present to your club via Zoom to give an overview of ShelterBox and update on our current projects.
We need help in your district! Is there a Rotarian in your club looking to serve? Please have them consider becoming a ShelterBox Club Champion or Ambassador. Volunteer with ShelterBox USA
Join us for the 2023 ShelterBox USA conference in Las Vegas June 9-11. Details here: http://ow.ly/Hu2j50O1gJF
One way your club can help build awareness of ShelterBox is by making ShelterBox your Speaker Honorarium. To thank your speakers, make a donation to ShelterBox in their name. Here is a certificate you can fill and present. ShelterBox Speaker Certificate (writable PDF)
Looking for the adventure of a lifetime? Our 4 day Yosemite Trek, Aug 13-16, is filling up fast. Follow this link for more information https://www.shelterboxusa.org/adventurers-trek-yosemite/.
ShelterBox has provided aid to over 2.5 million people since 2000, we could not have reached them without clubs like yours.
Thank you for being a ShelterBox HERO!
Bill Tobin
Cc: DG Sean, DGE Delores, DGN Chris
ShelterBox USA
Bill Tobin
Rotary Relations Manager
d: 1 (805) 203-8668
m: (916) 616-6973
w: www.shelterboxusa.org
Member, Rotary Club of El Dorado Hills Ca. D5180
Rotary Foundation of Washington DC Annual Campaign
My Dear Friends and Fellow Rotarians:
Please think about these things:
Community Service Grants, International Service Grants
Trees for the Capital, Rotaract Clubs, Interact Clubs
Career Fair, Walter Reed Bingo
Rotary Youth Leadership Awards (RYLA)
Disaster Relief, Grate Patrol
Rotary Youth Exchange Program
These are some of the projects that our ROTARY FOUNDATION of WASHINGTON, DC funds each year. These are all projects that we can be proud of and, no doubt, wish to continue to support. To continue our support, we vitally need your contributions to the Foundation.
As you read this reminder, please take the opportunity to donate to the Foundation.
You may do so:
By check: Mail your check, payable to:
The Rotary Foundation of Washington, D.C.
P.O. Box 65484
Washington DC 20036
Or hand your check to Kathy at a weekly Rotary meeting.
OR
Online: Go to our club’s website, www.DCRotaryClub.org. Click on “Foundation” at the top of the home page. In the window that opens, scroll down and click on the gold button that says “Donate Now.” In the window that opens, enter the amount that you want to give and choose your method of payment (PayPal or credit card or debit card).
Our goal every year is to encourage every member of our club to make a donation, no matter how large or how small. We do hope that your contribution will be at least $100, but every contribution is welcome. The Rotary Foundation of Washington, D.C., a 5.01(c)(3) charitable agency. All donors will receive a letter acknowledging their contribution, giving the amount and confirming your contribution.
Thank you, in advance, for your generosity.
Sincerely,
Bob Schott
Annual Fund Drive Chair
Rotary Foundation of Washington, D.C.
History Moment: The Origins of Earth Day
In honor of Earth Day, which is celebrated annually on April 22 in the US and in many other countries, today I would like to share a Rotary history moment about the origins of the event. I will quote primarily from a blog post written by my National Museum of American History colleague Joan Boudreau.
“What would you have done if you saw your river burning? The Cuyahoga River that runs through the northeastern corner of Ohio was so polluted in the 1950s and 1960s that fish populations were decimated because of the river’s oily, industry-produced pollution. In 1969, with a spark from a train traveling nearby, the river began to burn.
Earth Day founder Gaylord Nelson (1916-2005) was inspired by the burning Cuyahoga River and other environmental disasters of his day [including an enormous old spill off the coast of Southern California in 1969]. He served as a governor (1959-1963) and U.S. senator (1963-1981) of Wisconsin, and founded Earth Day in 1970. Nelson had cared about the environment since childhood and, as senator, reported that he was inspired to break from the ‘frontier philosophy that the continent was put here for our plunder,’ according to Bill Christofferson's 2004 book, The Man from Clear Lake: Earth Day Founder Gaylord Nelson.
Nelson's heritage and upbringing had allowed him opportunities to regularly interact with nature in his native Wisconsin. The realization that his earth was being destroyed by pollution, deforestation, DDT use, and other devastating occurrences inspired his political involvement in environmental activities.
In the early 1960s, Nelson was intent on creating the momentum for a grassroots movement to promote resource conservation. He was inspired by and partnered with contemporary public advocates for social change. The thriving American economy of the 1950s and 1960s, along with increased leisure time, had put pressure on parks and recreation areas to the detriment of natural resources. Nelson's philosophy, responding to these circumstances, included an interest in the concepts of not just survival but ‘decency . . . and mutual respect for all . . . creatures,’ including humans, according to Christofferson's book.
Nelson became convinced that the purchase of land for future parks and recreation purposes was the best first step toward his larger environmental goals. He introduced a bill to save the Appalachian Trail, which, by the early 1960s, had become segmented and in some places inaccessible because of privately held lands and parkway construction. Nelson was also involved in the Outdoor Recreation Act (later Action) Program whose main objective was also the purchase of land for parks and recreational purposes. Nelson believed that congressional support for these and other environmentally directed activities was imperative.”
Then-Senator Gaylord Nelson gave a speech in Denver, Colorado, on the first Earth Day held April 22, 1970, from which I quote excerpts here:
“Earth Day is dramatic evidence of a broad new national concern that cuts across generations and ideologies. It may be symbolic of new communication between young and old about our values and priorities…Earth Day can—and it must—lend a new urgency and a new support to solving the problems that still threated to tear the fabric of this society…the problems of race, or war, of poverty, of modern-day institutions.
Ecology is a big science, a big concept… It is concerned with the total eco-system—not just with how we dispose of our tin cans, bottles, and sewage….Winning the environmental war is a whole lot tougher challenge than winning any other war in the history of Man….
Our goal is not just an environment of clean air and water and scenic beauty. The objective is an environment of decency, quality, and mutual respect for all other human beings and all other living creatures. Our goal is a new American ethic that sets new standards for progress, emphasizing human dignity and well being rather than an endless parade of technology that produces more gadgets, mores waste, more pollution.
Are we able to meet the challenge? Yes. We have the technology and the resources. Are we willing? That is the unanswered question….”
“Earth Day spawned many environmentally directed activities, especially those having to do with waste recycling and trash cleanup. Other activities were reported in the following months, such as a movement to rescue the prairie grasslands, which assisted the later establishment of the Tallgrass Prairie Historical Preserve. For the first anniversary of Earth Day, in 1971, E. W. Kenworthy of the New York Times reported that bicyclists rallied to oppose auto emissions; the citizens of Ann Arbor, Michigan, planted an organic garden; ‘and what was more to the point, there was increasing evidence that the ecological issues had, in the last year, taken on new importance where it counts: in Congress.’”
Nelson received the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 1995 for his contributions to the environment. But of course he did not act alone; he and many others during and since his time have successfully laid the groundwork for the continued grassroots advocacy for environmental protection through individual promotion and activity. For 53 years and counting, in honor of Earth Day, millions of individuals and organizations across the globe participate in and sponsor events to encourage people of all ages and backgrounds to appreciate, support, nurture, and defend the environment.
As members of the Rotary Club of Washington DC—through our Trees for the Capital Campaign as well as other local, national, and international service events we support and participate in as part of Rotary International’s commitment to Protecting the Environment—let’s celebrate Earth Day with a promise to live up to our motto of “Service Above Self” and do something not just today but every day to help make our planet a little better. Thank you!
For further reading:
- At the Smithsonian. “Fifty Things We’ve Learned About the Earth Since the First Earth Day.” Smithsonian Magazine, April 22, 2020. https://www.smithsonianmag.com/smithsonian-institution/fifty-things-weve-learned-about-earth-first-earth-day-180974716/
- Christofferson, Bill. The Man from Clear Lake: Earth Day Founder Senator Gaylord Nelson. Madison, WI: University of Wisconsin Press, 2004.
- Nelson, Gaylord, with Susan Campbell and Paul Wozniak. Beyond Earth Day: Fulfilling the Promise. Madison, WI: University of Wisconsin Press, 2002.
Member Moment - Dylan White
I am excited to have the opportunity to speak at the Rotary Club of Washington, DC, and share some information about myself and my reasons for joining Rotary. Being a Washington, DC native, I am lucky to have much of my family in the city and surrounding suburbs. I completed my undergraduate degree at the University of Maryland, College Park- Go Terps!
As a real estate advisor with nearly a decade of experience, I have had the privilege of working with clients in The District, Maryland, and Virginia. Regardless of their price point, I take great pride in providing exceptional service to all my clients.
Community involvement is of utmost importance to me, and I currently serve as a board member for the Friends of Tenth Street Park. This organization oversees a small community park in my neighborhood, and I enjoy planning and hosting events that bring my community together. Recently, I was appointed as the Public Safety Chair for my community ANC, which is another opportunity to give back and help my neighbors. Additionally, I am proud to donate a meaningful portion of each commission I earn to a non-profit my clients choose.
During the pandemic, I was looking for ways to make a more meaningful contribution to my community, and a family member suggested that I check out Rotary Club. After learning about Rotary's mission and ongoing projects, I knew it was a perfect fit. I am excited to be a new member of the Rotary Club of Washington, DC, and I look forward to learning and growing with this wonderful organization.
Past President Lynn Holec joins the PolioPlus Society!
Dear PolioPlus Society Member,
Thank you ever so much for making the personal commitment to rid the world of polio. You should be pleased to know that as of 1 February our total contribution toward eradicating polio is $43,689. That is a per capita donation of $21.75 according to Zone 33 records. We've reached this amount through contributions made by clubs and individuals!
To put this into perspective, our district is one of seventeen in Zone 33. The Zone's total polio eradication contribution as of 1 February is $1,510,583 for a per capita amount of $43.71!
I am particularly grateful to you as a PolioPlus Society member. I am asking you for an additional favor on behalf of millions of children. Please encourage at least one more Rotarian to join the PolioPlus Society. If we can each get one more Rotarian to make the commitment that will mean an additional $2,200/year.
And, for the foreseeable future, the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation will be matching $2 for $1.
Finally, we will have a table at the District Conference. The Polio Eradication Committee could use your help. Please contact Billy Louis to volunteer some time.
Now...Imagine a world without polio!
YIRS,
-y
2022-23 District 7620 Polio Plus Chair
2022-23 District 7620 Treasurer
Fillable PolioPlus Society Commitment
Meeting in Review - May 3, 2023
On May 3, 2023, the Rotary Club of Washington, DC, held its regular weekly meeting in person at the University Club of Washington, D.C. and via Zoom, and welcomed our guest speaker Ben de Guzman, Director, Mayor's Office on Asian and Pacific Islander Affairs.
President Marilyn Nevy Cruz called the meeting to order at 12:30 PM and led everyone in the Pledge of Allegiance.Secretary Todd Miller introduced the guests and visiting Rotarians. We had one visiting Rotarian, Mike Perkins from Atlanta, and one prospective member, Daniel Olsher, who was a guest of the the Membership Committee.
Sergeant-at-Arms Lola Perez recognized birthdays and anniversaries for the week. Congratulations to Bill Simmons on his 45th anniversary with the DC Rotary Club.
Ombudsman David Klaus reported on the Major Donors Reception held on Thursday, April 30th for the donors to The Rotary Foundation of Washington DC. The reception was held at Lynn Holec’s Condominium. There were over 50 Rotarians in attendance with plenty of food and beverage to go around. Although, there was a run-on Rye Whisky. So far, only 38% of the club has donated this Rotary year. There is still time to donate to the Rotary Foundation of Washington DC.
David Klaus presented an upcoming Social Activity to be held at the French Embassy on Tuesday May 16th from 7 PM to 9 PM. Chartres: La lumière retrouvée! Chartres: Light reborn! Discover the highlights of the restoration of Chartres Cathedral with French and American guest speakers, documentary film, and reception. The cost is $10 per person. Tickets can be purchased by going to; https://www.eventbrite.com/e/chartres-la-lumiere-retrouvee-chartres-light-reborn-tickets-607581662107?utm-campaign=social&utm-content=attendeeshare&utm-medium=discovery&utm-term=listing&utm-source=cp&aff=escb
Past President Nancy Riker spoke on the Dictionary Project reviewing her experience presenting the dictionaries to the children at her chosen school. Nancy spoke on how to get the children excited about “checking out” the dictionaries to discover their world. Please sign up and give time to the Rotary Dictionary project as there are many unclaimed schools in the district.
Past President Jennifer Hara reviewed the Red Line Happy Hour held on Wednesday, April 29th. It was a great time sharing fellowship with Rotarians from other clubs around the district.
Past President Jennifer introduced the speaker, Ben de Guzman, Director of the Mayor's Office on Asian and Pacific Islander Affairs (MOAPIA). He has been a leading voice at the local and national level on issues of racial equity, immigrants' rights, veterans affairs, and LGBT justice for more than two decades. He comes to MOAPIA from the Mayor’s Office of LGBTQ Affairs, where he served as the Community Outreach Specialist. During his tenure there, he helped execute two major first time events for the Office- the “District of Pride” LGBTQ cultural performance event and the 32nd Annual 17th Street High Heel Race, presented by the Mayor’s Office as lead organizer.
Mr. de Guzman has authored articles and op-eds that have appeared in mainstream and special interest media, anthologies, and academic publications, including the Encyclopedia of Asian American Issues Today. In 2015, he received a Community Service Award from Washington DC Mayor Muriel Bowser, and is pleased to come to MOAPIA and help recognize exciting new leaders moving forward. In June 2019, he was recognized by the Capital Pride Alliance in Washington, DC as a Capital Pride Hero. In October 2019, he received one of the Twenty Outstanding Filipino Americans Award for LGBT Advocacy.
As an advocate for equity and recognition for Filipino veterans of World War II, Mr. de Guzman played a key role in two of the most significant legislative victories on behalf of these soldiers. He led communications, outreach, and political strategies for the Filipino Veterans Recognition and Education Project that led to the passage of the Filipino Veterans of WWII Congressional Gold Medal Act in 2016. He also served as the National Coordinator for the National Alliance for Filipino Veterans Equity, where he organized a national legislative campaign that created the Filipino Veterans Equity Compensation Fund in 2009.
For almost ten years, Mr. de Guzman was principal staff at the National Queer Asian Pacific Islander Alliance (NQAPIA), where he managed the policy and programmatic work for NQAPIA and its federation of 40 Asian American, South Asian, Southeast Asian, and Pacific Islander LGBT groups around the country. He spearheaded efforts to promote national LGBT campaigns around comprehensive immigration reform and a national LGBT Pride Month campaign from Asian American/ Pacific Islander advocacy organizations.
Mr. de Guzman is the son of Filipino immigrants and was born and raised in New Jersey. He first moved to the District in 1997 and is a proud resident of Ward 1.
After a question and answer session, President Marilyn presented Mr. de Guzman with a certificate for the planting of a tree under the Club’s Trees for the Capital program.
Gib Leonard, on his way from Alabama to Zimbabwe, spoke on the Buy a Brick Foundation and teamafrica.com. His foundation has built 30 schools, living quarters, drilled water wells, and developed community gardens in the bush of Zimbabwe. Gib spoke on the Rotary Global Grant program and how through the foundation and connecting with Rotary Clubs around the world, his foundation can change communities in the bush of Africa.
Kelly Buchanan conducted the Raffle, which was won by Kenny Barnes, but the Ace of Spades was not drawn by President-Elect Lisa Cohen, who drew for Kenny at his request. The large pot was $617.00.
The meeting was adjourned at 1:30 PM. Pamela Stern-Green was the producer on Zoom, and Nancy Riker the producer in the room. Dr. Shabaz Khan and Gib Leonard were the greeters and Balraj Gupta provided hospitality.
Meeting in Review - April 26, 2023
On April 26, 2023, the Rotary Club of Washington, DC, held its regular weekly meeting in person at the University Club of Washington, D.C. and via Zoom, and welcomed guest speaker, the Honorable Nancy J. Griswold, Deputy Director for the Office of Workers’ Compensation Programs at the United States Department of Labor.
Deputy Secretary Sofia DeMartino introduced the guests and visiting Rotarians.
Sergeant-at-Arms Lola Perez recognized birthdays and anniversaries for the week.
Alphonso Westley shared his Member Moment, noting that he has been a caregiver for most of his life and this is what brought him into Rotary. He spent two years in the AmeriCorps and then was at Brigham & Women’s Hospital in Boston before pursuing a master’s in healthcare administration. He has now shifted into senior living and was excited to be working on a new center in the Palisades neighborhood of Washington. He introduced several of his work colleagues and showed a short presentation on the project.
Sterling Hoffman encouraged everyone to give to the Rotary Foundation and urged everyone to give at least $25 to meet the goal towards “Every Rotarian, Every Year.”
Past President Lynn Holec announced that President Marilyn was being recognized for her joining of the PolioPlus Society and that it was relatively easy for others to also get secure that recognition.
Past President Lynn also announced that the Club received gold recognition at the District Conference, one of only two clubs in the District to receive such recognition in all four areas. The Club was also the leading club in the District for membership growth.
Past President Bill Dent reminded everyone to participate in the Dictionary Project, one of the Club’s signature programs with substantial impact in the community.
Ombudsman David Klaus reminded everyone of the party for major donors to the Club’s own Foundation. The party will be held at Past President Lynn’s apartment on April 27, 2023. He also mentioned the showing of a film at the French Embassy regarding the restoration of the Chartres Cathedral. Details will follow in an email.
President Marilyn noted the Red Line Happy Hour.
May O’Brien said that there would be a briefing about the National Museum for Service immediately after the luncheon.
May O’Brien introduced the speaker, the Honorable Nancy J. Griswold, Deputy Director for the Office of Workers’ Compensation Programs at the United States Department of Labor. After serving for 30 years as an Administrative Law Judge in state and federal programs, Judge Griswold took her current appointment at the Department of Labor. Prior to her appointment as Deputy Director, she served as Chief Administrative Law Judge and Agency Head for the Office of Medicare Hearings and Appeals, which is responsible for deciding the third level of appeals for denials of payment for Medicare goods and services.
She began her career as an attorney practicing personal injury law in Shreveport, Louisiana, before accepting a position as a Workers Compensation Judge for the Louisiana Workers’ Compensation Administration in 1990. She then served as the Chief Judge there for 3 years, during which she established Louisiana’s Workers’ Compensation Mediation Program.
In 1995, she accepted a position as a U. S. Administrative Law Judge for the Social Security Administration and, over the next 15 years, served in various management positions, first as Hearing Office Chief Judge in Shreveport, Louisiana, then as Regional Chief Judge in Boston, Massachusetts and finally as Deputy Chief Judge in Washington, DC. During her years as Deputy Chief, she served as alter ego to the Chief Judge and assisted in formulating and implementing the Commissioner’s backlog reduction initiatives.
In 2010, Griswold was appointed Chief Administrative Law Judge for the Office of Medicare Hearings and Appeals, where she supervised the second largest corps of Administrative Law Judges in federal service. Under her leadership, the Office of Medicare Hearings and Appeals opened six new offices, established uniform appeals processes, and developed a backlog reduction plan which includes an alternate dispute resolution program designed to assist in handling the increasing workload of Medicare appeals.
Judge Griswold graduated from Louisiana State University in Shreveport with a BA in English and then earned her JD from Baylor Law School in Waco, Texas. In her spare time, she enjoys watercolor, cooking, singing, playing piano and travel.
Judge Griswold spoke about how one can turn almost any role into one of service, citing her own mother as a strong role model. She also discussed the differences between leadership as opposed to management and some of her personal struggles as the Chief Judge attempting to lead other judges.
After a question-and-answer session, President Marilyn presented Judge Griswold with a certificate for the planting of a tree under the Club’s Trees for the Capital program.
Sterling Hoffman conducted the Raffle, which was won by Alphonso Westley, but the Ace of Spades was not drawn.
The meeting was adjourned at 1:30 PM. Salvador Farfán was the producer on Zoom, and Pamela Stern-Green the producer in the room. Ardan Demirayak was the greeter and Balraj Gupta provided hospitality.
Meeting in Review - April 19, 2023
On April 19, 2023, the Rotary Club of Washington, DC, held its regular weekly meeting in person at the University Club of Washington, D.C. and via Zoom, and welcomed guest speaker Bill Causey, the author of the recently published book John Houbolt: The Unsung Hero of the Apollo Moon Landings.
Sergeant-at-Arms Lola Perez provided the Secretary’s report and introduced the guests and visiting Rotarians.
Acting Sergeant-at-Arms Ervin Owens recognized birthdays for the week. No members had anniversaries to celebrate this week.
Club Historian Monica Smith gave a brief presentation for the history moment. The topic was about Earth Day and Gaylord Nelson, who founded Earth Day in 1970. Gaylord believed in decency and mutual respect for human beings and all other living creatures alike. He also believed that the entire world’s eco system must be considered versus individual or localized solutions. Monica concluded by stating that Gaylord’s vision aligns with Rotary’s core values and a call to action was made for each of us to determine how can we contribute to the solution.
Dylan White was spotlighted for the member moment. He was born, raised, and still resides in Washington, DC, and has multi-generational family ties to the city. Dylan remained in the area while pursuing tertiary education at the University of Maryland. Professionally, Dylan is a real estate advisor and has almost a decade of experience. Dylan takes great pride in his community contributions and currently serves on the board of the Friends of 10th Street Park in his neighborhood in Shaw. Dylan was also recently appointed as the public safety chair for the applicable ANC. During the pandemic, Dylan was looking for a group that would allow him to contribute to the community in a more meaningful way and his family member suggested Rotary. After researching the Club, mission, and projects, it resonated. Dylan is excited to be a new member and is looking forward to growing with Rotary.
Ombudsman David Klaus gave an announcement about the upcoming “Major Donor” reception on April 27th, 2023, from 6-8 pm. President Marilyn interjected that donations $400 or greater are considered major donations and any members who donate the minimum or greater before the reception will be invited.
President Marilyn inducted new member Tuya Munkhjargal, originally from Mongolia. Tuya came to the US in 2019 to pursue a MSc. in Integrative Studies at John Hopkins, and is on track to graduate this year. The purpose for completing this master’s degree was to help with the partially-state-funded charter school she founded in Mongolia 8-9 years ago. Her main goals are to educate the younger generation in bi-lingual studies, create leaders for the country, and increase awareness of the economy and democracy. Tuya also has an ongoing Rotary project in Mongolia called “readers to leaders” for middle and high school students. Tuya expressed her gratitude for the warm welcome into the DC Rotary club and looks forward to continued service and collaboration.
President Marilyn announced that the Capitol Hill is hosting “Rotary Red Line Happy Hour”, their first happy hour post pandemic. All Rotarians, on and off the red line, are invited.
Jeanne Shen introduced the speaker Bill Causey, her neighbor and author of a new book John Houbolt: The Unsung Hero of the Apollo Moon Landings. Mr. Causey mentioned that longtime Club member Cy Ansary was his first boss many years ago.
In May 1961, President Kennedy announced that the United States would attempt to land a man on the moon and return him safely to the earth before the end of that decade. Yet NASA did not have a specific plan for how to accomplish that goal. Over the next fourteen months, NASA vigorously debated several options. At first, the consensus was to send one big rocket with several astronauts to the moon, land and explore, and then take off and return the astronauts to earth in the same vehicle. Another idea involved launching several smaller Saturn V rockets into earth orbit, where a lander would be assembled and fueled before sending the crew to the moon.
But it was a small group of engineers led by John C. Houbolt who came up with the plan that propelled human beings to the moon and back-not only safely, but faster, cheaper, and more reliably. Houbolt and his colleagues called it “lunar orbit rendezvous,” or “LOR.” At first the LOR idea was ignored, then it was criticized, then finally dismissed by many senior NASA officials.
Nevertheless, the group, under Houbolt's leadership, continued to press the LOR idea, arguing that it was the only way to get men to the moon and back by President Kennedy's deadline. Houbolt persisted, risking his career in the face of overwhelming opposition. This is the story of how John Houbolt convinced NASA to adopt the plan that made history.
After a question-and-answer session, President Marilyn presented Mr. Causey with a certificate for the planting of a tree under the Club’s Trees for the Capital program.
President-Elect Lisa Cohen gave brief remarks about her gratitude for Rotarians who were able to attend her 55thbirthday celebration on April 15th, 2023. There was a great turn out, and everyone, including Lisa the birthday celebrant, had a great time.
President Marilyn conducted a flag/Koala bear exchange with visitors from the Discovery Coast Rotary Club, Queensland, Australia.
Dr. Sam Hancock introduced a couple guests from Peace City, John Mavrak and Dr. Christian Urabl, who provided a brief overview of the vision to develop smart cities/villages.
Ayçe Ozerdem conducted the Raffle, which was won by Monica Smith, but the Ace of Spades was not drawn.
The meeting was adjourned at 1:30 PM. Salvador Farfán was the producer on Zoom, and Steve Liston the producer in the room. Ardan Demirayak was the greeter and Balraj Gupta provided hospitality. Michael Skerritt provided the Meeting in Review.
Meeting in Review - April 12, 2023
On April 12, 2023, the Rotary Club of Washington, DC, held its regular weekly meeting in person at the University Club of Washington, D.C. and via Zoom, and welcomed guest speaker (and Club Member), John Kropf, author of Color Capital of the World: Growing Up with the Legacy of a Crayon Company.
Past President Tim Hanson called the meeting to order at 12:30 PM and led everyone in the Pledge of Allegiance.Secretary Todd Miller introduced the guests and visiting Rotarians.
Deputy Sergeant-at-Arms Max Salas recognized birthdays and anniversaries for the week.
Sterling Hoffman encouraged everyone to support the Rotary Foundation. He also announced the Rotary Red Line Happy Hour which will be held at Dubliner on April 26 at 5:00 -7:00 pm. It’ll be a great opportunity to support other DC area Rotary Clubs and have some fun!
President Elect Lisa Cohen invited everyone to her birthday party on April 15. Don’t forget to incorporate any shade of purple into your fit!
Past President Nancy Riker announced the District 7620 Conference and encouraged everyone to attend. The conference will be held in Bethesda on April 20-21. It’ll be a good educational opportunity in addition to meeting fellow Rotarians in DC area.
Secretary Todd Miller introduced the speaker, John Kropf, attorney, Club member, and author of Color Capital of the World: Growing Up with the Legacy of a Crayon Company which has been praised by the Washington Post as “well-written and, for those of a certain age, suffused with nostalgia.” John has also published a travel adventure book based on his two years in the central Asian country of Turkmenistan, Unknown Sands: Travels in the World's Most Isolated County. His writing has appeared in The Baltimore Sun, Florida Sun-Sentinel, The Washington Post, and elsewhere. John was born in Sandusky and raised in Erie County, Ohio.
John currently works as the Chief Privacy Officer for a Fortune 500 company. He previously served in the federal government with Departments of Justice, State, Homeland Security, and USAID. He also teaches as an adjunct professor at the George Washington University Law School. John went to Denison University and the University of Pittsburgh.
John provided a great presentation on the story of the American Crayon Company. Following the Civil War, three entrepreneurial families took their innovative ideas for school chalk from the kitchen stove and started a company. This became a successful industry in Ohio. The company became a nation-wide distributor of crayons. It is sad to hear that the industry disappeared but at that time the factory had a great economic impact on the community. The emphasis was on the need for children to be creative and to express themselves.
After a lively question and answer session, Past President Tim Hanson presented John with a certificate for the planting of a tree under the Club’s Trees for the Capital program.
Sterling Hoffman conducted the Raffle, which was won by Russ Savage, but the Ace of Spades was not drawn. You may win $502 next week!
The meeting was adjourned at 1:30 PM. Ali Nettles and Past President Nancy Riker were the producers on Zoom and in the room. Alphonso Westley and Sibel Kulaksiz were the greeters, and Balraj Gupta provided hospitality.
Meeting in Review - April 5, 2023
On April 5, 2023, the Rotary Club of Washington, DC, held its regular weekly meeting in person at the University Club of Washington, D.C. and via Zoom, and welcomed guest speaker Preston Brashers, a senior policy analyst at the Grover M. Hermann Center for the Federal Budget.
President Marilyn Nevy Cruz called the meeting to order at 12:30 PM and led everyone in the Pledge of Allegiance.Secretary Todd Miller introduced the guests and visiting Rotarians. Visiting Rotarians included Bill Hammock, Monica Hammock, Edwin Castillo, Vitalina Drutseva, and Janet White. Mike Diallo, a Rotaractor from the DC Rotaractor Club, also attended. Additional guests were Linda Hammock, a guest of Bill Hammock’s, and Jennifer Spanos, a guest of Todd Miller.
Sergeant-at-Arms Lola Perez recognized birthdays and anniversaries for the week.
Sofia DeMartino shared her Member Moment, noting that she has been guided to a life in philanthropy by the question of “what would I do for free?” She began that journey because of her own personal struggles with childbirth at a young age and focused her initial efforts on Black Maternal Mortality, organizing the first conference in Iowa on the topic in 2020.
President Marilyn read a statement from President Nominee Bob Schott and Past President Lynn Holec encouraging everyone to give to the Club’s Foundation.
Bill Hammock presented his daughter Monica Hammock and son-in-law Edwin Castillo with Paul Harris Pins.
President Marilyn conducted a flag exchange with Mr. Hammock and Ms. Drutseva and inducted Ayçe Ozerdem as a new member. Ayçe expressed her enthusiasm on becoming a member, noting that she had been a Rotaractor in Turkey.
Mary Goldsmith provided a recap of the Spring Soirée, held at Past President Andy Cook’s office. Mary noted that the Soirée had a large turnout, and it was otherwise a success.
Mary Goldsmith introduced the speaker, Preston Brashers, a senior policy analyst at the Grover M. Hermann Center for the Federal Budget, a Center founded by the Heritage Foundation. Mr. Brashers’s research centers on tax and fiscal reforms to promote economic growth, simplify taxes, and reduce the role of the federal government in Americans’ everyday lives.
Mr. Brashers’s work has been featured by news outlets such as The Washington Times, The Epoch Times, The Daily Caller, MSN, The Chicago Tribune, The Center Square, and The Washington Examiner. He has had TV appearances on CNBC, Newsmax, and the Salem News Channel. Mr. Brashers is also a frequent guest on radio shows across the country.
Prior to joining Heritage, Mr. Brashers was a tax policy specialist in the Research and Fiscal Analysis division of the Washington state Department of Revenue. There he led modeling of the fiscal impacts of various business taxes.
Previously, Mr. Brashers was a manager at PricewaterhouseCoopers, where he provided transfer pricing consulting and compliance services to multinational companies in the United States and around the globe.
Mr. Brashers received his Ph.D. in economics from the University of Kentucky in Lexington, KY, and his B.S. in economics from the University of Washington in Seattle, WA.
Mr. Brashers raised the question of the reason why we pay taxes and noted that federal outlays have increased substantially as a percentage of GDP over the past 100 years. He noted that there are three ways in which we are taxed but may not realize it: through the multiple layers of tax by different authorities, through hidden taxes such as tariffs, gas and corporate taxes, and FICA, and through governmental debt and inflation. He argued for increasing local power to get away from the federal leviathan.
After a question and answer session, President Marilyn presented Mr. Brashers with a certificate for the planting of a tree under the Club’s Trees for the Capital program.
Sterling Hoffman presented Treasurer Pamela Stern-Harris with a Paul Harris pin +3 and then conducted the Raffle, which was won by Kenny Barnes, but the Ace of Spades was not drawn by President Elect Lisa Cohen, who drew for Kenny at his request.
The meeting was adjourned at 1:30 PM. Salvador Farfán was the producer on Zoom, and Steve Liston the producer in the room. Alphonso Westley was the greeter and Balraj Gupta provided hospitality.
Walter Reed Bingo
Walter Reed Military Medical Support Center is in Bethesda, MD. It is named in honor of an U.S. Army doctor, Walter Reed, who helped end this country's numerous Yellow Fever pandemics of the 18th and 19th centuries. Dr. Reed proved that the disease was transmitted by mosquitoes rather than by human contact, From 1909-2011, the Walter Reed Hospital was on Georgia Avenue in D.C., but in 2011, that Army Hospital merged with the Bethesda Naval Hospital to become the Walter Reed Medical Support Hospital. The Rotary Club of Washington D.C. supported by its own Community Service Foundation, initiated bingo games for Wounded Warriors at Walter Reed in 1946. Games were played, prizes were distributed and much joy was shared. Shaun English, a currently active member, directed the Bingo program from 2012-2015, and Shelly Williams has directed the program from 2015 to present.
At Walter Reed Bethesda, two different entities have hosted Rotary Bingo. They are the Family Support Center from 2011-2015 and December 2022-present, and from 2015-November 2022, the USO did the honors (though it was actually online March 2020-August 2022). In September 2022, the USO board changed its policies and practices due primarily to security and Covid protocols. There was no Bingo September and October 2022 (the only time since 1946 that DC Rotary Bingo was suspended), and when it reconvened, the USO adopted new rules of the road- no online bingo, no staff assistance, and parking for only two cars. In addition, there would be no active advertising of the event. When DC Rotary held its first game in October 2022, there were only 8 people. Online bingo always had over 100 participants and the previous USO games drew between 40 and 50 participants. A former military bingo player suggested that we contact our old sponsor to see if we could get more help. The Family Support Center welcomed us back with open arms. Since November 202, we have been rebuilding participation with the great staff support and active recruitment that Ms. Linda Rasnake in Family Services has provided during the transition. The only limitation we now have is a cap of 4 volunteers per session! This has been accomplished with a combination of Rotarians and non-Rotarians, Nancy Riker and Brian Blum have come when they could and two new members, Sofia DeMartino and Chelsea Uzarowski, are in the queue to help over the coming months. There are three non-Rotarians also steadfast in their support, Clara Hunter-Williams, Jeffrey Adler, and Emily Gottschalk. They have all been involved over the past 5 years, and Jeff is in his 20th year! Shelly is always there and is not seen as a volunteer. Ms. Rasnake has managed to secure two 12-month passes for both Shelly and Jeff. Between us all, we always have at least 4 volunteers. We will let you know if the rules ever change to allow more volunteer participation.
Rotary Bingo carries on, and we look forward to 77 more years of active service to the Wounded Warriors of the Walter Reed Medical Support Center in Bethesda, MD!
Rotary Foundation of Washington DC Annual Campaign
My Dear Friends and Fellow Rotarians:
The Rotary Club of Washington, DC has an extremely valuable tool with which to serve our community and the world – it’s our own ROTARY FOUNDATION of WASHINGTON, D.C. As with any “tool”, maintenance is required to keep it running effectively. With our Foundation, that maintenance consists of making sure the funding is adequate and growing so that we can continue to serve at ever increasing levels.
Of course, our Foundation is different from the ROTARY INTERNATIONAL FOUNDATION – our Foundation is local; it’s close to home; it’s personal.
The growth of our Foundation comes from two sources: investment returns and contributions. No doubt, you are aware that investment returns have been terrible over the past year.
Now, we must shore up the Foundation with contributions – you are the source of maintenance for our great tool. There are many of you who have not yet contributed to our Foundation this year – now is the time to erase that blemish from your record. Whatever you can afford, please do it now.
It’s easy:
Go online to DC Rotary Club (rotaryclubdc.org);
navigate to the “FOUNDATION” tab;
scroll down to the “DONATE NOW” button;
Press and be generous.
You may also mail a check, as follows:
THE ROTARY FOUNDATION of WASHINGTON, D.C.
P. O. Box 65484
Washington, D.C. 20036
Thank you,
Bob SCHOTT
Annual Fund Drive Chair
ROTARY FOUNDATION of WASHINGTON, D.C.
Rotary Foundation of Washington DC Awards $92,000 to Boys and Girls Club of Greater
On March 29th, we welcomed Executive Director Gabrielle Webster from the Boys and Girls Clubs of Greater Washington to the weekly meeting. Gabrielle spoke to the Club about the recent activities since last year, including the recognition of one of the Jelleff Club's members, Aysha H-R, who was awarded the National Youth of the Year. Past President Lisa McCurdy presented Gabrielle with the big check (and the real paper check) of $92,000 for this year's donation. The funds will be used for capital improvements at the various physical facilities of the BGCGW. The video of the check presentation can be found here.
International Service Committee Grants Kick-off !
Introduction. Consistent with Rotary International, the Rotary Club of Washington, DC’s International Service Committee (ISC) seeks to support the mission of The Rotary Foundation (TRF), which is to enable Rotarians to advance international understanding, goodwill and peace, by improving health, providing quality education, improving the environment, and alleviating poverty. The International Service Committee oversees the funding of international humanitarian projects supported by our club.
The ISC funds grant proposals that provide for community-driven, high-impact outcomes and measurable, sustainable solutions. Proposals must align with Rotary’s seven Areas of Focus:
- Peace Building & Conflict Prevention;
- Disease Prevention & Treatment;
- Water, Sanitation & Hygiene;
- Materal & Child Health;
- Basic Education & Literacy;
- Community Economic Development; and
- Protecting the Environment.
New Grant Cycle. The ISC will begin accepting and reviewing applications for the current grant cycle beginning immediately. The deadline for applications is April 8, 2023. Grants will be awarded based on completeness and quality of information, alignment with The Rotary Foundation mission, and availability of ISC funds ($28,900). After review and approval by the International Service Committee’s Technical Review Panel and the boards of the DC Rotary Club and the DC Rotary Foundation, the ISC will announce the awards and will disburse funds to the designated 501(c)(3).
Only Rotarians can apply for a grant, but can work in partnership with a cooperating organization, or NGO. Funding is available in amounts from $100 to $5,000. ISC grant application forms are attached.
ISC Calendar:
Deadline for applications: April 8, 2023
Technical Review Panel process: April 9-May 3
Submission of grant recommendations to DCRC boards:
Club board: Thursday, May 16, at 5:00 PM
DC foundation board: Thursday, May 23, at Noon
Notification to successful applicants: by end of May
All Rotarians and Rotaractors are welcome to join the International Service Committee. We especially want to encourage new members and those with grant experience to serve on the Technical Review Panel.
For those new to grants or to the ISC, we have helpful guides on how to Develop Effective Projects and a Grants Toolkit. For more information about International Service, ISC grants, and The Rotary Foundation’s resources, contact ISC co-chairs:
Dr. Mimi Kanda, mk8601@aol.com
May Yoneyama O'Brien, mayzobrien@gmail.com
ISC Small Grants Form - 2023
ISC Global Grant Application 2023 revised 2
ISC Grants Announcement 3-23
Member Moment - Mariama Keïta-Thiero
At an early age I discovered that I was passionate about writing, English was my favorite subject, and my multicultural upbringing in the heart of New York City manifested my interest to explore the world.
My introduction to the DMV area dates back to my college years, attending the University of Maryland at College Park, (any Terrapin alumni in the Club?) with a goal of becoming an international broadcast journalist/anchor.
Instead, after college I began an unconventional career path in the creative industries working with diverse brands such as BET networks, to Gianni Versace.
These opportunities in entertainment television and fashion allowed me to return back home, then moved to Los Angeles, followed by landing an international contract to Cape Town, South Africa.
At the time it was the premier market for the fashion and film industry on the continent and I lived there for one-year.
Being the product of, a Christian, American-Afro-Latina mother, with (Black and Puerto-Rican heritage) and father from Conakry, Guinea, West Africa going on 50 years of marriage.
With my American accent and dark skin, I became a walking billboard of sharing the diversity of Black Americans and its global Diaspora.
Outside of the glitz, glam and beautiful landscaping of Cape Town, I had memorable experiences and my ability to connect with people opened the door for hard conversations that made it clear this country continues to suffer from the remnants of apartheid.
My storytelling experiences in South Africa inspired my next chapter and desire to become a Communicator in international affairs that travels around the world producing impact stories working for the United Nations.
In 2010, I turned down a 12,000 year salary job of becoming a news reporter in West Virginia, instead got accepted to New York University pursuing a Masters degree in Global Affairs and the rest was history.
After a series of UN fellowships experiences, the Word Bank, and being the first ever White House intern under the Obama Administration for my graduate program, I landed my first job at UNICEF, responsible for the public facing of multi-sectors portfolios with a regional focus of sub-Saharan Africa, Syria and Yemen.
Fast-forward to over a decade later, I returned to Washington D.C. in 2015, by joining the #1 leading development agency in the world USAID.
After 6 years of overseas assignments I truly had amazing opportunities to lead USAID communication efforts, publish
extensively, interview world leaders, meet community agents of change, survivors to entrepreneurs in rural communities throughout Africa and the Caribbean.
From 2019-2020, the The U.S. Embassy of Haiti was unknowingly my last assignment, and returned to D.C due to COVID.
A year later, I had my dream wedding, got married to my husband who hails from Mali, West Africa and settled into my new life with a goal of starting a family.
After 25+ countries under my belt ranging from Africa, South East Asia and Europe; once an intern, now a former development diplomat,
I opened in 2021, my boutique Communications consulting business, now serving as a federal contractor to USAID and its partners helping communicate results and amplify the organizational impact of American taxpayer dollars.
This is a taste of my journey as a global citizen seeking to inspire, influence and elevate humanity with style and grace!
History Moment: Picturing Women Inventors
The word “inventor” brings to mind images of men like Thomas Edison and Alexander Graham Bell, but inventors come from every demographic and segment of society. The stories of inventive women often have been overlooked, undervalued, and sometimes lost, not least because they have lacked the support and backing necessary to secure patents and develop inventions into marketable products or services. In mid-2019, both houses of Congress held hearings on what lawmakers called the “lost Einsteins,” looking at gender gaps in science, engineering, technology, and invention. Patricia Bath, inventor of a surgical instrument for cataract removal, testified: “The pipeline for increasing women scientists and engineers begins by igniting the spark for learning and curiosity.” Academic research has confirmed the importance of role models in inspiring invention among girls while also pointing out that, at current rates, it will take more than a century to reach gender parity with male inventors. 1
The Smithsonian’s Lemelson Center for the Study of Invention and Innovation, part of the National Museum of American History (NMAH) in Washington, DC, has been studying, documenting, and disseminating stories of historic and contemporary women inventors and innovators since 1995. Most recently, our Lemelson Center team led by senior historian Joyce Bedi developed a photo mural exhibition called Picturing Women Inventors/Estampas de mujeres inventoras. 2 This exhibition—which you can currently visit at NMAH—highlights the distinctive motivations, challenges, and accomplishments of exceptional 20th- and 21st-century inventive women who are diverse both personally and professionally. Presented in bold wall murals, with text in English and Spanish, this exhibition illustrates the creativity of women inventors while inspiring young people (especially girls) to see themselves as future inventors. There is also a poster version of Picturing Women Inventors available through the Smithsonian Institution Traveling Exhibition Service (SITES with accompanying educational curriculum materials, and you can read more on our website. Picturing Women Inventors is both timely and designed to impact visitors with engaging and often unexpected stories about women inventors. The exhibition is meant to inspire everyone—men and women, girls, and boys—with stories about what women inventors have accomplished and how their breakthroughs are part of our daily lives.
Today, I will highlight women inventors in the exhibition who I selected because we have recently collected archival materials from them or because they will soon be featured in public programs and the Lemelson Center’s upcoming exhibition at NMAH:
- Cataracts are a clouding of the lens of the eye that cause blurry or distorted vision and can lead to blindness. Ophthalmologist and surgeon Dr. Patricia Bath (1942–2019) invented the Laserphaco Probe in 1981 to make cataract removal faster, easier, more accurate, and less invasive. Using the Laserphaco Probe, a surgeon inserts an optical laser fiber through a tiny (1 millimeter) incision in the eye to vaporize the cataract. Then a replacement lens is inserted. Patented in 1988, Dr. Bath’s invention has improved the sight of millions worldwide. 3
- Colombian-born inventor Amy Prieto is creating safe, inexpensive, fast-charging, and environmentally friendly rechargeable batteries, with potential applications in everything from smart phones to electric vehicles. She joined the Colorado State University chemistry department in 2005 and started her company, Prieto Battery, in 2009 to take the battery from research to prototype to commercialization. Still in development, Prieto’s solid-state batteries contain none of the toxic components found in other batteries. 4
- Millions of people worldwide get sick from contaminated drinking water. Theresa Dankovich saw a way to prevent illness by using nanoparticles that naturally kill bacteria and viruses. As a graduate student, she invented germ-killing water filters, made of thick paper embedded with silver nanoparticles. The filters are inexpensive, easy to distribute, reusable, and biodegradable. She founded Folia Water in 2016 to produce her invention, which is being tested extensively around the world. “It’s not just to make this really cool product, but also to help improve people’s lives.” 5
- Madison Maxey started sewing when she was eight years old and began interning in the fashion industry when she still was a teenager. She enrolled at the Parsons School of Design, but dropped out to start her own clothing company. She taught herself to code and combined that skill with her passion for fashion—she invented stretchable ink that conducts electricity, and the machine to print the ink on fabric. A pioneer in the field of e-textiles. Maxey and her company, Loomia, create fabrics that act like circuit boards for applications including heated jackets and safety gear with lights. 6
- After a hang-gliding accident in 1978, Marilyn Hamilton was determined to continue her active lifestyle, but her heavy wheelchair made that difficult. Drawing inspiration from the materials used in hang gliders, she worked with two friends to invent a lightweight wheelchair that was easy to maneuver. She co-founded Motion Designs in 1979 to manufacture her wheelchairs, still sold today under the brand name Quickie. Hamilton’s many accomplishments as an athlete include two women’s wheelchair singles titles in the US Open tennis competition. 7
- Lisa Lindahl was one of millions of Americans who started jogging as part of the running and fitness boom that swept the United States in the 1970s. But as much as she loved running, it was painful because she didn’t have a supportive bra. Lindahl teamed up with costume designers Polly Palmer Smith and Hinda Miller to solve that problem. They deconstructed two men’s athletic supporters and sewed the pieces into a prototype sports bra they called “Jogbra.” Lindahl and Miller first sold their invention through mail orders and quickly expanded into a successful company. 8
If you’re interested in learning more about Prieto, Dankovich, or Maxey, please join the Lemelson Center’s upcoming free Innovative Lives programs—for more information and registration link visit https://invention.si.edu/about/events. On Wednesday, April 12, 4-5 p.m. Eastern via Zoom (free but registration required for link), you can “meet” Prieto and another Fort Collins, Colorado, inventor Sunil Cherian during an informal online chat with moderator Joyce Bedi. Then on May 10, we are hosting an in-person evening program at NMAH featuring Dankovich and Maxey together in conversation with me on stage, followed by a reception.
In March 2024, a new exhibition Change Your Game/Cambia tu juegos will open in the Lemelson Hall of Invention and Innovation at NMAH, located in first floor’s West wing. Stories in the exhibition include Jogbra inventors Lindahl, Miller, and Palmer Smith and Quickie Wheelchair co-inventor Hamilton among many others. Change Your Game will invite visitors to experience their own inventive abilities while learning about the people and motivations behind sports innovations. The 3,500-square-foot exhibition will feature fascinating stories about diverse inventors with related museum objects, vibrant graphics, and inspiring activities to transform visitors in inventive problem-solvers. The exhibition’s priority audiences are girls and African American youth ages 10-17 and people with disabilities.
Thanks, and I hope you’ve enjoyed this presentation in honor of Women’s History Month!
[2] Picturing Women Inventors is organized by the Lemelson Center for the Study of Invention and Innovation, and was developed in collaboration with the United States Patent and Trademark Office and made possible with the support of Lyda Hill Philanthropies IF/THEN Initiative and Ericsson. 19 women are included in Picturing Women Inventors at the National Museum of American History (NMAH): Tara Astigarraga; Patricia Bath; Ayah Bdeir; Cynthia Breazeal; Theresa Dankovich; Marion O’Brien Donovan; Marilyn Hamilton; Grace Hopper; Marjorie Stewart Joyner; Michelle Khine; Margaret Knight; Stephanie Kwolek; Alexis Lewis; Lisa Lindahl, Hinda Miller, and Polly Palmer Smith; Madison Maxey, Ellen Ochoa; Amy Prieto; Sharon Rogone; Charlotte Cramer Sachs?; Laura Shepherd; Kavita Shukla; Maria Telkes; Madam C.J. Walker; and Cindy Whitehead.
[3] https://invention.si.edu/node/28532/p/602-patricia-bath; https://invention.si.edu/remembering-dr-patricia-bath
[4] https://invention.si.edu/node/28532/p/600-amy-prieto
[5] https://invention.si.edu/node/28532/p/601-theresa-dankovich
[6] https://invention.si.edu/node/28532/p/721-madison-maxey
[7] https://invention.si.edu/node/28532/p/631-marilyn-hamilton
[8] https://invention.si.edu/node/28532/p/611-lisa-lindahl-hinda-miller-polly-palmer-smith
DC Rotary Club Celebrates World Rotaract Week
Every year, Rotaractors and Rotarians around the world celebrate World Rotaract Week during the week of March 13-18 to commemorate the founding of the first club in 1968.
World Rotaract Week is a time for celebrating the success and importance of the Rotaract program. This is also an excellent opportunity to inform members of your community about the amazing work that Rotaract clubs do and give them an opportunity to get involved.
Every year, our DC Rotary Club invites our sponsoring DC Rotaract Club as our guest speaker at our weekly luncheon during World Rotaract Week. President Marilyn Nevy Cruz decided to do things a little differently this year and invited them to preside and take over the meeting! They shared their accomplishments, ideas and success stories with their members, as well as ideas for building a stronger relationship between Rotaract and Rotary.
Established by our Club in May 1994, the Rotaract Club of Washington, D.C. has shown the level of positive impact that young professionals can have on a community for nearly 29 years!
President Marilyn Nevy Cruz joins the PolioPlus Society!
Dear PolioPlus Society Member,
Thank you ever so much for making the personal commitment to rid the world of polio. You should be pleased to know that as of 1 February our total contribution toward eradicating polio is $43,689. That is a per capita donation of $21.75 according to Zone 33 records. We've reached this amount through contributions made by clubs and individuals!
To put this into perspective, our district is one of seventeen in Zone 33. The Zone's total polio eradication contribution as of 1 February is $1,510,583 for a per capita amount of $43.71!
I am particularly grateful to you as a PolioPlus Society member. I am asking you for an additional favor on behalf of millions of children. Please encourage at least one more Rotarian to join the PolioPlus Society. If we can each get one more Rotarian to make the commitment that will mean an additional $2,200/year.
And, for the foreseeable future, the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation will be matching $2 for $1.
Finally, we will have a table at the District Conference. The Polio Eradication Committee could use your help. Please contact Billy Louis to volunteer some time.
Now...Imagine a world without polio!
YIRS,
-y
2022-23 District 7620 Polio Plus Chair
2022-23 District 7620 Treasurer
Fillable PolioPlus Society Commitment
Meeting in Review - March 29, 2023
On March 29, 2023, the Rotary Club of Washington, DC, held its regular weekly meeting in person at the University Club of Washington, D.C. and via Zoom, and welcomed guest speaker Gabrielle Webster, the 2022 Washingtonian of the Year and President and CEO of Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Washington.
President Marilyn Nevy Cruz called the meeting to order at 12:30 PM and led everyone in the Pledge of Allegiance.
Secretary Todd Miller introduced the guests and visiting Rotarians. Guests included visiting Rotarian Nichcolas Boliat from Paris West Club; Rody Baron, a guest of Jennifer Hara, from Everybody Wins; and Rotarian Jean-Marie Cayemitte from the International Monetary Fund and President Elect of the Petion-Ville Sud Club.
Sergeant-at-Arms Lola Perez recognized birthdays and anniversaries for the week
Past President Jennifer Hara introduced the speaker Garbrielle Webster, the 2022 Washingtonian of the year. Gabrielle Webster is a visionary thought leader and youth development expert who is sparking positive change as President and CEO of Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Washington (BGCGW). As a skilled convener who engages communities, business leaders, philanthropists and partners in service of capital area youth and their families, Ms. Webster has put to use her strategic planning, management abilities and development skills to fuel unprecedented growth for BGCGW. Under her leadership, BGCGW, which serves more than 21,000 youth, is exceeding financial goals and achieving record accomplishments. Ms. Webster is the driving force behind a first-ever $30 million comprehensive campaign. Ms. Webster also tripled the number of Clubs in the metro area, earning BGCGW the distinction of being among the top 5% of BGCA (Boys & Girls Clubs of America) affiliates in the nation. In 2022, BGCGW celebrated its first National Youth of the Year in 75 years. Ms. Webster is further blazing new trails with plans for a flagship Center of Transformation at the Nation’s Boys & Girls Club, which will serve as an incubator to pilot and implement innovative programs across local sites and ideally the BGCA movement. Ms. Webster has a depth of leadership experience as a nonprofit and public sector professional with a track record of growth and exceeding expectations. Prior to BGCGW, she raised more than $220 million as part of her leadership roles at three large non-profit organizations, which operate in the Washington metropolitan area, the Mid-Atlantic region and at the national level. Ms. Webster served as the Chief Development Officer at the United Way of the National Capital Area as well as National Vice President for the American Heart Association, where she was charged with the development, implementation, and execution of a new national business to consumer campaign. Prior to that role, she was Vice President of the Mid-Atlantic Region’s Leukemia & Lymphoma Society where she managed a $36 million budget across nine states. Before her career in the nonprofit sector, Ms. Webster spent more than a decade with the Eastman Kodak Company and she held several leadership positions in marketing, sales, university relations, and engineering technology. Ms. Webster was selected by Washingtonian Magazine as a 2022 Washingtonian of the Year. She was also a National Science Foundation Fellow, a National Biomedical Symposium Fellow and a Polaroid Scholar. She was chosen to attend the Center for Creative Leadership in 2009 as one of the top executive directors at the American Heart Association. Ms. Webster earned her Bachelor of Science degree in Chemistry from Xavier University and a Master of Physical Chemistry degree from Atlanta University. Ms. Webster is also a graduate of the Leadership Greater Washington program and was recently awarded a Harvard Business School Executive Education Certificate for Strategic Agility and Inclusive Leadership. She and her husband reside in Upper Marlboro, Maryland, and they have one daughter. Ms. Webster spoke about the impact of covid and trauma on children and about the negative impact these things have on social skills. She also discussed the effect of bullying and self-harm. The speaker mentioned Asha H.R., the Boys and Girls Club Youth of the Year for 2022, who represented 4 million boys and girls. The speaker reported the Boys and Girls Club was expanding in DC and PG county. The speaker mentioned after school programs and mentioned capitol campaign and talked about various programs and reported that 98-99% Boys and Girls Club kids graduate from high school and about 95% go on to college. She also discussed the Center of Transformation. |
After a lively question and answer session moderated by Steve Liston, with questions and comments from Past President Gerry Murphy, Past President Andy Cook, Dr. Sam Hancock, Max Salas, Sofia DeMartino, Dr. John Sandy, and President Marilyn, past President of the Club’s Foundation Lisa McCurdy presented the speaker with a check for $92,000. President Marilyn presented Ms. Webster with a certificate for the planting of a tree under the Club’s Trees for the Capital Program. The tree is a living memorial to the speaker.
In his Member Moment, Shahbaz Khan talked about his background and work and involvement in Rotary Club activities.
Sterling Hoffman presented a Paul Harris award +5 to May O’Brien.
David Klaus spoke about Rotary Foundation.
Mary Goldsmith also announced the Spring Soiree on March 30 at Andy Cook’s offices at K&L Gates.
President Cruz awarded Mary Goldsmith Member of the Month award for January 2023.
Visiting Rotarian Nikolas Foliet exchanged flags with President Cruz.
Dr Erminia Scarcella and Dr Shahbaz Khan spoke about their trip to Milan, Italy, to attend the International Rotary Meeting. The flags from all the participating clubs and plaque awarded to the club was shared with the members.
Sterling Hoffman conducted the Raffle, which was won by Kenny Barnes, but the Ace of Spades was not drawn.
The meeting was adjourned at 1:30 PM. Pamela Stern Green was the producer on Zoom, and Steve Liston the producer in the room. Chelsea Uzarowski and Dr. Sam Hancock were the greeters, and Sofia DeMartino provided hospitality. Dr. Shahbaz Khan provided the meeting in review.
The Rotary Foundation of Washington DC Supports Disaster Relief in Turkey and Syria
Our support of disaster relief in Turkey and Syria was one of our most comprehensive to date.
On February 22, 2023, the Board of our Club’s Foundation, the Rotary Foundation of Washington, DC, voted to accept the recommendation of the Foundation’s Disaster Working Group to support a proposal providing funding for Turkey and Syria, specifically to provide “emergency shelter and essential household items depending on what is needed”—tents and shelter kits, stoves, thermal blankets, clothing to keep people warm through the freezing winter nights, and solar lights that help people when there is no electricity, or cash to help people buy what they need to survive. A donation of $1000 was distributed to each of two organizations known to be Rotary International partners — Disaster Aid USA and ShelterBox USA.
The Foundation Board established a process for funding disaster relief efforts at our November 2021 Board meeting, which includes the Working Group receiving and processing disaster relief applications from Club members, calling for competing applications for relief concerning the same disaster, ranking the applications, and recommending the highest-ranked proposal to the full Foundation Board for a vote on funding.
The Working Group consists of Foundation President Lynn Holec, Club President Marilyn Nevy Cruz, Past President Bill Dent, Foundation Director Irene Koerner, Foundation Treasurer Linda Solomon, and Past President Lisa McCurdy as the Group’s Chairperson.
A second round of giving to Turkey and Syria was spearheaded in February. The Rotary Club of Washington, DC Shelter Box fundraising campaign raised $4,040.00, and that was matched so Shelter Box received $8,080 from our Club thru that effort.
There was another $800 donated to the Club Foundation since the “match” was announced, and therefore $960.00 was donated to the Foundation to fulfill the $5,000.00 match commitment. This will help to fund additional Disaster Relief through the Foundation.
Due to the generous annual donations of club members, bequests of past club members through their estate plans, and the sound stewardship of the Foundation Board over the past century, our Rotary Club can fund disaster relief initiatives in addition to the many other worthy projects, programs, and activities through its Foundation. We should be proud of our legacy and make every effort to expand our reach.
Meeting in Review - March 15, 2023
On March 15, 2023, the Rotary Club of Washington, DC, held its regular weekly meeting in person at the University Club of Washington, D.C. and via Zoom and welcomed the Rotaract Club of Washington, D.C. who conducted the meeting.
On March 15, 2023, the Rotary Club of Washington, DC, held its regular weekly meeting in person at the University Club of Washington, D.C. and via Zoom and invited the Rotaract Club of Washington, D.C. to conduct the meeting.Rotaract President Allison (Allie) Rivera called the meeting to order at 12:30 PM.
Rotaract Member Ta-Sha Watkins led the pledge of allegiance.
Rotaract Secretary Jhosse Rivera provided the secretary’s report and welcomed our guests.
Rotaract Treasurer Maria Schweitzer recognized three birthdays and zero member anniversaries.
Rotaract Membership Chair Julia Moluf shared words of inspiration in the form of a quote by the late Disability Rights activist Judy Huemann.
President Marilyn Nevy Cruz welcomed the Rotaract Club and shared a brief background on Rotaract and inducted new Rotary Club of Washington, DC members Frank Gamez and Arden Demirayak.
Sterling Hoffman shared a Rotary Foundation Moment and made an appeal for donations to the Rotary International Foundation Fundraiser. Sterling shared the following information about current donations to date:
- Currently raised: $26,783 USD from 41 donors (approximately 1/3 of club members)
- Sterling shared information on how to donate at Rotary.org and shared that his business, Sterling Portraits, will offer discounted rates on portraits to those club members whose donations exceed $500.00 USD.
- Sterling shared that there are currently 79 Paul Harris pin recipients in the club with and additional 8 pins to be distributed at the March 22, 2023, regular club lunch meeting.
Donnie Shaw provided a recap of the Career Fair hosted by the Rotary Club of Washington, DC at Richard Wright Public Charter School. Donnie recognized several other members that contributed to the success of the event. A video recap of the event, produced by Elijah from Richard Wright, was shared to the club.
Alexandar Tu welcomed and moderated a panel of students from CHEC, Cardozo, and Richard Wright to share their experiences and answer/ask questions following the RYLA leadership training. Students shared their key takeaways from the weekend, including what they learned and what they did on the retreat.
President Marilyn Nevy Cruz welcomed President Elect Lisa Cohen and President Nominee Bob Schott to take a photo with the students and reminded members to donate to the Rotary Club of Washington, DC Foundation, which funds this type of project.
Rotaract President Allison (Allie) Rivera shared a presentation in which she recognized individual Rotaract board of directors and provided updates on Rotaract’s recent events, including,
- District Clean Ups Brookland
- World Polio Day
- Fundraiser for Food Justice
- Best Buddies Gala
- MLK Day of Service
- District Clean Ups-Capitol Hill
- Volunteering with Food Justice
- Fellowship Events:
- Summer Potluck
- Cook out
- Fall induction ceremony
- Halloween Scavenger Hunt and Bar Crawl
- Music Trivia
- Ice Skating
- Professional Development
- September: Rotary Connection
- October: Home Buying
- December: Goal Setting
- January: Taxes
- International Connections:
- Cultural Exchange with Rotaract Sri Lanka
- Careers in Foreign Service Panel
- Partnership with Young Professionals in Foreign Policy Group (ins and outs of hiring process and challenges/ demands of roles)
- ShelterBox Fundraiser (in conjunction with other Rotaract clubs across the country)
Rotaract President Allison (Allie) Rivera thanked the Rotary Club of Washington for funds that help support Rotaract and shared upcoming events that the Rotary Club of Washington members are invited to attend. Events and registration can be found on MeetUp: https://meetu.ps/e/LTcSj/1K8Lc/i
Belek Toktosunov conducted the raffle and announced small pot winner at $29. No large pot drawing was conducted.
Rotaract President Allison Rivera adjourned the meeting at 1:23 PM.
Steve Liston was the producer on Zoom, Megan Miller and Ahmed Eltally were greeters, Brian Blum and Maria Schweitzer provided hospitality, and Dylan White wrote the meeting in review.
Meeting in Review - March 8, 2023
On March 8, 2023, the Rotary Club of Washington, DC, held its regular weekly meeting in person at the University Club of Washington, D.C. and via Zoom and welcomed guest speaker the Honorable H.E. Hilda Suka-Mafudze, the African Union Ambassador to the United States of America.
On March 8, 2023, the Rotary Club of Washington, DC, held its regular weekly meeting in person at the University Club of Washington, D.C. and via Zoom.Past President Nancy Riker called the meeting to order at 12:30 PM and led everyone in the Pledge of Allegiance.
Sergeant-at-Arms Lola Perez recognized birthdays and anniversaries for the week.
Secretary Todd Miller introduced the guests and visiting Rotarians. Past District Governor Rich Carson attended the meeting and brought with him Daniel Jimenez as a prospective member. Other guests included Terry Hill, a guest of Bill Busker, Ayce Ozerdem, a guest of May O’Brien who has applied for membership, Ronan Taylor, a guest of President Marilyn Nevy Cruz, and Julie Fischer, a guest of Sterling Hoffman.
Deputy Secretary Debbie Peters introduced the speaker, the Honorable H.E. Hilda Suka-Mafudze, noting that the Ambassador was a role model for her as one of the first female parliamentarians in Zimbabwe and a picture of grace. Ambassador Suka-Mafudze is the African Union Ambassador to the United States of America since October 2021. She was nominated by H.E. Moussa Faki Mahamat, Chairperson of the African Union Commission, to lead the African Union Mission in the USA, the first bilateral diplomatic Mission opened by the AU in 2007.
Ambassador Hilda Suka-Mafudze is the Permanent Representative of the African Union to the United States of America. Her core mandate is to enhance and maintain existing bilateral ties. These ties strengthen democratic institutions, advance trade and investment, knowledge sharing, promote peace and security, mutual relationships between the U.S and all 55 AU member countries based on culture and shared values.
A career diplomat with experience that spans the African continent, Ambassador Suka-Mafudze assumed her most recent duties on November 2, 2020. Prior to coming to the U.S., she helped lead diplomacy for more than two decades in a variety of top government positions in her home country, Zimbabwe. Well known as a “quiet champion of democracy,” Ambassador SukaMafudze held ambassadorial positions representing her country in Khartoum Sudan and South Sudan between 2010 and 2019, and most recently, in the Republic of Malawi.
With a staunch commitment to democracy and the will of the people, Ambassador Suka-Mafudze worked fastidiously with the 55 AU member countries to promote and deepen democracy and democratic elections on the African continent. While Ambassador to Malawi, she chaired the group of regional ambassadors representing the South African Development Community (SADC), a regional Economic Community comprising 16 member states. With an agreed objective to coordinate efforts and settle issues of a contested national election, the Ambassadors engaged deeply with the African Union Election Observers and other international observers. Ambassador Suka-Mafudze herself was serving as an international observer. In Khartoum, Sudan and South Sudan, she led important high-level political processes that continue to move the entire region toward greater peace and security. In 2007, Ambassador Suka-Mafudze was the Executive Director of Community Development where she was responsible for the day-to-day running of an organization and technical professional staff who interfaced with the government, civil society, and private sector. She worked to ensure civil society's needs were articulated and streamlined in public policies and programs.
From 2000 to 2005, Ambassador Suka-Mafudze served as an elected member of Zimbabwe’s Parliament. As one of the few women parliamentarians, she was an influential voice committed to ensuring Zimbabwe’s laws were balanced and served the interests of the poor and other marginalized groups – women, youth, the elderly and children.
Ambassador Suka-Mafudze has a Master of Arts degree in International Relations and World Order from the University of Leicester, United Kingdom, and a Bachelor of Science degree in Sociology and Gender Development from the Women’s University in Africa (WUA). Located in Marondera, Zimbabwe, WUA is a private university that works to address gender disparity and foster equity in tertiary education while developing knowledge and skills in areas of vital importance for women.
Ambassador Suka-Mafudze’s other professional and academic training include: The United Nations Senior Mission Leaders’ Course, Interaction Leadership from the British Council, a professional certificate in Networking Leadership, Diplomacy, and Mediation Skills, Leading in Conflict Environments and Skills for Conflict Transformation. Ambassador Suka-Mafudze is fluent in English, with working knowledge of French and some Southern African languages, including Shona and Ndebele.
Ambassador Suka-Mafudze is married with four children.
Ambassador Suka-Mafudze mentioned that today was International Women’s Day and discussed where Africa is today with regard to women. She recognized the important role that Rotary plays in Africa and invited Rotarians to get even more involved. She stressed the need for transformation of access to digital technology for women, explaining that women are important to the business world of Africa but lag behind in access to and knowledge of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics.
She discussed the recent US-Africa Summit and the Biden Administration’s commitment to allow increased 2-way trade with Africa. The Ambassador urged the US to get more involved in Africa, where there is generally a favorable view of the country. This is critical since everyone is vying for access to Africa’s minerals.
After a lively question and answer session, Past President Nancy presented Ambassador Suka-Mafudze with both an Honorary Membership in the Club and with a certificate for the planting of a tree under the Club’s Trees for the Capital program.
May O’Brien discussed the International Service Committee and invited everyone’s participation, particularly those with grants experience to do country assessments. She explained that the ISC has funded projects in 33 countries over the years. The goal is to fund high impact projects that support one of the Rotary themes (most of which were listed by Ombudsman David Klaus, supplemented by May O’Brien). This year the ISC has $28,900 to distribute.
Past President Nancy Riker, in Sterling Hoffman’s absence, asked everyone to support the Rotary Foundation. She emphasized that the Rotary Foundation returns money to the Club and we are seeking to meet the challenge of Every Member, Every Year.
Todd Miller invited everyone to participate in the Community Service Grants Committee, noting that the recommendation meeting had been set for April 1 at a place to be determined, and to nominate a Hero.
President Elect Lisa Cohen discussed her attendance at CPETS, the Chesapeake President Elect Training Seminar. She confirmed the value of the experience and noted her belief that the experience will help her have a better year as president and to support her theme of having fun.
Past President Nancy encouraged everyone to participate in the Dictionary Project, a signature program of the Club. She noted that the dictionaries are more like mini-encyclopedias and contain a lot of valuable and fascinating material.
Past President Nancy also announced the Spring Soiree on March 30 at Andy Cook’s offices at K&L Gates. She also discussed World Rotaract Week and explained that the March 15 meeting will be run by the two Rotaract Clubs sponsored by the Club.
Ombudsman David Klaus conducted the Raffle, which was won by Sofia DeMartino, but the Ace of Spades was not drawn.
The meeting was adjourned at 1:30 PM. Salvador Farfán was the producer on Zoom, and Steve Liston the producer in the room. Dr. Sam Hancock was the greeter and Sofia DeMartino provided hospitality.
Meeting in Review - February 22, 2023
On February 22, 2023, the Rotary Club of Washington, DC, held its regular weekly meeting in person at the University Club of Washington, D.C. and via Zoom, and welcomed guest speaker Celeste Marinelli Minister Counselor of the Embassy of the Republic of Guatemala to the United States.
On February 22, 2023, the Rotary Club of Washington, DC, held its regular weekly meeting in person at the University Club of Washington, D.C. and via Zoom.Past President Andy Cook called the meeting to order at 12:30 PM and also led the pledge of allegiance.
Deputy Secretary Debbie Peters read our list of visiting Rotarians:
- Anna Kaflik, guest of Bill Day
- Jaquelyn Riloff, Rotoract DC
- Molly Hanrahan, Rotoract DC
- Miles Bernhard, guest of John Kropf
- Yohanis Temteme, guest of Alexander Tu
- Reginald Read, guest of Adrian Allen
- Jose Diaz-Asper, guest of David Klaus
There was a Member Moment from Marianna Keita-Thiero: she shared her story from early dreams and plans for a career in fashion to working in television, redirecting to international communications, and finally launching her independent consulting firm here in the DMV.
President Nominee Bob Schott made an appeal to support the Club’s Foundation.
Donnie Shaw announced tomorrow’s Career Fair at Richard Wright PCS.
Past President Lisa McCurdy offered a reminder for the Write Lunch with Free Minds event on March 1st. Rotarians will have the opportunity to give encouragement and feedback to returning citizens on their writing projects. Free Minds also works to support job readiness and outreach activities to reduce recidivism.
Past President Andy Cook offered a reminder to the club for the Twin Cities Club Open House. Participating clubs will include Tokyo, Edinburgh, Santiago, Athens, Manila and more.
David Klaus introduced our speaker. From Iowa roots, David has had the opportunity to visit many South American nations with the World Bank, including Guatemala. Our speaker Celeste Marinelli serves as Minister Counselor of the Embassy of Guatemala.
Ms. Marinelli has been the Minister Counselor of the Embassy of the Republic of Guatemala in the United States since 2021. Prior to her post to the United States, she was the Deputy Head of Mission of the Embassy of the Republic of Guatemala to Thailand, Counselor of the Embassy of the Republic of Guatemala to the Kingdom of The Netherlands, and Chief of Staff of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Guatemala. She received her master’s degree from The Fletcher School at Tufts University and received her Bachelor of Arts in International Relations and Affairs from the Universidad Francisco Marroquín in Guatemala City, Guatemala.
Ms. Marinelli began her talk by first acknowledging the efforts of Rotary on healthcare and food insecurity in the nation of Guatemala, then offered a bilateral relations summary. Guatemala is the size of Tennessee, and is home to a population of 17 milllion. The GDP is $80B. Guatemala is diverse in both climate and in ethnic groups. Priorities for the nation of Guatemala are increasing trade and investment, and decreasing drug and human trafficking.
There are many differences between the United States and Guatemala, particularly in terms of the power dynamic. However, the goal is to find common interests. The U.S. has 3 main objectives for Guatemala – reducing irregular immigration, combatting drug trafficking, and strengthening the rule of law. For Guatemala, its goals with the U.S. are to increase exports and investments and ensuring the rights of Guatemalans in the United States are being respected. Public policy common ground can be found – Guatemala hopes to achieve circular immigration with seasonal workers who return to Guatemala. This must be a local policy process. On trade: Guatemala hopes to enhance and grow trade. The United States and Canada are Guatemala’s biggest trading partners. On drug transit and criminality: Guatemala is not a producer, trafficking is the issue.
Guatemala’s U.S. partners in the effort to pursue aligned goals are the DOJ, CBP, DOS, DOL, and Congress. There were many seizures last year, and they are working on dismantling structures and systems that facilitate human trafficking. Other issues include child labor in the United States and wage theft – Guatemala hopes through an awareness campaign to encourage Guatemalans living in the United States to know their rights and responsibilities, and to reach out for assistance if they are being taken advantage of by an employer.
While there is asymmetry in the power dynamic between the United States and Guatemala, there are also common goals. Guatemala is committed to working with the U.S. to achieve prosperity for both nations and peoples.
Following Ms. Marinelli’s talk, questions and answers were facilitated by Past President Nancy Riker.
Past President Andy presented our speaker with her certificate for a Tree planted in her honor.
Sterling Hoffman led the raffle drawing, Sofia DeMartino won the small pot, but did not draw the Ace of Spades.
The Meeting was adjourned at 1:30 pm by Past President Andy.
Salvador Farfán was the producer on Zoom, and Past President Nancy the producer in the room. James Corey was the greeter, and Ali Nettles provided hospitality.
Meeting in Review - March 1, 2023
On March 1, 2023, the Rotary Club of Washington, DC, held its regular weekly meeting as a hybrid live/Zoom meeting, and welcomed the former President of Rotary International, our District Governor Dr. Sean McAllister, Rotary Club Presidents, and other distinguished Rotarians to a Presidential Assembly to introduce Club Members to the Club’s Twin Clubs.
On March 1, 2023, the Rotary Club of Washington, DC, held its regular weekly meeting as a hybrid live/Zoom meeting. The meeting was a Presidential Assembly to introduce Club Members to the Club’s Twin Clubs.President Marilyn Nevy Cruz called the meeting to order at 12:30 PM and led everyone in the Pledge of Allegiance.
Secretary Todd Miller led the introduction of guests and visiting Rotarians.
Sergeant-at-Arms Lola Perez recognized birthdays and anniversaries for the week.
President Marilyn noted the beginning of the Assembly and acknowledged the District Governors for each Rotary District in which a Twin Club is located. She gave a special thanks to DG Bala Murthy and welcomed Past Rotary International President Gary Huang who participated from Taiwan by Zoom. She also acknowledged our own DG Sean McAllister who attended in person.
Steve Liston introduced the program and explained that each Twin Club would have a few minutes to discuss their Club. He emphasized that the primary purpose of today’s assembly was to encourage fellowship with and understanding of our Twin Clubs. After thanking him for all his effort in putting today’s Assembly together, he turned the program over to Mark Wilson. Mark introduced the President of the Rotary Club of Athens, followed by the President of the Rotary Club of Bangkok and then the President Elect of the Rotary Club of Edinburgh. President Marilyn introduced the President of the Rotary Club of San Salvador Maquilishaut; Debbie Peters introduced the Past President of the Harare Dawn Rotary Club. Mark Wilson then introduced a video presented by the Rotary Club of Manila, followed by a representative from the Paris Academies Rotary Club. Erminia Scarcella introduced a representative of the Roma Appia Antica Rotary Club. Mark Wilson presented on behalf of the Santiago Rotary Club. Ambassador Jasmine Huggins attended the meeting in person and presented on behalf of the Rotary Club of Taipei, where she had been an honorary member during her tenure as Ambassador there. May O’Brien introduced the video presented by the Rotary Club of Tokyo, and Linda Solomon introduced a representative of the Tunis Doyen Rotary Club. The Rotary Club of Seoul was unable to attend.
President Marilyn thanked Mark Wilson for his herculean effort towards today’s Assembly.
President Marilyn announced that the Member of the Month was Mary Goldsmith, but a more formal presentation of the award would be done at a future meeting. She also reminded everyone to nominate a Hero.
Todd Miller reminded everyone of that evening’s Community Service Grants Committee meeting.
Sterling Hoffman conducted the raffle, which was won by David Klaus. He drew the Ace of Spades and took home a very substantial pot. For his own safety, we will not disclose the amount, but suffice it to say that he could buy every Club member a couple of drinks and still have a lot of money left over.
The meeting was adjourned at 1:39 PM. Past President Nancy Riker and Steve Liston were the room producers and Sarah Ross was the producer on Zoom. Dr. Sam Hancock was the greeter, and Amaa Damdindorj provided hospitality.
The Rotary Foundation Appeal Update
Greetings fellow Rotarians,
As you know, I am the committee Chair for the Rotary International Foundation fundraiser for this fiscal year.
We had a very successful initial drive this past October and November and are starting a fiscal year-end drive in March and April.
Our motto is “Every Club, Every Member, Every Year”.
The beauty of being a part of such a large club, is we can raise a lot of money, even with small donations! Some can afford to give $25,000, some $2500, some $500, and others maybe only $25. It’s all good, appreciated and it all adds up.
Why is it so critically important to donate?
Because Rotary International, one of the largest service organizations on the planet, needs funding to continue its global projects - humanitarian, health, educational, disaster-relief. They are ongoing, every day. Only through our worldwide donations can Rotary International fulfill its 118-year missions.
So how do I donate?
- go to Rotary.org
- Click to donate tab
- Click on annual fund – SHARE
- Select your amount
- Sign in with your email and Rotary password
- Enter your credit card information
- Submit
How much should I donate?
As much as you can afford and choose to. Any amount is appreciated.
How do I receive a Paul Harris Society (PHS) pin?
The Paul Harris Society pin is prestigious and is recognized worldwide as a symbol of a $1000 donation to Rotary International. This can be incrementally or in full during one fiscal year.
Our club fortunately has “points“ which can be donated on your behalf to supplement your $500 donation so you qualify for the PHS pin. Download or see me for the form and submit it for your points allocation request.
Sterling’s Portraits Offer.
If you are in need of an updated executive/branding portrait, you can receive a $500 credit towards your portrait with your $500 donation to Rotary International! Studio session $400
Prepaid digital file $400
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$800
- $500 RI credit
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$300 + tax
You may use your digital file image for any of your headshot needs - including updating your profile image on the Rotary website.
If you want a more comprehensive portrait session of you, you and your spouse/significant other, or your family, use your $500 Rotary donation as a credit to our standard portrait commission pricing.
Your Sterling portrait can be created in the studio at your home or at any location worldwide
This is a great opportunity to experience a wonderful session and portrait for you and your loved ones.
Dr. Shahbaz Khan's visit to Pakistan
Dear DC Rotary Club Members,
Wanted to report about my visit to Rotary Club in Pakistan. Last week I visited Lahore Pakistan my birth country and visited two rotary clubs in Lahore- Rotary Club Lahore Garrison and Rotary Club of Lahore-
With Rotary Club Lahore Garrison member Shehzad, I visited Aabroo school and learned that Rotary Club Lahore Garrison has been supporting Aabroo school for some time in various projects. Aabroo school provides education for children who are not able to afford an education and toured the school library and computer labs and classrooms and met with school teachers and students and members of the Aabroo school Rotaract members. Rotary Club Lahore Garrison has helped Aabroo school with books, computers, school supplies.
Afterwards we went and toured Mayo Hospital surgical ward and met with Mayo Hospital surgeons and staff and toured the operation rooms and saw the surgical room equipment. Rotary Club Lahore Garrison has supported Mayo Hospital Surgery center by providing medication and equipment.
Later we toured another hospital Shaukat Khanum Cancer Hospital and toured the pediatric wards and adult cancer wards and learned about the rotary club projects at the cancer hospital.
On Feb 21, I attended the meeting of Rotary Club of Lahore- this club is the oldest Rotary Club in Asia and was chartered on Dec 7, 1927. I was invited to be the chief guest of the meeting and spoke at the meeting about myself and our DC Rotary Club.
It was a wonderful opportunity for me to see all the various Rotary Club projects at the schools and hospitals and attend the meeting of the Rotary Club in Lahore. I am attaching pictures of all the activities.
Additionally, I spoke with Saleem Zamindar in Karachi and emailed Asif Bhally’s dad to convey regards from Bill and May and although I could not go to Karachi to attend Karachi Club meeting, I spoke with Saleem and he sends his regards as well.
Shahbaz
Membership Avenue Report
First of all, I wish to thank President Marilyn Nevy Cruz for her proactive and supportive role this year in the Membership arena, even as she serves as Club President.
Membership Development. As you know, we continue to have a steady stream of new membership applications and, as a result, our membership numbers are up. Our total Club membership as of the January Board meeting stood at 127. We could call this a “post-pandemic” phenomenon but what I continue to hear when I do a "Past President’s Interview” of membership applicants is the interest of today’s young professionals to “give back” and be engaged in the community and community service.
Getting involved. It is indeed great to see that the ideal of Rotary, “Service above Self”, resonates with many. I have found that each of our new members is anxious to find their best fit in the Club by identifying and becoming engage on one of our dynamic committees, which is where our Club members truly become “People of Action” and make a difference through specific projects and programs.
Guides. Nancy and, occasionally, I have continued to help new members identify a more veteran Club member to serve as a ‘Guide’ for each of our new members. Besides helping guide the new member through the Red-badge-to-Blue-badge process, a key initial task of the Guide is to help the new member find at least one committee that fits his/her interests well and get them introduced to the respective committee chair. I have even tried to do this when I do the Past-President’s interview. There is no time to waste in getting a new member on board and involved.
Member Moments. Many of us in the Club look forward to the ‘Member Moment’ segments that have become a regular part of our meetings, seemingly at least once a month. They have proven to be a great way to get acquainted with new member and even an additional way to welcome them. It is important that we continue to also invite long-time members to do a MM, since they often provide great insights into the professional and personal lives of our fellow Club members, which, otherwise, may never have come to our attention. Bill Busker is currently in charge of scheduling Member Moments. In speaking with him, I was surprised, even a little taken aback, to learn that he has faced challenges in getting some new members to commit to doing a MM. In a few cases, they have not even acknowledged his email.
Outreach & Expressions. This important Club function continues to be ably handled by PP Nancy Riker, with the same personal touch that is her hallmark. For example, all members over 75 are mailed an actual physical card for their anniversaries and birthday. For other members, she sends an email or text on or about the respective date. Nancy also has made a practice to reach out to members we know are facing serious health issues and send out ‘Get Well’ cards, as appropriate.
Fellowship Events. These continue to be organized very ably by Mary Goldsmith. The most recent one was, of course, the beautifully-done Holiday Party in December. Something, no doubt, will be planned soon to welcome spring.
Committee Meetings. The Membership Committee continues to have committee meetings, as well as once every six weeks a new & prospective “Orientation” meetings to introduce Club leaders via Zoom and provide background information on the Club, its Committees, membership fees, etc. A ‘Fireside Chat’ was also organized at Lynn Holec’s home, continuing that long tradition, providing an in-person experience for the same purpose.
New membership categories. We continue to make periodic announcements at Club meetings about the availability of the two new membership categories, respectively, for organizations and for family members/domestic partners. Unfortunately, we have had no one sign up for either. For that reason, the Committee should continue to review them and determine if any further tweaks to them are required.
YIRS,
Bill Dent
Membership Committee
Meeting in Review - February 8, 2023
On February 8th, 2023, the Rotary Club of Washington, DC, held its regular weekly meeting in person at the University Club of Washington, D.C. and via Zoom and welcomed guest speaker Makeba Clay, an International Expert
on Diversity, Equity and Inclusion.
President Marilyn Nevy Cruz called the meeting to order at 12:30 PM and led everyone in the Pledge of Allegiance.
Deputy Secretary Debbie Peters introduced the guests and visiting Rotarians.
Sergeant-at-Arms Lola Perez recognized birthdays and anniversaries for the week.
President Nominee Bob Schott asked everyone to support the Club Foundation. He emphasized that purchases of pink gin from him also benefits the Foundation and that the gin makes a great Valentine’s gift.
President Elect Lisa Cohen announced a Vision Board event at her house and invited other members to share ideas for her upcoming year as President.
Alphonso Westley discussed the Career Fair to be held on February 23 at the Richard Wright Public Charter School. He announced that volunteers are needed to present their respective careers at the fair.
Mark Wilson asked the Twin City Club liaisons to submit the contact information for their designated Clubs by February 10. There will be a Club Assembly/Twin City Clubs Open House on March 1.
President Marilyn reminded everyone of the Mount Zion Cemetery Work Day on February 11, hosted by the Rotarians for Equality for Black People Committee and Metro Bethesda Rotary.
President Marilyn announced the “Write Lunch” with Free Minds after the Club luncheon meeting on March 1.
President Marilyn introduced the speaker, Makeba Clay. Ms. Clay is the past national president of the Association of Black Women in Higher Education (ABWHE) and has also served on numerous Boards and Advisory Councils, including, The Maryland Roundtable for Diversity, Princeton in Africa, the New Jersey Chapter of the American Council on Education Network, and The Maryland Governor’s Commission on Volunteerism and Service. She currently maintains board leadership or professional affiliations with numerous organizations, among them, The Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM), the National Speakers Association (NSA), The Maryland Humanities for the Arts, Museum Hue, DC Commission on Arts and Humanities, ArtTable, Arts Administrators of Color, and the American Alliance of Museums (AAM). She is a member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated, and The Links, Incorporated.
Ms. Clay spoke of her work in diversity, equity and inclusion and different techniques she has used to help many companies grow their awareness and actions in that area.
After questions and answers, President Marilyn presented Ms. Clay with a certificate for the planting of a tree under the Club’s Trees for the Capital program.
Sterling Hoffman conducted the Raffle, which was won by Chelsea Uzarowski, but the Ace of Spades was not drawn.
The meeting was adjourned at 1:30 PM. Sarah Ross was the producer in the room, and Steve Liston the producer on Zoom. Balraj Gupta provided hospitality; Amaaragchaa “Amaa” Damdindorj was the greeter.
Meeting in Review - February 15, 2023
On February 15th, 2023, the Rotary Club of Washington, DC, held its regular weekly meeting in person at the University Club of Washington, D.C. and via Zoom and welcomed guest speaker Leora Hoffman, an attorney and matchmaking expert.
On February 15th, 2023, the Rotary Club of Washington, DC, held its regular weekly meeting in person at the University Club of Washington, D.C. and via Zoom.President Marilyn Nevy Cruz called the meeting to order at 12:30 PM and led everyone in the Pledge of Allegiance.
Sergeant-at-Arms Lola Perez recognized birthdays and anniversaries for the week.
Secretary Todd Miller introduced the guests and visiting Rotarians.
President Nominee Bob Schott asked everyone to support the Club Foundation.
President Elect Lisa Cohen reminded everyone of the Vision Board event at her house on Saturday, February 18.
President Marilyn reminded everyone of the “Write Lunch” with Free Minds after the Club luncheon meeting on March 1.
President Marilyn inducted John Sandy into the Club. John provided some background, noting that he holds a PhD in Organizational Leadership and currently manages contracts. He thanked President Marilyn, Sergeant-at-Arms Lola, and Past President Bill Dent for their assistance and encouragement in his joining of the Club.
Sterling Hoffman introduced the speaker, Leora Hoffman, noting that she was not related to him. Ms. Hoffman is an attorney and matchmaking expert. She was born in Israel and raised in Brooklyn, NY. After graduating law school in 1982, Ms. Hoffman lived and worked in London, England, before moving to Washington, DC where she began her career as a practicing attorney in the field of criminal defense and civil litigation. In 1986, she joined the Commodity Futures Trading Commission, where she served as an attorney in the trading and markets division. In 1989, after the birth of her second child, she left the federal government to start her matchmaking business, focusing on professional singles in the Washington DC/Baltimore area. In 1999, Ms. Hoffman returned to the practice of law in the field of Child Protection and established a private practice in DC Family Court, representing children in the neglect system. While concurrently running her matchmaking business, Ms. Hoffman joined the Office of the Attorney General of DC in 2003 as an Assistant Attorney General in the Child Protection Division, where she served until 2015, when she left the legal profession to expand her matchmaking company. In 2020, Ms. Hoffman published her book: Catch Me a Catch: Chronicles of a Modern-Day Matchmaker, wherein she describes her own journey to find love, as well as over thirty years of client case studies.
Ms. Hoffman is a frequent public speaker in the area of relationships and matchmaking, and has appeared on public, cable and network TV, public radio, and the Dating While Grey podcast. She has been featured in numerous newspaper and magazine articles including Washingtonian magazine, the Washington Times, and the Baltimore Sun.
Ms. Hoffman currently specializes in the 50+ demographic. Since 1989, she has been responsible for 82 marriages and hundreds of long-term relationships. She currently resides in Garrett Park, MD, with her third husband Jim, to whom she has been married for ten years.
Ms. Hoffman explained that she is a hopeless romantic who believes that enduring love is possible at any age and any stage of life. She believes that successful relationships require common goals and values, good chemistry, and a “pinch” of humor. At the same time, no relationship is perfect. Hence good relationships are not about perfection, but about connection. She proceeded to describe her book, which chronicles the take-aways of each situation, successful and unsuccessful, that she has faced. In the end, the book provides a message of hope for singles and underscores that relationships take work for couples.
After questions and answers, President Marilyn presented Ms. Hoffman with a certificate for the planting of a tree under the Club’s Trees for the Capital program.
Todd Miller invited everyone to participate in the Community Service Grants Committee
Sterling Hoffman conducted the Raffle, which was won by Past President Gerry Murphy, but the Ace of Spades was not drawn.
The meeting was adjourned at 1:31 PM. Salvador Farfán was the producer on Zoom, and Steve Liston the producer in the room. Alphonso Westley and Chelsea Uzarowski were the greeters and provided hospitality.
2023 DC Rotary Foundation Career Fair
Rotary Foundation of Washington DC Annual Campaign
My Dear Fellow Rotarians:
Our annual fund drive on behalf of the Rotary Foundation of Washington, D.C is in full swing but, unfortunately, some of our members are not yet swinging. Our own Foundation is really a great asset because of all the good that it enables us to do. In this, the 100th year of our Foundation, we want to do even more. Take a look at what we’ve done in the past:
of the Rotary Foundation of Washington, D.C.
Community Service Grants. Every year, our club’s Community Service Grants Committee meets in the spring to review applications for grants received from charitable organizations throughout the metropolitan area. Typically over 100 applications are received; typically some 40-45 different agencies receive grants. Large grants are for $20,000; smaller grants are for $1,000 to $5,000 each. Beneficiaries include agencies that provide services to under-served children and youth, abused women, the hungry, the sick, the homeless, the elderly, people in hospitals and retirement homes, etc. The Committee uses its discretion to decide how many large grants to award (typically two to five) and how many small grants to award (typically around 40).
International Service Grants. Every year, our club’s International Service Grants Committee meets in the fall to review applications on behalf of not-for-profit charitable organizations in developing countries. Most such applications are developed by Rotarians from our club who have an association with the non-profit organization and have visited it in the developing country. For every grant, our club partners with a local Rotary Club which oversees the use of the funds. Typically some six or seven grants are awarded each year. They support activities these areas: (1) peace and conflict prevention/resolution, (2) disease prevention and treatment, (3) water supply and sanitation, (4) maternal and child health, (5) basic education and literacy, and (6) economic and community development. Grants are generally in the range of $3,000 to $5,000 each. Some of the grants involve only our club and the partner club in the developing country; other grants are supplemented with contributions from other Rotary Clubs, individuals, our Rotary District, and Rotary International.
Trees for the Capital. Every year, our club donates money to the National Park Service for trees to be planted to restore the much-diminished tree canopy of Washington, D.C., particularly cherry trees near the Tidal Basin and other kinds of trees in Farragut Square and other local parks. We do this for its inherent value and also to honor the speakers at our weekly luncheon meetings.
Rotaract Clubs. Our club supports two Rotaract Clubs for young people aged 18-30. The young people benefit from leadership development and professional development and participate in many different service activities, many in conjunction with our club. Each Rotaract Club meets twice a month. The Rotaract President of the older of the two clubs is sent each year to the annual Rotary International Convention, which takes place annually in a different city around the world. The club’s officers also receive money for lunches so that they can attend our Rotary District Conference as well as United Nations Day in New York City.
Interact Clubs. Our club supports two Interact Clubs for young people of high-school age, with goals and activities similar to those of the Rotaract Clubs.
Career Fair. Once a year, some 30 professionals in various fields—Rotarians from our club and others—spend a day meeting with up to 300 high-school students from D.C. public high schools and talking with them about careers in various fields.
Walter Reed Bingo. Rotarians from our club have been working with wounded warriors at Walter Reed medical centers since World War II. One evening a month, Rotarians from our club and friends go to the USO Warrior Center at the Bethesda Naval Base to play bingo with wounded servicemen and women and their families, awarding the winners small, inexpensive prizes and sharing fellowship.
Rotary Youth Leadership Awards (RYLA). Each year our club pays to send about a dozen deserving young students from Roosevelt and Dunbar (public) Senior High Schools to a leadership conference in rural Maryland over the Presidents’ Day weekend (three days and three nights). There they meet and interact with other student leaders from Northern Virginia and much of Maryland. Many return home from the camp describing it as a vision-broadening and life-changing experience.
Disaster Relief. Every year, natural disasters occur around the country and around the world which cause enormous human loss and suffering. At the discretion of the Foundation Board, grants of varying amounts may be made to Rotary Clubs in the afflicted areas for use in mitigating the suffering. A related category is the Discretionary Budgets, each of $1,000, for the Club President and for the Foundation President, to be spent as they see fit on humanitarian objectives.
Rotary Youth Exchange Program. Rotary International has long sponsored international youth exchange programs, in conjunction with local Rotary Clubs. This Rotary year, the Foundation Board voted to support one American student traveling overseas by defraying some of the related costs.
Grate Patrol. A Salvation Army van goes out every night of the year to provide a hot meal and beverage to homeless people in the District of Columbia. Rotarian Volunteers from our club go out two nights a month to help. The Salvation Army pays for everything, but our Foundation nevertheless has a small budget ($500) to pay for any ancillary costs which might arise.
These projects need your support. The ROTARY FOUNDATION of WASHINGTON, D.C. needs money to continue supporting these projects. Please contribute.
By check: Mail your check, payable to:
The Rotary Foundation of Washington, D.C.
P.O. Box 65484
Washington DC 20036
Or hand your check to Kathy at a weekly Rotary meeting.
OR
Online: Go to our club’s website, www.DCRotaryClub.org. Click on “Foundation” at the top of the home page. In the window that opens, scroll down and click on the gold button that says “Donate Now.” In the window that opens, enter the amount that you want to give and choose your method of payment (PayPal or credit card or debit card).
One hundred per cent of your contribution to the Rotary Foundation of Washington, D.C., a 5.01(c)(3) charitable agency, is tax-deductible. Our goal every year is to encourage every member of our club to make a donation, no matter how large or how small. We do hope that your contribution will be at least $100, but every contribution is welcome. If you donate $400 or more, you will be invited to the Major Donors Reception on my deck in the spring. All donors will receive a letter acknowledging their contribution, giving the amount and confirming that the donation is tax-deductible.
Thank you, in advance, for your generosity.
Sincerely,
Bob Schott, Annual Fund Drive Chair,
Rotary Foundation of Washington, D.C.
Meeting in Review - February 1, 2023
On February 1, 2023, the Rotary Club of Washington, DC, held its regular weekly meeting in person at the University Club of Washington, D.C. and via Zoom, and welcomed guest speaker Chris Syphax, President Emeritus of The Black Heritage Museum of Arlington.
On February 1, 2023, the Rotary Club of Washington, DC, held its regular weekly meeting in person at the University Club of Washington, D.C. and via Zoom.President Marilyn Nevy Cruz called the meeting to order at 12:31 PM and led everyone in the Pledge of Allegiance.
Secretary Todd Miller led the introduction of guests and visiting Rotarians.
Sergeant-at-Arms Lola Perez recognized birthdays and anniversaries for the week.
President Nominee Bob Schott asked everyone to support the Club Foundation. He emphasized that purchases of pink gin from him also benefits the Foundation and that the gin makes a great Valentine’s gift.
Brian Blum shared his Member Moment. He is a small business owner and has been a Rotarian since 2010. (He joined in Cary, NC, and was at one point President of that Club.) He is very proud of his initiation of a Memory Café for Alzheimer’s patients in Cary and his recent participation in the Grate Patrol. He has been a member of our Club for about 6 months. He and his wife have two grown children (one a Marine and the other in law school).
Sheldon Ray discussed the Committee for Equality of Black People and various initiatives that it was undertaken. In honor of Black History Month, he commended two books, “Stolen: Five Free Boys Kidnapped into Slavery,” by Richard Bell, and “Beyond Freedom’s Reach: A Kidnapping in the Twilight of Slavery,” by Adam Rothman. He also discussed the Mt. Zion Cemetery and the interest that the newly elected DC Attorney General, Brian Schwalb, has taken in it. He has appointed President Elect Lisa Cohen, Sheldon Ray, and Kenny Barnes to his transition team as a result.
Donnie Shaw discussed the Career Fair to be held on February 23 at the Richard Wright Public Charter School. Volunteers are needed both to talk to the students about career paths and opportunities but to help set up. Please contact Donnie if you are interested.
President Marilyn explained that there will be a “Write Lunch” with Free Minds after the Club luncheon meeting on March 1. This is an excellent way to see Club Foundation funds in action, and it is a fun event where Club members and Free Minds Ambassadors provide feedback on the writings of currently incarcerated Free Minds’ members.
Kenny Barnes introduced the speaker, Chris Syphax, President Emeritus of The Black Heritage Museum of Arlington. A native Arlingtonian, Mr. Syphax is a descendant of slaves from Mount Vernon and Arlington House. Mr. Syphax is very involved in Arlington’s vast community, as a past board member of the Arlington House Foundation, as well as President Emeritus of The Black Heritage Museum of Arlington.
A real estate investor since 1998, Mr. Syphax manages the properties he owns. He also enjoys being a television producer at Arlington Independent Media, AIM, since 2004.
Mr. Syphax gave a detailed description of his family history, explaining how is descended from George Washington Parke Custis, the adopted son of President George Washington and son of Martha Washington. Through this relationship, his family were given land in Arlington, VA, that were taken by the Union Army and dedicated as “Freeman’s Village.” These same lands were later taken for Arlington Cemetery and the Pentagon Annex.
Mr. Syphax also shared how he had started the museum, which will eventually be housed in Amazon’s building in South Arlington, and how the focus of the museum is on the 1800s to Segregation. There is also a Syphax exhibit at the National Museum of African American History & Culture.
After a lively question and answer period, President Marilyn presented Mr. Syphax with a certificate for the planting of a tree under the Club’s Trees for the Capital program.
Sofia DeMartino conducted the Raffle, which was won by Todd Miller, but the Ace of Spades was not drawn.
The meeting was adjourned at 1:30 PM. Past President Nancy Riker was the producer in the room, and Steve Liston the producer on Zoom. Balraj Gupta provided hospitality; Chelsea Uzarowski and Ali Nettles were the greeters; and Balraj Gupta registered guests.
Meeting in Review - January 11, 2023
On January 11, 2023, the Rotary Club of Washington, DC, held its regular weekly meeting in person at the University Club of Washington, D.C. and via Zoom, and welcomed guest speaker Dee Dee Parker Wright, Executive Director of Jubilee JumpStart.
On January 11, 2023, the Rotary Club of Washington, DC, held its regular weekly meeting in person at the University Club of Washington, D.C. and via Zoom.President Marilyn Nevy Cruz called the meeting to order at 12:30 PM and led everyone in the Pledge of Allegiance.
Deputy Secretary Debbie Peters led the introduction of guests and visiting Rotarians.
Sergeant-at-Arms Lola Perez recognized birthdays and anniversaries for the week.
Sibel Kulaksiz shared her Member Moment.
President Marilyn inducted Chelsea Uzarowski, Alphonso Westley, and Dylan White into the Club. Each then provided a few words about themselves and their excitement to be a member of the Club.
Dr. Arrel Solano provided an update on the Youth Exchange Program. Dr. Olano introduced our YEP Outbound Student, Tabitha Vasquez, a junior at CHEC, who was accompanied by her mother, Susan Vasquez. Ms. Vasquez indicated that her country choices (in order of preference) are Thailand, South Korea, Belgium, and Hungary. Ms. Susan Vasquez thanked the Club for its sponsorship of Tabitha.
President Nominee Bob Schott made an appeal for donations to the Club’s Foundation.
Elise Egan reminded everyone that applications were being accepted for Community Service Grants.
Elise Egan introduced the speaker Dee Dee Parker Wright, Executive Director of Jubilee JumpStart. Ms. Parker Wright has committed her career to helping families form strong attachments to ensure the best possible outcomes for children, particularly where difficulties create barriers to success. She has been Executive Director of Jubilee JumpStart since 2011, following 12 years in Head Start and 4 years at Children's Protective Services, all settings in which racial, socio-economic and language differences have increased the barriers the families faced. While at Jubilee JumpStart, she has led their efforts to achieve NAEYC accreditation twice, implementing a responsive and nurturing parent engagement program, and creating an organizational structure with coaching and development of teachers at its core. She knows that children are healthier and can achieve more when they grow up surrounded by nurturing adults who are developing themselves. She strongly believes that building community and connection that best supports vulnerable children and their caregivers requires awareness, naming, and challenging of systems that are inherently and actively biased.
The Rotary Foundation of Washington D.C. awarded Jubilee JumpStart with a Special Grant of $20,000 in the 2021-2022 Rotary Year. After a brief question and answer period, President Marilyn presented Ms. Parker Wright with a certificate for the planting of a tree under the Club’s Trees for the Capital program.
Sterling Hoffman conducted the raffle, but the Ace of Spades was not drawn. Hospitality was led by Balraj Gupta, the greeter was Dr. Sam Hancock and Room/Zoom Producers were Steve Liston and Salvador Farfán. President Marilyn adjourned the meeting at 1.30pm
Member Moment - Sibel
February 2, 2023
I find it fascinating to be part of Rotary’s mission to provide service to the disadvantaged groups. It is particularly rewarding to discuss and agree on actions with like-minded folks at the Washington, D.C. Rotary Club. I enjoy very much weekly meetings and listening to those who look from different angles to address complex issues at home and elsewhere. One of my favorite assignments so far was the grate patrol when we distributed food in DC area jointly with the Salvation Army. I saw it first-hand how important Rotary’s contribution is for the community. I also enjoyed preparing children’s books together with “Everybody Wins DC” which I am sure will have significant impact on education quality. I look forward to contributing to other projects going forward.
As an economist, I look at economic and social development issues at macro level and I am also interested in humanitarian impact of what we are recommending as policies. I actively participate in international discussions with public and private sector leaders, civil society organizations and the academia. As co-President of the Arya International Women Empowerment Club, I pro-actively participate in projects that will improve women’s access to economic activities as leaders. There are a lot of complementarities between what I do professionally at the World Bank and how I contribute through social clubs which I think comes naturally. So glad to work with Rotary members who see value in doing these services that have visible impact on improving other people’s lives.
Member Moment - Brian Blum
My name is Brian Blum. A small business owner and a member of Rotary since 2010 and was President of the Cary Page Rotary Club in 2013-2014. I was born in Boston Ma. My father is from Caracas Venezuela and my Mother is from Boston Massachusetts. After graduating from UMASS, I relocated to Cary NC. After 30 years in NC. We relocated to Washington DC.
I was once asked a question. When did you first feel like you were a Rotarian?
I started to think, and I believe my first time feeling like I was a Rotarian, was feeding the 70+ trash men and women in Cary NC with other members of our Rotary Club. We woke early and catered the event with Chick-Fil-A, coffee, Yogurt, Juice, and more. It gave me a chance to meet these hard-working people in our community.
My proudest moment as a Rotarian was starting a memory café for people with dementia and their caregivers. Through a service project involving all 5 Rotary Clubs in Cary NC, we were able to fund and provide volunteers for a date night out with music, dancing, a great dinner and fond memories for spouses and adult children taking care of their loved ones at home. Not only were we helping people in the community but for the first time we had a monthly service event involving members from all 5 clubs which build comradery and friendship with all of the Rotarians in the city.
The most recent time I felt as though I was a real Rotarian, was 2 weeks ago when out with the Salvation Army Grate Patrol helping to feed the homeless on the streets of Washington. It was a reminder of what I love most about being a Rotarian, helping people in need. If you haven’t been out on the Grate Patrol recently, I highly recommend it.
Trees for the Capital Program
The Rotary Club of Washington, DC is committed to improving and beautifying the environment. At each meeting, we present our guest speaker with our "Trees for the Capital" certificate signifying our commitment to plant a tree in their honor. Yes, we plant a tree for every speaker that speaks at our weekly meetings! Our Club has a partnership with the National Park Service in which we provide GPS coordinates to the speakers showing them where their actual tree is planted in the nation's capital.
It's also worth mentioning that the National Park Service "matched" our trees planted, doubling the number of trees planted this year!
Together with partners such as our Club, the Rotary Club of Washington DC, the National Mall and Memorial Parks work hard to maintain its tree canopy. #TreesForTheCapital is a program initiated and maintained by our Club. At each weekly meeting, the Rotary Club speaker is presented with a certificate indicating that the DC Rotary Club plants trees several times a year honoring speakers. Named the Peter Gilsey Trees for the Capital in honor of long-standing #DCRotaryClub member, Peter Gilsey, this program has resulted in more than 300 trees being planted, around the Tidal Basin, although a few trees have been planted elsewhere (e.g., near the White House and the Capitol), and at Farragut Square. Though funded by our Rotary Foundation of Washington, D.C., the choice of tree and actual planting is conducted by the experts of the National Park Service.
Meeting in Review - January 25, 2023
On January 25, 2023, the Rotary Club of Washington, DC, held its regular weekly meeting in person at the University Club of Washington, D.C. and via Zoom, and welcomed guest speaker David (Dave) A. Micha, President of Intelsat General Communications (IGC), a Business Unit of the Intelsat Corporation.
On January 25, 2023, the Rotary Club of Washington, DC, held its regular weekly meeting in person at the University Club of Washington, D.C. and via Zoom.President Marilyn Nevy Cruz called the meeting to order at 12:30 PM and led everyone in the Pledge of Allegiance.
Secretary Todd Miller led the introduction of guests and visiting Rotarians.
Deputy Sergeant-at-Arms Max Salas recognized birthdays and anniversaries for the week.
President Nominee Bob Schott asked everyone to support the Club Foundation. The Foundation helps the Club engage in both local community and global activities and is the linchpin to the DC Club’s activities. Anyone interested in purchasing pink gin, the proceeds of which are provided to the Foundation, should contact him.
President Marilyn presented the Member of the Month for December 2022 to Dr. Sam Hancock. She thanked him for his efforts in organizing greeters for the meetings and in mentoring new members.
Todd Miller reminded everyone about the applications for Community Service Grants which are due January 31, 2023. He reiterated that all were encouraged to publicize the grants and to participate in the Committee. An email would be forthcoming once the applications were submitted to organize the review process.
Sterling Hoffman introduced the speaker David (Dave) A. Micha, President of Intelsat General Communications (IGC), a Business Unit of the Intelsat Corporation. As the foundational architects of satellite technology, Intelsat operates the largest, most advanced satellite fleet and connectivity infrastructure in the world. In this role since February 2021, Mr. Micha is involved in all aspects of the business including Strategy, Business Development, Customer Relationships, M&A, P&L and Operations.
Mr. Micha has spent his entire thirty-six-year career in the Aerospace and Defense industry, including twenty-three years at L3Harris and, prior to that, thirteen years at Lockheed Martin. Prior to joining Intelsat, Mr. Micha was the Chief Operating Officer for the L3Harris Integrated Mission Systems Segment and, prior to that, served as the Sector President for L3 Technologies Advanced Communications Sector. Mr. Micha also led the Maritime Sector and Space Sector for L3 Technologies. While at Lockheed Martin, Mr. Micha worked in various functions, including Program Management, Operations and Finance supporting the DoD, Intelligence Community and International partners.
Mr. Micha received his bachelor’s degree in Business Administration from S.U.N.Y. Fredonia in 1983 in Business Administration. He currently holds a TS/SCI Clearance. Mr. Micha is a member of the Air Force Association, AUSA, NDIA and Navy League. He also serves on the Board of Directors of Coopers Ferry Partnership and the Rutgers School of Business Deans Leadership Council.
Prodded by Sterling Hoffman, Mr. Micha explained that he had been a roadie for such bands as Journey, Foreigner, and Kiss and, as a result, developed a friendship with some of the members of Kiss. He then gave a detailed explanation of Intelsat’s business, noting that it is the largest commercial satellite business in the world. He is responsible for Intelsat’s government business, which comprises about 30% of Intelsat’s overall business.
At base, Intelsat provides connectivity through satellite-based communications. Its 52 satellites cover 99% of the Earth’s surface in geosynchronous orbit. These satellites connect to 62 teleporters located around the world. Intelsat carries about 1,500 terabytes of data every day. Intelsat supports inflight connectivity to 21 airlines, is the largest distributor of broadcast television, and provides mission critical connectivity to governments for military and other purposes. Intelsat also provides, on a pro bono basis, connectivity for disaster relief efforts. After a brief question and answer period, President Marilyn presented Mr. Micha with a certificate for the planting of a tree under the Club’s Trees for the Capital program.
President Marilyn inducted Chuks Okoriekwe as a new member. He noted that he was looking forward to participating in the Club’s activities.
Past President Bill Dent noted the passing of David Fishman. In addition to noting his many contributions to Rotary, and in particular his interest in the Peace Initiative Project, Past President Bill explained that David had endowed a pilot project at the Carter School for Peace and Conflict Resolution at George Mason University.
John Kropf invited everyone to participate in Grate Patrol on Tuesdays and Fridays. It was easy to sign up on the website through a sign-up genius.
John Kropf conducted the Raffle, which was won yet again by Ken Kimbrough, but the Ace of Spades was not drawn.
The meeting was adjourned at 1:30 PM. Salvador Farfán was the Zoom producer and Nancy Riker was the producer in the room, with an assist from Steve Liston. Balraj Gupta provided hospitality; Dr. Sam Hancock and Ali Nettles were the greeters; and Amaa Damdindorj registered guests.
Meeting in Review - January 18, 2023
On January 18, 2023, the Rotary Club of Washington, DC, held its regular weekly meeting in person at the University Club of Washington, D.C. and via Zoom and welcomed guest speaker B. Douglas Hoey, CEO of the National Community Pharmacists Association.
On January 18, 2023, the Rotary Club of Washington, DC, held its regular weekly meeting in person at the University Club of Washington, D.C. and via Zoom.Past President Gerry Murphy called the meeting to order at 12:30 PM and led everyone in the Pledge of Allegiance.
Secretary Todd Miller led the introduction of guests and visiting Rotarians.
Tuya Munkhjargal, a Rotarian from Mongolia doing graduate studies at Johns Hopkins, spoke about a reading program for Mongolian children on which she had been working with the Rotary Club of Annapolis. She discussed how the program worked and how those who achieved their reading goals would be eligible to visit the United States. She asked for support, including for volunteers to be host families for the children.
Deputy Sergeant-at-Arms Max Salas recognized the birthday for the week.
Michelle Ems provided an update on the Dictionary Project, noting that the COVID hiatus was over and that the Club would be back to delivering dictionaries to elementary schools in the District. Volunteers are needed for deliveries, and she displayed a map with the schools to which dictionaries would be delivered. Further information would be sent by email.
Sofia DeMartino gave a brief talk asking for support for the Club Foundation. She explained how her engagement with Rotary began because of support from a Rotary foundation and how the Foundation supported so many critical activities that benefit the community.
Secretary Todd Miller noted that one of the areas of Foundation support were community grants. Applications for the grants are due at the end of January, and shortly thereafter the Community Service Grant Committee would begin to review them. All were encouraged to publicize the grants and to participate in the Committee. An email would be forthcoming in the next couple of weeks to organize the review process.
Alexander Tu provided an update on the Rotary Youth Leadership Awards. He provided a description of the Awards and how this culminates in participation by high school students in a leadership program over the President’s Day weekend. This year the Club’s Foundation will be sponsoring 13 students, and volunteers are needed to assist with the program. If interested, please contact him.
Alexander Tu introduced the speaker B. Douglas Hoey, Chief Executive Officer of the National Community Pharmacists Association. The National Community Pharmacists Association represents the owners of nearly 19,400 pharmacy small businesses. These pharmacies are important to local economies, providing jobs for more than 215,000 people in their communities. Consumers consistently rank them as the top-rated pharmacies in the country.
Mr. Hoey is a licensed pharmacist in Oklahoma, Virginia, and Texas and practiced in a variety of community pharmacy settings including his own family’s pharmacy before coming to NCPA. Mr. Hoey was NCPA’s first Chief Operating Officer and in 2011 was named CEO. He is widely quoted by media as an industry expert on community pharmacy practice issues including drug supply and prescription drug pricing. He also developed and taught pharmacology courses at George Washington University and Marymount universities. He is President of the World Pharmacy Council, co-chairman of the Surescripts Board of Directors, chairman of the NCPA Innovation Center, and vice-chair for the CPESN® USA Board of Managers.
Mr. Hoey served on the Pharmacy Quality Alliance board for six years and was chairman of the Mirixa board for eight years. His pharmacy degree is from the University of Oklahoma College of Pharmacy and his MBA is from the Oklahoma City University graduate school of business.
Mr. Hoey discussed the pharmacy and pharmaceutical marketplace. He explained that community pharmacies are independent businesses that serve the vulnerable or less populated areas that are largely ignored by the larger chains. He said that there has been growing polarization of pricing between the drugs that have generic equivalents (which represents 90% of prescriptions) and the much higher priced, newer prescription drugs. He discussed the increasing vertical integration in the industry, which included integration between health plans, pharmacy benefit managers, and even primary care providers. After a brief question and answer period, Past President Gerry presented Mr. Hoey with a certificate for the planting of a tree under the Club’s Trees for the Capital program.
Sterling Hoffman conducted the Raffle, which was won by Ken Kimbrough, but the Ace of Spades was not drawn.
The meeting was adjourned at 1:30 PM. Pamela Stern-Green was the Zoom producer and Steve Liston was the producer in the room. Balraj Gupta provided hospitality; Dr. Sam Hancock and Amaa Damdindorj were the greeters; and Sofia DeMartino registered guests.
Rotary Foundation of Washington D.C. Awards $100,000 Centennial Grant!
We are very pleased to announce that the winner of the Rotary Foundation of Washington, D.C. $100,000 Centennial Grant is the Multicultural Career Intern Program (MCIP)! We received many excellent applications from non-profit 501(c)(3) organizations that do great and amazing work serving our community in D.C. During their November meetings, the Club and Foundation Boards approved the Community Service Committee’s recommendation.
With the Centennial Grant funds, MCIP, which works out of the Columbia Heights Educational Campus (CHEC), will establish a student-run and led Community Development Corporation (CDC). The MCIP-CHEC CDC will be the first student-run CDC in the country and serve as an economic change agent for the students and their communities throughout Washington, D.C. Some of the areas of need already identified by the students include food insecurity/inequity, employment, housing, financial literacy, and college accessibility and scholarships. We are excited to enter this new partnership in celebration of 100 years of our Club’s Foundation and will be officially awarding the grant to MCIP through a small ceremony at the Club meeting on Wednesday, December 14.
Club members are invited to stay in touch with news on MCIP and all of our great applicants. We will commence our normal cycle of community service grant applications and review on December 1, 2022, when the online application will be made available.
Please email grants@dcrotaryclub.org with any questions.
Yours in Rotary Service,
Elise Egan & Todd Miller, Co-Chairs
Community Service Grants Committee
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