Meeting in Review - June 28, 2023

By W Todd MillerSaturday, July 1, 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

By W Todd MillerMonday, June 26, 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 17^th was his 32^nd 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

By W Todd MillerSaturday, June 17, 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.

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.

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

By Megan MillerTuesday, June 13, 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

By Kelly BuchananTuesday, June 13, 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.

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.

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

By William Harold DentSunday, June 4, 2023

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

By Darren CrewSunday, June 4, 2023

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

By Robert Jeffrey SchottSunday, June 4, 2023

My Dear Friends and Fellow Rotarians:

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

Rotary Club Washington DC

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Learn more about the Rotary Club of Washington, DC's service projects and activities.

Julia Roig has more than 30 years of experience working for democratic change and conflict transformation around the world, is best known for her ability to convene diverse coalitions and her facilitative leadership of global networks. An organizer at heart, in her role as Chief Network Weaver at The Horizons Project, Julia is committed to bridge-building across sectors, disciplines, and cultures.

Throughout her career, she has been called upon to translate between theory and practice, while seeding new approaches, organizing principles, and mindset shifts for social change. After serving for almost 14 years as the President and CEO of PartnersGlobal, one of the preeminent international democracy and peacebuilding organizations, in 2022 Julia launched The Horizons Project to focus on the intersection of peacebuilding,
social justice, and democracy in the United States.

She is a renowned public speaker, facilitator, and trainer able to connect deeply with different constituencies within civil society, social movements, governments, and corporations. Julia is the main architect of ground-breaking new research and approaches for more effective Narratives for Peace, working with front-line peacebuilders, social scientists, filmmakers, advertising industry leaders, and other creatives to bring peacebuilding into the mainstream. She works with philanthropists, non-profits, and movement leaders to incorporate narrative competency as
an essential tool for restoring societal relationships and democratic values.

Julia was licensed as an attorney in the state of Maryland and brings to Horizons her many years of diverse international experience and practical field work in more than 30 countries. Prior to joining PartnersGlobal, Julia spent two years as the Country Director for the American Bar Association Rule of Law Initiative in Belgrade, Serbia. She is also a recognized expert in community justice and dispute resolution in Colombia having spent five years living and working from Bogota, promoting a national expansion of the Equity Conciliation and Justice Houses programs.

She is currently the Chair of the Board of the Alliance for Peacebuilding. She also serves on several Advisory Boards including: Nsquare, the Corruption, Justice and Legitimacy Program at Tufts University, and Scripps College Laspa Center for Women’s Leadership.
Julia’s roots growing up in the Pacific Northwest are an important part of her identity, and you can always count on her to lead a group in song around the piano or a campfire. Her biggest passions include baking and decorating cookies for her loved ones, and amateur filmmaking to capture special gatherings of friends and family.

A frequent author and public speaker, Julia’s TedXTalk is called “We Are All Peacebuilders”.

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Julia Roig, Founder | HorizonsProject | Block, Bridge, Build Our Pluralistic Future | Dec. 11, 2024

Rotary Club Washington DC 4 views January 16, 2025 8:03 am

Shannon Hader, MD, MPH, former Assistant Secretary-General of the United Nations and Deputy Executive Director of Programmes at the Joint United Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS (UNAIDS), and a prominent leader in the fight against HIV/AIDS in the United States and globally, is the dean of the School of International Service at American University.

Before accepting the position at the UN, Dr. Hader served as Director of the Division of Global HIV and TB at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. She also has served as Vice President and Director at Futures Group International (now Palladium); as Senior Deputy Director of the HIV/AIDS, Hepatitis, STD, and TB Administration at the District of Columbia Department of Health; Senior Scientific Advisor to the
President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief at the US Department of State.

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Shannon Hader, MD, MPH | Trends in Global Disease Eradication | December 4, 2024

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Diana Parsell is a writer, editor and former journalist, and a 45-year resident of the Washington area. During her career she wrote and edited for many publications, including National Geographic and The Washington Post, and for science organizations in Washington and Southeast Asia. Her book, "Eliza Scidmore: The Trailblazing Journalist Behind Washington’s Cherry Trees (Oxford, 2023) was featured by NBC’s “Today” and other media.

Diana has spoken on the book and related topics to a range of organizations, such as the National Arboretum, Women's National Democratic Club, White House Historical Association, Asian American Forum, Library of Congress and others. She likes to illustrate her talks with historic slides.

See her website at www.dianaparsell.com for more information.

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Diana Parsell | DC's Cherry Tree Legacy of Eliza Scidmore | November 27, 2024

Rotary Club Washington DC 16 views December 13, 2024 8:03 am

A passionate linguist and humanitarian, Astrid de Vries embarked on her journey to Haiti in 1998, just as she was beginning her career in the Netherlands after studying economics, linguistics, and hotel management. It was during her time volunteering at an orphanage that she encountered the resilience and spirit of the children, sparking a profound connection that would change her life and theirs forever. Astrid quickly realized that even small acts of love, family support,
and access to education could transform despair into hope.

By 2009, having relocated to the US, Astrid continued her commitment to helping older youth from the orphanage—young adults striving for stability but lacking the resources to achieve their dreams. With her guidance, they completed their education and launched microbusinesses, laying the groundwork for what would become
Kids Connection Haiti (KCH).

Then came January 12, 2010—a day that would forever alter Haiti’s landscape. The devastating earthquake left millions homeless and claimed hundreds of thousands of lives, creating an urgent need for support as the number of orphans surged. In the face of such overwhelming challenges, the vision for KCH became a beacon of hope.

Today, KCH supports approximately 100 young men and women, with over 300 having graduated from our program. With a remarkable 99% graduation rate and 92% of graduates finding paid employment, KCH is making a significant impact in a country where unemployment is a staggering 60%. Through education and empowerment, we are turning the tide and inspiring a brighter future for the next generation in Haiti.

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Astrid de Vries | Transforming lives in Haiti throughout the current humanitarian crisis | 11/20/24

Rotary Club Washington DC 5 views December 10, 2024 8:03 am

Briana "Bri" Franklin is a businesswoman, philanthropist, and student debt expert leading the crusade to conquer predatory lending.
Having taken on a loan burden that eventually ballooned to nearly $120K through her undergraduate studies at Dartmouth College, Bri developed an acute appreciation for the challenges many student debt holders experience, including diminished ability
to establish financial independence, exercise personal freedoms (i.e. starting a family and home buying) or launch business ventures.
In recognizing the extent to which debt constraint has become the leading source of wealth depletion, especially for Black women, she established an end-to-end solution spectrum dedicated to addressing the issue, consisting of nationally acclaimed 501(c)(3), The Prosp(a)rity Project, its fintech offshoot, Cadet Prosparette, hit YouTube series, UnDEBTfeated and her high school and college education programs,
Pathways to Prosparity.

Her accolades include coverage in Forbes, Katie Couric Media, Buzzfeed, and Authority Magazine, winning SXSW's 2023 Innovation Award for Social Impact, being accepted into the 2024 Chime for Changemakers cohort, and being named
Visionary Women's 2023 Rising Visionary and a 2023 Aspen Ideas Fellow.

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Bri Franklin | Started With Them But Ends With Us: Defeating Debt to Take Back Your Power | 11/13/24

Rotary Club Washington DC 20 views December 9, 2024 8:03 am

Jennifer (Jenn) Wisdahl is the driving force behind strategy and operations at FASD United, the national organization dedicated to supporting individuals with Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders (FASD) and promoting healthy pregnancies. With FASD affecting 1 in 20 Americans, Jenn plays a pivotal role in shaping the national legislative and policy agenda to address this under-recognized yet widespread disability. Her leadership approach is data-driven but always centered on people’s needs, contributing to significant organizational growth at FASD United. Under Jenn’s guidance, FASD United has successfully expanded key initiatives, including the Family Navigator Program, National FASD Impact Week, and the International FASD Research Conferences, which have now found a permanent home in the United States. Jenn’s efforts have been instrumental in elevating
FASD awareness and ensuring that those diagnosed receive the support they deserve.

Before joining FASD United, Jenn accumulated over 20 years of experience in human resources, recruitment, and operations, serving on international boards and advisory panels. She is also the executive producer of the award-winning short film *The FASD Project*, which highlights the realities of living with FASD. Beyond her professional achievements, Jenn is a passionate advocate as the mother of three young adults with
FASD, which fuels her dedication to the cause.

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Jennifer Wisdahl | FASD (Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders): Prevalence, Awareness & Stigma | 11/6/24

Rotary Club Washington DC 23 views December 6, 2024 4:46 pm

Community Service Grants Co-Chairs Todd Miller and Elise Egan present to the club, at a Club Assembly, the recipients of the Community Service Grants awarded by the Rotary Foundation of Washington DC.

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Club Assembly | Grant Recipients | October 30, 2024

Rotary Club Washington DC 18 views December 5, 2024 8:03 am