Thursday, August 4, 2022 By: Deborah Peters
On July 27, 2022, the Rotary Club of Washington, D.C. held its weekly meeting and welcomed guest speaker Richard Allen, Entrepreneur and Co-Founder of Sustainable Cambodia.On July 27, 2022, the Rotary Club of Washington, DC, held its regular weekly held its regular weekly meeting via Zoom.
President Marilyn Nevy Cruz called the meeting to order at 12:30 PM.
Deputy-Secretary Debbie Peters led the introduction of guests and visiting Rotarians and Rotaractors.
Sergeant-at-Arms Lola Perez presented the Four-Way Test, recognized birthdays and anniversaries for the week and offered words of wisdom.
The Member Moment was given by renowned speaker, Dr. Sam Hancock, one of the most active members both in our Club and in many others around the world.
Past President Bill Dent inducted new member David Fishman and detailed his long relationship with the Club and his lifelong work with the Peace Working Group.
President Marilyn announced upcoming events including the Community Engagement Service event led by Chair, Musa Kamara with ‘Everybody Wins’ on July 28th and the tickets for sale for the District 7620 Baseball night on Saturday 20 August in Bowie, MD.
May O’Brien introduced the guest speaker Richard Allen. Mr. Allen is an Entrepreneur and Co-Founder of Sustainable Cambodia. He talked about the nonprofit’s work with schools in Cambodia and Rotary’s involvement with it. There are ongoing Rotary missions to Cambodia to volunteer with Sustainable Cambodia.
President Marilyn presented Richard with a certificate for a planting of a tree under the Club’s Trees for the Capital program.
The meeting was adjourned at 1:30 PM and several people remained online for member fellowship.
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Thursday, August 4, 2022 By: W Todd Miller
On August 3, 2022, the Rotary Club of Washington, D.C. held its weekly meeting and welcomed guest speaker Rae Wood, Vice President of Global Impact.
On August 3, 2022, the Rotary Club of Washington, DC, held its regular weekly meeting in person and via Zoom.
Past President Lynn Holec called the meeting to order at 12:30 PM and lead 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 and offered words of wisdom.
Past President Bill Dent discussed the Town Hall meeting that would take place on Zoom on August 10, 2022, immediately following the regular weekly meeting (by Zoom). The Town Hall was being held to discuss the policy for prepayment of lunches for in-person meetings.
PP Lynn expressed condolences for the passing of Jill Kent who remained very active in the Club until her unfortunate and unexpected passing. Details of any memorial service will be shared when they become available.
Todd Miller discussed the Centennial Grant and said that everyone should have received an email with details and a link to the application. He asked people to get the word out about the grant. The themes were chosen by the membership, people should contact him and co-Chair Elise Egan if they want to participate in the committee to review applications, and once the Centennial Grant is awarded, there would a return to other grant activities. For example, there would be discussion of ways to improve the grant review process and there would be applications for and review of applications for the smaller community service grants on their normal schedule.
President Elect Lisa Cohen shared details of her potential abduction as she was attempting to head home after attending American Prophet at Arena Stage, sponsored by Committee for the Equality of Black People. She underscored the importance of having her story believed by the police department which is actively investigating the incident. She was joined by an officer from the Washington, DC, police department who noted the rise of such incidents and emphasized the need to remain aware of surroundings. The Club expressed their appreciation to PE Lisa for her courage in sharing her story.
Sterling Hoffman presented Paul Harris pins to Kenny Barnes, Donna Rucker, Pamela Stern-Green, Charles Day (via Zoom), Lisa Cohen, and Dr. Sam Hancock.
PP Lynn reminded everyone of the Centennial celebration on September 10 and the Baseball night on August 20 and urged everyone to attend.
Steve Liston introduced the speaker, Rae Wood. Ms. Wood has 20 years of leadership experience from diverse fields including the military, defense contracting, nonprofit ministries, and program management. Wood served five years in the United States Marine Corps where she provided tactical leadership to Marines all over the world on land and sea. She served as a missionary in Asia working with unreached people groups and developing a cultural curriculum for an internship program focused on exposing young adults to missionary work. Later, she joined the pastoral staff of her US-based church, leading small group ministries.
In 2014, Ms. Wood launched Prison Fellowship International’s (PFI’s) in-prison evangelism and discipleship program, The Prisoner’s Journey, which is on track to reach 1 million prisoners, with the message of the Gospel, by 2020. She now oversees the strategic implementation of all global field initiatives. Ms. Wood graduated from Regent University with a Master of Arts in Practical Theology.
Ms. Wood noted that this was PFI’s first Rotary event. She explained how PFI seeks to transform the lives of prisoners, families, and victims through a global network of ministry partners. Specifically, PFI tries to break the cycle of crime through Christian ministry.
Ms. Wood was joined by her colleague Jonathan Derby who provided detail on PFI’s vision of “restorative justice.” To PFI, justice is relational, and justice heals. Ultimately, PFI seeks to transform identities. In response to a question, Ms. Rae explained that PFI has been building its network for 40 years and has been most effective in North America, Latin America, and the Caribbean.
Past President Lynn presented Ms. Wood with a certificate for a planting of a tree under the Club’s Trees for the Capital program.
The meeting was adjourned at 1:30 PM. Sterling Hoffman and his guest Linda Aufenkamp was the producer at the University Club and Pamela Stern-Green was the producer on Zoom.
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Sunday, July 24, 2022 By: Monica M Smith
Rotary Club of Washington, DC
History Moment – July 20, 2022 – Monica M. Smith
Title: “Inventive Queens of Ices”
For a summertime treat, I thought I’d give a fun talk about “Inventive Queens of Ices”
courtesy of a Smithsonian blog post by my Lemelson Center colleague Meg Maher: https://invention.si.edu/inventive-queens-ices (June 27, 2022)
“When you think about it, ice cream is not only a culinary marvel but a technological one as well. Invented long before the days of refrigeration, the cold confection was initially a rare delicacy reserved for the well-to-do. As summer gets into high gear and we look into the freezer for a way to cool off, I’d like to highlight a few women whose innovative thinking has contributed to our enjoyment today.
In 1843, Nancy M. Johnson did something unusual. At a time when women in most of the United States relinquished their legal rights upon marrying, and with it the ability to control their finances, own property, or sign legal agreements, she filed a patent—in her own name—for an “Artificial Freezer,” or ice cream maker. Although there were no legal barriers to women receiving patents, many women inventors often had to rely on husbands or male relatives to get their inventions through the expensive business of patenting. Johnson, the wife of Walter Rogers Johnson, distinguished chemistry professor and first secretary of the American Association of the Advancement of Science, stepped forward, independent of her husband.
Johnson’s invention (US Patent 3,254) consisted of a pail with a lid. Inside the pail was a metal container, also fitted with a lid, to hold ingredients. Ice and salt were packed in the space between the container and pail. Perforated S-shaped paddles inside the container more efficiently scraped the sides and evenly blended the ingredients. The paddles attached to a spindle, which extended through the lid and attached to a hand crank located outside the pail. [Sound familiar?!]
While ice cream was enjoyed in colonial times, Johnson’s “Artificial Freezer” was the first patent filed in the United States for an appliance to make ice cream. Prior to her invention, cooks would usually place ice cream ingredients in a metal pot and nest it inside a bucket filled with crushed ice, to which salt was added to further lower the ice’s freezing point. Continuously scraping the cold walls inside the metal pot and stirring would eventually chill the ingredients. The problem with the “pot freezer” method was that it was quite labor intensive, taking hours to make a single batch, and the texture of the ice cream was often lumpy from inconsistent mixing.
Not only was ice cream easier to make using Johnson’s exterior hand crank, but also it took only about half an hour to prepare a container. The lids helped maintain a cool temperature inside the appliance, decreasing prep time. Consistent stirring and perforations in the paddles helped ensure a smoother consistency of the ice cream.
Johnson successfully commercialized her invention, but soon sold her patent to William G. Young. He tweaked her design, filed his own patent in 1848, and successfully marketed a machine that made it even easier and faster to whip up a batch of ice cream. Young wasn’t the only one inspired by Johnson. Reports vary, but roughly 90 patents for ice cream machines were filed in the 25 years after Johnson filed hers. Commercially available ice cream makers, along with innovations related to harvesting and transporting ice, made what was once a rare treat for the elite more accessible….
For those who are vegan or lactose-intolerant, Almeda Lambert’s invention of dairy-free ice cream is a blessing. Lambert’s husband, Joseph, was an employee at the renowned Battle Creek Sanitarium, a 19th century health retreat overseen by Dr. John Harvey Kellogg. The key to good health, Kellogg believed, was regular exercise, abstinence from alcohol and tobacco, and a vegetarian diet. It is thought that Joseph Lambert was involved in producing nut butters as meat substitutes for the sanitorium. He eventually started his own business selling a nut grinder he had patented (US Patent 625,400) and a variety of nut-based foods.
Based on her connection to Dr. Kellogg and his perspective on healthy eating, Almeda Lambert, like her husband, was a big proponent of nuts. In 1899, she published the Guide for Nut Cookery, which contains the first published recipes for vegetarian ice creams, which substituted cow’s milk and cream with nut milks and butters.”
As you enjoy dairy or non-dairy ice cream to help beat the heat this summer, think about all of the inventors past and present whose creativity has brought us refreshment and fun in a cone or cup! Read MoreShare
Saturday, July 23, 2022 By: W Todd Miller
On July 20, 2022, the Rotary Club of Washington, D.C. held its weekly meeting and welcomed guest speaker Andy Yarrow, author, former NY Times Reporter, and Speechwriter.On July 20, 2022, the Rotary Club of Washington, DC, held its regular weekly meeting in person and via Zoom.
President Marilyn Nevy Cruz called the meeting to order at 12:30 PM.
Sergeant-at-Arms Lola Perez recognized birthdays and anniversaries for the week and offered words of wisdom.
Secretary Todd Miller led the introduction of guests and visiting Rotarians and Rotaractors.
President Marilyn inducted new member Ervin Owens who then provided the Member Moment. He explained how he has been dedicated to bringing financial literacy to economically challenged communities and looks forward to continuing his service with Rotary. President Marilyn noted that Ervin has already agreed to co-chair the Career Fair.
Monica Smith provided a History Moment. She shared a presentation on the Inventive Queens of Ices. She noted the achievements of several women in the development of ice cream and other iced desserts, including the filing of the patent in 1843 by Nancy Johnson for an ice cream maker and the publication in the late 1800s by Almeda Lambert of a nut cookbook. That cookbook contained the first recipes for non-dairy frozen dessert like ice cream.
Sheldon Ray gave a brief report on the upcoming activities by the Committee for the Equality of Black People, including an opportunity to attend American Prophet at Arena Stage and a weekly radio program by Kenny Barnes.
Sterling Hoffman presented Paul Harris pins to Steve Liston, Lisa McCurdy, Monica Smith, and PE Lisa Cohen (whose pin was not available).
PP Lynn Holec, acting on behalf of and reading from a script provided by Jeanne Shen, introduced the speaker Andrew L. Yarrow. Mr. Yarrow is a former New York Times reporter and author of six books and more than 1,000 articles. He has served as a speechwriter for the U.S. Department of Labor and the Export-Import Bank of the United States, writing on economic policy issues. In addition, he has worked for the Brookings Institution, Public Agenda, and Oxfam, and has consulted for international organizations, think tanks, and foundations, including the World Bank, UNICEF, the U.S. Department of Education, the National Endowment for the Arts, the Kettering Foundation, the Aspen Institute, the Carnegie Corporation of New York, and the Progressive Policy Institute.
Yarrow has a Ph.D. in U.S. history and has taught at American University and George Mason University. He has written on a wide range of topics including: U.S. history and politics; work, inequality, and poverty; federal finances; the visual and performing arts; the media and media history; education and child policy; and French society and politics.
Yarrow received his B.A. from UCLA, Master's degrees from both Princeton University and the Harvard Kennedy School, and his Ph.D. from George Mason University.
He spoke about his book: Look: How a Highly Influential Magazine Helped Define Mid-Twenthieth-Century America. He provided a brief history of the founding of Look as a biweekly magazine and its influence on civil rights, social movements, and foreign policy. He pointed out the many iconic stories and photographs published in Look including the story of Emmett Till, Jackie Robinson’s announcement of his retirement, and the photograph of John Kennedy Jr. under his father’s desk in the Oval Office. He also explained how Look published many Norman Rockwell paintings after Rockwell left the Saturday Evening Post in search of greater artistic freedom. He summarized Look as spanning from visionary to bits of bad taste.
President Marilyn presented Mr. Yarrow with a certificate for a planting of a tree under the Club’s Trees for the Capital program.
Sterling Hoffman conducted the raffle, which was won by Max Salas. Alas, Max did not draw the Ace of Spades.
President Marilyn reminded everyone of the Rotary Baseball Night on August 20 and said that twenty-one people had signed up thus far. All are welcome to join.
The meeting was adjourned at 1:30 PM. Sarah Ross was the producer at the University Club and Pamela Stern-Green was the producer on Zoom.
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Friday, July 15, 2022 By: W Todd Miller
This week the Rotary Club of Washington, D.C., welcomed guest speaker Gilles Maindrault, past president of the Paris Académies Rotary Club, and several members of the Paris Académies Club and other Rotarians.On July 13, 2022, the Rotary Club of Washington, DC, held its regular weekly meeting on Zoom.
President Marilyn Nevy Cruz called the meeting to order at 12:30 PM.
Secretary Todd Miller led the introduction of guests and visiting Rotarians and Rotaractors. He also reminded everyone to return the survey to determine the focus for the Centennial grant.
Sergeant-at-Arms Lola Perez presented the Four-Way Test, recognized birthdays for the week, and offered words of wisdom.
New Member Kelly Buchanan provided the Member Moment. She was drawn to the DC Rotary Club by its “commitment to community.” She shared her personal and professional background, noting that she had been active in several organizations in Florida, has two children, and is currently an attorney at Bill Day’s law firm.
May O’Brien gave a report on the Rotary International Convention held in Houston. She said that there were 11,000 attendees, 200 exhibits, and 80 breakout sessions. The Presidential Conference theme was “Serve to Bring Peace.” May presented a detailed PowerPoint covering all her activities (with lots of great photos!).
Mark Wilson welcomed the members of the Paris Académies Rotary Club and introduced the speaker Gilles Maindrault. Gilles is the past president of the Paris Académies Rotary Club and participated in the first Rotarian exchange with Washington DC in 2007. He is a 1979 graduate of the business school HEC Paris (Hautes études commerciales) and in 1984 from the Superior school for senior officers for the postal and telecommunication sector. He spent nearly 40 years in senior positions in the French postal group, especially in strategy and M & A, international development, and risk management. After that, he was appointed by an independent commission for a three-year mandate as the ombudsman for the French postal sector (including the postal bank). Now retired, he chairs the audit and risk committee of a governmental agency.
He spoke about the history of the relationship between France and the US, noting that the two countries have never been at war against each other. He reviewed the French participation in the American Revolution. He explained how the US assisted with the liberation of France in WWII. He discussed the collaboration between our Club and the Paris Académies Club. He then responded to several (particularly difficult) questions about French international relations.
President Marilyn presented Gilles with a certificate for a planting of a tree under the Club’s Trees for the Capital program.
President Marilyn reminded everyone of the Rotary Baseball Night on August 20 and said that she and several others would be going to the Bowie Baysox game. All are welcome to join.
The meeting was adjourned at 1:30 PM. Salvador Farfán was the Zoom producer and several people remained online for member fellowship.
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Wednesday, July 6, 2022 By: W Todd MillerThis week the Rotary Club of Washington, D.C., had a Presidential Assembly led by President Marilyn Nevy Cruz.
On July 6, 2022, the Rotary Club of Washington, DC, held its first meeting of the new Rotary Year. The meeting was a Presidential Assembly conducted as a hybrid live/Zoom meeting and began at 12:30 PM.
The Club’s new President Marilyn Nevy Cruz welcomed participants and led the Pledge of Allegiance.
Secretary Todd Miller led the introduction of guests and visiting Rotarians and Rotaractors.
Sergeant-at-Arms Lola Perez presented the Four-Way Test, recognized birthdays and anniversaries for the week, and offered words of wisdom.
Past President and former member Andy Cook provided the Member Moment. He explained the break he took from Rotary, his engagement in numerous community and professional activities, but his desire to return “to do [his] outside activities with [his] friends at Rotary.”
Dick Pyle discussed the work of the Program Committee and the desire of the membership to continue hybrid meetings. In this regard, volunteers are needed to assist with on-line and live production of the meetings on Zoom.
President Marilyn exchanged flags with a visiting Rotarian from Club Rotario San José Noreste in Costa Rica, Rotary District 4240.
President Marilyn thanked everyone for their support in her Rotary Journey as she begins her year as Club President. She shared her vision for the upcoming Rotary Year. She emphasized that her vision revolves around the three “E’s”: Excited, Engaged, and Elevated. She explained each term and its applicability to Rotary activities in the coming year. Of particular note were her announcement of plans for the celebration of the centennial of the DC Rotary Foundation with a special grant, the continued close collaboration with the Rotaractors, the tremendous diversity of the Club’s membership, and breadth of Club activities.
Past President Lisa McCurdy discussed the operation of the DC Club’s Foundation (the Rotary Foundation of Washington, D.C.). She explained that the Foundation adopted a new Vision and Mission Statement last October. She then reviewed the financials for the prior Rotary Year.
Mary Goldstein discussed fellowship events for the upcoming year. The Summer Soiree will be held on July 30, 2022, at the home of Dr. Nik. The Foundation Centennial Celebration will be held on September 10, 2022, and the Holiday Party on December 8.
Musa Kamara described the Community Engagement Committee. There will be an activity with Community Service Grant recipient Everybody Wins DC on July 28 and 29, 2022. An email with details was sent to the membership on July 6, 2022. Further activities are in the works.
Elise Egan detailed the work of the Community Service Grants Committee. There will be two cycles this Rotary year: one for the Centennial Grant this Fall and one for community service grants this coming Spring. A survey was sent out on July 6, 2022, to obtain member input on the focus of the Centennial Grant. The Committee will also continue its work to streamline the review process.
Mimi Kanda and May O'Brien discussed the International Service Committee and the breadth of activities in which the Committee engages. It provides support for numerous projects through small and global grants. The Committee also seeks ways to further partner with clubs around the world. They noted a speaker at the July 27, 2022, meeting on “Sustainable Cambodia.”
Steve Liston reported on the Embassy and International Relations Committee. He thanked David Klaus for all his work in making the Embassy Reception happen. Steve noted the many activities in which the Committee engages and explained that it was seeking to examine potential Twin Clubs beyond the 12 that the DC Club already has and to increase engagement in InterCountry Committees. President Marilyn thanked Steve for all his efforts in managing the in-person and Zoom meeting production.
Past Rotaract President Liz Moody provided a report on the Rotaract Club of Washington, D.C. She thanked the DC Rotary Club for its support and explained that new Rotaract President Allie Rivera intends to focus on service and fellowship during her term. She said that World Rotaract Week will be in March and District meetings will be in April.
DC Club Foundation President Lynn Holec discussed the Centennial Grant. She explained that the survey was intended to determine to which Rotary Area of Focus club members would like the Centennial Grant directed. Members should respond promptly as time is tight.
Past President Andy won the raffle.
President Marilyn adjourned the meeting at 1:30 p.m.
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Wednesday, June 29, 2022 By: Whitney Ashe DollThis week the Rotary Club of Washington, D.C. had a Presidential Assembly led by President Bill Dent.
This week’s meeting was hosted in person at the University Club with virtual participation via Zoom. The meeting began at 12:30 PM.
President Bill Dent welcomed participants and led the introduction of guests and visiting Rotarians.
Lola Perez presented the Four-Way Test and recognized birthdays and anniversaries for the week.
David Klaus led us in a song.
Announcements:
- President Elect Marilyn Nevy Cruz announced the Member of the Month, David Klaus.
- President Elect Marilyn talked about the Changing of the Guard.
- Bob Schott talked about the gin fundraiser for the D.C. Rotary Foundation.
President Bill led the President's Assembly. We discussed the following topics:
- Marcus Soriano discussed our partnership with Rotaract.
- David Fishman and Kenny Barnes talked about our peace initiatives.
- Bryan Ingram spoke about Trees for the Capital.
President Bill thanked individual members of the club that helped to make the last year so successful.
President Bill adjourned the meeting at 1:30 p.m.
Wednesday, June 22, 2022 By: Whitney Ashe Doll
The Rotary Club of Washington, D.C. welcomed guest speaker Chris Spears, President and Chief Executive Officer of the American Trucking Associations.
The Zoom meeting opened at 12:15 PM for member fellowship.
President Bill Dent welcomed participants.
Secretary Whitney Doll led the introduction of guests and visiting Rotarians.
Sergeant-at-Arms Sterling Hoffman presented the Four-Way Test and recognized birthdays and anniversaries for the week.
Announcements:
- Changing of the Guard (Sterling Hoffman)
- President Elect Marilyn Nevy Cruz announced Member of the Month, Cynthia Schultz.
- Member survey overview (President Elect Marilyn)
- Board meeting highlights (President Bill)
- Update on Embassy of Tunisia event (Visiting Rotarian Atallah)
Greg Owen introduced guest speaker Chris Spears, President and Chief Executive Officer of the American Trucking Associations.
Mr. Spear is a government relations specialist with over two decades experience on five continents, serving the transportation, energy and defense technology sectors.
Mr. Spear is President and Chief Executive Officer of the American Trucking Associations, advocating public policy on behalf of the nation’s trucking industry. He serves on the Board of Directors for the American Transportation Research Institute, Trucking Cares Foundation and the Louisa Swain Foundation.
Previously, Mr. Spear was Vice President of Government Affairs for Hyundai Motor Company, serving on the Global Automakers Executive Committee; Senior Vice President of Legislative Affairs for the American Trucking Associations; Vice President of Emerging Markets for Honeywell International, based in Bracknell, United Kingdom; and, Vice President of Honeywell Global Government Relations in Washington, DC and Brussels, Belgium, managing corporate interests in the US, Europe, Middle East, Africa, Central Asia and Latin America.
Mr. Spear served in the US federal government as Deputy Representative for the Coalition Provisional Authority in Iraq. Prior, he was nominated by President George W. Bush and unanimously confirmed by the US Senate as Assistant Secretary of Labor for Policy. During his appointment, he was the President’s Senior Advisor to the Iraqi Ministry of Labor; Commissioner on the President’s Mental Health Commission; and, Executive Committee Member of the US Architectural and Transportation Barriers Compliance Board. Before his nomination, Mr. Spear worked as professional staff in the US Senate.
Mr. Spear is a graduate of the Honeywell Executive Development Program, a recipient of Honeywell’s Premier Achievement Award and was awarded the US Department of Defense Joint Civilian Service Medal. He holds a master’s and bachelor’s degree from the University of Wyoming.
President Bill adjourned the meeting at 1:30 p.m.
