The Biggest Annual Family Reunion in the World

Posted by Diana Martinelli on Jan 16, 2017
 
 

E-CLUB PROGRAM

PRESIDING TODAY IS: Diana Martinelli, President-Elect

bellDing! We’re now in session.

Welcome all – Visitors, fellow Rotarians and guests alike to this E-Club program!

Remember the smiling pot. Donations to our E-Club help support our service projects.

We’d like to respectfully remind all visitors that if they would like to contribute the normal cost of a meal for your makeup, we would be grateful. These funds go directly to our many and varied service projects around the world. You can make a contribution in the Donation box on the homepage. Or you can write a check to:  Rotary E-Club of District 7530 and mail it to Treasurer MSRE, 115 Hoffman Avenue, Morgantown, WV 26505.

Four-Way Test

At the beginning of each meeting we remind ourselves of the The Four-Way Test.  Therefore, please remember to ask yourself always . . .

Of the things we think, say or do:

  1. Is it the TRUTH?
  2. Is it FAIR to all concerned?
  3. Will it build GOODWILL and BETTER FRIENDSHIPS?
  4. Will it be BENEFICIAL to all concerned?
 

A Reflective Moment

“The delicate balance of mentoring someone is not creating them in your own image, but giving them the opportunity to create themselves.” — Steven Spielberg

 

A Light Moment

 
A child comes home from his first day of school.
His mother asks, "What did you learn today?"
The boy replies, "Not enough. I have to go back tomorrow."
 

 

Program:  The Biggest Annual Family Reunion in the World

 
This June, Atlanta will welcome the world for the International Rotary Convention. What a blessing to have this incredible gathering of people committed to service so nearby! I’ve heard how inspiring these events are, and this one—the centennial celebration—is poised to be exceptionally so. 
 
If you’re unsure about attending, I strongly encourage you to make the commitment. I’m confident you won’t regret it! It will not only provide a chance to make new friends from faraway places, but will no doubt increase your enthusiasm for and commitment to Rotary service.  And don’t forget that our District Governor, Dave Raese, will be traveling with fellow Rotarians to Atlanta via train from Washington, DC. He’s extended an invitation to all area Rotarians to join them, as they plan to arrange transportation from Morgantown to the DC station.  
 
Here’s a video our hosting Atlanta Rotarians have produced to showcase their city:  http://www.rotaryconvention2017.org/sites/default/files/2016-11/On-To-Atlanta-RIConvention-2017-Welcome_1.mp4
 
Of course, there’s also a Facebook page dedicated to the event,  https://www.facebook.com/Rotary2017/ , and a Twitter account, @Rotary, which I encourage you to follow, even if you can’t join us in Atlanta.  The event’s website, http://www.rotaryconvention2017.org, includes details and options regarding accommodations and area attractions.
 
Why attend the Rotary International Convention? Here’s one testimonial posted on a Rotary blog following the 2015 Sao Paulo gathering:
 
Why I never miss a Rotary convention
By Phyllis Jane Nusz, past governor of District 5220 (California, USA)
 
In 1997, as an incoming club president, I was sent to Glasgow, Scotland, for my first International Convention. I have never stopped going since.
 
Why? It was amazing to see people for the first time from all over the world, the different languages, dress, and food. But we all had the same dedication to Rotary. I ran into so many people I never knew before but today are still my friends, and I share Christmas cards with them, take part in club projects with them, join together for family activities, and so much more.
 
Rotary conventions have helped me see the world:  England, Australia, Singapore, Argentina, Canada, Portugal, Denmark. It’s not just about hearing the inspiring speakers at big sessions, but also experiencing the House of Friendship, and it truly is that. More than 75 Rotary Fellowships have booths where you can learn more about joining, and connecting with other Rotary members who share your interest. There are fellowships for music, quilting, yachting, chess, wine appreciation, stamp collecting, and more. I now belong to five and serve on the board for two. Plus I have sung in the World Choir for 17 years for the Convention Ecumenical Service.
 
The convention is the biggest annual family reunion in the world. It is something that should be experienced at least once by every Rotarian, and something some of us wouldn’t miss any year. Come join the fun.
 
While you ponder and perhaps dream of the Convention, remember that January is National Mentoring Month. Mentorship is important in all aspects of our lives: personal, academic, professional—and even service. I’m grateful to those in Rotary who have patiently worked to mentor me—people like Rick Phalunas, a driving force behind our E-Club—and the instructors at our Rotary academies and conferences.
 
Remember that no matter how old we are, we can benefit from learning from others’ experience and wisdom, and no matter how young we are, we can offer a helping hand and open heart to someone else. In honor of all mentors—formal and unknowing—I leave you with a 2013 Ted Talk from Michael Benko, co-founder of the Student Success Academy, who talks about mentoring’s critical importance, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YWyKdKY2HPU , and Lori Hunt, a community college director of multicultural services, who shares her own story of its power: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Atme26C0l5E
 
Thank you for participating in this program!