4 June 2021 A ROTARY YEAR OF INSIDE THIS ISSUE: OPENED OPPORTUNITIES By Ryan Hyland, Rotary International people we can mark down as statistics and then Opened Opportunities 1 forget about,” Knaack said. “Every new member Rotary International President Holger Knaack changes us a little bit. That person brings a Upcoming Events 2 encouraged Rotarians to seize the many new perspective, new experiences. We need to opportunities Rotary offers to enrich their lives Environment Committee 2 embrace this constant renewal. We will grow and the communities they serve. stronger as we learn from new members.” Canal Stewardship Program 3 Rotary isn’t just a club for people to join, but Knaack pointed to Rotary’s Action Plan as a rather “an invitation to endless opportunities,” Making Membership Memorable 4 compass that can guide clubs as they evolve. said President Knaack. He emphasized that He recommended that every club have a Diversity, Equity & Inclusion 5 Rotary creates pathways for strategic plan meeting at least members to improve their lives Global Grant Scholarship 6 once a year. At that meeting, and the lives of those they help clubs should ask where they want Clean-up of Historic Cemetery 6 through service projects. to be in five years and how they Rotary Fellowships Month 7 “We believe that our acts of can bring more value to their service, big and small, create members. Virtual Duck Race 8 opportunities for people who Knaack also wants to see more need our help,” Knaack said. Rotaract Club News 9 women in leadership roles and He added that Rotary creates see Rotaractors play an integral Interact Club News 10 leadership opportunities and role in how new clubs are formed gives members the chance to Innocative Club Membership 11 and run. He encouraged district travel the world to put their leaders to create new club models service ideas into action and make Disaster Aid Update 12 and rethink what it means to be in Rotary, and lifelong connections. “Everything we do opens allow young people to be the architects of Whiskey Fellowship 13 another opportunity for someone, somewhere,” these new clubs. DC Career Fair and Vaccinations 13 said Knaack. “We have to be open to new approaches, and Knaack also urged members to embrace Intercountry Committees 14 creating unique clubs for younger people is change so Rotary can expand and thrive. Rather just part of the solution,” said Knaack. “Let Naval Academy Partnership 15 than setting a specific target for increasing the Rotaractors decide what kind of Rotary number of members, Knaack said he’s asking International Calendar 16 experience works best for them. These young clubs and districts to think about how to grow people are bright, energetic, and they get in a sustainable and organic way. He wanted Programs of Scale 17 things done.” clubs to focus on keeping current members COVID Crisis in India 18 engaged and adding new members who are In stressing the need for Rotary members Hidden Figures of Innovation 18 the right fit for their club. to embrace change, Knaack noted that time won’t slow down for Rotary: “ We will not let “We will capture this moment to grow Rotary, In Memoriam: Cummings & Delo 20 rapid change defeat us. We will capture this making it stronger, more adaptable, and even moment to grow Rotary, making it stronger, more aligned with our core values.” Quote of the Month 20 more adaptable, and even more aligned with “We need to stop thinking of new members as our core values.” =

UPCOMING ENVIRONMENT COMMITTEE - EVENTS POLLINATOR GARDENING PROGRAM By Christopher F. Puttock, Environment could not stay long. Most were from our June 12-16 Committee Chair club, but we also had Janet’s son-in-law, Rotary International two Interact advisors and Mary Anne The District Environment Committee’s Convention Rishebarger from RC Baltimore Sunset Planning and Implementing and Monarch Sister Schools Program. The Environmental Resources (PIER) meets June 17 7pm job took two hours, from 10:00am until virtually by zoom at 6:30pm on the last Legacy Fund Fireside Chat high noon. At noon, a surprise - one of Friday of each month. The entire Rotary this year’s scholarship winners came to June 26 family is welcome. Rotary Club project say “hello.” She hobbled to the site on Membership Seminar with opportunities are explored at every crutches because of a recent sports injury. Jason Browne meeting. Our May theme was Recycling We expect to see her soon in one of our and at our meeting on April 30 Mary June 27 weekly meetings. Governor’s Installation Anne Rishebarger from RC Baltimore Kings Contrivance, Columbia Sunset and Monarch Sister Schools Rockville Rotary Built a Program (MSSP) presented our April focus Butterfly and Pollinator Garden on pollinator gardening and community in Lucy V. Barnsley Elementary assessment. By Hande Apaydin, Rockville Rotary, Gaithersburg District 7620 Environment Committee Rotary Built a Member Butterfly and On Sunday May 23rd, seven Rotarians Pollinator Garden from Rockville Rotary met to build a in Lakelands butterfly and pollinator garden in Lucy V. Middle School Barnsley Elementary School in Rockville. By Kenneth D. Weiss, Rotarians Todd Franken, Edco Bailey, Gaithersburg Rotary Cecilia Bailey, Ozlem Inci-Richardson, Irina Lujan, Eliseo Lujan, and Jim Gilchrist Our Monarch Butterfly planted native milkweed and flowering and Pollinator Garden nectar plants with a pledge to restore the is in. President-elect monarch butterfly’s disappearing habitat Janet gathered a crew and support pollinators in our area and pitched in too, as we which are vital for the whole ecosystem. planted milkweed and The garden will provide educational other plants on Saturday opportunities for the students and morning, May 15th. teachers in the school and will help Frank marked the upper Rotary raise awareness within a wider edge with six 8-foot community. timbers, so we know the garden is 48 feet long. As part of activities to celebrate and There are three rows. An honor June 5th World Environment irrigation system is ready Day, Rockville Rotary plans to build a to help ensure the plants’ minimum of one more butterfly and survival. pollinator garden in a Rockville school or church and will organize a stream clean- This was a nice club up event to clean a segment of Watts effort. We counted Branch in Rockville on June 6th. 13 people on the site, although a few

2 | OPEN FORUM | JUNE 2021 [Above, L-R] District Governor Rich Glover initiated Brock Messenger as the newest member of the Crofton Rotary alongside incoming President James

ENVIRONMENT COMMITTEE - POLLINATOR GARDENING AND CARBON FOOTPRINT PROGRAM (continued from page 2) are many calculators available on the web. On Saturday, May 8th, members of the We do not mind which one you try out, try Smoketown Rotary Club of Brunswick, MD The Monarch Sister Schools several. Try this one to start https://www. gathered at the Brunswick Boat Ramp to was founded by Program (MSSP) footprintnetwork.org/. It is more important Launch its C&O Canal Stewardship Program. Rotarian, William Dent (RC to the Environment Committee Washington DC). William, Dr. Responding to an invitation by Becka Lee, that every Rotarian consider Chris Puttock (RC College Park) Canal Steward Program Coordinator for measuring their carbon footprint and Mary Anne Rishebarger the C&O Canal Trust, the club adopted the today. (RC Baltimore Sunset) have Brunswick Boat Ramp / Lock No. 30 / Mile 55 To do this we would like you to planted over 40 gardens since area for its stewardship location. take a carbon footprint pledge the program began in 2008. on July 1, 2021. Our first goal is to get a Volunteer tasks include general clean up, This year under the leadership of Mary baseline. Then we can strategize how to trash pick up, sweeping, cleaning of the Anne, MSSP goal is to plant over 30 gardens, get D7620 to be the first District in the wayfinding and interpretive signs, and the expanding beyond Maryland and DC, along world to be Net-Zero. We may be in a race reporting of any hazards to National Park the Monarchs migration path North through to get there because others have heard Service officials. Pennsylvania, to Massachusetts and South about our idea. This may become a global through South Carolina to Texas. Through Rotary Challenge. D7620 will be leading the Smoketown Rotarians Jenny Diaz, Chris the magic of Zoom and in-person Rotary way. Our PIER meeting on June 25 will be Mourlas, and Abbie Ricketts completed meetings, Mary Anne has been presenting discussing Rotary and Carbon. We launch Canal Steward training, qualifying as the MSSP story. Monarchs have declined June as Carbon Footprint month on Friday Certified Canal Stewards, a requirement of over 90% due to habitat loss and the use May 28, 2021. the program. of herbicides and pesticides. In order to preserve the pollinators habitat, restoration June 25, 2021 06:30 PM - Carbon footprint Canal Stewards Launch Day coincides with with native milkweed for monarch July 30, 2021 06:30 PM - Energy the Canal Trust Canal Communities Day in Brunswick directed by Rod Newton. caterpillars and native nectar plants for August 27, 2021 06:30 PM - Tree planting Smoketown volunteers worked beside other monarch butterflies and other pollinators is September 24, 2021 06:30 PM - Cleanups urgently needed. volunteers to clean the area at the boat ramp and along the Carbon Footprint “social trails” nearby. Pledge Program Along the 184.5 miles of The Environment the C & O Canal there are 74 Committee is lift locks. These locks were commencing a project constructed to help boats to get our District to Net overcome the 605-foot Zero. elevation change between Georgetown and Cumberland. Our country is moving The Lock No. 30 in Brunswick to achieve Net-Zero for is built of Seneca sandstone, carbon by 2050, and Patapsco granite, and some aiming to reach the local stone. halfway mark by 2030. We believe Rotarians have the responsibility to lead the way, and SMOKETOWN Robin Zanotti and Heather Barnes from the to get there much sooner. Our goal for our leadership team at C&O Canal Trust were District is to reach Net-Zero carbon footprint ROTARY’S CANAL also in attendance at the event. by June 30, 2025. Yes, in just four years. STEWARDSHIP Group photo includes Abbie Ricketts, Karin To achieve this a very ambitious goal the Tome, Chris Mourlas, Emma Mourlas, Ernie first step is ask every Rotarian in our District PROGRAM Stepoulos, Jennifer Lolli-Hall, Arch Hodges, to sign a pledge to measure their carbon By Ernie Stepoulos, President Charlie Harris and Dick Foot. footprint using a carbon calculator. There OPEN FORUM | JUNE 2021 | 3 MAKING MEMBERSHIP MEMORABLE Membership Recruitment, Convention. He loves to creatively create Retention & Improving meaningful change and have fun along the Diversity with Jason Browne way. His motto: Use what you love to fight what you hate. By Dawn Wittfelt, District Membership Chair Topics & Audience: Date: June 26, 2021 · Audience: Incoming Presidents and their Time of Event: 10:00 am EDT Membership Chairs Link to zoom: Join Zoom Meeting · Themes are primarily Membership, secondarily DEI. https://us02web.zoom.us/j/82643849404?pw d=eDVEQnlwWlJrRVVjWXpGREJsclVwQT09 · Membership: Improving Retention & having a balance between the old guard and new Meeting ID: 826 4384 9404 members Passcode: 201785 · Membership: Improving Recruitment &

[Above] Membership Recruitment, Retention & Jason’s passions and successes are rooted Improving Diversity with Jason Browne in his diverse interests and experiences. building new clubs Jason co-owns the streaming media · Membership: Increasing Diversity company AWRebels, charms the airwaves as a radio personality on WBHV B94.5 FM, · Membership: Make it memorable and captivates audiences as a member and Speaker Info performer with Happy Valley Improv, a local improv company. A Past President of the · Speaker CV: https://bit.ly/jasonspeakercv Downtown Rotary Club of State College, · Speaker Bio: https://bit.ly/jasonspeakerbio PA, USA, and a Rollin’ with Rotary founding member, Jason is highly active with Rotary · Speaker Images: http://bit.ly/ public image on the local and national jasonspeakerphotos level. Jason has inspired Rotarians at District · Speaker Website: www.thejasonbrowne.com Conferences, PETS and at Rotary International 4 | OPEN FORUM | JUNE 2021 DIVERSITY EQUITY & INCLUSION (DEI) WEBINAR By Kashonna Holland, Chair, and Michael don’t see themselves.” He used an analogy Larson, Co-Chair comparing the great debate of tomato-based DEI IN (westerners) and vinegar-based (easterners) What an incredible time of discussion and BALTIMORE barbeque to our DEI approach. To understand illumination we experienced on May 22 the debate, it will take understanding the By Alex Short, Baltimore Rotary Club at our first Diversity, Equity & Inclusion

history, how they came about, how they are webinar. There was insight as to how Dr. Maya Rockeymoore Cummings made, and how they are relevant in today’s the DEI Committee will align with Rotary (Congressman Elijah Cummings widow) society. International’s Diversity Equity and Inclusion luncheon talk to us on September Vision Statement by adopting the acrostic Jonathan then joined the 1, 2020, the Baltimore Club’s created by our own DEI Advisory Committee panel discussion, along discussions on racial justice and Member, Monique Toussaint: with DGE Geetha Jayaram equity began on November 7, and DGN Sean McAllister, to 2020 (Book was White Fragility) Humility answer challenging questions with a lively story-telling session Evaluation regarding the impact that DEI with Michael Powell as discussion leader, sourced thankfully by Accountability has and will have in our clubs. Panelists tackled concerns, as Catalina Keilhauer. After a hiatus Responsibility well as cast vision, regarding of several months due largely to Trust how our district will continue her schedule, we continued the to build upon and support this initiative. series with Dr. Cummings as our facilitator in DG Jimmie Gorski opened the webinar with March. Our 90 minute sessions, completed the excitement of seeing her vision fulfilled. Afterwards, we went into breakout sessions our discussion on White Fragility (Robin She expressed how important it was to see where attendees were randomly selected DiAngelo, March 13) and then focused on the support of this initiative across districts. to discuss ways to integrate DEI into club Ibram Kendi’s How to be an Antiracist on Although we are at year-end, she shared her operations, such as: March 27. Dr. Cummings effectively parlayed anticipation of seeing this important work Membership personal testimonies of participants to continue to unfold. highlight the principal themes of these fine Programming DGN-D Delores Edwards Harding helped bring works. DiAngelo’s book provided a bracing clarity of DEI terms and what those terms Youth Programs challenge to us (a) to take a hard look at the mean to Rotary now and what they will mean Public Image behaviors of white people and how they as we begin to do the work. She gave us 3 function to maintain white supremacy and Accountability and reasons for promoting diversity, equity and then (b) to seize the opportunity to change inclusion: Service. things. Kendi educated us on many aspects of racism and its pernicious consequences 1. Increase Membership They returned to the main room to share and then took us through a wide variety those creative and innovative ideas with the 2. Source of Innovation of antiracist behaviors and how to work to group as a whole. oppose racist systems. There was excellent 3. Increase Capacity We closed with a reminder that the DEI turnout for both March sessions with The more intentional we become in these 3 Committee exists to Educate, Empower and attendance around 18 for both. In April Dr. areas, the more opportunities we will have to Execute by sharing what each club can do Cummings also facilitated a session focusing reach our goals at an optimal level. to support and encourage diversity, equity on Isabel Wilkerson’s book Caste: The Origins Of Our Discontents. In a well-researched We then had a hot fireside chat with IPDG and inclusion individually. We must make a narrative, Wilkerson explores how the US Jonathan Lucas of District 7610 who shared decision to be willing and committed to see throughout its history has been molded his leadership journey to bring DEI to the success. by a “rigid hierarchy of human rankings” or forefront in his district. He brought awareness Our next virtual committee meeting is insidious caste system through beautifully set to his district to include the LGBTQ community scheduled for Monday, June 7th @6:30pm. stories and the eight pillars that underlie such and ethnic diversity. With both support and To join the committee or for additional system, a system that acts both to the ultimate resistance, he was determined to ensure the information, email [email protected]. detriment of the dominant white caste and club reflected the community. “We can’t the subordinate African-American caste. ask people to come be a part of us if they

OPEN FORUM | JUNE 2021 | 5 FANNY BONDJE SELECTED FOR DISTRICT GLOBAL GRANT SCHOLARSHIP By May Yoneyama O’Brien, District International building and conflict prevention; 2) Disease Service Committee Co-chair prevention and treatment; 3) Water, sanitation, and hygiene; 4) Maternal and child health; 5) District 7620’s Global Grant Scholarship Basic education and literacy; 6) Community Committee, chaired by Jennifer Hara, has chosen economic development ; and 7) Environment. Fanny Yayi Bondje of Pasadena, Maryland to be the District’s candidate for a Rotary International Rotary global grant scholarships are extremely global grant scholarship. Fanny plans to pursue competitive, and recipients must demonstrate graduate studies at the University of London’s excellent leadership skills and potential; School of Oriental and African Studies in the academic success; a commitment to community fall. Ms. Bondje’s scholarship application was service; well-defined and realistic goals; and a nominated by the Rotary Club of Annapolis. desire to maintain a relationship with Rotary District 7620 has agreed to provide $15,000 in after the scholarship period. Candidates must District Designated Funds for the scholarship, be committed to measurable, sustainable which will be matched by The Rotary change in their chosen field. Foundation if the candidate is approved in the next step of the process. ROTARIANS Ms. Bondje graduated in May 2021, with a B.A. degree from New York University, where HELP CLEAN UP she majored in Politics, Human Rights, and [Above] District 7620’s Global Grant Development. Born in Cameroon, Ms. Bondje, DC’S MT. ZION Scholarship Committee, chaired by who is fluent in French, participated in Rotary’s Jennifer Hara, has chosen Fanny Yayi Youth Exchange Program, spending the 2016- Bondje of Pasadena, Maryland to be CEMETERY 17 school year in Belgium. She also studied in the District’s candidate for a Rotary By Ginny Maycock International global grant scholarship. Argentina from 2019-20 as a Benjamin A. Gilman International scholarship recipient. On Saturday, May 1, a group of Metro Bethesda While attending the University of London, Rotary Club members joined members of the Ms. Bondje plans to pursue a MSc degree in Rotary Club of Washington DC for an important Humanitarianism, Aid and Conflict. Her studies and moving project: a cleanup at historic Mt. will concentrate on empowering youth and Zion Cemetery. Located in Georgetown, Mt. [Below] On Saturday, May 1, a group of Zion Methodist Church is the oldest Black Metro Bethesda Rotary Club members peace building, with a focus on Africa. joined members of the Rotary Club of church in Washington, and its cemetery is one Washington DC for an important and Rotary global grant scholarships fund graduate- of the most historic Black cemeteries in DC. In moving project: a cleanup at historic Mt. level studies abroad for students related to the 19th century, there were over 6000 burials Zion Cemetery. one of Rotary’s seven areas of focus: 1) Peace there, but the cemetery long ago fell into disrepair and now only about 310 markers have been recovered and identified. To add to its history, it’s highly likely that the cemetery was a key stop on the Underground Railroad. MBR and DC Rotary Club members got a two-fer: the opportunity to participate in a special service project plus an enlightening history lesson/tour. Thanks go out to Sheldon Ray (Washington DC) and Ellie Gill (Metro Bethesda) for coordinating this event, and to MBR Club President Clara Montanez, Rotary Club of Washington DC President Nancy Riker, MBR members Susan Greif, David Searby, and Maura Connell Lightfoot (and Maura’s young son Oliver) along with DC Club member Donnie Shaw for their hard work at the site. We plan to continue doing regular cleanups at the Cemetery in the future.

6 | OPEN FORUM | JUNE 2021 JUNE IS ROTARY FELLOWSHIPS MONTH By May Yoneyama O’Brien, District International events – At the Lisbon RI Convention, Roy Hersh, Service Committee Co-chair a port and sherry wine critic and editor of “For the Love of Port,” led an incredible wine tour ROTARY FELLOWSHIPS ARE FUN! of the Duoro Valley in Portugal – for Rotarians Rotary Fellowships are international groups wanting to learn all about port. of Rotarians who share a common passion for Whiskey Drinking sports, hobbies, or professions. They network Whisk(e)y DRAM! Rotarians and Members -- District Bourbon with like-minded Rotarians and create lasting Happy Hour Rotarians led by Sean, Kevin, Sue, friendships with Rotarians around the world, far and Chris may want to join this fellowship or outside of their club or district. This is a great start a DC chapter! Whiskey DRAM was formed [Below] The Cycling to Serve Fellowship way to visit new places, explore new countries, in 2015-16 to provide Rotarians with a Whiskey turned social opportunities into a service and be greeted with warmth and friendships. opportunity – raising funds for Polio. Appreciation Fellowship. Their objective is to There are about 90 Fellowships to choose Motorcyles! After a career in the US Army, learn more about all the whiskies of the world, from. If you have an idea to form a new lifelong DC Rotarian Bob Johnson charged including bourbon, scotch, rye, sour mash, and one, you can apply to Rotary for into the Rotary Montreal Convention on his moonshine. To better appreciate whiskey, the recognition. motorcycle with wife Beverly at his back to goal of the fellowship is to enjoy whiskey food join the International pairings, and other topics, etc. Rotarians share Fellowship of their knowledge and experiences and learn Motorcycling Rotarians from the many whiskey experts throughout the (IFMR) on a 2,000-mile world. As with other Rotary Fellowships, they motorcycle tour around will also support the charitable arm of Rotary. Canada. Beverly and Bob The Whiskey DRAM Fellowship has chosen clean toured the World on their water initiatives as their charity of choice. A bike, meeting Rotarians portion of the net proceeds of our Fellowship along the way; the visit will be given, on an annual basis, to a Rotary- to the Nuremberg Rotary sanctioned campaign focused on safe drinking Club brought back special water. memories. There are motorcycling chapters in The Cycling to Serve Fellowship turned social opportunities into a service 27 countries, from Spain opportunity – raising funds for Polio. to India, East Africa to South America. Past The led a beach clean-up. President of IFMR, PDG Dr. Prithvi Raval loved Surf Fellowship to go out with friends on rides in India or just ROTARY FELLOWSHIPS: There are alone. He traveled to the Himalayas alone on a about 90 Fellowships to choose from. If you motorcycle. Sadly, he just passed away on May have an idea to form a new one, you can apply 3, 2021. to Rotary for recognition. Anyone for fly-fishing? Wine Appreciation Fellowship! DC Interested in visiting any of these Rotary Rotarian PP Jay Pugh joined the Rotary Wine fellowships, go to rotary.org/fellowships: Fellowship and raved about the gourmet Antique cars, Badminton, Bees, Beer, Bird wine dinners at every Rotary International Watching, Chess, Caravanning, Cricket, Cruising, Convention; tickets are hard to come by, but Cultural Heritage, Cycling, Dolls, Educators, Jay told me he could get me in if I went to the Flying, Genealogists, Gin, Golf, Hiking, Home Convention. No doubt that accounts for his Exchange, Horseback Riding, Jazz, LGBT, annual tours to Paris to visit our wine-loving Magicians, Marathons, Metalhead, Music, Peace sister club, the Paris Academies Rotary Club, Fellows, Photographers, Quilters, RVs, Rotary which serves wine before and with every Rotary Pins, Rowing, Scuba, Singles, Skiing, Social lunch at Le Procope, the oldest restaurant in Networks, Surfing, Tennis, Travel, Yachting, Yoga, Paris. Throughout the year, there are many wine and MORE!

7 | OPEN FORUM | JUNE 2021 GLEN BURNIE ROTARY VIRTUAL DUCK RACE By Indira Rice Donegan, Rotary Club of Glen to raise money during a time when we really to create a visually fun and exciting duck Burnie, MD couldn’t get out the way we normally would,” race, with a duck drop, epic race with rapids Indira said. “I sort of stumbled on this idea of and high flying water adventure, and a big The corona virus has made a terrible impact a virtual race as way of finally getting us into finish. We will sportscast the event live from on so many things since the beginning the duck race business - a popular fundraiser our facebook page, and all ticket holders of 2020, it is hard to keep track of all the for Rotary clubs across the globe - where will have a chance to win the race via an wreckage in its wake. Rotary clubs are not we had all the fun of a race, but none or the automatic generator for the various prizes. immune to the havoc it has wreaked, be it overhead or labor, or the massive hours it Winners will be posted online during the declining numbers, difficulty in gaining new takes to do one live in an actual river.” She live stream as if the winning ducks had members, losing venues, or losing traction in pitched the idea to her club, and the rest was been plucked right off the finish line. It key project areas, it has been should be hilarious, fun, and tough. During this time of safe for everyone to enjoy dislocation, fear, and trauma, and have a few laughs at our clubs are struggling mightily. expense!” Prizes include cash The pandemic and economic up to $1000, and other door collapse have constituted prizes. All the proceeds will go an existential threat. With towards funding K-12 STEM a major drop in fundraising programs and opportunities efforts, there’s no guarantee in the Glen Burnie area. “Our that the public will receive a club has been very involved club’s goodwill efforts, now or in K-12 educational programs in the future, and that creates in our area,and we have really a complex environment for made an effort to support STEM any active Rotary club to opportunities for years. Our navigate through. Everything club has invested a lot into is uncertain. Everyone is on improving computer labs and edge. The silver lining is that providing mobile devices such for those clubs who have as upgraded tablets to several survived and even thrived schools in our area, and we feel in the new COVID-19/Zoom really good about those efforts,” environment, the desire to do Indira said. good in the community is still high. That is the case for the This is a great example of members of the Glen Burnie Rotarians doing good no Rotary Club. Where there is a matter how difficult the will, there is always a way. situation becomes. “We have an amazing club, and a really The idea of a totally virtual resilliant mind set. We want Rotary Duck Race came from to keep doing good wherever club member Indira Rice and however we can, and we Donegan. She had wanted to invite all Rotarians to help us be a part of a live duck race for make a difference,” Indira shared. You can years, after having so many fond memories history in the making! buy virtual duck tickets and sponsorships attached to the big race she grew up helping On June 12th at 2:00pm EST, the Rotary Club up through midnight on 11 June. Type with in Eugene, Oregon on the Willamette of Glen Burnie will host their first annual in this link to your bowser: Tinyurl.com/ River. “When we got together as a club VIRTUAL Rotary Duck Race. “With the help GBRduck, or go straight to the event link online, we still managed to have fun, and we of my club, and some super talented folks for your tickets and sponsorship purchases knew there was a lot we wanted to continue on the race committee, we came up with here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/glen- working on within the community, especially a way to splice together footage from burnie-rotary-1st-annual-virtual-duck-race- with literacy and STEM programs in our local multiple live races from all over the world tickets-148851461729 district. We just needed to figure out a way OPEN FORUM | JUNE 2021 |8 DISTRICT ROTARACT NEWS By Alexander Oddo, District Rotaract Team trivia questions about the history and nature of our organization. American University Rotaract Washington DC Rotaract As the semester wound down, American University Rotaract took a study break After many a Zoom meeting, DC Rotaract and played “Among Us,” a unique online held a cookout on May 15th at Rock Creek multiplayer social deduction game set aboard a damaged spaceship! Rotaractors became a group of spacemen traveling and exploring distant quadrants of the galaxy. Together, they worked to find the vicious alien impostor that is pretending to be one [Above] American University Rotaract of the crew and taking out key systems. took a study break and played “Among Us,” a unique online multiplayer social Annapolis Rotaract deduction game set aboard a damaged spaceship! A few members of Annapolis Rotaract Park to reconnect with members face- joined other to-face and to meet with prospective volunteers to members. The picnic brought together pack grocery non-members and members, and the bags, stock group hopes that the new candidates for shelves, and membership will be back for additional hand out food fellowship! at the West Annapolis DC ROTARIAN Pop-up Pantry on May 6th. FEATURED IN Organized by Marshall Hope, DC LINE this drive-up The DC Line features DC Club Member pantry provided [Above] A few members of Annapolis Lisa Cohen in the piece, “Surviving trauma: Rotaract joined other volunteers to pack three bags of non-perishable items, Northwest resident shares her path from grocery bags, stock shelves, and hand out produce, milk, eggs, and chicken to families food at the West Annapolis Pop-up Pantry foster child to world-champion boxer in in need. on May 6th. hopes of helping [Below] Howard University Rotaract. Hood College Rotaract others go the distance.” Rotaract was re-established at Hood College on May 13th. Aalayah Ali Bonablue Another has stepped up to assume the role of Club interesting President and she has recruited a board to tidbit: Lisa just support the Club’s day-to-day operations. completed her The new team is excited to begin planning Master’s Degree for prospective members next semester! in Legal Studies and Business Law at American University. Howard University Rotaract Congratulations, Lisa At their last meeting of the semester, https://thedcline.org/2021/02/17/ Howard University Rotaract put their surviving-trauma-northwest-resident- knowledge to the test as contestants shares-her-path-from-foster-child-to-world- on a special Rotary edition of Jeopardy! champion-boxer-in-hopes-of-helping- Members had to dig deep to respond to others-go-the-distance/

9 | OPEN FORUM | JUNE 2021

DISTRICT INTERACT CLUB REPORTS By Marilyn Nevy Cruz. District 7620 On Saturday, May 1, at beautiful First, the Interact Club pursued, Interact Chair Tilghman Lake Park in Charles and was assigned Fairgrounds County, Maryland, Charles County Road, under the Adopt-A-Road Interactors provided a massive program in St. Mary’s County, volunteer force for NatureFest 2021. MD. They held their first “clean- NatureFest was a free community up” on April 10th and had 5 event presented by twelve Rotarians and 9 Interact students partnering nonprofits focused on participate, and the Leonardtown New Interact District 7620 environmental education. Our Sharing Platform Interactors helped children I am pleased to inform you that the make vermicomposters, bee district Interact team is now using hotels, and nature-based art, Slack as our new sharing platform. including nature mandalas, The workspace name is Interact chlorophyll pictures, and 7620. Below is the link to join the seed collages. Interactors also group. introduced families to goats, https://join.slack.com/t/ kittens, ducks, chicks, hamsters, interact7620/shared_invite/zt- guinea pigs, puppies, a hedgehog, High Interact Advisor(Teacher) as psup7274-kQnjt6Jbzr0i87~wlJan1Q and our resident tarantula. well. A new award was created, Together, our Interactors served The Most Unique Found Object If you have any other questions, 297 children through NatureFest. (affectionately named the “UFO please drop me an e-mail at Award”). A Leonardtown Rotarian Here are some pictures that you [email protected] or text me at won the first award (a full jar of (562) 303-4711, and I will be glad to pickles). get back to you with an answer. Bottom Charles County Interact line…it was a great outing! By Georgia Booney, Charles County Interact Club Second, this year’s Interact Our Interact provided the main Officers volunteer force for a large event are all on Saturday, May 1, at Tilghman Seniors, and Lake Park in Charles County, MD. I graduated in thought I would share a short write- May. These 4 up and some pictures, in case you Club Officers might want to share. may enjoy: https:// are the first, initial club officers share.icloud.com/ph when the club was first organized. otos/01SrRkvujFpG9 The accompanying photo shows 4KiZyWqhU17g the four after being presented with Blue and Gold Cords to wear Leonardtown at their graduation, along with Interact Rotarian Interact Sponsor Chris By Chris Perlick, Perlick. Leonardtown The new officers were sworn Rotary Club in, and are eager to expand the The Interact Club footprint of the Leonardtown of Leonardtown Interact Club in the community. is celebrating two milestones this May.

OPEN FORUM | JUNE 2021 | 10

MEMBERSHIP GROWTH IN DISTRICT 7620: MEET THEM WHERE THEY ARE By Governor Jimmie Gorski and Patrick to facilitate simple movement from one Eakes step to the next, but how? You are reading this article because you First, we need to meet the clubs where care about Rotary’s growth. You know they are. This means communicating with our membership number has hovered the clubs individually, understanding their around 1.2 million people for decades. goals and challenges, and then bolster More importantly, you know we need more them to choose their own way. Rotarians to increase our impact. Proposed changes should always be about As another Rotary year comes to an end, the needs of the individual Club. Change One of the greatest joys during my year it is the time to fall into step and march does not have to come at the cost of what as District Governor has been seeing our out our traditional district membership dedicated Rotarians have come to know district grow in membership. We have growth plans. We promote a District-wide and love about their club. flourished under the leadership of our challenge to increase numbers and instruct For some clubs it may be creating multiple Membership Chair Jennifer Coppit [photo membership chairs to “Grow Rotary.” above], who will be leaving her position on satellite clubs. For others is may be as Essentially, we create sales quotas for Clubs. June 30. Our Membership Chair beginning simple as offering a new membership type July 1 for the new Rotary year will be Dawn Wittfelt [photo below], and we look forward The higher leaders rise in any organization, without the cost of meals. Getting that club to continued growth in our clubs. Please the more often we risk losing sight of what to offer a new membership type needs to plan to attend the Membership webinar is happening on the front lines. We forget be recognized and celebrated because the on Saturday, June 27, presented by Jason that our membership roster is broken membership has taken a step outside of Browne. See complete details on page 4 of down by Clubs, then further into individual their comfort zone, which probably took this issue of the Open Forum. Yours in Rotary, Governor Jimmie names. Do we know these people who are a lot of hard work. Give them credit for serving our mission on the front lines? What success because they have done something are their goals? What do they want from new and innovative for themselves. Rotary? What do they hope to achieve? It As membership advocates, we all want to is not about the numbers, and it should not see Rotary grow in members and impact be because it is about them. with new satellite clubs or cause-based My feeling is that there are few Rotarians clubs. However, our priorities are not who really care a great deal if Rotary those of everyone. It is up to the clubs to membership increases from 1.2 million to determine what is best for them. 1.3 million. Also, I feel many club leaders Truly to help Rotary grow, we must meet would prefer to have a smaller group Clubs where they are. of more dedicated Rotarians than just a deeper roster with more casual members. One of the greatest joys during my year as District Governor has been seeing our We know how Innovative Clubs can help district grow in membership. We have them grow, but if they are not ready or it flourished under the leadership of our is not their goal, it may have the opposite Membership Chair Jennifer Coppit, who effect we are hoping for and encounter will be leaving her position on June 30. Our even more resistance to change. Membership Chair beginning July 1 for Innovative ideas can draw a mixed bag. the new Rotary year will be Dawn Wittfelt, A few clubs may be ready to dive right in. and we look forward to continued growth Others may need to dip a toe in and test the in our clubs. Please plan to attend the water. Still others will not even look at the Membership webinar on Saturday, June 27, water. presented by Jason Browne. See complete details on page 4 of this issue of the Open I hold that the leadership intent should be Forum. OPEN FORUM | JUNE 2021 | 16 11 | OPEN FORUM | JUNE 2021 DISASTER AID UPDATE – YEAR-END SUMMARY By Bob Grill, President of Disaster Aid We have one very special trailer which in the program? What are the roles and USA; and Paul Mahata, Chair, District dries out a house within 24-48 hours. responsibilities of the other partners? Disaster Relief Committee This trailer has a furnace back up that What are the external organizations blows super-heated air through the and resources that are necessary to By all accounts, this Rotary year has house. achieve success? been most challenging from the perspective of disaster response. The Disaster Aid USA will have a domestic • Implementation: Does the program’s District Disaster Relief Committee disaster response training for its budget, timeline, and scope of work in coordination with Disaster Aid volunteers this summer, late August align with the three- to five-year USA worked through the spread of or early September, for all interested implementation period for the grant? COVID-19 and devastating winter freeze district 7620 Rotarians and other Rotary What milestones must be achieved for in Texas and Louisiana. Our activities Zone 33 Rotarians. The training will be success? included: a) supplying PPE to several a 2-day event (Saturday/Sunday) held • Impact: What is the vision of success designated hospitals to fight COVID here in District 7620 (location to be and how will that be measured? What locally and nationally, b) participating determined). We depend on volunteers are the key assumptions and risks and in a multi-club global grant project to for all our disaster response. So, all how are they addressed in the program supply PPE to 28 nursing homes within able-bodied persons are encouraged to design? district 7620, and c) sending disaster attend this training. response teams to Texas and Louisiana STEP 2: Invitation for Full Proposal To sign up for this training contact to clean out flooded home due to the . Clubs or Districts with the highest Paul Mahata: [email protected] prolonged winter freeze there. scoring concept notes will be invited or Dr. William Du-Boyce: billydubes@ to submit a more comprehensive, When Disaster Strikes, Disaster Aid hotmail.com or Bob Grill: bob.grill@ full proposal. Rotary members and disasteraidusa.org implementing partners should prepare for an interactive review of PROGRAMS OF their program, including site visits and SCALE informational sessions. All program entries will go through a (continued from page 17) rigorous review process conducted STEP 1: Call for Concept Notes. by Rotarians (Cadre), staff, and other Programs of Scale concept notes subject-matter experts. USA Responds. We respond within 7 should be no longer than 10 pages and The Rotary Foundation Board of days after the disaster strikes, to help should give insight on the following Trustees will make the final award and aid the survivors who are left with questions around elements of program determination. Thereafter, a grant unprecedented losses to their homes design: agreement will be signed, marking and belongings from the wind, rain and • Scale: Why is your program ready to the start of a collaborative learning floods. Very simply, we are the “Muckers scale? What have you learned through partnership with the Foundation! and Gutters,” a short name for a lot of past implementation and how will you clean-up work. Water is pumped and apply that to scaling? vacuumed out of flooded homes. All How will you use this water-damaged items are removed program to inform future from the flooded home (furniture, opportunities to scale? clothes, appliances, etc.). Water-soaked drywall is removed 2 feet above water • Sustainability: How will marks, including insulation. you ensure the program’s benefits continue beyond To dry out the homes numerous floor the initial grant funding? fans and large 36-inch-high-velocity fans along with dehumidifiers are used • Partnership: What is the to dry the house as quickly as possible. role of Rotary members

OPEN FORUM | JUNE 2021 | 12 WHISKEY D.R.A.M. FELLOWSHIP By Sean McAlister, DGN Drinking Rotarians and Members) was created to explore the whiskey world To start a new Rotary Whiskey D.R.A.M. including bourbon, scotch, rye, sour Fellowship chapter in District 7620, mash, and moonshine. If you would DGN Sean McAlister (Capitol Hill), like to join District 7620’s new Whiskey Kevin Freese (Capitol Hill) and Chris D.R.A.M. Fellowship chapter, please Zabriskie (La Plata) hosted a “Virtual” send an email to either Sean McAlister District Bourbon Happy Hour on ([email protected]), Chris Friday, May 21st. The event was a Zabriskie ([email protected]), or resounding success as 41 Rotary and Kevin Freese ([email protected]). We hope to schedule our next “whiskey of choice” happy hour within the next three months. DC CAREER FAIR Calling all Rotarians to introduce and share your career with 8-12 graders at Columbia Heights Education Campus at our annual Career Fair on June 9. Contact Chair Donnie Shaw (202-369- 7971) or Marilyn Nevy Cruz (562-303- 4711) to select a time slot and volunteer.

Rotaract members attended. The WASHINGTON DC program also attracted members from Northern Virginia (District 7620) and VACCINATIONS Bourbon County, Kentucky (District Thank you to DC Rotary Club’s Health 6740). Just like a regular happy hour, and Wellness Chair Linda Solomon the event’s only purpose was to engage for proactively partnering with the in fellowship, network, and have fun. D.C. Mayor’s Office to “Vaccinate the Vulnerable.” The D.C. Rotary Club’s Rotarians for the Equality of Black People Committee is forming a Rotary group of volunteers to support ongoing vaccination efforts of vulnerable citizens in Washington, D.C. During the next few weeks, we will circulate a new link to a portal where you can sign up to join the Rotary ‘Vaccinate the Vulnerable” During the event, Chris Zabriskieand Project Team. Details are forthcoming! Kevin Freese, both official Marker’s ALL VOLUNTEERS WILL BE PROVIDED Mark Bourbon Ambassadors, discussed WITH THE OPPORTUNITY TO GET how American whiskey is made, and VACCINATED! then demonstrated basic bourbon cocktail recipes. Officially sanctioned Reach out to Rotarian of Action: Linda Keene Solomon (202) 746-6901 with any [Below] The Rotary International theme by Rotary International in 2016, the Whiskey D.R.A.M. Fellowship (or Whiskey questions. 13 | OPEN FORUM | JUNE 2021 OPENING OPPORTUNITIES FOR PEACE: ROTARY’S INTERCOUNTRY COMMITTEES By May Yoneyama O’Brien, District two or more countries. These relationships foster peace locally, showcasing successful International Service Committee Co-chair enhance our global understanding of projects and how to replicate them. other cultures and lay the foundation for 8-9 PM – Starting and Managing an ICC RI Pre-convention Conference international service projects and lifelong – Learn about the history of ICCs, and friendships. ICCs generally started with June 10-11, 2021 how you can start various types of ICC twin club relationships in two countries that relationships. Nobel Laureate Keynote: On June 10, the want to foster intercultural understanding Nobel Peace Prize Laureate, Ms. Ouided and friendships. After WWII, international JUNE 11 Schedule: Bouchamaoui, will speak at the special Pre- contacts between clubs increased in a spirit Convention day RI President Holger Knaack of tolerance and good will. Clubs in France BREAKOUT SESSIONS: has dedicated to “Opening Opportunities and Germany were the first. Soon clubs 9-10 AM – Overcoming Tense Relationships for Peace.” Biography: In 2013, Ms. and districts that began communicating through ICCs. See examples of how Bouchamaoui worked with each other joined together under ICCs build peace between countries that with the Tunisian the Intercountry Committee banner and historically have had tense relations and General Labour Union realized they could promote peace by even armed conflict with each other. to launch the National working together on common projects, Dialogue Initiative. fellowship, and friendship exchanges. There 11 AM-12 Noon – ICCs – Ambassadors of Together with the are over 400 ICCs in the Rotary universe, and Peace – Learn how ICC activities reflect League of Human their primary mission is Peace. Rotary’s interconnectivity and international Rights and Tunisian Order of Lawyers, they reach to make a positive impact where they formed the Tunisian National Dialogue JUNE 10 Schedule: are needed most Quartet. The Nobel Peace Prize in 2015 was 9-10 AM – OPENING GENERAL SESSION: awarded to the Quartet for its contributions 1-2 PM – The Mediterranean Peace Initiative: Speakers to the building of a pluralistic democracy Building Bridges Between Communities – in Tunisia in the wake of the Jasmine Mr. Haresh Ramchandani - Jamaica ICCs bring together members from different Revolution of 2011. Ms. Bouchamaoui regions to build intercultural understanding. Mr. Holger Knaack - Germany – RI President was the first woman to serve as President ICCs provide a platform for dialogue in the Mediterranean region. of the Tunisian Union of Industry, Trade, Mr. John Hewko – USA – RI General and Handicrafts from 2011-2018. She is Secretary 3-4 PM – Rotaractors and ICCs: Young recognized as one of the most influential Leaders in Action – Imagine how Rotaract Ms. Ouided Bouchamaoui – Tunisia - businesswomen in Africa. In 2017, she was clubs can participate in ICCs to strengthen Keynote elected Vice President of the European their international service work and build Center for Peace and Development. In 2019, Mr. Cyril Noirtin – France – ICC Executive partnerships with Rotary and Rotaract clubs Ms. Bouchamoui joined France’s Advisory Council Chair in other countries. Council for Gender Equality at the invitation of President Emmanuel Macron 11 AM – 12 Noon – Town Hall with ICC 4:30 – 5:30 PM Reception Leaders – Discuss the role ICCs play in 6-7 PM -- CLOSING GENERAL SESSION: Also join local Rotarian, Sam Hancock, of the Rotary’s peace strategy and explore Emerald Planet TV, from the DC Club, and opportunities for international partnerships Mr. Haresh Ramchandani | Jamaica US Rotarians Gail Knepper and Stan Miner and peacebuilding activities. from the US-Russia ICC; Dana Moldovan, Mr. Mohamed Ghammam | Tunisia BREAKOUT SESSIONS: the ICC Coordinator for the US; and David Ms. Celia Elena Cruz de Giay | Argentina Fishman, Peace RAG Board member, from 1-2 PM – Starting and Managing an ICC the Alexandria Club, as a commentator, for Mr. Peter Kyle | USA – RI Director breakout sessions. 3-4 PM – ICCs and RI’s Areas of Focus: How ICCs support Rotary’s Priorities Ms. Jennifer Jones | Canada – RI-PE Nominee What are ICCs? ICCs strengthen Mr. Shekhar Mehta | India – RI – PE 2020-21 relationships between clubs and districts in 6-7 PM – Peace without Borders: ICCs and Local Projects – see how ICC projects can

OPEN FORUM | JUNE 2021| 14 ANNAPOLIS ROTARY AND NAVAL ACADEMY: PARTNERS FOR 90 YEARS By Anne Myers, Annapolis Rotary the Naval Academy. What caused birth during Lazenby’s presidency in Public Relations this fractious relationship between 1931-32. town and gown? Annapolis was known for decades So continues one of the most as the Sailing Capital of America, Susan Hickes, club publicity important Rotary Club events of until a northern relative claimed the chairman back in 1995, provided each year. Lately the event has been title. But our city still is known as a information from Rotary history on held in the Bo Coppedge Room in town-gown community, especially the story behind the event. Alumni Hall, and previously was if you change the word “gown” to at other sites such as the former “It was started when the Navy Navy uniforms, as Annapolis has Carvel Hall, now the Paca House and Post Graduate School was located been the proud home of the U.S. Gardens. Speakers have included in town and its several hundred Naval Academy since October 10, Paul Patterson, President of A.S. officers and their families lived 1845. And members of the Rotary Abel Co., publishers of the Baltimore here,” she reported. “There was Club of Annapolis heartily support Sunpapers; Dr. H.C. Byrd, president a severe housing shortage, and the Brigade of Midshipmen and of the University of Maryland; Rear the school students in particular celebrate its accomplishments. Adm. James L. Holloway Jr.; and Vice complained about high rentals. They Adm. John S. McCain Jr. – and more You might not know how even claimed that local merchants than 80 more. many Rotarians are sponsors of imposed exorbitant charges and Midshipmen each year, or how many were discourteous.” At the same The Rotary Club of Annapolis academy graduates have been, and time, the local merchants were remains appreciative of a comment are, Rotary Club members. Several affected by competition from the made by Adm. Harry W. Hill, have served as club presidents and midshipmen’s store. Townspeople Superintendent, who in 1950 said many have taught classes at the could buy, at practically wholesale that relations with Annapolis “will academy. Successful in military and prices, anything from soap to be as close as we can make them.” corporate careers, these faculty furniture if they had “friends” He declared that when he reported members have taught everything connected to the academy. to his academy assignment, he was from the sciences to leadership told that the Rotary Navy Night was The community-minded Rotary Club and ethics to the midshipmen. the No. 1 thing in good relations decided action had to be taken. Additionally, a club committee each with Annapolis. We are delighted to Club President F. Marion Lazenby year judges an academy-sponsored continue it. came up with suggestions to ethics speech competition. The attempt to smooth over the disputes. The most recent Navy Night was held winners present their talks at a club The club prevailed upon the Navy Feb. 13, 2020, with Vice Adm. Sean meeting. Department to limit sales at the store S. Buck, Superintendent, as speaker. Like many Annapolitans, club to Midshipmen and Navy personnel. With the COVID-19 pandemic it was members attend Navy athletic The club then created a cordial not possible to hold the event this events, subscribe to the relations committee to adjudicate year when it would have coincided Distinguished Artists Concert differences between Navy personnel with the club’s Centennial (1921- Series, register for special speakers’ and townspeople, particularly 2021). We look forward to hosting programs, and donate to causes such landlord-tenant disputes. It was the next dinner February 10, 2022. as the USNA Foundation, the Jewish supported by the superintendent, Chapel, Leadership Development, Navy Adm. David F. Sellers. The club and many athletic programs. then launched “Navy Night” and Article by Mary P. Felter, Annapolis invited all the top brass to join with Rotary Public Relations 2009-2019, But once upon a time, there was the Rotary for a festive dinner with with thanks to Jeff Neufeld for quite a kerfuffle between the an outstanding speaker. More than research assistance. Annapolis business community and 200 have attended annually since its

15 | OPEN FORUM | JUNE 2021 DISC CALENDAR: CELEBRATE ROTARY FELLOWSHIPS MONTH! By May Yoneyama O’Brien, District International 9 June – 9:00 AM -- ESRAG BioDiversity the area of Climate Change Conflict.” Attorney Panel: Service Committee Co-chair Task Force – Nils Tore Skogland, of Doughnut Charlee Gaydon, JD, Ph.D., EUCID University, France; Economics Action Lab and Chair, Blue Ocean Norway, Doulas Spoors, EEO Education/ADR Manager, US Dept Expand Your International on “Carbon markets and sequestration.” Contact of the Navy, USA, Iram Majid, Director, Indian Institute Horizons! ESRAG Chair [email protected] for of Arbitration & Mediation, India. Register on the 3 June – WWS13 -- WASHRAG’s Virtual Water registration and Zoom link. MediatorsBeyondBorders.org website, an RI service partner Summit: WASH in Healthcare Facilities – 7-9pm EDT 10-11 June –ROTARY INTERCOUNTRY -- Speakers: Joanne McGriff, MD, MPG, will describe COMMITTEES: OPENING 23 June –9:00 AM -- ESRAG BioDiversity the WASH challenges for healthcare facilities; Jodey OPPORTUNITIES FOR PEACE – Pre- Task Force meeting Denis Vural, Polar Research Porter, International Committee Chair, will talk a Convention Program – Nobel Peace Laureate to be Institute, Council of Turkey, on “Ecological Responses Rotary club’s journey from club grant, to District grant, keynote speaker! See separate article for 2-day of Arctic Thaw Lakes.” Contact ESRAG Chair to Global Grant, supporting WASH in Health Care program. [email protected] for Zoom link and Facilities in northern Malawi; John Oldfield, principal details. at Global Water 2020, a long-time friend of WASHRAG, 11 June – RI Pre-Convention – ESRAG – will discuss the power of advocacy for WASH’s global 8:30 AM – 10 presenters! Environmental Symposium, 24 June – 9:00 PM – Rotary Russia-USA agenda. Register at WASH-RAG.org, Rotary Action Bumper Crop of Environmental Exhibits; and the Food Intercountry Committee – monthly meeting. Group for Water, Sanitation and Hygiene. Waste Challenge. Speakers: Dr. Tamara Galloway, Contact Stanley Miner for Zoom link, which will Microplastics; Dr. Toddi Steelman, Fire Ecology; Dr. be available a couple of days before the meeting, 4-5 June – 3-5pm on Friday; 8am-2pm Anand Kumar; Living with Big Animals; Dr. Bruce [email protected]. on Saturday -- B.I.G. Book Sale – Books French, World Foods; Dr.Nathan Thomas, Solar for International Goodwill. The B.I.G. warehouse is Installations; Dr. Joy Huang, Alternative energy; Brian 25 June – 6:30-8:00 PM – “Carbon located at 451 Defense Highway in Annapolis (1.7 Braginton-Smith connected Communities; Ebru Footprint” -- D7620 Environment miles west of the Annapolis Mall on the south side of Debbag, Textiles; Dr. Geetha Jayram, Plant-Rich diets; Committee -- Planning and Implementing the road). Books are priced at $3 for hardbacks, $2 Dr. Sibyl Anwander, Net Zero Emissions. Environmental Resources Monthly Meeting (last for trade soft bound, and $1 for pocket paperbacks. Fridays). Contact Chris Puttock, D7620 Environment You may fill a provided grocery shopping bag for $35. 12-16 June ROTARY INTERNATIONAL Chair, for Zoom link, [email protected]. All profits go toward shipping books to underserved VIRTUAL CONVENTION 26 June – UN Intl Day in Support of populations in the U.S. and abroad. All participants • House of Friendship (opens on June 10) MUST wear masks and practice distancing. For Victims of Torture • Global Network further information and updates, see our website 30 June – 8:00 PM EDT -- Rotary Action at www.big-books.org, or contact us via email at • Rotary International Hub – ask questions directly to Group for PEACE -- Peace Dove Gala 2021; [email protected]. RI staff Virtual Award Ceremony & Benefit. The RAGFP’s • Rotary Action Groups and Fellowships Peace Dove Gala 2021 recognizes that everyone is a 5 June – UN World Environment Day peacebuilder. Through all of our collective actions, • Keynote speakers ! big and small, we create a lasting impact on global 5 June – End Plastic Soup Action Day Break-out Session – “Build larger, more effective peace. As a participant, you will be a part of a –Sponsored by the Rotary clubs of Amsterdam, the sustainable projects and grants.” historic celebration united with a global community End Plastic Soup (EPS) team has created a colorful dedicated to collective peace action. Who is a Peace and fun toolkit of actions to raise awareness and Break-out Session: “Rotary’s new area of focus: protecting the environment.” Dove? A RAGFP Peace Dove is a person or group teach solutions to the appalling problem of plastic who has demonstrated exceptional dedication to pollution. The EPS 2021 World Environment Day 12 June – WASH-RAG Virtual Annual maximizing peacebuilding impact for communities campaign includes a flyer in 14 languages, plus Meeting – 11:00 am – Register at WASRAG.org. most in need. They are peacebuilders with the coloring pages for children. You can download all the unique combination of creative ideas, strategic use materials here, with instructions on how to add your 12 June -- UN World Day Against Child of resources, and wholehearted compassion to make Club logo to the flyer. Labor peace accessible to the most vulnerable. Peace Doves go above and beyond to accomplish positive peace June 5, 2021 is EPS’s fourth International End Plastic 14 June-- 8:00-9:00 PM – Rotary by enhancing the systems, structures, and attitudes Soup Action Day. EndPlasticSoup is a global initiative Caribbean Partnership/RAP-C Monthly that contribute to a community’s resilience to peace supported by 3,500 people in 1,200 Rotary, Interact, Meeting (2d Mondays). Contact Phil Lustig, phil. inequality manifested by conflict, oppression, or and Rotaract Clubs from Amsterdam to Africa. The [email protected], for Zoom link. poverty. Peace Doves cultivate a peace mindset EPS vision is that by 2050 there will be no more plastic that transforms into peace action. The Peace Dove 20 June -- UN World Refugee Day advances their creative ideas for peace by engaging, in our planet’s oceans, lakes, rivers, forests, parks, or educating, and empowering communities worldwide streets. Join the movement here! See exhibit in the 23 June – UN Public Service Day to create a lasting impact for peace. The work of House of Friendship at the RI convention! 23 June – 12-1:30 pm --- PeaceConnect Peace Doves reminds us that Peace is Possible. FREE. Register at rotaryactiongroupforpeace.org. 8 June – UN World Oceans Day – “What the creative Arts and Mediators can do in OPEN FORUM | JUNE 2021 | 16

HOW TO APPLY FOR ROTARY’S $2M PROGRAMS OF SCALE - NEW GRANT DEADLINES By May Yoneyama O’Brien, District the submissions to the top proposals, practitioner discussions. International Service Committee Co- and invited six program sponsors to • Rotary member role: Rotary chair (from rotary.org) prepare and submit full applications. members could participate as This year’s awardee, finalists, and The Rotary Foundation is launching volunteers and program-level honorable mentions shared many of the second year of the $2M Programs guides, but also use their convening, the following elements: of Scale initiative. Grant application advocacy, and policy influence skills key dates for Rotary Year 2021-22 Key characteristics. The success of to support longer-term change. follow: [These are new dates, different the programs is the result of Rotary • Co-funding: While not a requirement from last year]: members’ ability to tap into powerful in the first round, the final set of local and global networks for • May: Member learning sessions that programs all presented strong co- expertise, collaboration, and support advise clubs and districts on tools to funding. Less important was the total that can be harnessed to create large- support scaling dollar amount than the commitments scale change around the globe. All of from cofunders demonstrating • June: Competitive grant process our applicants had unique strengths their belief in the power of multi- begins relevant to their programs. The stakeholder partnerships with Rotary. • August: Concept Notes due following are key characteristics that pushed proposals and applications The application process. Programs of • October: Invitation to Scale has a two-step competitive submit Full Proposal application process that lasts 9 to • February 2022: Site visits 11 months. If awarded a Programs (virtual and/or in-person) of Scale grant, Rotary members should be prepared to engage • April 2022: Award with the Foundation for five to decision seven years to foster a learning Rotary’s Programs of Scale partnership that explores and is a highly competitive documents program successes grant program designed and challenges to help inform to invest in sustainable, both Rotary programming and the evidence-based work of Rotary members around interventions that address the world. a community-identified need across forward in the review process: Applicants should expect active a significant geographic area and • Systems approach: The program participation throughout different population. Grants must align with was in line with a local, regional, stages: Rotary’s Areas of Focus. Only one $2 or national government effort — million grant will be awarded each • Competitive grant process = 10 whichever level was best suited months year. for the proposed program — and The first grant application cycle for the sustainability was integrated into • Award mobilization and program 2020 Programs of Scale demonstrated program design and implementation. commencement = 2 months the excellent work and dedication of • Strong monitoring, evaluation, • Program implementation = 3-5 years Rotary members making an impact and learning system: This framework • Learning and sharing results in our areas of focus. In March 2020, would inform learning during = ongoing and 1-year post- the Foundation received more than 70 implementation, as well as contribute implementation proposals spanning all of our areas of to learning for Rotary members and focus and representing six continents. other key program stakeholders. The Rotarian Cadre and staff reviewers In some cases, the learning could (continued on page 12) had the difficult task of narrowing also contribute to larger policy and

OPEN FORUM | JUNE 2021 | 17 HIDDEN FIGURES OF INNOVATION By Monica M Smith, DC Rotary Club Historian for membership in DC’s chapter of the American Medical Association since they only allowed Whites DR. CHARLES to join. Dr. Drew’s important research on blood transfusions RICHARD DREW and improved techniques for blood plasma storage led to helping develop large-scale blood banks Frankly, I could teach a full course early in World War II. Drew headed on this topic and not even scratch a program that sent blood to Great the surface of the rich history of Britain, which saved thousands of lives DC ROTARY Black contributions to American among the Allied forces. In 1941, Drew’s society, even if I just focused on professional distinction was recognized RESPONDS TO inventors, scientists, and engineers, when he became the first Black surgeon who are the primary focus of selected to serve as an examiner on COVID CRISIS IN my professional expertise at the the American Board of Surgery. A few Smithsonian’s Lemelson Center years later, the National Association for for the Study of Invention and the Advancement of Colored People INDIA Innovation. By Marilyn Nevy Cruz honored Drew with its 1943 Spingarn The Rotary Foundation of To hone stories, I decided to focus on Black Medal for “the highest and noblest achievement” by Washington, DC recently responded innovators with ties to the Washington, DC, metro an African American “during the preceding year or to the tragic COVID pandemic that is area. Today, I will talk in depth about one scientist years” in recognition of his blood plasma collection and distribution efforts. raging in India by donating funds for about whom you may have heard but most people relief aid. This contribution, together probably don’t know much about—Dr. Charles Drew became the Director of the first American Red Richard Drew. with other contributions from Cross Blood Bank from 1941 to 1942, but resigned individual Rotarians and other clubs Dr. Drew, born in Washington, DC, in 1904, was a and openly criticized as “unscientific and insulting in District 7620, will assist in Black surgeon, professor, and blood transfusion and to African Americans” the ruling of the US armed purchasing oxygen concentrators, blood bank pioneer. He was part of a Black middle- forces that the blood of Blacks would be accepted but would have to be stored separately from that respirators, body-bags, and other PPE class family; his father was a carpet layer and his of Whites [a racist policy that remained in effect related materials. The funds are mother trained as a teacher. Drew grew up in Foggy Bottom, which was then a largely the middle- until 1950]. While the war still raged, Drew returned being collected by the Howard West class and interracial neighborhood, and graduated to teach at Howard University, heading up the Rotary Club and the PPE material will from local Dunbar High School in 1922. He lettered university’s department of surgery, and also became be distributed through a hospital in four sports, which helped him receive an athletic the chief surgeon at Freedmen’s Hospital. serving the area in and around scholarship to Amherst College, where he earned Sadly, during his professional prime at the age of Bangalore in Karnataka in the south a BA in 1926. Upon graduation, he taught science 45, Drew died from car injuries while traveling for of India. The hospital has been and athletics for two years at Morgan University (an business in North Carolina. Contrary to a popular personally vetted by District 7620’s HBCU). Earning enough money to attend medical myth—repeated on an early episode of the TV incoming District Governor Geetha school, Drew went to Canada, where he obtained a series M*A*S*H (“Dear Dad...Three”)—Drew’s death Jayaram as an appropriate vehicle for Doctor of Medicine and Master of Surgery degree was not due to being refused a blood transfusion in ensuring that the aid reaches the from McGill University in 1933. a North Carolina hospital because of his skin color. most vulnerable victims of the virus. Dr. Drew’s first faculty appointment was to teach His injuries were too severe for a transfusion. Drew’s pathology at Howard University from 1935 to 1936. funeral was held on April 5, 1950, at the historic He then joined Freedman’s Hospital, a Federally- Nineteenth Street Baptist Church in DC. operated facility associated with Howard, as a On a family note, Drew was married to Minnie surgery instructor and assistant surgeon. In 1938, Lenore Robbins, who had been a professor of home Drew began graduate work at Columbia University economics at Spelman College (another HBCU). thanks to a two-year Rockefeller fellowship in They had three daughters and a son. His daughter surgery, and wrote a doctoral thesis, “Banked Blood,” Charlene Drew Jarvis served on the Council of the based on his exhaustive study of blood preservation District of Columbia (1979 to 2000), President of techniques at Columbia’s Presbyterian Hospital. He Southeastern University (1996 until 2009), and was earned a Doctor of Science in Medicine degree in a President of the DC Chamber of Commerce. 1940, becoming the first African American to do so. Unfortunately, racism as usual raised its ugly (continued on page 19) head. Drew died without ever being accepted 18 | OPEN FORUM | JUNE 2021 HIDDEN FIGURES OF INNOVATION (continued from page 18) Luke Chia-Liu Yuan, who she married in 1942, 1957, comparing its significance to Einstein’s while World War II was raging on and neither discovery of the theory of relativity. “Her work, In 1976, the National Park Service designated of them could communicate with their you now see it integrated into what is called the Charles Richard Drew House [not open families back in China. A grandson of the first the Standard Model of particle physics.” to the public] in Arlington County, VA, as a President of the Republic of China, Yuan Shikai National Historic Landmark in response to a (1912-1916), Wu’s husband Luke Yuan had Most famous for the “Wu Experiment,” her nomination by the Afro-American Bicentennial his own successful career as an experimental research also crossed over into biology and Corporation. Drew was also inducted into the physicist at RCA and Brookhaven National medicine, included studying the molecular National Inventors Hall of Fame in 2015 for US Lab. In 1947, they had one son named changes in red blood cells that cause sickle- Patent 2,389,355 for a “surgical needle.” Vincent, who also became a nuclear scientist cell disease. Dr. Wu achieved many “firsts.” and works at the Los Alamos National Lab. She was the first woman president of the American Physical Society; the first woman DR. CHIEN- After earning her PhD, Dr. Wu took teaching hired to the Physics faculty at Princeton and positions first at Smith College, then also the first woman to receive an honorary SHIUNG WU Princeton University, and finally Columbia doctorate from Princeton; and the first female I would like to highlight the life and career University where she joined the Manhattan recipient of the National Academy of Sciences’ of Dr. Chien-Shiung Wu, who was one of the Project in 1944. Famously—or infamously— Comstock Prize. She was also the first person, most influential physicists of the 20th century Manhattan Project researchers were man or woman, to win the prestigious Wolf and is sadly overlooked. I’ve personally working towards the creation of the atomic Prize in Physics in 1978. Dubbed “The First dubbed her “the Chinese-American Marie bomb during World War II. Wu’s research Lady of Physics,” Dr. Wu was elected to the Curie. ” This year, Dr. Chien-Shiung Wu is included improving Geiger counters for the National Academy of Sciences in 1958, featured on a special US Postal Service Forever detection of radiation and the enrichment received the National Medal of Science in stamp, one of three issued by the USPS in of uranium in large quantities. Among her 1975, and even had an asteroid named after 2021 to honor the achievements and culture important contributions to physics was the her—2752 Wu Chien-Shiung. of Asian Americans. It’s especially meaningful first confirmation of Enrico Fermi’s 1933 theory of beta decay [how radioactive atoms However, it is a deplorable professional snub to me to present her story today because my that she did not receive the Nobel Prize for father, Ray Smith, who was become more stable and less radioactive]. Her book her successful experiment that proved the a professor of Asian history theory of colleagues Yang and Lee, who and loved Chinese history on this topic is still a classic reference in nuclear physics. shared the 1957 Nobel Prize in Physics for and culture, passed away two “their penetrating investigation of the so- years ago on March 31. In 1956, her colleagues called parity laws which has led to important Born May 31, 1912, Chien- Tsung-Dao Lee (also at discoveries regarding the elementary Shiung Wu was raised with Columbia) and Chen Ning particles.” Many people believe Dr. Wu was her two brothers in a small Yang (at Princeton)—who overlooked simply because she was a woman. both also happened to be town that is now part of A great quote from Dr. Wu: “It is shameful that the Shanghai metro area in born in pre-Revolutionary China—had jointly there are so few women in science…In China, China. Their father was an there are many, many women in physics. unusual advocate for girls’ education who proposed a theory that would disprove a then-widely accepted law of physics called There is a misconception in America that had founded the Mingde Women’s Vocational women scientists are all dowdy spinsters. This Continuing School that she attended. Wu the “Parity Law.” The law of parity stated that all objects and their mirror images behave the is the fault of men.” —As quoted in “Queen of studied physics at National Central University Physics,” Newsweek (20 May 1963). in Nanjing, graduating at the top of her class same way, but with the left hand and right in 1934. After graduation she worked in a hand reversed. Drs. Yang and Lee asked Dr. In 1954, Wu became a U.S. citizen, and did lab for another woman physicist, Dr. Jing-Wei Wu to create an experiment to prove the old not return to her homeland until 1973—37 Gu, who encouraged her to continue her theory wrong and theirs right. Dr. Wu agreed years after she had arrived in America. Sadly, education in the United States. and worked on experiments at the National her uncle and a brother were killed during Bureau of Standards (now the National the Chinese Cultural Revolution, and her So, in 1936, with financial support from her Institute of Standards and Technology) in parents’ tombs there were also destroyed. uncle, Wu emigrated by ship to San Francisco Washington, DC. Wu’s experiments proved Dr. Wu passed away in New York City on and ended up earning her PhD in nuclear that identical nuclear particles do not always February 16, 1997. Her ashes are buried with fission four years later at the University of act alike. “The achievement opens the way her husband’s in the courtyard of her father’s California, Berkeley, where she worked with to a whole new set of explanations of the Mingde School in China. Nobel-winning physicist Ernest Lawrence. atom, the world and the cosmos,” the New At Berkeley Wu met fellow Chinese physicist York Herald Tribune trumpeted on January 16, OPEN FORUM | JUNE 2021 |19 IN MEMORIAM: IN MEMORIAM: GREIG CUMMINGS PAULA DELO Rotary Club of Washington DC Past Paula Delo June 29, 1939-May 1,2021 President H. Greig Cummings, Jr. July Paula joined the Rotary Club of 14,1934 - April 25,2021 Washington DC Oct 31, 1998. She was a Greig joined the Rotary Club of devoted Rotarian and an ardent advocate Washington DC April 1, 1968. He served as Club President bringing in new members. She cherished the camaraderie 1977-1978. He was a Paul Harris Fellow. Grieg’s father, and intellectual stimulation of the Club. Family requests Harold Greig Cummings was also Past President 1956- memorial donations be made to the Rotary Club of 1957. Celebration of life services Saturday July 10, 11am at Washington DC Foundation, 1135 16th Street NW, St Albans Episcopal Church, 3001 Wisconsin Avenue NW, Washington DC 20036. Washington DC with reception to follow. Email RSVP’S with contact information to greigs.memorial.service@ gmail.com.

“One of the most impressive examples I know of international cooperation is in those gardens where we find plants, shrubs, and trees flourishing side by side in perfect harmony and beauty. There is much wisdom to be learned in a garden, and the very beginning is a realization of the fact that all final results depend upon proper preparation of the soil. So it is with Rotary. The crop we envisage is world peace and stability, a world in which we all live together as friends and neighbors. The seed to be sown: fellowship, friendship, understanding. The soil: the minds of individual Rotarians.” -- Harold T. Thomas, 1959-1960 Rotary International President Rotary Club of Auckland, New Zealand

People of Action

District Governor Jimmie Gorski Executive Secretary Sue Weber Newsletter Editor Bob Nelson Phone: 410-474-3490 Phone: 410-507-6020 Phone: 301-254-7620 email: [email protected] email: [email protected] email: [email protected] Please send articles and photos by 24 June

OPEN FORUM | JUNE 2021 | 20