If you recall the quote last week was from Dr. Seuss, so that got me thinking. What kind of Dr. was he and was he really a Doctor? So, after a little research this is what I found.
Why did Theodor Geisel change his name to Dr. Seuss? He added the "Doctor (abbreviated Dr.)" to his pen name because his father had always wanted him to practice medicine. For books that Geisel wrote and others illustrated, he used the pen name "Theo LeSieg", starting with I Wish That I Had Duck Feet published in 1965. "LeSieg" is "Geisel" spelled backward.
Geisel attended Dartmouth College, graduating in 1925. Upon graduating, he entered Lincoln College, Oxford, intending to earn a Doctor of Philosophy (D.Phil.) in English literature. Geisel left Oxford without earning a degree and returned to the United States in February 1927. And that’s the rest of the story.
One of the six areas of focus of Rotary we don’t seem to talk about very much is peacebuilding and conflict prevention (the actual area of focus is named "Peace and Conflict Prevention/Resolution"), which is the theme for the month of February. It is often, however, the conflicts that occur throughout the world that are the root causes of poverty, despair, economic hardship and poor health. Take for instance the major deterrent to polio eradication: the difficulty in vaccinating children in war torn countries. Rotary International as an organization understands this relationship and therefore is deeply invested in supporting individuals and programs that will develop leaders who are committed to seeking ways toward peace. The path toward peace begins with understanding and respect for the differences that make us unique.
These are the same types of values that are studied in the peace centers supported by Rotary International in association with several major universities across the globe. The mission of these centers is to “empower, educate, and increase the capacity of peace builders through rigorous academic training, practice, and global networking opportunities.
Through this experience, Rotary Peace Fellows build and teach the skills needed to act as leaders and catalysts for peace and conflict resolution both in their communities and around the globe. As Rotarians we should all be similarly committed to understanding the conflicts that exist in our own society, to speak out when necessary, and to seek solutions that reflect the values of Rotary.
Through global grant activities, clubs and districts can participate in strategically focused, high-impact activities that align with Rotary goals that address this area of focus. It includes training leaders and potential youth leaders to prevent and mediate conflict, support peacebuilding in communities and regions affected by conflict, and support studies related to peace and conflict prevention/resolution for career-minded professionals.
May God Bless this club and its membership and may He bless the United States and Texas. Be safe!
It Happened Last Thursday
by Jonathon Jackson
The weekly meeting was called to order by President Barry Bondurant. Thanks to Jim Quick for offering the invocation and leading the Pledge of Allegiance. Janie Johnson kept everyone in tune from the piano leading us in “God Bless America”. Hal Thurow, serving as this week’s Greeter, came to introduce visiting Rotarians and guests that were in attendance.
Announcements are built into the weekly emails and are no longer in the Hubcap Report so please be sure to check out the multitude of ways that you can serve the community. Please remember to log in and sign up for Prayer & Pledge and Greeter duties.
Sally Hopper shared the birthdays of Cindy Salter and Mia Russo with the group. Both Norm Douglas and Hal Thurow are celebrating their 41-year Rotary anniversaries this week.
Sally then had the pleasure of presenting Rick Jenkins with the Paul Harris +3 award. Congratulations Rick!
Don Mebus came up to lead us in "America The Beautiful".
Vera McKissic came up to introduce this week’s program, featuring Deborah Coppola CEO of Arlington Charities.
Arlington Charities was founded in 1978. Some of the Arlington statistics show the need in our community: 15.7% of Arlington residents live below the poverty level (approximately 64,000 residents). 6% live at less than 50% of the poverty level. 12% of our senior residents do not have enough food. There are over 1,500 people, including nearly 600 children under 17, who are currently homeless in our community. Arlington Charities' services are vast in our community, reaching out through food bank/pantry services with hygiene items, TCC satellite pantry, online self-scheduling, new client ordering system deployment, mobile markets, grocery delivery, services for the unhoused, case management, and holiday assistance. If you would like to get involved, please visit www.arlingtoncharities.org or call 817-275-1511
Barry presented Deborah Coppola with a book to be signed by her and donated to Webb Elementary Library on behalf of Arlington Charities.
We hope to see you at one or all the many upcoming opportunities for service and fellowship.
Next week promises to be an excellent program, featuring Clayton and Debbie Garrison of “Phased IN”. Phase IN is a transitional living program for emancipated foster youth. The goal of Phased IN is to assist these young adults in learning basic life skills that will prepare them for independent living. Phased IN provides the most vital and missing dynamic in the lives of these young adults – FAMILY.
Dan Blumberg gave the group several chuckles with The Last Laugh.
Last Laugh jokers.
The quote for this week: “You have brains in your head. You have feet in your shoes. You can steer yourself any direction you choose.” Dr. Seuss (Theodore Geisel).
Barry thanked our special guest and everyone else for coming. He then led us in the Four Way Test and adjourned the meeting.
Janie Johnson is our new pianist!
Thanks for the lower key, so we foghorns can sing too!
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