banner
The Rotary Club 13 Buzz Saw
This Week's Meeting
March 3, 2021
Our Speaker this Week is Taylor Jackson. His topic is "Honor! A History of People of Color in the Military."
Taylor Jackson is currently the Constituent Relations Specialist for Mayor Quinton Lucas's office. Prior to working in the Mayor's office, Taylor worked as a Youth Development Professional for the Boys and Girls Club of Greater Kansas City. He also served in the United States Marine Corps from 2013-2019. 
 
His many achievements include: Participant in the Honorable Mike Pompeo; Secretary of State Global Entrepreneurship Summit (2019), Intern for Quinton Lucas for Mayor Campaign (2019), Curator for the Black Archives of Mid-America (2020) and Kansas City Youth Commissioner (2009).
 

You can join this week's program on your computer or iPad with this link: 

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/89574166751?pwd=RGhXWGdPb0lxN081eDlONmpWdU9pUT09

If you prefer to call in, please use 1-669-900-9128  or 1-346-248-7799 - with Meeting ID: 895 7416 6751 Passcode: 705909 

Please continue to check our Facebook page and www.rotary13.org for updates.

Last Week's Meeting
February 25, 2021
 
P.E. Tony Andresen called the ZOOM meeting to order in the absence of Pres. David Hanzlick and scooted us off to the breakout rooms to ponder the question, “What TV series have you been watching and would recommend to the group?”  Our group liked Netflix, Hulu and other network TV channels.
 
Back together, we joined Charlie Huffman and Carl Bolte in sort of singing “My Country Tis of Thee” and reciting the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag.  Mary Kingsley brought words about Lent from Pope Francis for the Invocation.
 
Various guests were welcomed and Club service anniversaries in February were noted for the following members: Jim Huffman, 4 years; Sally Bibb, 25 years; Gary McEachen, 25 years; and Stephen Dicus, 23 years.
 
P.E. Tony in his role as Membership Chair, reported on the success of the family/guest meeting two weeks ago when we heard from Dr. Pahud about the COVID pandemic, and urged us to reach out to those visitors at the meeting to get better acquainted with Rotary.
 
Sally Bibb reported on the history and work of our Rotary Youth Camp and the history of the Rotary Club Foundation that provides the funds for the operation of the camp.  She urged those of us who are not Foundation Fellows to consider taking that step.  All that is required is to make a pledge to contribute at least $100 per year to the Camp until the total contribution equals $1,000.  Sally
Recognized three members who have become Foundation Fellows recently:  Joann McEachen (wife of member Gary McEachen); Scott Holsman, and Fred Drummond.
 
P.P. Peter Ho introduced our speaker for the day, Club member Dr. George Heymach, who has presented various medical-related programs to the Club and this time addressed issues facing people, especially those with various substance vulnerabilities, by the ongoing COVID conditions.
 
He began by defining “addiction”, or the more current term, “a use disorder”.  The “use” could be alcohol, opiate, substance, etc.  An addiction is classified as a chronic, relapsing disorder with compulsive drug seeking, continued use despite harmful consequences, and with long-lasting changes in the brain.  The important feature is the diminution or loss of control of consumption.  Most important is to accept that addiction is a brain disease, not a moral failing.
 
Binge drinking can be defined by the drinker’s age and sex, the number of drinks consumed in a couple of hours, and the frequency of these events.  Heavy drinking basically is frequently repeated drinking binges.
 
About half of American adults drink alcohol, and about a quarter of adults have occasional binge drinking sessions.
 
Alcohol consumption remains fairly constant among American adults as they age, with binge and heavy drinking diminishing with age.
 
Marijuana is the most popular drug among those in junior and high school.  Illicit drug use, in general, peaks among people in their late teens to early 30s and diminishes with age.
 
The arrival of the COVID pandemic has significantly increased the environment stressors that persons with addictive disorders face.  Those stressors include fear of death, loss of daily structure, isolation, loss of job, financial problems, limited medical care, limited social and family interactions.  The stressors have led to increases in domestic violence, child abuse and neglect, and more intense depression and anxiety.
 
Agencies that provide assistance to persons dealing with these stresses also are negatively affected by the constraints of the COVID environment.
 
What can we do?  First, continue to follow the behaviors that can control the spread of the virus – social distancing, wearing masks, avoiding large indoor gatherings, and frequent washing of hands.  In the meantime, we should be alert to the signs among our family and other associates of being overloaded – deterioration in work performance, depression, anger, avoiding video and phone calls, and increased consumption of alcohol, marijuana and other drugs.
 
In summary, all people are being stressed by the COVID pandemic, and those who struggle with any form of addiction disorders are especially at risk.  As we hear over and over, we must work together to get through this.
 
The meeting closed with the usual history note, “RI adopted the Four-Way test in 1943”, the quote of the day, “Purpose is leaving the world a better place than you found it” by Jeremy Young, and submitted by Rotarian Lon Lawton, and the 4-way test.
Satellite Club Meeting
The Satellite Club met on Tuesday, February 23, 5:30 PM via Zoom with Diane Scott and Dennis McKeehan tag teaming as Moderator. To celebrate the February 23rd Rotary birthday, President David introduced a short “History of Rotary” video that ties Rotary history to Rotarians who are People of Action today. New Satellite member Amelia Ahluwalia was introduced and inducted into Rotary by Past President Kara. Following networking, Rotarian and former CEO of City Union Mission, Dan Doty spoke on “Homelessness in Kansas City.” Dan briefly reviewed the history of City Union Mission and then outlined the many programs they offer for men and also for families. He commented that they usually have plenty of space for men but often are short on space for families.  He reviewed the extensive program of life skills classes the City Union Mission offers to residents. The meeting ended with the 4 Way Test. Next meeting is Tuesday, March 23, and all Rotarians are welcome to attend.
Marie Whitmer Obituary
Marie Falcone Whitmer, 90, made her peaceful transition surrounded by family and Italian music, Thursday, February 18th, 2021.

Marie loved so much and had so much love to give. She was drawn to the water, her swimsuit her preferred attire. The piano was her lifelong companion, one which provided her a musical voice to soothe and to serenade. Delicious Italian recipes informed Marie's cooking and set her high bar of expectation. Marie loved to dance, travel, read, walk, laugh, volunteer, learn, teach, mentor and listen.

Marie was a prominent civic leader and a master at fundraising. She started Marie Whitmer & Associates and led campaigns raising money for several local charities. Marie took great pride in her years of volunteer service with the Conservatory of Music and was also a much-loved member of KC Rotary Club 13 for 30 years.

Marie is survived by her children, Timothy Whitmer of Kansas City and his wife, Pattie; Gary Whitmer of Kansas City, his wife, Margaret and their two children, Catherine and Thomas; Brian Whitmer of Sonoma, CA, his wife Laura and his two children, Claire and Justin; and Paula Marie Franzen, Seattle, WA, and her husband, Michael; and two brothers, Robert Falcone of Huntington Beach, CA and Angelo Falcone of Kansas City, five nieces and nephews and numerous great nieces and nephews.

A Celebration of Marie's life will be held at Unity Temple at a later date. For full obituary please visit Mtmoriah.net
Book Discussion Group
Please join the Rotary Book Discussion Group on Zoom for the discussion of the book Dear Edward by Ann Napolitano. The book is available by mail order through the Rainy Day Books web site or call the store for curb-side pickup. The discussion will be led by Vivien Jennings. All Rotarians and guests are welcome.
 
Event: Rotary Book Discussion Group
Date: Monday, March15, 6:30 PM
Zoom Meeting
 
About the book:
 
One summer morning, twelve-year-old Edward Adler, his beloved older brother, his parents, and 183 other passengers board a flight in Newark headed for Los Angeles. Among them is a Wall Street wunderkind, a young woman coming to terms with an unexpected pregnancy, an injured vet returning from Afghanistan, a septuagenarian business tycoon, and a free-spirited woman running away from her controlling husband. And then, tragically, the plane crashes. Edward is the sole survivor.

Edward's story captures the attention of the nation, but he struggles to find a place for himself in a world without his family. He continues to feel that a piece of him has been left in the sky, forever tied to the plane and all of his fellow passengers. But then he makes an unexpected discovery--one that will lead him to the answers of some of life's most profound questions: When you've lost everything, how do find yourself? How do you discover your purpose? What does it mean not just to survive, but to truly live?
Shoes for Orphan Souls 2021
Thank you to all Rotary Club 13 members who have supported the “Shoes for Orphan Souls” project for the last 19 years. Due to the Corona Virus, this will be a challenging year to shop for shoes. However, with continued financial support, this year, we can and will be successful.
 
The majority of the Big Box Stores (Walmart and Old Navy) online sites to include Amazon, are selling children’s shoes above the average cost of $5.00 to $8.00. The committee will continue to monitor these sites for bargain deals. Our shoppers are still doing physical shopping for shoes and socks.
 
To financially support this effort, please make your checks payable to the Kansas City Rotary Foundation and note “Shoes for Orphan Souls.” Please send your donations to the attention of Linn Mills, 147 NW Pointe Drive, Kansas City, Mo. 64116. For additional information, contact Linn at lfrenchnc@aol.com or 505-402-6630
 
We meet Thursdays at Noon
The Kill Devil Club
31 E. 14th St.
Kansas City, MO 64105
*We are currently meeting virtually via Zoom*
 
 @rotaryclub13
 
 @rotary13
 
 @rotaryclub13

By David Hanzlick
 
Incredible, but true – we have only four months left in this Rotary year. The March issue of Rotary features an extensive profile of the 2021-22 Rotary International President, Shekhar Mehta of India. The theme for the year is ‘Serve to Change to Lives.’ Meanwhile, the current RI President, Holger Knaack, is working furiously to complete his goals in the time that remains in his term.
 
In a similar vein and at a much smaller scale, President-Elect Tony is nearing the starting line of his term as the finish line of my year comes into sight. The one-year terms have the benefit of bringing fresh thinking into the organization. The three-deep succession from President-Elect Nominee to President-Elect, to President and the multi-year terms of the board ensures continuity. 
 
This year has been unique. The Club, Club, Camp, and Foundation boards, and committees have made lemonade of the situation by adapting to Zoom. I am grateful for the flexibility of the membership in making this temporary transition. A positive outcome, I believe, is that committees in the future will have the option of meeting by Zoom, which will allow greater participation than the tradition of holding committee meetings an hour before Club meetings. I am hopeful that more members will be able to participate in committee work, which is where the work of the Club takes place.
 
With only a short time left in my term, I look forward to all that can be accomplished in this short time. I am grateful to the hard work and creativity of the committee chairs and members. I am also grateful to the Camp Sustainability Task Force and its chair, Tom Woolwine. The task force has developed a sustainability plan that will be shared with the Club in the near future.  The task force grew out of the strategic planning process that kicked off in September. The plan with status updates for each item is available here.
 
The Kansas City Convention Hall was destroyed by fire on April 4, 1900. The Convention Hall was rebuilt in just 90 days – in time to host the 1900 Democratic Party convention in early July. If our forebearers could rebuild the convention hall in 90 days, just think what Club 13 Rotarians can accomplish in 120 days! I can’t wait to find out!

Speakers
Mar 11, 2021
C-SPAN: Make Up Your Own Mind
Mar 18, 2021
Kansas City: Today and Tomorrow
Apr 01, 2021
REBOUND: From Pain to Passion - Leadership Lessons Learned
View entire list
Upcoming Events
Women and Friends of Rotary
Zoom
Mar 09, 2021
5:00 PM – 6:30 PM
 
Board of Directors Meeting
Zoom
Mar 10, 2021
11:30 AM – 1:00 PM
 
Rotary Bowling League
Ward Pkwy lanes
Mar 10, 2021 4:30 PM
 
Membership Committee
Zoom
Mar 11, 2021
10:30 AM – 11:30 AM
 
Membership Committee Meeting
Zoom
Mar 11, 2021
10:30 AM – 11:30 AM
 
Bagel Run
Mar 13, 2021
 
Book Discussion Group
Zoom
Mar 15, 2021
6:30 PM – 7:30 PM
 
Rotary Bowling League
Ward Pkwy Lanes
Mar 17, 2021 4:30 PM
 
Bagel Run
Mar 20, 2021
 
Rotary Bowling League
Ward Pkwy lanes
Mar 24, 2021 4:30 PM
 
View entire list

Bowling News
By Tim Tholen
 
Hello Rotary Club 13!
 
Bowling news from last week here, some great games were had.
 
200 games:
Dave Boone-215
Curtis Grimsley-233
Kenny Addison-276 and 202
John Lawrence-214
 
Notable Splits:
Del Karmier-5/6/7 and 5/7
Eric Bubb-5/7
Stephen Bubb-3/6/10/7
Wes Gill-5/7
 
On another note, the bowl off with St Louis will be postponed another year. They cannot muster enough bowlers willing to make the trip this year. 

Youth Camp Update
Bu Allison Kelly
There is so much new life out at camp that is making us excited for the spring and summer to come!! We are starting to see flowers emerge, birds and other critters being more active, and of course, campouts happening every weekend!
 
 Next week we will post the Grab and Go projects at the camp, so you can get ready to grab a few friends and go help out!
 

Sponsors