Marie Fordney, executive director of the Children’s Advocacy Center, addresses the Marana Rotary Club at its June 13 meeting.Marana Rotary Club
June 13, 2023 weekly meeting
The Hybrid meeting kicks off with the pledge of allegiance at 7:10AM following a 10’ social catch-up session wherein Beckie introduced her 1-year-old grandchild, Eleanor, and John Dooling regaled the group with tales of he and Cindy’s trip down under attending the Rotary Convention.
Announcements:
Laura pointed out that links are being provided to register for Cathy’s and Don’s inductions (separate events, June 25 and 27, respectively)
Laura noted that we will be providing a light breakfast at the College of the Governors prior to Don’s induction festivities.
There will be an additional planning meeting for the above ceremonies this Thursday.
Don J. gave an update on the Shelter Box program, noting that our club stood out, again, as a top-ten Hero Club in District 5500 having given more than $1,000/ year. District 5500 is one of the top three supporting clubs to Shelter Box, having contributed more than $120,000 in the past year alone.
Every Year/ Every Rotarian
Mary provided a brief, but enlightening, overview of this important Rotary initiative. Mary emphasized that our long-standing goal was to have every member of the Marana Club contribute the minimum $25 per year. Our club’s guideline is for each member to contribute $25/quarter which is included as an option in each quarterly invoice sent out by Harold. Mary noted that, in her case, she prefers to donate separately from the invoice, directly through the Rotary website, to alleviate Harold having to manage these monies in addition to his many other duties. Either way…..it is important for us to contribute to this worthy cause; and there are a few of our club members remaining who are hopefully moved to contribute before the June 30 deadline for this year’s accreditation. Note that the Rotary Foundation continues to receive the highest rankings amongst charities for direct application of funds towards on-the-ground humanitarian projects!
Mary further explained that there are two options for giving to the RI Foundation; the Annual Fund wherein 50% of the amount is returned over a three-year period to the Districts for use in Global Grants, and the End Polio effort. While the latter is still a much-needed campaign, Mary suggests that donations be designated to the Annual Fund.
Happy Bucks
- Mary was happy about lots of things, but mentioned especially the nice, cool start to the summer. Mary also recently reconnected with five of her undergrad friends from NYU.
- Cathy J. was just happy to be recovering from the jetlag after their journey to Australia and New Zealand.
- Don happily recalled this past Sunday where he participated in the welcomes and goodbyes to incoming and outbound YE students. Don recounted some of their thoughts on the foods they would miss or looked forward to enjoying again once they returned back home.
- Cindy mentioned that the YE students had commonly formed friendships and bonds that would endure long after they parted for their home countries, reinforcing the importance of the YE Program.
- John recounted spa experiences in New Zealand where they enjoyed the benefits of the healing waters and made many new friends with both local aficionados and foreign visitors. John’s arthritis feels much better.
- Harold reported being largely recovered from his first knee replacement and was looking forward to the other knee on June 26th.
- Beckie was happy to be a grandmother and grateful for the support she could provide for her daughter.
- Cathy L. was looking forward to some time in Mexico with family.
- Andy was sort of looking forward to an upcoming business trip to Mexico and Peru, wondering if he would still be able to function at 18,000’ in the Peruvian Andes.
- Bob had somehow come into the possession of 4 fish (the writer was not clear if he caught or stole them) during his first week in Virginia.
- Beckie reminded everyone to send diapers per last week’s meeting.
- Laura had a sister in town and sorted through old family photos, marveling at the older clothing fashions, handmade dresses and abundance of fringe.
Guest Speaker
Marie Fordney, Executive Director of the Southern AZ Children’s Advocacy Center gave us an extraordinary talk on the functions of her organization. Her organization is amongst the first, if not THE first, called when potential child abuse cases are identified. The Center coordinates investigative efforts with Federal, State and Local agencies, and steps in immediately to provide care, protection and begin the recovery process. The Center relies on a staff of 20 plus an amazing cadre of dedicated volunteers who perform with heroism, compassion and passion towards their goals of addressing the damage created by this widespread problem. Marie’s presentation was provocative and emotional. I will not attempt to replicate the sadness and realization her talk evoked; however, undoubtedly, every member was impacted by her cause and dedication. Marie’s organization deserves thoughtful consideration by us as a club and as individuals (the writer’s editorial opinion).
The meeting was adjourned at 7:55AM with the Four-Way Test
Yours,
Andy Swarthout (any errors are mine and mine alone!)