A quote of inspiration
“Yesterday is history, tomorrow is a mystery, today is a gift of God, which is why we call it the present.”
― Bill Keane
Each week I will highlight something about Rotary that all Rotarians should know or be aware of. FIRST NAMES OR NICKNAMES – From the earliest days of Rotary, members have referred to each other on a first-name basis. Since personal acquaintanceship and friendship are cornerstones of Rotary, it was natural that many clubs adopted the practice of setting aside formal titles in conversations among members. Individuals who normally would be addressed as Doctor, Professor, Mister, the Honorable or Sir are regularly called Joe, Bill, Charley or Jerry by other Rotarians. The characteristic Rotary club name badge fosters the first-name custom.
In a few areas, such as Europe, club members use a more formal style in addressing fellow members. In other parts of the world, mainly in Asian countries, the practice is to assign each new Rotarian a humorous nickname which relates to some personal characteristic or which is descriptive of the member’s business or profession. A member nicknamed “Oxygen” is the manufacturer of chemical gas products. “Trees” is the nickname for the Rotarian in the lumber business, “Building” is the contractor, “Paper” is the stationery or office supply retailer. Other members might carry nicknames like “Muscles,” “Foghorn” or “Smiles” as commentaries on their physical features.
The nicknames are frequently a source of good-natured fun and fellowship. But whether a Rotarian is addressed by a given first name or a nickname, the spirit of personal friendship is the initial step which opens doors to all other opportunities for service. (7)
This year’s Rotary International President is Holger Knaack, a member of the Rotary Club of Herzogtum Lauenburg-Mölln, Germany.
“It’s fascinating to imagine how we will find new ways go adapt and stay nimble this year and beyond. But I am also inspired about what hasn’t changed and never will in Rotary: the friendships, the networking, the ethics and the service.”
Holger Knaack is a member of the Rotary Club of Herzogtum Lauenburg-Mölln, Germany. His 2020-21 presidential theme – “Rotary Opens Opportunities”
MAKES ME PROUD TO BE A ROTARIAN IN THE ROTARY CLUB OF ST. LOUIS
The Four-Way Test of the things we think, say or do
Lise Bernstein from Women’s Voices Raised for Social Justice gave a great talk on the importance of gun locks on all guns in the home at our program last week. Her passion for the subject was very apparent and should have given everyone some ideas on preventing unintended shootings. Thanks to Mary Schuman for arranging this program.
Our next meeting will be August 6th with Jim Merkel with a program on his new book, “Growing Up
St. Louis: Looking Back Through the Decades”. I am sure you will find it entertaining and informative.
Speaking of Zoom, we are continuing to work to make the zoom presentations better every week. Please let Joan know if you have and suggestions and she will pass them on to the MAC who is handling the production of the video.
ZOOM BROADCAST WILL CONTINUE FOR AT LEAST UNTIL THE END OF AUGUST FOR THOSE THAT CANNOT MAKE IT IN PERSON.
Remember to complete the new pre-meeting online registration starting with this meeting that Joan will send out. This pertains to both those attending live and virtually. Although this is not mandatory (yet) please respond to the email to give us a good idea of attendance. It worked very well last week.
PLEASE CONTINUE TO WORK AT BEING HEALTHY DURING THESE TRYING TIMES
“Call a Rotarian” – Past President Bob Garagiola kicked off this program on April 7th 2020. Let’s see if we can keep this going in support of Bob. I think this is a good gesture and will help keep us connected. And you will feel good just to make a “personal” connection. I know I have and if you do also, you’ll be amazed at the results.
Finally, if you have questions, concerns, or ideas regarding Club 11 please contact either me or our office
My e-mail is:
Kent1055@att.net
Pepperbox 8-3-2020
Rotary Club of St. Louis
President Kent Steinbrueck