The Contact October 2019 (Sep 26, 2019)

The Contact

eNewsletter

September, 2019

Volume 96 | Issue 3

Rotary Club of Steubenville

District 6650, No. 3609

In the October edition of the Rotarian there is an article written by Fritz Lenneman about nuclear arms. Mr. Lenneman is a nuclear arms expert. It caught my attention because nuclear proliferation is a past obsession of mine. I read everything I could find on the subject for a year or so back in the 90’s. I go through these crazy periods every once in a while. I learn a lot, reach some conclusions, move on, and forget most of it. But my conclusion then, and it remains the same today, is that nuclear weapons need to be eliminated from the surface of the earth. If not, we may be participating in our own extinction.

Nuclear experts believe that a regional war with as few as 100 nuclear explosions could cause enough worldwide impact to change society as we know it today. The after effects of such a nuclear exchange would impact the ozone layer and drop the average worldwide temperature by a few degrees. A drop of a few degrees would greatly impact food production both on land and in the sea. Ohio would be one of the areas in the United States that would see their growing season shortened to the extent that some of our current crops could not be produced. The world’s inability to feed the remaining population would lead to additional malnutrition and starvation.

An exchange of 200-300 warheads could lead to massive loss of life. Imagine a regional conflict between Pakistan and India where a nuclear exchange of 300 warheads took place. Would it stop there? Or would the United States and Russia take sides and escalate the situation? An exchange between the US and Russia could involve 90% of the world’s nuclear weapons. Devastation would result.

Today there are 9 countries with nuclear weapons, over 15,000 warheads. It only takes one rogue nation, North Korea and Pakistan come to mind, to start a nuclear exchange that could lead to the destabilization of society worldwide or the potential near extinction or extinction of mankind.

It is all very frightening to think about.

In spite of my fears I do have hope that we can avoid such a future. I was actually becoming pretty hopeful until the last five years. Treaty agreements were reached between the US and Russia reducing the number of nuclear weapons from 25,000 down to 15,000. Most nations signed a treaty agreeing not to develop nuclear weapons. However during the last five years tensions have again begun to rise especially with the US pulling out of our agreement with Russia over their violations of the existing treaty.

One of Rotary’s guiding principles is promoting peace on earth. Demanding that the world end the production of these terrible weapons is a wonderful position to take. It is not a political statement but a mankind statement. Rotarians around the world need to stick up for mankind and demand that our governments get back on track and reengage in meaningful talks to rid the world of these weapons.

WHY I AM A ROTARIAN

by Robyn A. Hill, Ph.D.

My father was a Rotarian for 40+ years, so in many ways, I feel like I have always been part of the Rotary family. There are many other reasons why I am a Rotarian, but the one I will focus on today is related to this year’s theme: Rotary Connects the World.

Rotary International’s strength comes from local clubs that form a worldwide network of people dedicated to the ideal of “Service Above Self”. Individually, those clubs can effectively meet needs in their home communities. Collectively, those clubs can efficiently mobilize to respond to broader concerns like immunization projects (e.g. Polio Plus) and natural disaster relief (e.g. ShelterBox USA). It is gratifying to be able to contribute directly and indirectly to so many projects that make a positive impact on our precious planet.

Moreover, no matter where you may travel, chances are there will be a Rotary club to visit. I have been fortunate enough to have attended “make up” meetings in dozens of clubs all over the United States, as well as Mexico, Peru, Costa Rica, Spain, and Canada. Without fail, I have been heartily welcomed, shared a meal, and walked away with exciting ideas to bring back to my home club. In many cases, I have gotten the “inside scoop” on local restaurants and attractions that I otherwise would never have experienced. In a few instances, I have made lasting friendships.

What amazing connections will Rotary create for you?

News, Views and Opportunities

September Board Meeting

The Board of Directors met on Friday, September 13. We are now meeting at 11 am on the second Friday of the month and any member is welcome to attend as it will serve as a makeup. Funds were allocated to the Tuskegee Mural and final approval of monies for the Urban Mission to assist with the purchase of the 7th Street property and expand their services in the community. Rev. Ashley is to be commended for taking on this project.

The 4th Street Exit

Work is progressing as all the beds have been cleaned out and shrubs trimmed. There will be additional work and planting. Students from the Interact Club came and sanded the gazebo to ready it for primer and paint. Please let Kathy or Mike know when you can help so we can wrap this project up before winter.

World Polio Day, October 24

Be sure to attend October 4th and learn more about Polio from Esther McCoy who had Polio as a child. Do not forget to fill you piggy banks or coffee mugs. Give you funds to Randy by October 18th and we will report our amount the following week. You can also bring a check made out to Steubenville Rotary Foundation and put in the memo Polio Plus.

Holiday Party

Carolyn and Jody will again host our annual Holiday event at the Center of Music and Art in Wintersville on Saturday November 23rd. Mark your calendar now. You only need to bring your spouse or special friend, a toy for the Urban Mission and food to share. There will be more information next month.

Opportunities to Help

In October please bring in a bag or two of candy for the Steubenville Recreation Dept Halloween Party. All the children attending this FREE event will have some goodies for their treat bags. Give the candy to Lori Fetherolf.

The Urban Mission is collecting gently worn winter coats for all ages but especially children. We will be participating with Operation Warm again this year in which we will purchase new coats for youth but I am sure some of you may have grandchildren or children who have outgrown their coats. You can help a child, woman or man stay warm this winter. Dr. Baber or Rev. Ashley will make sure they get to the Mission.

A sweet treat for Thanksgiving. This year the Urban Mission not only needs your financial support at Thanksgiving but is trying to collect about 1400 cake mixes, frosting and cans of sweet potatoes. On your next trip to the market pick up these items and drop at the Urban Mission warehouse or bring to Rotary. We will have a collection box.

THE MONTHLY QUOTE FROM HONORING OUR PAST: THE WORDS AND WISDOM OF PAUL HARRIS

"We are in no further need of politicians; we need some statesmen now"......The Rotarian, March 1918

Board Meeting
YWCA
Oct 11, 2019 11:00 AM

Rotarian Birthday Observance

Oct 18, 2019

View entire list

Oct 04, 2019

Esther McCoy, How Polio affected Her

Surviving Polio

Oct 11, 2019

Rick Platt, CEO and President (Cory Wingett)

Heath-Newark-Licking County Port Authority

Oct 18, 2019

(Jim Mavromatis)

Oct 25, 2019

Craig Porter, JC Game Warden (Adam Persanowski)

Nov 22, 2019

Dr. Chappalear, IC Superintendent (Randy Cottis)

Building new schools in the Indian Creek District

View entire list

Member Birthdays

Martin C Hauser

October 7

Joseph C. Glaub

October 8

Pete Chalfant

October 8

Scott Lane

October 10

Erika Lyon

October 29

John Mascio

October 31

Join Date

Ross Gallabrese

October 1, 2001

18 years

Alan Hall

October 2, 1998

21 years

Ashley Steele

October 21, 2013

6 years

Peter Rosaschi

October 28, 2016

3 years

Time for Humor

SUBMITTED BY Rtn. Saleem Khan

A woman was in hot air balloon when she realized that she is lost.

She reduced her altitude and she shouted to a man below, "Excuse me, can you help me? I promised a friend to meet him an hour ago, but I don't know where I am."

Man below replied, "You are in hot air balloon 30 feet above the ground. You are at 41° North latitude and 59° West longitude."

The lady remarked, "You must be an engineer!"

The man asked, "How do you know ?"

The lady replied, "Everything you told me is technically correct but useless, and the fact is that I'm still lost."

The engineer said, "You must be in Top Management."

This time it was the lady who asked, "How do you know?"

Engineer :- "You don't know where you are or where you're going, and you have no technical knowledge. You made a promise which you've no idea how to keep and you expect people beneath you to solve your problems!"

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