By Jeff Ruby Illustrations by Harriet Lee-Merrion A change of heart He thought he had a dream job. Then he took a closer look I t was the chicken that jobs on earth. On the surface, life did year — nay, the decade. It’s possible that did it. I can’t pinpoint a not get much better. in my self-righteous zeal I went a tad specific “Aha!” moment when overboard. everything became crystal But, the chicken. clear — my place in this Three greasy, overbattered thighs In retrospect, I should have just said world and how I needed to sat on my plate in a dark, sexy den that thank you. change it. But if I’m being 100 was throbbing with dance music and lit by red neon. It was 2018, and the For as long as I can remember, percent honest, the chicken high-profile restaurant, which I won’t I’ve been a seeker. Then again, who name (but it could be identified easily isn’t? We’re all in search of God or definitely was some kind of with a Google search), was so proud happiness or a deeper meaning. Some of this chicken that they sprinkled it kind of an answer to the eternal tipping point. with edible gold flakes and served it questions: Why am I here and what is with gold scissors. I’d eaten plenty mine to do on this earth? Most self- Let me back up. of indulgent, ostentatious dishes described seekers actually do something previously. But this poor chicken died to get closer to lucidity. Maybe they find For the past 24 years, I’ve been a only to be violated again, twisted into themselves through religion, childbirth, something atrocious and nonsensical, or volunteer work. Or maybe they collect working journalist. More than half of its main purpose not to be eaten but antique teapots, and that’s enough. to be photographed by publicists and Life is mysterious and frustrating, and that time has been spent writing about Instagram influencers. It was the most whatever it takes to get a person to the profane thing I had ever seen. Or tasted. next day intact is fine. I don’t judge. food and restaurants, including an And there I was, a Japanese whiskey highball sweating in one hand, cutting But I had to be the laziest seeker of 11-year stint as the chief dining critic into a $26 fowl with a pair of gold all time. Since 2005, I have played the scissors while just a few blocks away, I’m the Father of Young Children! card for Chicago magazine. I got paid to eat dozens of homeless people were over and over, well after my kids could huddling for shelter on Lower Wacker no longer be defined as young. In my at the best restaurants in a world-class Drive. I felt ill. mind, this gave me a pass to sit on the Needless to say, my review did not sidelines and to do little beyond reading city, and in return, all I had to do was have many kind words for the chicken to my offspring and bringing home a or the people who decided to serve it. I paycheck. While I was proud of my work give my opinion. called the restaurant “half-assed” and as a dining critic, at some point it hit “lazy” while comparing the chicken me that the job never led me closer to If Chicago needed someone to to the demonic clown from It and anything more than the envy of others stamping it as the worst new dish of the and a steady salary. Surely my place in crisscross the city in search of its best this world was not simply to tell people cheeseburger or to weigh in on the latest hot spot, I was that guy. When a great chef died, I explained in print what their life had meant to us all. Every few nights, I lived like a rich man for a couple of hours. My calendar was full of dinner reservations with friends who got to live vicariously through my privileged position, and my fridge was packed with four-star leftovers that I rarely got around to eating. Every job has its miseries, private and public, but I’m no dummy: I had one of the best NOVEMBER 2021 ROTARY 49
where to eat. I had become the gold- businesses in my neighborhood were an entire village and rescued hundreds flaked fried chicken of human beings: a being looted, and the entire restaurant of children from being sold into sex passive, once-promising specimen with industry was about to sink under a quiet trafficking. Then I profiled Matthew a shiny exterior but very little substance tsunami of quarantine? When this time Kane and Katie Gailes, who started a underneath. had passed, who was going to care what program in a forgotten area of Raleigh, I thought about the slow-cooked Arctic North Carolina, that trained and aided That feeling crystallized during the char with smoked trout roe? I knew I aspiring entrepreneurs. The program summer of 2020, when the eerie silence wouldn’t. So I made a sign and joined has expanded to 16 communities across of the COVID-19 pandemic was broken the protests for social justice. that state and beyond. by the protests against police brutality and by fires burning across the country. Beyond that, I had no plan, which After that came interviews with six The United States was furious and is not a great position for a man amazing individuals in sub-Saharan sick, and democracy was hanging by with a wife and three kids in various Africa, several of whom had survived the thinnest thread. History wasn’t just stages of angst and orthodontia. As I war and untold trauma to earn a Rotary unfolding; it was exploding — and I contemplated cutting the cord with Peace Fellowship at Makerere University was a dining critic. A passive 49-year- Chicago, I did the only thing I knew how in Kampala, Uganda. I talked with all old dining critic with no restaurants to do: I kept writing. six via Zoom, learning of their plans to review in the middle of a global to return to their home countries and pandemic. One of the publications I freelanced launch social change initiatives in the for was Rotary magazine. I wrote a fields of domestic violence, journalism, Call it a midlife crisis or a crisis of profile of Deepa Biswas Willingham, and women’s rights. One of the peace conscience, but all at once, the very idea an 80-year-old retired hospital fellows, Paul Mushaho, had fled the of my job seemed ridiculous, impossible. administrator in southern California Democratic Republic of Congo after How could I be snarky and brutally who overcame personal tragedy to open receiving death threats from a militia; honest — as a good dining critic must a school for impoverished girls near he landed in a settlement camp in rural be — while people were dying, shuttered Kolkata, India. She essentially saved Uganda, where he promptly helped to establish a Rotaract club and set about improving the lives of the 150,000 refugees. “We are creating hope in people who have lost their hope,” said Mushaho. That’s what did it for me. Mushaho had every right to be jaded, or at least tired. But instead of feeling sorry for himself, he was living with conviction and optimism. The disconnect between his days of passion and action and mine of absurd privilege suddenly felt enormous. I was embarrassed to tell him what I did for a living. As I got to know Mushaho, I felt something else: exhilaration. He was not a rare angel sent down to Earth to do God’s work. He was as flawed as anyone — no smarter or “better” than me. He was simply more proactive. Only one thing was stopping me from taking meaningful action: myself. I just didn’t know what course to take. As I approached the end of my fifth decade, one more surprise was in store: There were still things I could learn from my parents. My father was a clinical psychologist. My childhood is filled with memories of our phone ringing at the worst possible moment, and my dad disappearing into another room to have a quiet conversation with someone who was struggling. After a long day at the office listening to his patients’ problems, all he wanted to do was come home, put 50 ROTARY NOVEMBER 2021
Helping people tell their stories requires patience, organization, and insight, all traits paramount to the mission of social work, each of them a building block to problem-solving on a larger scale. on a pair of sweats, and watch Chariots that my father’s patients were taking we’re talking about depression, abuse, of Fire for the thousandth time. Instead, advantage of him, but he didn’t addiction, or general inequalities, it’s he spent many evenings providing see it that way. He knew that some obvious that many people are struggling additional therapy for free. people needed more care, and he had to feel heard or understood. My plan the ability to help them. It was that to become a social worker rests on On his 41st birthday, we were eating simple. Of course my father would little more than a vague desire to lend dinner when the phone rang. As usual, my have rather been eating birthday help to a populace that desperately father went into another room to answer cake with his family than meeting a needs it. The curriculum is 100 percent it. A few minutes later, he returned with troubled man with a gun in the middle remote — I won’t set foot in the state of his coat on. A patient was considering of a snowstorm. But opportunities Missouri during the three-year program suicide, and my father was going out in for empathy don’t arise only when it’s — and I have no idea how, or if, it will a snowstorm to meet him at a phone convenient. work out for me. But I have an inkling booth across town. By the time he that I could be good at it. returned, it was so late that I was already This past spring, I was accepted into asleep. I found out the next morning that the Masters of Social Work program In my own way, I have been training he had talked the man out of it. at the University of Missouri, the for this for decades. As a reporter, same college where my father got his I’ve spent half my life interviewing That generous act popped into my doctorate nearly 50 years ago. Whether strangers, and a big part of the job is mind recently. As a child, I thought hearing the unspoken feelings behind their words, and then writing something empathetic and true. Helping people tell their stories requires patience, organization, and insight, all traits paramount to the mission of social work, each of them a building block to problem-solving on a larger scale. When I told friends and family that I was leaving my cushy position for an unpredictable future that promised both little money and untold mental stress, I expected lots of responses along the lines of: What are you, crazy? Instead, they kept calling me “brave,” like I was some kind of saint or Jedi Master for doing anything new at my age, let alone something moderately noble. But the subtext seemed to be: What took you so long? I have no real answer, other than that at this moment, it just feels right. But moments pass. Maybe a year from now, an amazing restaurant will open, no one will care what I think of it, and I’ll miss my old life. I don’t think so, though. I believe I’ll look in the mirror and finally see myself inching closer to the man I’ve always wanted to be: one ruled by empathy rather than glory or attention. One who doesn’t hesitate to roll up his sleeves and help. If I see hints of that man reflected, I’ll know that I made the right decision. NOVEMBER 2021 ROTARY 51
diversity in rotary 2023-24 ri president family fun in houston OURCLUBS Rotary,” he says. “But Márcia convinced VIRTUAL VISIT me to stay a little longer. Then we learned Vital statistics about the e-club.” Where the Chartered: 2019 rubber meets The idea to form the club came up at a 2019 meeting of the South America chapter Membership: 34 the road of the International Fellowship of Motorcy- cling Rotarians (IFMR) held in the Brazilian Collective miles logged on Rotary E-Club de beach town of Arraial d’Ajuda. “People were motorcycles: 2,258,560 Motociclistas losing interest in their regular Rotary clubs or had difficulty making meetings, but they Connect with the club at www You don’t need to own a motorcycle still liked the IFMR and wanted to be part .rotaryeclubdemotociclistas.org.br. to be a member of the Rotary E-Club de of Rotary somehow,” says Humberto Lúcio Find out more about the International Motociclistas, but you do need full-throttle Barbosa, a charter member and neuro- Fellowship of Motorcycling Rotarians enthusiasm for Rotary service. surgeon who rides his BMW R 1200 GS at ifmr.org. around his hometown of Uberaba, a city About a month after the Brazil-based about 300 miles south of the capital. Roadside attractions club was chartered in September 2019, Rul- lyan Peterson Sampaio, a lawyer, hobbyist “Right then, we started our club,” says Chapada dos Guimarães National race car driver, and motorcycle enthusiast, Marcus Rogério Tonoli, a lawyer, the owner Park in Mato Grosso state. “As you ride scored the club’s first public-image coup of two BMWs and a Harley-Davidson, and up the highlands, you see interesting when he won the Mato Grasso state auto- the club’s charter president. “Our mission rock patterns. At sunset, the colors up racing championship and appeared in TV was to bring former Rotarians and people there are divine.” — Rullyan Peterson interviews wearing a racing suit embla- who had done a lot of work for Rotary, Sampaio zoned with the End Polio Now logo. Within especially those who loved motorcycling, a year, the club sponsored a new Rotaract back into a club.” Rastro da Serpente (Serpent Trail) e-club and was collaborating with the Ro- from São Paolo state to Paraná state. taractors on projects. Now its members are Coming from clubs across the country “That road has more than 1,200 curves.” revving up for their next big project: spon- that had become stagnant, inactive, or not — Humberto Lúcio Barbosa soring a new biker-friendly Rotary club in open to new ideas, members knew that the Brasília, the country’s capital. club they were starting needed to stay flex- Estrada da Graciosa in Paraná state, ible. At first they held meetings on Whats- also known as the PR-410 highway, runs “This club is much more active than App, but for many, the endless scrolling through Brazil’s Atlantic Forest, recog- in-person ones we’ve attended,” says Már- of messages didn’t feel like a Rotary club nized by UNESCO as a unique biosphere. cia Fabíola de Melo, an architect from the meeting. Under their current president, Wil- “In the springtime you can drive for 30 ki- northeastern city of Natal whose husband, liam Martins Véras, they have switched the lometers [18 miles] with flowers on either Alberto Botsman, is also a member. “We’re format to Zoom, where they now ring an side of you.” — Marcus Rogério Tonoli a young club with a lot of drive.” animated onscreen bell to start meetings. having to re-use masks,” says Ticiane Vas- The couple had been members of a dif- With hundreds of miles separating them, concelos Ribeiro, an architect who lives ferent club, but Botsman felt his enthu- club members already had been thinking outside São Paulo. Ribeiro and her fellow siasm flagging. “I was planning to leave about new ways to approach community Rotarians got to work calling people in their service. Then the COVID-19 pandemic networks, and within a matter of hours, lo- reached Brazil. “There was a mask short- gistics for their first project were in place. age, and many health professionals were “In three days, we had materials delivered 52 ROTARY NOVEMBER 2021
to a small company so it could start sewing have to wait a week until the next meeting to “The Rotarians taught us what an e-club masks,” says Adnam Marques Batista, who discuss plans,” says Batista. “We get things has connections in the trucking industry done quickly and make things happen.” is, and we taught them about Rotaract,” through his job as a regional manager of gas stations. Over the next few months, the They also are drawing inspiration from says Jéssica Gonçalves Melo, the Rota- club delivered 80,000 masks to Hospital other clubs. “I visited an e-club in Uruguay das Clínicas, a medical center in the city of that is teaching chess to at-risk youth,” says ract club’s first president and the current São Paulo. Everything was donated, result- Véras, a Brasília-area sommelier who rides ing in zero cost to the club. a Suzuki V-Strom 650XT. “I don’t want to president of the Rotary Club of Tangara da reinvent Rotary; I want us to take projects “We don’t even have members in the that worked abroad and apply them here.” Serra-Centro, another partner in the en- city of São Paulo yet,” says Tonoli. “We just found a group that needed help and a project Motorcycle-themed activities, naturally, vironmental projects. “As sponsors, they that supported our society. It didn’t matter are the club’s special brand. One project, where it was in Brazil exactly.” done in partnership with state and local don’t hold us down — on the contrary, they environmental agencies, has club mem- The e-club’s approach is exciting for many bers spreading seeds of native trees, such want to see us evolve, grow, and fly.” of the members who transferred from other as ipê, jatobá, and aroeira (Brazilian pepper clubs. “In a physical club, sometimes you tree), that are collected by local Indigenous The motociclistas have growth plans of groups. Club members pack them into bio- The mission was to degradable clay balls that will disintegrate their own. “We were born digital, so we can bring former Rotarians when it rains, and then in a modern Brazil- ian take on Johnny Appleseed, they hurl the do digital service,” says member Leonardo and people who had balls from their motorcycles. done a lot of work for Jose da Cruz Santos. “Sustainable, digital Rotary, especially those The Rotaract Club of Motociclistas- who loved motorcycling, Conexão takes after its action-oriented projects, like creating an online school that sponsor: Members distributed baskets back into a club. filled with staples to 26 families in commu- offers technical courses to youth, can be nities devastated by a 2015 dam disaster in the state of Minas Gerais. done at an extremely low cost.” With members in many parts of Brazil (as well as one in New Jersey), the club’s meet- ings are held in Portuguese — but all are wel- come. “Once, we had visitors from India and Spain show up,” says Tonoli. “We had to do our own simultaneous interpretation, but it Eduardo Cavalcanti was a lot of fun.” —joseph derr From left: Motorcycling e-club members William Martins Véras, Wadson Silva Faria, Eny Geraldo Alves, and Hélio Junio Silva Lobo at the Juscelino Kubitschek Bridge in Brasília. NOVEMBER 2021 ROTARY 53
OUR CLUBS FOUR QUESTIONS Diversity, equity, and inclusion A business owner finds that doing the right thing brings a competitive advantage Valarie K. Wafer 1 People are talking a lot about diversity, ciples, but also take meaningful action. And so the 2021-22 Rotary equity, and inclusion these days. For task force was formed to create an ongoing plan to International vice drive measurable change. president Rotary, what are the advantages of Diversity, Equity, It’s exciting to see our clubs and districts taking and Inclusion (DEI) making these values a priority? the lead by creating DEI committees to educate their Task Force chair The Tim Hortons restaurant franchises that I owned members and connect with people in their commu- were recognized for hiring people with disabilities nity who are currently not represented in the club. Learn more of all types — in every position, from front-line to We know this is an ongoing journey and we need to about Rotary’s management. We built a culture of inclusion by hav- listen to our members. Diversity, Equity, ing an intentional and committed conversation with and Inclusion each employee to ensure that they had the necessary 3 Rotary is proudly nonpolitical. But aren’t statement at tools to succeed. Our customers told us that they questions of diversity, equity, and inclu- rotary.org/dei. came out of their way to do business with us because we represented the community. sion political? Politics do not play a role in human rights. Human I often make the comparison between Rotary and a franchise operation. There is a corporate brand, rights don’t belong to any particular party or govern- but each franchise operates in a community and has nuances that reflect its own demographics. In Ro- ment. Bias, stereotyping, and hatred do not belong tary, we have a strong, recognizable brand, but our culture and our Rotary experience can be different, to any one generation, but we can all help dismantle even in two clubs in the same town. Representing the community is good for business and it’s good for our them. Education and conversation are the keys. And Rotary clubs — because when you walk through the door and feel like you can be yourself, when you feel Rotary’s core values and The Four-Way Test can help valued, you’re more likely to stay. guide our intentions. 2 What do organizations with a strong cul- ture of inclusion have in common? More important than your policies are your practices. Don’t just say it; do it. A culture of di- 4 By virtue of Rotary’s global reach, our versity, equity, and inclusion is one where it is safe organization is already geographically to make mistakes and to take chances on big ideas — which leads to greater innovation. A company and culturally diverse. Isn’t that enough? known for this kind of culture is more likely to at- Diversity alone isn’t enough to make an organization tract and keep talented people. inclusive. All members in all clubs are not necessar- In 2019, the RI Board of Directors put out a DEI statement that was intentional and reflected the ily welcomed or given the space to be themselves and input of Rotary members. We’re hearing from Ro- tarians and Rotaractors around the world that they bring their unique perspectives and backgrounds to want to see Rotary not only talk about these prin- the table. The RI Board recently approved the rec- ommendation of the task force to expand upon our earlier DEI statement. We renewed our commitment to the 2019 statement, and we expanded it to recog- nize that, historically, some members have experi- enced barriers. We want to ensure that we not only celebrate uniqueness, but we also advance equity. The honesty expressed in the statement — that we will be transparent and continue to learn and do better — speaks to this being a journey that we are committed to as leaders. — mary hartel 54 ROTARY NOVEMBER 2021 Illustration by Viktor Miller Gausa
Diversity strengthens our clubs New members from different groups in our communities bring fresh perspectives and ideas to our clubs and expand Rotary’s presence. Invite prospective members from all backgrounds to experience Rotary. REFER A NEW MEMBER my.rotary.org/member-center
TROOTACRYORVESIPDO-N1D9S Visit Rotary’s COVID-19 resource center to help your club take action in support of COVID-19 vaccination and prevention rotary.org/covid19
CALENDAR November events 6th 13th NIGHT FEVER 7th REMEMBER NOVEMBER Event: Event: Rocking the Raue TEE TIME Novemberfest Event: Host: Golf Scramble Host: Rotary Club of Crystal Lake Rotary Club of Alvin, Texas Dawnbreakers, Illinois Host: Rotary Club of Surprise, Arizona What it benefits: What it benefits: Local charities Local charities What it benefits: Local youth programs and scholarships What it is: What it is: This fest features an arts, crafts, This inaugural musical event hosted What it is: and collectibles expo; a car and bike at the Raue Center for the Arts will This annual golf scramble provides a show; live musical entertainment; feature the Bee Gees tribute band noble motivation to head out to the kids’ games; and delicious food, includ- Night Fever. Expect to hear Bee Gees greens. A hole-in-one wins a car, and ing a pancake breakfast. Get outside hits like “Jive Talkin’” and “Stayin’ there are also prizes for longest putt, in the brisk fall air and have some fun! Alive.” Put on your dancing shoes longest drive, and closest to the pin. and get ready to reminisce and 25th rock ’n’ roll for charity. SHAKE A LEG FOR TURKEY 6th to Event: 14th Turkey Trot 5K STARS AND STRIPES FOREVER Host: Event: Rotary Club of Perry Township Field of Honor (Canton), Ohio Host: What it benefits: Rotary Club of Georgetown, Texas Local charities What it benefits: What it is: Veteran and first responder Twenty-five years ago, the first Turkey organizations Trot 5K sponsored by the club took o with 100 participants. In 2021, the race What it is: expects to host about 2,000 runners Nearly 2,000 American flags will fly in and walkers. Start your day of turkey a local park during Veterans Day week. and stu ng by preemptively burning An opening ceremony will feature some calories for a good cause. flyovers and a patriotic concert by the Central Texas Philharmonic Orches- tra; a closing ceremony will include a Texas BBQ. Tell us about your event. Write to [email protected] with “calendar” in the subject line. NOVEMBER 2021 ROTARY 57
TRUSTEE CHAIR’S MESSAGE SERVICE ABOVE SELF Do you know your Foundation? THE OBJECT OF ROTARY When people ask me what The Rotary low administrative cost. This is one reason The Object of Rotary is to encourage Foundation is, I tell them it’s the heart Charity Navigator consistently gives the and foster the ideal of service as a of Rotary. You may have heard before Foundation a four-star rating. basis of worthy enterprise and, in that Rotary has an intelligent heart. The particular, to encourage and foster: Foundation combines our emotional re- I sometimes get asked a question: How sponse of compassion with pragmatic ac- much should I be giving to the Foundation? First The development of tion. With both heart and brains, you can Each year, make a gift of what you can af- acquaintance as an opportunity for change the world. ford to give. For some, that is $100, and service; for others, more. What’s most important So, what does the Foundation mean to is that you give something, because each Second High ethical standards you? November is Rotary Foundation Month, generous gift helps us meet the increased in business and professions, the but do you really know our Foundation? demand we’re seeing from members for recognition of the worthiness global grants and our other programs. of all useful occupations, and First, it truly is our Foundation. The Ro- the dignifying of each Rotarian’s tary Foundation doesn’t belong to me or This year, we want to raise $50 million occupation as an opportunity to the other 14 trustees, nor to the RI Board for PolioPlus, which will be matched 2-to-1 serve society; of Directors, nor to the RI president. It be- by the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, for longs to each Rotarian around the world. a total of $150 million. If every Rotary club Third The application of the ideal of contributed just $1,500, we would surpass service in each Rotarian’s personal, And it’s there for all of us to change the this goal. We have other goals as well — for business, and community life; world. We save mothers and children be- the Annual Fund, the Endowment Fund, cause we have compassion, and we know and outright gifts — adding up to a grand Fourth The advancement of how to plan. We provide clean water and total of $410 million. international understanding, sanitation where they’re needed to those goodwill, and peace through a who need them, because we build strate- We will get there if we set our hearts — world fellowship of business and gies based on a community’s needs. We and minds — to it. But remember, it’s not professional persons united in the combine support for peace, education, and about the money; it’s what the money can do. ideal of service. economic stability for at-risk communities with an ability to manage big projects. There’s a saying that goes, “I alone can- THE FOUR-WAY TEST not change the world, but I can cast a stone Giving to the Foundation is smart, too, across the waters to create many ripples.” Of the things we think, say, or do: because in doing so, you multiply the value of that gift. How many other foundations The Foundation is that stone, so let us 1. Is it the truth? can you think of that identify the projects, turn ripples into great waves with it, using 2. Is it fair to all concerned? fund them, and run them on the ground our hearts and our minds. 3. Will it build goodwill and better themselves? Ours is the only one I know. And we get it all done at such a relatively JOHN F. GERM friendships? 4. Will it be beneficial to all Foundation trustee chair concerned? 58 ROTARY NOVEMBER 2021 ROTARIAN CODE OF CONDUCT The following code of conduct has been adopted for the use of Rotarians: As a Rotarian, I will 1. Act with integrity and high ethical standards in my personal and professional life 2. Deal fairly with others and treat them and their occupations with respect 3. Use my professional skills through Rotary to: mentor young people, help those with special needs, and improve people’s quality of life in my community and in the world 4. Avoid behavior that reflects adversely on Rotary or other Rotarians 5. Help maintain a harassment-free environment in Rotary meetings, events, and activities, report any suspected harassment, and help ensure non-retaliation to those individuals that report harassment. Illustration by Viktor Miller Gausa
姫路ロータリークラブ ONE VOICE. Evanston EVERY CLUB. Lighthouse No matter where you are in the world or Club what language you speak, the Rotary logo is universal. It’s what unites us and the impact we have around the world. Rotary clubs can tap into the strength of this connection by using a consistent club logo. Because the more unified our voice is, the greater our impact will be. Visit rotary.org/brandcenter to get started. Club de Vargem Grande Paulista District 3790
OUR CLUBS IN BRIEF McInally. To better support clubs, he says, tions. An elder in the Church of Scotland Rotary International, regional leaders, since 1982, he has served as commissioner Gordon McInally and district teams all need to engage with to the church’s general assembly and as to be 2023-24 them. Engaging with the public through chair of the Queensferry Parish Church social media will reinforce Rotary’s brand congregational board. Rotary president and showcase the opportunities that come with it. And, he says, engaging with govern- A Rotary member since 1984, McInally Gordon R. McInally, a member of the Ro- ments, corporations, and other organiza- has served as president and vice president tary Club of South Queensferry, Scotland, tions will lead to successful partnerships. of Rotary International in Great Britain and has been nominated to become Rotary In- Ireland. He has also served RI as a director ternational’s president for 2023-24. With better engagement, McInally and as a member or chair of several com- says, “we will grow Rotary both by way of mittees. He is currently an adviser to the McInally has lauded Rotary’s ability to membership and in our ability to provide 2022 Houston Convention Committee and adapt technologically during the COVID-19 meaningful service.” chair of the Operations Review Committee. pandemic, saying the new approaches should continue and be combined with He adds: “Membership is the lifeblood McInally and his wife, Heather, are Ma- the best of Rotary’s past practices as the of our organization. I would encourage the jor Donors and Benefactors of The Rotary organization seeks to grow and to increase use of the flexibility now available to es- Foundation. They are also members of the member engagement. tablish new-style clubs that would appeal Bequest Society. to a different demographic.” “We have learned that there is a willing- The members of the nominating com- ness within communities to care for one an- McInally, a graduate of dental surgery mittee are Gérard Allonneau, Parthenay, other,” he says, “and we must ensure that at the University of Dundee, owned and France; Ann-Britt Åsebol, Falun-Kopparvå- we encourage people who have recently em- operated his own dental practice in Edin- gen, Sweden; Basker Chockalingam, Karur, braced the concept of volunteering to join us burgh. He was chair of the East of Scotland India; Corneliu Dincă, Craiova, Romania; to allow them to continue giving service.” branch of the British Paedodontic Society Celia Cruz de Giay, Arrecifes, Argentina; (now the British Society of Paediatric Den- Mary Beth Growney Selene, Madison West McInally says that senior leaders’ ability tistry) and has held various academic posi- Towne-Middleton, Wisconsin; Jackson S.L. to communicate directly with club mem- Hsieh, Taipei Sunrise, Taiwan; Masahiro bers online will be one positive legacy of the Kuroda, Hachinohe South, Japan; Larry A. changes Rotary has had to make. However, he Lunsford (secretary), Kansas City-Plaza, adds, “face-to-face meetings remain impor- Missouri; Anne L. Matthews (chair), Co- tant, as they encourage greater interaction.” lumbia East, South Carolina; Akira Miki, Himeji, Japan; Eun-Soo Moon, Cheonan- The best way to increase membership Dosol, Korea; Peter L. Offer, Coventry Jubi- is to focus on engagement, according to lee, England; Ekkehart Pandel, Bückeburg, Germany; M.K. Panduranga Setty, Ban- galore, India; Andy Smallwood, Houston Hobby Area, Texas; and Steven A. Snyder, Auburn, California. — ryan hyland ARCH KLUMPH SOCIETY 2020-21 HONOREES alleviation of poverty, the support of edu- Baldev and Usha Arora, India Rotary International cation, and the eradication of polio. Rotary Club of Bombay North Named for the founder of The Rotary Foundation, the Arch Klumph Society was The members listed below were recog- Kishor and Sunita Lulla, India established to recognize the Foundation’s nized in the 2020-21 Rotary year through Rotary Club of Sangli highest tier of donors — those who have a formal induction or elevation ceremony. contributed $250,000 or more. *Levels as of 30 June Ashok Mehra and Bindu Mehra, India Rotary Club of Bombay Seacoast This distinguished society includes PLATINUM TRUSTEES CIRCLE supporters from more than 45 countries (Contributions of $2,500,000-$4,999,999) Christine Rendell and Brian and geographical areas. Their generosity Joseph P. and Linda K. Grebmeier, Carnahan, Canada enables the Foundation to continue its United States Rotary Club of Calgary East, Alberta mission of advancing world understand- Rotary Club of King City, California ing, goodwill, and peace through the Pierce Whitman Smith, United States TRUSTEES CIRCLE Rotary Club of Sandpoint, Idaho (Contributions of $250,000-$499,999) Anonymous Learn more about joining the society at www.rotary.org/about-rotary/history/ arch-klumph-society. 60 ROTARY NOVEMBER 2021
GROWING IMNECMRBEEARSSHEISP THE GOOD WE CAN DO! Introducing the Membership Society for New Member Sponsors To recognize those who have demonstrated extraordinary commitment and success in growing our membership, we have launched a new recognition program. The Membership Society for New Member Sponsors is a virtual gallery for those members who have sponsored 25 or more new members. Visit rotary.org/membershipsociety
HOUSTON CONVENTION JohnSShiSluhvtuettretresrtsotcokc.kc.ocomm An event for all ages If you are planning to go to a 10-story-high zip line; or on wreck, a Gulf Coast bayou, that provides innovative Houston for the 2022 Rotary the Boardwalk Bullet, a roller and a stingray reef. programming to children International Convention coaster with a heart-stopping throughout the city. 4-8 June, why not make it 92-foot drop. The conven- Children’s Museum Hous- a trip for the whole family? tion’s Host Organization ton offers hands-on activities, And don’t forget the House With attractions like Down- Committee has scheduled an including a multi-obstacle of Friendship at the conven- town Aquarium, Children’s outing to Kemah Boardwalk ropes course, a wildlife habi- tion itself, which will feature Museum Houston, and on Saturday, 4 June. Tickets tat certified by the National plenty of exhibits to entertain Kemah Boardwalk theme are limited, so act fast at Wildlife Federation, and the and inspire budding Rotary park, the Houston area has houstonri2022.org/events. Inventors’ Workshop. It’s also members. something for everyone. a highly regarded nonprofit Do you have fish fanatics — miyoki walker Kemah Boardwalk, located in the family? Downtown on Galveston Bay, 25 miles Aquarium is home to more Learn more and register at convention.rotary.org. from downtown, is a collec- than 300 aquatic species, tion of waterfront restau- including an electric eel, puff- rants, rides, and shops. Hop a erfish, and sea turtles, which ride on a replica 1863 steam are located in themed areas locomotive; on the Iron Eagle, such as an underwater ship- CROSSWORD ACROSS 51 Large flightless bird 26 Author Harriet 1 Mural opening? 52 See 20-Across Beecher —– What, where ... 6 Son of Eliz. II 61 24-hour breakfast and when? 10 Be in neutral 27 Mean-spirited 14 Made like a dove place tease By Victor Fleming 15 Convertible or 62 Sailor’s quaff Rotary Club of Little Rock, Arkansas 63 Viola’s kin 28 Second baseman station wagon 64 Choice spot? Sandberg 65 Staff assistant 16 Stuff on a barber’s 66 Alpaca habitat 29 Starts to parachute, floor 67 Drip through cracks with “out” 68 Kind of pressure 17 Fair-haired 69 Group formed to 30 Cupid of Greece 18 Not fast 31 Enjoyed a fine meal 19 Potent introduction? chase a perp 32 —– Dame (Indiana 20 With 52-Across, what DOWN university) RI’s charitable arm 1 DOD weapon 33 Flecks around a 2 Superdome locale, does and where campfire familiarly 36 Actor with top billing 23 Tot’s wish-list item 3 Captured, as in 38 Playground retort 24 Had a bite 40 Nightmare, e.g. 25 Houston baseball chess 41 Kamali of fashion 4 Descartes or 47 Generational team Lacoste disparity 29 —– noire 5 Extends 49 Wheel attachment 31 Crime lab sample 6 Mudville slugger 50 Clean after a spill 34 “Don’t leave” 7 Boat’s body 51 Garden border tool 35 Alexis I or Nicholas II 8 At the acme of 52 Aspirations 37 Hasta la vista 9 “Why should I care?” 53 Wedding vow 10 Wishful one’s words alternative 11 Like many pronoun 54 Apply to a whetstone 39 November, basements 55 “Little Things” singer in Rotary 12 Part of a poem 13 “—– go bragh!” India.—– 42 Her name is on the 21 Showy-leaved 56 Leaf juncture title 57 Clinton’s attorney garden plant 43 “Besides that ...” 22 1980s George general 44 Desert-like 58 Cutlass or Toronado, 45 Abbr. for a professor Peppard series, with “The” informally emeritus 25 With respect to 59 Bar beverages 60 Amount of medicine 46 What we hear with 48 —– College Solution on page 10 (Memphis campus) 50 Rotary, for one, casually 62 ROTARY NOVEMBER 2021
LEARN ON THE GO ROTARY LEARNING CENTER Access the Learning Center via mobile. Sign in to My Rotary, tap Learning & Reference, tap Learning Center, and you’ll be on your way!
FOUN Camera man An engineer with an artist’s eye captures beautiful moments on lm Luca Venturi BEHIND THE SCENES: In Siena, we have held THE EYES HAVE IT: I always try to find PICTURE PAGES: I’m an engineer. I showed Rotary Club of Siena Est, Italy the Palio, a world-famous horse brilliant composition. What a photographer friend around Siena race, for hundreds of years. The captures someone’s attention is in 2013 while he was shooting for a Entries for the jockeys and horses train all year determined by the position of the magazine. That’s when I started to 2022 Rotary just for those two days of racing. I elements inside the frame. In a take pictures. I wanted to be able to magazine photo wanted to show the life of the jockey photo, the faces of people and what capture moments while I was travel- awards are now and the life of the horses during the is opposite them will always help ing. I have been luc y to have my open. Submit winter, such as when the jockey is at direct the viewer’s eyes to what you photos published in magazines and your photo at home resting on Christmas Day. The want them to see. The position of to have received awards in some rotary.org/ Palio festival is more than just a race the sleeping man in the orange shirt prestigious contests. In 2019 I was photoawards. around a track — it is a way of life. points you toward the portraits. If awarded third place in the Rotary The jockey I photographed on the he was sleeping with his face in a magazine photo awards. In 2021 I horse was a friend of mine. Tragi- di erent direction, your attention took second place. Maybe next year cally, he died in an accident in May. might be focused elsewhere. I’ll win first place. Let’s hope. 64 ROTARY NOVEMBER 2021 All photos©Luca Venturi
GIVE US YOUR BEST SHOT The Rotary magazine photo awards let you share your vision with Rotary members around the world. Enter for the chance to see your work published: The 2022 photo awards are open for submissions 1 October through 15 December 2021. For details go to rotary.org/photoawards. magazine 2021 submissions, from top: WAYNE YAN / GEERT LENSSENS / SHAHRIAR FARZANA
DISCOVER NEW HORIZONS AT THE 2022 ROTARY INTERNATIONAL CONVENTION 4-8 JUNE 2022 | HOUSTON, TEXAS, USA Register and pay in full today at convention.rotary.org for a special rate of $475.* *This price is good until 15 December. #Rotary22
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