June 10, 2020 Rotary Meeting
 
Thanks to Greeter Josh T., Mona and Deb Cox
 
Who is scribe + Speaker
This week scribe – Chris Stoner
Next weeks scribe  –  Valerie Stuart
This week Speaker – Tristam – Maria Leonard, El Merendon Honduras
Next week Speaker – Diane Hashagen
 
This Day In History

1776

The Continental Congress appoints a committee to write a Declaration of Independence.
 

1909

An SOS signal is transmitted for the first time in an emergency when the Cunard liner SS Slavonia is wrecked off the Azores.
 

1920

The Republican convention in Chicago endorses women's suffrage.
 

1925

Tennessee adopts a new biology text book denying the theory of evolution.
 

1943

The Allies begin bombing Germany around the clock.
 

1948

The news that the sound barrier has been broken is finally released to the public by the U.S. Air Force. Chuck Yeager, piloting the rocket airplane X-1, exceeded the speed of sound on October 14, 1947.
 
 
Rotary Minute
 
Rotarians in Lithuania and Chicago, Illinois, USA, are using their influence to promote the use of “bubble helmets” and potentially lessen the need for mechanical ventilators for COVID-19 patients who struggle to breathe on their own.
Bubble helmets are noninvasive and supply oxygen without the need for intubation, a procedure where a tube is inserted down a patient’s throat.
Critical care physicians are becoming concerned that intubation and mechanical ventilators are being used unnecessarily on COVID-19 patients and suggest that more patients could benefit by remaining longer on simpler, noninvasive respiratory support.
 
 
Guests
Linda Torunksi, Former Member
 
 
Rotary Anniversaries
 
 
None
 
Birthdays
 
Toni Ciampaglione – June 13
Valerie Stuart – June 13
 
 
Announcements:
Tristam: Tristam received what he though was junk-mail in the form of a debit card. It was from the Money Management Network and almost threw it out thinking it was a scam. Don’t throw it out! It was his stimulus check.  2nd announcement: Received an email from Philip from Canupa on the Lakota Reservation. Philip bought a truck that he uses to deliver food on the reservation. The problem is he never has enough gas money. If you would like to contribute to Philip’s gas cards, please send donations to Tristam’s address: 19 Sears Road, Newfane, VT 05345.
 
Mona: Reminder, tomorrow is the June overflow shelter meal. Not many people have signed up. Please sign up!
 
Toni: Rotary International donations, some people have done it, some people have not. Contact Toni to see where you stand if you would like to donate.
 
Will: Josh had an idea to do a socially-distant outdoor activity. Thinking about a bike ride this Sunday on the West River Trail. Keep it under 25 people. It was suggested that the West River Trail is really crowded these days and might not be the best option. There is a nice spot in Brookline maybe? Reach out to Will to coordinate.
 
Jim V: Still working on electronic payment system, stay tuned.
 
Student Rotarians: None
 
Brags
 
Jon Secrest: Celebrating his 1-20 wedding anniversary. Married 20 years ago at the Lithuanian Camp in Marlboro. Going back to renew vows. Happy Anniversary!
 
Katja: Missed last week due to a hospital visit. Thanks to everyone at BMH for their excellent care. Walking now and feeling much better!
 
Josh T: Brag for Jim for a great year, great leadership and for even powering through when sick. Thanks Jim!
 
Mona: Brag for Maggie St. John, valedictorian for Hinsdale! Front page of the paper! Congrats Maggie!
 
Sandy: Sandy apologized for error on date of Scholarship. Date is July 15th.
 
Kevin: Friday is grandson Wyatt’s 2nd birthday. Can’t travel for it and its painful. They will celebrate with Wyatt and family through Amazon Portal. Wyatt has so much of Eric in him. Example: running around the driveway with a box on his head!
 
Tristam: Brag for Vermont Bread Company. Tristam was in there translating for two Honduran women interviewing with the company. VBC is very good to employees with outstanding pay and benefits. Editors note: they have outstanding English muffins as well.
 
Jon Secrest: Alina Secrest is 17! Happy Birthday Alina!
 
Sandy: Son Alex made the National Honor Society. Has some nice new swag for the front yard in the form of a congratulatory sign. Ignore the long grass if you drive by.
 
Guest Speaker
Maria Leonard, El Merendon Honduras
First off thanks for what Sunrise has done for the school. COVID has been very strange, kids have had to leave the school. Many teachers have stayed at the school, taking care of the crops and checking in with students that have access. Some of the kids nearby are able to help out and they are providing online classes for those children that do have internet access. The issue is some students who live in the more rural, poorer areas do not have internet access. Children from the more populated areas like San Pedro generally have better access. Most kids don’t have computers but some are lucky enough to have phones which they use to connect to the school. School has been put on the backburner for most. The plan for re-opening is in August, but there is still a lot of uncertainty about how to do that safely. The number of COVID cases in Honduras is around 8000. There is a curfew in place but not everyone respects it. Airports are closed and essential items like hand-wipes and disinfectant are extremely hard to find. Not sure what fall will look like. Honduras does produce a lot of it’s own food through agriculture but a lot of other things need to be imported like medical supplies and building material. Rural areas are really hurting because they have to travel long distances to re-supply. People are simply making do and going back to the basics.
 
 
4 Way Test
  1. Is it the truth
  2. Is it fair to all concerned
  3. Will it build goodwill and better friendships
  4. Is it beneficial to all concerned