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This Week At Rotary - NO MEETING

REFLECTIONS ON THANKSGIVING
By Jim Meier (revised November 2015)

In the early part of the 17th Century, a group of English religious dissenters received a patent from the Virginia Company of England to settle in Virginia. Separatists from the established Church of England, these religious pilgrims were enticed to the new land by the promise of religious freedom. They set out on their chartered ship, the Mayflower, September 6, 1620. The ship was 90 feet long and 26 feet wide and carried 103 men, women and children in conditions of overcrowding, damp, discomfort and cold.

They spotted land in November, but it was early December before they actually set foot on land. Somehow they had miscalculated; they were far north of Virginia. They had landed near what is today Provincetown, Massachusetts.

It was too late to do anything about it.  If you know anything about Decembers in New England, you know that cold grey weather had arrived and they barely had time to settle in before they would receive the full brunt of winter. Their first official act was to elect a Governor, and to sign the Mayflower Compact, which is still one of the great historical liberty documents, assuring government for and by the people, and religious freedom for all. Next, they divided themselves into 19 families and set out to build themselves homes and a hospital.

The hard voyage was followed by the harshest winter any of them had ever known, beyond the imagination of some, and the effects of inadequate housing and the shortage of proper food took their toll. A few natives had taken pity on them and shared some stored provisions. But the natives had not set aside nearly enough for more than 100 unexpected visitors, so it was a winter of deprivation for the settlers. For the last months of winter, all the Pilgrims were hungry, and many died. One hundred and three men, women and children had set out together on their long voyage to freedom. When the snow melted and the first signs of spring finally appeared, only 56 still stood together.  They must have wondered what sort of future they could possibly have on this unforgiving new land.

During the first winter, the settlers had seen a few individual natives, and had seen some whole bands of natives in the distance, but mostly they had feared them and avoided contact. When spring came, they sought friendship with the natives, who seemed eager to meet them, and taught them their methods of survival. The natives introduced the settlers to corn, and gave them some of their stored supply. They taught them how to reinforce their homes and make them warmer and more suitable to this climate, how to plant and grow corn by putting kernels in the ground with a fish as fertilizer to make the corn grow healthy and tall, how to stalk wild turkey, wood pigeons, partridge, geese and ducks, how to catch and eat eels and clams, all of which were plentiful in this new land.

Imagine how it must have felt to not be hungry any more, to have a summer of plenty after that long winter of privation. The pilgrims, no doubt, were diligent students. They knew they had to learn now, while they were strong and the weather was warm, and do all that was necessary to store provisions and reinforce their settlement for the second winter.

How did they do, these sudden farmers? When all the work was done and autumn came, what kind of harvest did they have?

Reports on that vary. Some say that first harvest was sparse which would make sense, since the farmers were novices. Others say the pilgrims were astonished at the bounty this new land produced. Probably both reports are true. Future harvests must have produced more than the first one, as the settlers improved their agricultural skills and their understanding of the land. But no future harvest could have been more desperately needed or more appreciated than that first harvest.

That summer, the settlers signed a peace treaty with the natives, each promising to refrain from harming the other and to aid each other in times of trouble.

Later in the fall, the governor ordered a day of thanksgiving and issued an open invitation to the Indians. They were astounded when 90 came. To save their hosts embarrassment, they had brought along a large supply of oysters, corn, five deer, and cakes made of spiced, baked corn meal that many today call Indian pudding. Since the dinner guests contributed to the meal, this was perhaps the first American potluck, as well as the first Thanksgiving.

The celebration lasted three days. The first day was devoted entirely to eating.  On the second and third day, the eating continued, of course, but then the serious play also began, as the two groups conducted races, wrestling matches, and contests of all kinds.

It must have been kind of sad when it all died down at the end of the third day, and the guests departed leaving once again a group of sixty men, women and children facing another long winter – only this time it would be different. This time they had provisions stored, an understanding of the land and new farming skills, which let them know they could survive.

What does this familiar story have to say to us today? 380+ years have passed since those settlers invited the Indians to a celebration of Thanksgiving.  How much in common could our Thanksgiving possibly have with theirs, yours and mine, the one we’ll have on Thursday?  In some ways, I think quite a bit. Many of us will have guests, sometimes unexpected ones, maybe “too” many. Our days too will be filled with the same activities of cooking and eating some of the same foods as they served nearly four centuries ago; turkey and squash, corn and pumpkin, perhaps even oysters in the stuffing, and for some, maybe even venison. Like them, we’ll enjoy the delights of fresh baked bread and pies.  Our days too may be filled with relatives and children, arguments and amusements much like their races and wrestling, contests and noisy games, although ours may be in the form of TV football or video games.

And for us too there will finally come an end to the celebration, the guests will leave, and we will return to our normal lives, as we face the coming winter and the waning light. 

There are also significant differences. The settlers had buried half their number in the months just before that Thanksgiving celebration; spouses, parents, neighbors, children.  Survivors probably did not know why they had been spared when others were lost. When the warmth finally returned as they worked together and with the natives during that spring and summer, they must have thought about the coming winter. Who would survive this time? Would they lose more loved ones…or would it be their turn to die?

Imagine their growing joy as they saw the bounty this new land provided, as they preserved foods for winter and watched their storerooms fill, and as they made their homes more safe and warm. When the cool of autumn came it was without the same deadly threat of the year before. There would be plenty; enough to share. What great relief must have accompanied that three-day celebration. What enormous gratitude they must have felt.

It is difficult to imagine-what it was like for those settlers to be so completely dependent upon the work of their own hands and the gifts of their little piece of land and sea. For them it was clear: a harvest meant life.

We live in a time and place of plenty even in what we would call hard times.  People like us, at least most, who can drive to a grocery store to buy a turkey, cranberry sauce, bread, lettuce and oranges in February cannot really know the hardship and challenges the Pilgrim’s endured.

What we can do is:

  • Give thanks to the Pilgrims for their courage and resiliency. Their breaking ground and staying put laid the foundation for our founding fathers to build upon.  
  • Whine much less about this and that and be much more thankful for what we have

…especially as we witness from afar hundreds of thousands of refugee; desperate people on their own pilgrimage to stay alive and find a semblance of life’s most basic needs.

…especially as we witness the EVIL unleashed upon others, killing people they don’t even knowat schools, theaters, churches, concerts, stores and on streets. Be like

  • Those Indians who reached out to others in times of need with generous acts of kindness and sharing.
  • Find joy in life’s simple things. The prism in my office window is an examples for me.
  • Forever stoke the fire of hope in ourselves and share burning embers from your flame with others who’s hope fire flickers low;  nearly extinguished

May this Thanksgiving bring you, your families and friends a cornucopia of life’s most cherished gifts:

Love    Hope    Peace    Happiness    Learning    Laughter   Kindness

In Your fallen heroes name,

-Blessings, Jim Meier

P.S. Feel free to share with your family, friends and others

 

Last Week at Rotary 11/17/17
Last week, our President Nuzhat Mahmood presided the meeting.  Jim Meier gave the Invocation, Nick Rosenberry and James Olafson served as Greeters while Anne Fuhrman was Cashier. Rana Sacrlett-Johnson served as Sgt At Arms. Rich Secor was Chair of the Day and he introduced our speaker Past District Governor Brian Moon. Brian shared The Rotary Foundation's (TRF) projects that eradicate polio, promote peace, and improve developing communities. Brian said the contributions we give to TRF come back to us in the form of District and Global grants allowing us to support local and international projects.
 
L t R: Sec. Matt McKeever, Pres. Nuzhat Mahmood, PDG Brian Moon
 
Chair of the Day and PP Rich Secor
 
PP John Morey presented member J.R. Kammandel with one share of Berkshire Hathaway Class B stock, which J.R. won by purchasing a raffle ticket in the Omaha West Rotary’s Annual Golf Outing this summer. John’s company, Morey-Voorhees Financial Services, has provided a share of “Baby Berkshire” stock for the golf outing raffle for several years.   Congratulations, J.R.!
 
Announcements: Nick Rosenberry, mitten tree; John Morey, Certificate presentation to JR; Bonnie Gill, TRF; Suzan Rohrig, Rotary Information; Dwayne Brown, Holiday Party; Bob Fell, Senior Recognition
Matt McKeever Secretary Report 11/17/17
Matt commended Martie Cordero for courageously raising the flag during the Pledge of Allegiance.  Matt gave an update on Kent Templien’s situation following his injury while hunting the previous weekend.  Larry Johansen was recognized as a guest from Downtown Rotary.  Eric Hamilton from Noon Council Bluffs Rotary also joined us.  Brian Moon, Rotarian and Past District Governor, joined us as both a guest and our speaker for the day.  Kim Kuhle introduced the Club to her guest, Jerry T. Byrd.  Red Badge members were recognized.  Matt fined Dan Ferris for an article on his recent merger.  Pat Knowles was fined for an article about Lutz & Co. Tim Neal was fined for a Facebook photo of him on a radio show.  Matt was fined for three Bitcoin articles submitted by Carol Gendler.  Carol was also fined for Facebook photo about Building the Lauritzen Garden Zproject at Creighton Lied art Gallery.  A number of Rotarians had good news, including Henry Kammandel for the fact we only had two more Husker football games left in the year.  Matt told a number of quotes from John Cleese, the member of Monty Python’s Flying Circus who was in town on Friday.
Latest Update on Kent Templien
Yesterday Nov. 20th, Kent Templien transitioned from the ICU at Bryan Medical Center in Lincoln to in-patient rehabilitation. Kent is now at the CHI Health Rehabilitation at Immanuel at 6901 N 72nd St, Omaha, NE 68122. Phil and I with DG Tom Cardwell visited Kent this past weekend in Lincoln. His speech was perfect while he was working on his upper and lower extremities. It appears to be a long road to recovery for Kent as he is projected to be in in-patient rehab for 4 weeks. A lot of you have asked about visitation. The limitation for visitation has been lifted so feel free to visit Kent. Get well soon cards can be sent to his business address at 182 S 166th St., Omaha   NE 68118. You may send your eCards well wishes at kent@x-eqt.com.
- Yolanda
Newest Blue Badge Member Vaughn Wiebusch
Vaughn Wiebusch, Rotarian for 23 years!
 
After completing the rigorous requirements for red badge members, Vaughn Wiebusch is now a proud blue badge member. While being a red badge member, he accepted a Committee Chairmanship offer from Nuzhat. He is Committee Chair for Vocational Committee. While Vaughn is a new member at West Rotary, he has been a Rotarian for 23 years! He came to us from Norfolk Rotary. Here's what Vaughn says about himself:
 
"In 1992 Donna and I moved to Norfolk, Ne and began operating the Country Kitchen Restaurant.  As we became involved in the community I was invited to take a look at joining Rotary. I joined I  think in 1994.  Shortly after  that I became the president of the Morning Club.  We later merged it with the the Noon Club.  I was president of the Noon Club for several  years. We were very active in the community.  One of the events that I thoroughly enjoyed were the exchange groups we had from various parts of the world.  Rotary is truly International as my Kids who were in the Marines mentioned as they see the Rotary signs in various countries  around the world."
Meet Newest Member Bob Kully

Bob Kully introduction to Rotary 11/17/2017

 I am the luckiest man in the world.  My wife Connie and I have four   great children and they are married to four great spouses.  All eight are   responsible citizens in their respective communities of Greenwich CT,   Washington DC, Denver CO and Seattle WA.  All are parents and they   have given us nine outstanding grandchildren.
 
 My first career was in the cold storage warehouse business.  I sold that business to Millard Refrigerated   Services and   worked with Millard as Assistant to the President.  When my contract was up, I did consulting   work around that industry.  I entered the financial industry in 1999.  I am fully licensed in both investments   and insurance, and I enjoy the challenges of dealing with a variety of issues every day.  My business background gives me a perspective that most financial advisors have not experienced.   My only challenge is to find smart people to solve problems.  I do not pretend to know the answers to all of the questions that I receive. 
 
My wife and I have always been active volunteers.  After our PTA days we were given an Honorary State Life PTA membership. 
 
I was on the Board of Counselors at UNMC and served a term as Chairman.  I recently was on the Board of the FBI Citizens Academy Alumni Association after participating in the FBI training program.  I have mentored in math at Boys Town for about eight years.  I have been the Chairman of the Livingston Foundation for many years.  The mission of the Livingston Foundation is to give away money in a way that our Board believes would be satisfactory to the Livingston family.   I was honored in the Jewish community several years ago as Humanitarian of the Year.  I currently serve on the Board of the Nebraska Coalition of Lifesaving Cures, which was formed to promote ongoing medical research.  In the last year I have become involved with THE FORCE – a program started by Jess Pate, Caren Woodruff and Sally Kahre dealing with sex trafficking in Nebraska.  The group has already had an impact. I understand that this club has included this issue as a project,
 
Five years ago I had the pleasure to speak to this club about the financial crisis.  I shared my book list, which included the dozen books I had read at that time about the financial crisis.  At the conclusion of my presentation a smart member of your club came up to ask me more questions.  It was Nuzhat who came forward.  Since that time Nuzhat and I have had the pleasure to meet regularly and visit in depth about many topics. 
 
There is no one in our community who I respect more than Nuzhat.  When Nuzhat told me she was going to be President of the Rotary club, it gave me a chance to resign from a Kiwanis Club.  I knew if Nuzhat was involved, the organization was in good hands.  
 
I look forward to getting to know all of you in the weeks ahead. 
Committee Announcements
Committee engagement at West Rotary is where you get the best value of being a Rotarian. Enhance your Rotary experience by getting involved in committee work.
Brett Wawers, Community Service Chair
Salvation Army Bell Ringing
Where: Family Fare Supermarket, 1221 S 203rd St, Omaha, NE 68130
When: December 2, 2017, Saturday, 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Shift: Just an hour, two to three Rotarians per shift
 
Omaha West Rotarians take pride in helping raise money to help the less fortunate in our community. The sign up sheet was filled in less than 10 minutes the day when the project was announced to the club. To view your shift, please visit our club website at www.omahawestrotary.org and hover your mouse on "For Club Members"  then click on calendar.  Go to Dec 2 and click on Salvation Army Bell Ringing. A new window will open showing a map where Family Fare is located. Then, if you click on the big red rectangle below Online Registration, it will show your assigned shift.
Bob Fell, Senior Recognition Chair
Mark your calendars for April 27th, 11:30 AM - 1:00 PM.
 
Don't forget to mark your calendars for April 27th, 11:30 AM -1:00 PM to ensure that you will be available for the most exciting luncheon of the year, the Senior Recognition Day. The Senior Recognition Committee is gearing up for this big event. 
A Powerhouse of Delegates to the District Business Meeting on Dec. 12th
Announcing our Powerhouse Delegates and Alternate Delegates to the Rotary District 5650 Business Meeting on Dec. 12th, 7:00 PM 
 
DELEGATES:
Luke McNeese
John Morey
Rana Scarlett-Johnson
James Summerfelt
 
ALTERNATE DELEGATES:
Rod Anderson
Dwayne Brown
Kim Kuhle
Gretchen Radler
Rich Secor
 
November Birthdays

     

November Birthdays
Trudy Bredthauer 01   Dean Jenkins 04   Matt McKeever 09   Rana Scarlett-Johnson 11   Stanley Lierz 13  
Mark Ellsworth 21   Carl Philo Nov 25

 

 
 
 
 
 
Read more...
Need a Make Up?

MONDAY
BELLEVUE 12:00 PM (DJ's Dugout, 10308 S. 23rd St.)
NORTH 12:00 PM (Omaha Eppley Airport Conference Room)  

MILLARD 12:00 PM (German American Society, 3717 South 120th Street) - NO MEETING on Oct 9  
 

TUESDAY
MORNING 7:00 AM (Happy Hollow Country Club, 1701 S. 105th St.)    

NORTHWEST 12:00 PM ( Effective August 15th Northwest Rotary will meet Tuesday's at noon at Jerico's, 11732 W Dodge Rd, Omaha, NE 68154.)

SOUTHWEST NIGHT 5:15 PM (DJ's Dugout at 17666 Welch Plaza, northeast corner of 180th & Q streets) 

WEDNESDAY
COUNCIL BLUFFS CENTENNIAL 1st Wed 7:00 AM; 3rd Wed floating event; no meeting other weeks (Hy-Vee in Mall of the Bluffs, I-80 Exit 5)
DOWNTOWN 12:00 PM (Field Club, 3615 Woolworth Ave.)

THURSDAY
COUNCIL BLUFFS NOON 12:00 PM (The Center, 714 S. Main St.)  

SUBURBAN  12:00 PM (Anthony's, 7220 F St.)   

WESTERN DOUGLAS COUNTY 7:00 AM (Elkhorn Common Ground Community Center, 1701 Veteran's Drive)

 
FRIDAY
WEST 12:00 PM (Champions Run, 13800 Eagle Run Drive)  
 
Read more...
Russell Hampton
ClubRunner