by Ingrid Nova | Jul 11, 2017 | Uncategorized
East Lansing Rotarian William “Bill” Webb (photo, on right) receives his Paul Harris Fellow +1 from Club President Ody Norkin at the July 10 meeting. Congrats Bill!
From Rotary.org:
The Paul Harris Fellow recognition acknowledges individuals who contribute, or who have contributions made in their name, of US$1,000 to The Rotary Foundation of Rotary International.
It was established in 1957 to show appreciation for and encourage substantial contributions to what was then the Foundation’s only program, Rotary Foundation Fellowships for Advanced Study, the precursor to Ambassadorial Scholarships.
The first Paul Harris Fellows include 1937-38 RI Director Allison G. Brush and longtime RI Treasurer Rufus F. Chapin, both for donations made in 1946. Mrs. Adan Vargas was the first woman to receive the recognition, for a gift made in 1953. Mrs. Harry L. Jones was the second, and one of only five people recognized for contributions made in 1957.
Early Paul Harris Fellows received a certificate of recognition. In 1969, the Foundation unveiled the first Paul Harris Fellow medallion at the RI Convention in Honolulu, Hawaii, USA. Japanese metal artist Fiju Tsuda created the piece under the direction of then-past Foundation Trustee Kyozo Yuasa. Today, Paul Harris Fellows receive a certificate and pin. They are also eligible to purchase a Paul Harris Fellow medallion.
Rotarians have a tradition of supporting the Foundation by honoring others. Ida LeTulle Taylor became a Paul Harris Fellow in 1978 when her husband, then-District Governor Vann Taylor, made a donation in her name in honor of their 34th wedding anniversary. The gift also made her the 25,000th Paul Harris Fellow.
At the International Assembly in 1979, then-RI President-elect James Bomar challenged each Rotary club to make one non-Rotarian a Paul Harris Fellow. The Rotary Club of Pikesville, Maryland, USA, responded by making a donation in the name of Mother Teresa in 1980. The entertainer Pearl Bailey also became a Paul Harris Fellow through a joint effort of the Rotary clubs in Cape Cod, Massachusetts.
Many other notable figures have been named as Paul Harris Fellows, including U.S. President Jimmy Carter, Russian President Boris Yeltsin, U.S. astronaut James Lovell, UN Secretary-General Javier Perez de Cuellar, and Jonas Salk.
The number of Paul Harris Fellows reached the one million mark in 2006.
by Ingrid Nova | Jul 11, 2017 | Uncategorized
East Lansing Rotarian Gian Luca Gamberini spent 2 weeks in south Uganda. With the help of local “Gamberini Women and Children Health Initiative” staff, he distributed nutrition education material and food aids to 179 families. He also had the honor of attending Kabale Rotary meeting on July 5th. The East Lansing Rotary Club is proud to support your efforts! 
by Ingrid Nova | Jul 11, 2017 | Uncategorized
Michelle Reynaert of the Sparrow Foundation presented on the opening of the new Herbert Herman Cancer Center on Monday, July 10 at East Lansing Rotary. We are all proud to have this new patient centered asset in our community. Thank you Michelle for your excellent presentation! 
by Ingrid Nova | May 22, 2017 | Uncategorized
Laura E. Swanson, the Director/Producer of Break the Chain, a documentary about Human Trafficking, gave a stirring presentation at the East Lansing Rotary Club on Monday, May 22. 
About the Film
Produced and Directed by Michigan documentary filmmakers, Laura E. Swanson and Kirk Mason, ‘Break the Chain’ is an award-winning feature-length documentary film that addresses the often “hidden-in-plain-sight” issue of Human Trafficking within Michigan communities and the United States. The film chronicles two survivors of Human Trafficking – providing a detailed look at how trafficking goes unnoticed within our backyards. Kwami, a child survivor of Labor Trafficking, was enslaved for nearly five years with three other children in Ypsilanti, Michigan before anyone noticed. Debbie, a survivor of Sex Trafficking, takes us through her experience of being sold for sex around the Detroit-Area between the ages of 13 and 18.
Accompanying the stories of these survivors are nearly 20 interviews with researchers, Senators, non-profit organizations, legal service agencies, law enforcement officers and several artists actively working to raise awareness for this global issue. The film teaches us that what we see in the media about human trafficking is one small sensationalized form – that it occurs anywhere and everywhere within our world. More importantly, viewers will learn how we are all connected to this extremely profitable business and that we have the power to choose what we support, and ultimately, how we break the chain.
HOW THE FILM IS USED
Break the Chain was developed to provide an accurate and educational entertainment resource that can be utilized in trainings and community awareness events throughout the United States.
Currently, we are partnering with police, public schools, universities, state courts, child-services, shelters and nonprofit organizations for Public Screenings and Private Trainings on the issue of Human Trafficking. http://breakthechainfilm.com/
by Ingrid Nova | May 16, 2017 | Awards, Notable News for Members
The East Lansing Rotary Club was excited to announce that Joan Sirigiri was the 2017 Student Excellence Award Winner. Congratulations, Joan! 
East Lansing Rotarian William “Bill” Webb (photo, on right) receives his Paul Harris Fellow +1 from Club President Ody Norkin at the July 10 meeting. Congrats Bill!
