Notes for our June 10, 2020 Zoom Meeting

President Rosemarie Rowney called our meeting to order at 12:37pm.  She began the meeting with an invitation to sing along as Tom Strode played the National Anthem, our Patriotic Song.  Lori Walters gave us a quick introduction to Zoom etiquette and gave us a refresher on how to use it effectively.

Inspirational quotes were offered by Shelley MacMillan, who helped us understand the experience of domestic violence through the eyes and words of survivors.  She reminded us of the importance of hope and resilience with Hanna Gatsby’s words, “Your Resilience is Your Humanity.”

We were then treated to an inspiring video clip of 300 voices from 15 countries singing the song from Carousel, “You’ll Never Walk Alone.”  What a perfect reminder in these difficult times, and in the context of today’s talk.  You can replay this clip by clicking the link:  Click here for link to song

President Rosemarie then thanked those who served at the meeting, including John White, Sara Maddock, Jim Egerdal and Lori Walters who managed set up, Dawn Johnson and Barbara Eichmuller who managed attendance, and Fred Beutler who took photos/video. Marlena Studer served as Reporter.

We were reminded of the upcoming BIRTHDAYS of Club members and acknowledged esteemed Guests.

President Rosemarie encouraged us to attend the International Rotary Convention VIRTUALLY on June 20 – 26, 2020 – please click here for more information on how to do so!

Jason Whipple gave us an update on the success of the International Humanitarian Committee’s project, the Cervical Cancer Vaccination Global Grant.  Our club has partnered with a Rotary Club in Pune, India to provide funds to vaccinate 1,861 girls in Pune against HPV, which helps protect them against cervical cancer.  Ann Arbor’s Rotary Club contributed $6,500 towards a total of $96,534 that was raised through the matched, local, district and international contributions.

Dennis Powers introduced our speaker, Barbara Niess-May, Director of the SAFE House, recognizing the importance of resources for victims of domestic violence who suffer behind closed doors during this Covid19 pandemic

Barbara Niess-May’s talk addressed Domestic Abuse and Spousal Violence during the Coronavirus Pandemic.  She informed us that SAFE House was considered an essential service during the Pandemic and that many victims may feel even more fearful to call the hotline because they lack the privacy to make a phone-call.  SAFE House faced challenges during the Pandemic due to cancelled fundraising events, insufficient safe physical space for staff and lack of jobs or housing arrangements to assist survivors transitioning out of SAFE House.  In spite of these challenges, they stayed open, served their clients and worked on getting grants to help survivors with rental assistance.  As compared to many parts of the world (or in our own country) where there is no safe haven to escape from abuse, we are very fortunate to have SAFE House in our community, serving 5000 survivors of domestic violence every year in Washtenaw County.

President Rosemarie closed with a quote from today’s song, “Walk on, with Hope in Your Hearts, and you will never walk alone.”

 Our meeting was closed at 1:30pm