Conversation was brimming and ebullient at the tables in the Anderson Room Wednesday; perhaps a result of the fine weather, but certainly a reflection of the enthusiasm for our speaker. Even the ring of the Rotary bell, struck by President Collyer, failed to sever the conversation as the laughter and smiles lingered on faces well into “God Bless America.” Norma Sarkar came to the podium and delivered a wonderful Inspiration. Part JFK (“Peace is a daily, weekly, monthly process”), and part a very moving reading of Jim Hullihan’s “Broken Wing – Don’t Judge a Book by Its Cover,” the story of a young man named T.J. Ware, Norma’s words put everyone in the right frame of mind.

And elevating that mindset to new heights with music were that

inimitable pair, Jim Irwin and Deanna Relyea. But first, a joke. Proving that a well crafted build-up can never outrun its supply train to the punch-line finish, Jim’s monologue made early-bird Floridians of us all, with laughter flowing into the song, “Let There Be Peace on Earth,” to Jim’s lyrics “Let’s Start it with Ro-ta-ry.” Deanna’s beautiful piano pealed through the room as Jim stoked the furnace of enthusiasm, converting the Anderson Room into a tent revival of Rotary conviviality.

Collyer returned to welcome all Rotarians and guests, and there quite a number of them. Then John Simpkins made an appeal on behalf of the Golf & Tennis Outing Committee: “The G&TO is our largest social gathering and fund raiser. Please consider participating.” Openings exist for players, and there are plenty of spots for volunteer helpers. And yes, the dinner is always fabulous. [Note: Your reporter claims his usual post as Hole-in-One Spotter, but welcomes company.] Collyer reiterated John’s words of the importance of the event.

John Sepp then delivered the joyful announcement that another Rotary Happy Hour is scheduled for next Wednesday at 5:30 p.m. at The Session Room, 3685 Jackson Road, “on the south side of Jackson Road, right across from the street from the Quality 16 movie theater.”

Collyer returned to the podium. “Would you please welcome John Ackenhusen, our next president – next week.” Applause followed as Big John A came up to recap the recent Rotary conference in Atlanta. “Former mayor UN Ambassador Andrew Young was there, so was Bill Gates,” John began. He then cited a very sobering statistic: “Rotary International has committed over 1.4 billion dollars to the eradication of polio. We’re almost there, BUT $1.5 billion is still needed [to eradicate the minuscule traces of the disease in Afghanistan].” He explained that a three-year time frame of no new polio cases is required to designate an affected area as polio free. The further commitment of time, money, and personnel to wipe out the vestiges of the disease will be immense, John emphasized “to overcome villager resistance to the vaccine, to re-draw the maps in order to find the villages, and to getting the $1.5 billion.” In regard to the conference, John declared unabashedly, “It was a great day to be a Rotarian in Atlanta…in fact, we shouted it until we were hoarse!” After mentioning that he had received a pin at the conference, John broached the important subject of an upcoming $100 per year member contribution to qualify for district grants. No doubt, we will hear more about this is in the future. John then asked Past President Ashish Sarkar to come up and tell his story. “I must have been stopped 300 times by people I didn’t know who congratulated me on our [AARC] work. I thanked them for all of you,” Ashish exclaimed, “It was a fantastic conference – and next year it’s in Toronto!”

Director Steve Schram took the podium next to deliver a much anticipated installment of his much loved news report. “This is the Noon Hour Edition of the Ann Arbor Rotary Club ‘News You Should Know,’” Steve began. He covered the election news in Georgia, “the most expensive House campaign in history,” then cited Travis Kalanick’s resignation as Uber CEO. “Around the globe this day – “ Steve then explained the elevation of Saudi Prince Mohammed bin Salman as heir apparent to his father, King Salman. The choice has alarmed “some members of the royal family” and critics who “have called him inexperienced and power hungry.” The most interesting news from Ann Arbor may have been Steve’s announcement of the driverless shuttles, which are planned to begin service this fall on North Campus. And finally, Steve informed us of the $34.5 million of public money approved by the Detroit City Council for the Little Caesar’s Arena. This “despite passionate pleas from some residents to reconsider or scrap the deal.” Another great reading, Steve. Perhaps, though, we could have the next one sooner than March, 2018? Nine months is too long to wait.

“Happy first day of summer!” declared Collyer, in reference to Steve’s report highlighting the weather in Phoenix – 120 degrees. “We’re better off here in Michigan.” Amen to that.

Eric Lipson came to the podium to introduce our speaker, Bev Seiford. He highlighted the recent World Peace Conference: “It was a great success, but we don’t want to stop there. Bev Seiford is here to show us how it can continue.” He then introduced a short film showcasing Rotary’s championing of world peace – ‘Let’s wage peace.’ “When Rotarians work together, there’s nothing we can’t do,” Eric asserted. “Our speaker today is Bev Seiford, the person who tied it all together behind the scenes.”

Bev got right into it right away: “It was a big darned deal for us…I would encourage you to watch the videos [of the Conference speakers, on Vimeo]. As you know, Jody Williams was an absolute show-stopper. Her words were [amazing]: ‘Don’t tell me your values. Tell me what you DO, then I’ll tell you your values.’” Bev cited the 148 (out of 150) respondents who answered Yes to the question ‘Did you get from the Peace Conference what you came for?’ She then posed a question of her own; really a challenge: “What are we to do as a Club to support peace initiatives, even as individuals?” She called for a brainstorming session at the tables. Each table appointed a secretary to take notes on the ideas that came up regarding peace and how we can continue the spirit of the WPC in the Ann Arbor area. Great ideas came to the fore (your reporter was lucky to have the input of Steve Schram, Fred and Sue Beutler, and PP Ingrid Sheldon); all of them actionable. Yes, the legacy of the World Peace Conference is alive and well. Again, as Eric said, “When Rotarians work together, there’s nothing we can’t do.”

Collyer thanked Bev as she received a long and spirited ovation, then adjourned the meeting with a ringing of the Rotary bell. Sadly, his penultimate striking of the darned thing.

Birthdays

• June 30 – Linh Song
• July 1 – Sujit Pandit