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The Rotary Club 13 Buzz Saw
This Week's Meeting
April 8, 2021
Our Speaker this Week is Dr. Ted Higgins. His topic is "Establishing a Surgical Center and Hospital in Haiti."
Dr. Ted Higgins has had a heart for Haiti since 1981. During his fourth year of general surgery residency at Yale, he and his wife, Kim, spent a three-month rotation at Hospital Albert Schweitzer in DesChapelles, Haiti. They were touched by the Haitian people, their culture, and their needs. They were inspired by Dr. Larimer and Gwen Mellon who devoted their lives to transformative work in healthcare, local economies, and access to water.

Through their church in Kansas City, Ted began annual trips to the Dominican Republic where teams provided healthcare to sugar cane cutters and their families in the bateys. Seeing surgical needs of all kinds, Ted began operating in a borrowed clinic in 1992, when the Good Samaritan Hospital was a dream under construction. It’s now a busy hospital with Dominican surgeons on staff; Ted’s recent trips have been to train them in vascular and general surgical techniques.

In 2010, Ted and Kim were introduced to surgery at Haitian Christian Mission. Throughout his annual week-long trips to Fonds-Parisien, Ted and his team operated on about 60 patients. He appreciated the excellent accommodations and support of HCM and saw the need for more surgical capacity. In 2015, the idea of expanding the surgical capabilities was discussed and the Higgins Brothers Surgicenter for Hope (HBSH) began to take shape.

The Higgins Brothers name honors Ted's father, Edward, and uncle, Paul. Both surgeon brothers were inspired by their father and grandfather to carry on a busy surgical practice in Cortland, NY. Dr. Edward trained in ENT at Syracuse Upstate Medical Center under Dr. Gordon Hoople, and Dr. Paul trained in general surgery at Johns Hopkins Mdical Center under Dr Alfred Blaylock. They both served in World War ll as physicians, Edward in Europe and Paul in the Pacific, and embraced the international work of medicine. They shared a 36 year practice, and were role models for medical students, physicians, and the wider community for their exemplary patient care and civic involvement.

You can join this week's program on your computer or iPad with this link: 
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/88414844443?pwd=bEtmM2VtaDRNalJpdzcva2Z5YldSdz09

If you prefer to call in, please use 1-669-900-9128  or 1-346-248-7799 - with Meeting ID: 884 1484 4443 Passcode: 751062

Please continue to check our Facebook page and www.rotary13.org for updates.

Last Week's Meeting
April 1, 2021
 
The meeting began with the usual greetings to guests and off we went to the breakout rooms, this time to ponder a “favorite baseball memory.”  The responses from our collection of old guys ranged from “baseball – what’s that?” to childhood memories, with one or two reflecting on the Royals’ world series winning year.
 
Back together again, Charlie Huffman and Carl Bolte led the singing of “God Bless America”, after which we recited the pledge to the flag followed by Lon Lawton’s invocation of thanks for our many blessings.
 
Sally Bibb introduced a guest, young chiropractor Nathan Guthrie. Then Club anniversaries were noted: Jan Armstrong, 56, no, 25 years; Joan Caulfield, 6 years; Lainie Wilbur, 6 years; Steve Sopinski, 13 years. 
 
Sally Bibb returned to report on the Rotary Club’s Camp’s activities for the summer, and an ongoing need for new sources of sustainable funding for the Camp following the demise of the Kansas City Day’s support of the Camp. As an example, she presented new Kansas City Rotary Club Foundation Fellow, Rotarian Lee Brumitt.  Sally provided a few historical facts about Fellow Lee, including his arrival in Kansas City about 36 years ago, where he quickly joined the Dysart, Taylor, etc. law firm.  As of today, his name has been added to the list of partners of the firm. Lee’s specialty is construction law. He’s been an active member of our Club for 21 years, having been involved in numerous projects, most importantly (according to me) being one of the scribes who prepare these meeting reports every week.
 
We heard a report on a construction project at the camp, followed by Eric Bubb talking about a Club Venture Fund Project, LEARN, Geeks for Kids, whose mission is “At Geeks for Kids, our all-volunteer team builds electric, toy cars so that little kids with mobility challenges can play with others and explore their environment on their own.” (from their website: https://geeks.learnscienceandmathclub.org/benefits)  It’s a wonderful program that makes it possible for very young children with mobility challenges to move about with the aid of one of a kind chairs/vehicles that are designed for their individual needs. Every aspect of their lives, mental, physical, emotional, social, can develop in ways that never would have happened without this opportunity. Our Rotary Club Venture fund is providing $10,000 to the organization to support the design and construction of the mobility vehicles, which can be as high $2,000 for one vehicle.
 
Leslie Gasser introduced our speaker for the day, Matt Doherty, coming to us via ZOOM from his home in North Carolina. His mission today is to share with us lessons about life that he’s learned and that he’s recorded in his book, Rebound from Pain to Passion.
 
From his early childhood, basketball was the all consuming focus of his life. He played and excelled in the sport from his school years through college, and on to the NBA. Switching to coaching, he moved up the ranks until being hired to be the head coach at Notre Dame. After a year of great success there, and with the anticipation of staying for the long term, he was recruited by the U. of North Carolina. So he decided to change his dreams and take the UNC job. Again, things went well for him and the UNC team. However, after a couple of years he was asked to leave. 
 
This turn of events was devastating for him, leading to a long period of self-examination, during which he intensively studied the principles of leadership. This study helped him understand that if he had known these principals at UNC, things might have gone much differently.
 
Meanwhile, he was going through the stages of loss, including grief, anger, depression, and finally discovery and renewal. He realized that the whole process had been a very powerful learning experience for him, and he decided to share what he had learned with others by writing his book, Rebound from Pain to Passion.
 
The most important steps in his recovery process were forgiveness (of those who brought the pain), further forgiveness (of himself for letting himself down), realization that failing is part of being human, picking himself up and, armed with his new wisdom, move ahead with his life. In addition to writing his book, he began sharing his message with others by becoming an executive coach.
 
After his remarks, Matt responded to several questions about current collegiate and professional basketball issues. Several folks thanked him for sharing his story of disappointment, pain, and recovery. Well done, Mr. Doherty.
 
The meeting concluded with a Rotary fact: In the 1920s and 1930s our Club owned and operated an airplane (for what? Who knows.) Then we had the Quote of the Week, “Necessity never got a bargain.” Benjamin Franklin, submitted by Chris Boland.
 
And finally, the 4 Way Test.
Geeks for Kids
Geeks For Kids design and build custom, electric ride-on cars for kids with movement limitations. We have the opportunity to help at the Build Event on April 24th as part of new Venture Fund Project. There are two sessions where volunteers are needed and no experience or special skills are required. Social distancing will be practiced and masks are required. 
 
The Prep Party is from 9am to 1pm. 5 volunteers needed

The High-Tech Build is 
from 12pm-4:30pm. 12 volunteers needed
 
The Build Event will be held in their workshop in the Downtown Underground. 1501 W. 31st Street, Suite 419, Kansas City, MO 64111; the Downtown Underground cave complex is just west of Penn Valley on the west side of downtown and just off I-35.
 
It is important that we have names, emails and phone numbers for all participants prior to the event. Follow up emails will be sent with details and access information. Please contact Eric Bubb at ericbubb@reecenichols.com with any questions and to sign up.
Rotary Youth Camp Update
By Allison Kelly
 
Do you online shop with PayPal or Ebay? If so, you can designate the Rotary Youth Camp as your favorite charity, then at every PayPal checkout you can decide to donate a dollar to us! Setting it up is quick and easy, and PayPal will then put the option to donate on your online checkout forms. It is completely safe, and a small way to show your support while doing your regular online shopping. It takes a community to successfully run the Camp, and every little action goes a long way towards the life-changing experiences we offer.
 
Click here to see how donating to PayPal Giving Fund works.
District Foundation Event
It is less than two months until the District 6040 Foundation Celebration –  Saturday, May 22nd, 2021. The event will be virtual-only, via Zoom – which gives every Rotarian in the District the opportunity to attend from the safety and convenience of their own home!
 
A great program is in the works, featuring club and individual recognition and awards, a spotlight on the Kimbrough Challenge – which funded some outstanding District and Global Grant projects, our keynote speaker – Brenda Creesey, the first female Rotary Foundation Trustee Chair – and more.
 
Very importantly, we’ll be raising funds for the Rotary Foundation and the Rotary Annual Fund-SHARE, which is the source of funding behind many of our great works in the District and around the world.
 
Also, please visit the District 6040 Facebook page. The first of a series of very short videos supporting the event has been posted. 
 
Here’s to a great Foundation Celebration.
Book Discussion Group
Please join the Rotary Book Discussion Group on Zoom for the discussion of the book The Chicken Sisters by KJ Dell’Antonia.  The book is available by mail order through the Rainy Day Books web site or call the store for curb-side pickup.  The discussion will be led by Vivien Jennings.  All Rotarians and guests are welcome.
 
Event: Rotary Book Discussion Group
Date: Monday, April 19, 6:30 PM
Zoom Meeting
 
 
About the book:
In tiny Merinac, Kansas, Chicken Mimi’s and Chicken Frannie’s have spent a century vying to serve up the best fried chicken in the state – and the legendary feud between their respective owners, the Moores and the Pogociellos, has lasted just as long.  No one feels the impact more than thirty-five-year-old widow Amanda Moore, who grew up working for her mom at Mimi:s before scandalously marrying Frank Pogociello and changing  sides to work at Frannie’s.  Tired of being caught in the middle, Amanda sends an SOS to Food Wars, the reality-TV restaurant competition that promises $100,000 to the winner.  But in doing so, she launches both families out of the frying pan and directly into the fire.
We meet Thursdays at Noon
The Kill Devil Club
31 E. 14th St.
Kansas City, MO 64105
*We are currently meeting virtually via Zoom*
 
 @rotaryclub13
 
 @rotary13
 
 @rotaryclub13

By David Hanzlick
 
Among the many strengths of the world-wide movement known as Rotary is access to excellent training in all areas of club operations and, particularly, in club leadership.  I would like to highlight one such training opportunity: Rotary Leadership Institute also known simply as RLI.
 
The RLI program consists of three segments cleverly titled RLI Parts 1, 2, and 3. The next RLI sessions will be conducted in April via Zoom. Tech night is April 13, Part 1 is April 19, and Part 2 is April 26. A number of Club 13 members have completed the training, including President-Elect Tony, Linn Mills, Sarah Taylor, and me. For more information or to sign up, go to this link.
 
Also of note, Greater Kansas City Day will take place on Tuesday, May 18, in partnership with the Kansas City Monarchs and HyVee! Please save the date and watch for additional details!
 
I would like to thank the members of the board who were able to assist with the Front Porch projects at Camp on Saturday and to the many other groups that are undertaking such projects. It’s also inspiring to see the hard work and dedication of the Monday Morning crew, many of whom also work on Saturday mornings.  The concrete platforms the Monday Morning crew outside each cabin are an important and time-consuming project. The work of the crew on this project will make a difference in the quality of the camping experience for the groups that use the camp.
 
Have a great week and remember, “Rotary Opens Opportunities!”

Speakers
Apr 15, 2021
Hunger in the Midst of the Pandemic
Apr 22, 2021
Apr 29, 2021
A Virtual Tour of the Truman Library and Museum
View entire list
Upcoming Events
Board of Directors Meeting
Zoom
Apr 14, 2021
11:30 AM – 1:00 PM
 
Rotary Bowling League
Ward Pkwy lanes
Apr 14, 2021 4:30 PM
 
Bagel Run
Apr 17, 2021
 
Parking Lot Party
Bibb Engineers Parking Lot
Apr 22, 2021
5:30 PM – 7:30 PM
 
Bagel Run
Apr 24, 2021
 
Geeks for Kids Prep Party & Build
Downtown Underground
Apr 24, 2021
9:00 AM – 4:30 PM
 
Satellite Club Meeting
Apr 27, 2021
5:30 PM – 6:30 PM
 
Bagel Run
May 01, 2021
 
Greater Kansas City Day
May 18, 2021
 
View entire list

Shoes for Orphan Souls
By Linn Mills
Our dedicated Shoe shoppers, Brad Kleindl, Mary Bright, and Diane Scott, are doing an outstanding job. Thus far, 700 pairs of shoes and 1,370 pairs of socks are purchased and donated.  The shoe committee's goal is to deliver 2,000 pairs of shoes to the District Shoe Roll Call on May 22nd.
 
Thank you for the generous donations from Sally Bibb, Bob Lager, Lonnie Lawton, Carl Bolte, Dennis McKeehan, Mary Kingsley, Marc Horner, Kermit Bright, Dr. George Gordon, Brad Kleindl, Woody Davis, David Hanzlick,  Marianne Sportsman, Lee Brumitt, Neil Barnett, Richard and Sarah Beyer.
 
You can still donate to this worthy cause until May 12th. Please make your checks payable to the Kansas City Rotary Club Foundation and note in the memo line, "Shoes for Orphan Souls." Please mail your check to our Shoe Chair, Linn Mills, 147 NW Pointe Drive, Kansas City, MO. 64116.
 
Your gift can be the first step out of poverty. New shoes put children on a path to Health, Education, Hope, and Opportunity.
 
For additional information, please free to contact Linn Mills at lfrenchnc@aol.com or call 505-402-6630.

The Satellite Club has a focus on service and the speakers at the past several meetings have given presentations on the many needs in the community.  Satellite Club members are eager to volunteer but have not had many opportunities since their project at the Rotary Youth Camp in October 2020. Through the winter it was difficult to find hands-on volunteer opportunities but the members are now reviewing several projects for the spring and summer. To begin the season of volunteering, the Satellite Club is planning a Front Porch Project at the Camp on Saturday, April 10. Satellite Club members are People of Action.

Bowling News
By Tim Tholen
 
Hello Rotary Club 13!
 
Well, the winner of the 2nd half looks to be the team captained by Chris Grimsley, so the bowl off between Eric's team and Chris's team is scheduled for next week. Please come down to cheer if you are in the mood for some good times!
 
Last week was kind of slow. One 200 game was rolled by John Lawrence, for a 221. He also had a 4-8-10 split. And Henrik Andersen had a great 5-7-10 split. 
 
Cheers!

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