The Memorial Day weekend was even more poignant this year. In addition to honoring the members of the military who gave their lives over the history of this country, we are also mourning the many who have been lost to COVID-19. We also want to honor the many essential workers who have put their lives on the line for our communities in this time of crisis. As Americans, we are so fortunate to have so many people willing to sacrifice for us all, whether in the military or on the front lines right here at home.
In order to support the efforts in our community to begin the recovery from the current pandemic, Springfield Rotary Club will be focusing our annual grants program on those efforts. Organizations which are addressing the needs created by the pandemic as well as organizations addressing other needs in the community and have themselves been impacted by the pandemic should look for our application on our web page soon.
I hope to see many of you this week, either at our Wednesday Happy Hour or at our regular Friday meeting.
Today we heard from Chet Galaska, Executive Director of Challenge Diabetes Program as our guest speaker. He was president of a company in heavy industry, invested in real estate, and managed construction projects. Chet is now retired and resides in Longmeadow, MA.
Chet is a passionate speaker and published author. His books, Living on a Tightrope: Coping with Diabetes,25 Questions about diabetes you are afraid to ask, and The Diabetes Book; what everyone should know, are for sale in Amazon. You may find Chet books at this link: https://www.amazon.com/Chet-Galaska-Books/s?k=Chet+Galaska&rh=n%3A283155
Chet, a patient of diabetes himself since 1981, created a nutrition, information, and exercise program from the point of view of the user called Challenge Diabetes Program. He had partnered with the YMCA of Springfield Mass, Baystate Hospital, and many others to bring his program to our community.
Chet dreams to take his Challenge Diabetes Program to a nationwide audience, especially among African Americans and Latino populations in the U. S.
While the actual banquet and celebration may be postponed to the Fall, we will still be awarding grants to local non-profits this summer. The review committee will soon be accepting applications and reviewing them over the months of May-June.
Brief Background
The Paul Harris Fellowship is named for Paul Harris, who founded Rotary over 100 years ago. The Fellowship was established in his honor in 1957 to express appreciation and recognition for a contribution of US $1000 to the Rotary Foundation, whether by an individual or on behalf of an individual. Every Paul Harris Fellow receives a pin, medallion and a certificate when he or she becomes a Fellow. This identifies the Paul Harris Fellow as an advocate of the Foundation's goals of world peace and international understanding. While it is an honor to receive a Paul Harris Fellow, it's not about the recognition; it's about what we can do in the World as Rotarians and as members of the Community.
Governor Baker announced a four-phase approach to reopening the Massachusetts economy amidst the COVID-19 pandemic, and published Mandatory Workplace Safety Standards that will apply across all sectors and industries once reopening begins.The goal of the phased reopening, based on public health guidance, is to methodically allow certain businesses, services, and activities to resume, while protecting public health and limiting a resurgence of new COVID-19 cases.
Phase 1 will be “Start:” limited industries resume operations with severe restrictions
Phase 2 will be “Cautious:” additional industries resume operations with restrictions and capacity limits
Phase 3 will be “Vigilant:” additional industries resume operations with guidance
Phase 4 will be the “New Normal:” development of vaccine and/or therapy enables resumption of new normal
CLICK HERE for more information about the four-phased reopening approach.
CLICK HERE for today’s presentation from the Reopening Advisory Board.
In partnership with Greater Springfield Senior Services, The Gray House will be offering prepared lunches for senior citizens age 60 and over. The curbside, no contact distribution for these meals will be every Tuesday and Friday from 12pm-1pm. This program requires you to make a reservation in advance.
If you would like to make a reservation to pick up on a Tuesday, please call or complete this form no later than 8:30am on the Monday before.
If you would like to make a reservation to pick up on a Friday, please call or complete this form no later than 8:30am on the Wednesday before.
Reservations can be made by calling 413-517-6137 and leaving a voicemail with your first and last name, phone number and date you would like to pick up your meal. You can also make your reservation by completing this form: tinyurl.com/GHReservations
After making your reservation by phone or online, you will receive a confirmation call from The Gray House to confirm your reservation and provide you with instructions on how and when to pick up your meal.
Do you have some news or information that might be of interest to fellow Rotarians?*
If so, please email Samalid Hogan at smhogan413@gmail.com by Monday of each week for inclusion in Friday's bulletin.
Our weekly Bulletin goes out to more than 70 local leaders every week and is a wonderful way to spread your message. *All submissions are subject to approval.
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