RadioRotary

Bob Grems, General Manager of the famous Dutchess County Fair, discusses the unique features of this year’s Fair. For six days, about half a million visitors will enjoy, entertainment by big name talent, constant free shows and attractions, an Antiques Museum Village featuring story-tellers in costume describing our history, a carnival, thousands of farm animals on display, food for every taste, vendors displaying their crafts, and loads of beautiful gardens within the Fairgrounds. This is recognized as one of the great old-time fairs in New York State.

Summer is RibFest time, thanks to the Rotary Club of Highland, New York, and Rotarian Don Verity discusses this year’s exciting RibFest events. Held this year on August 20-21, the Highland RibFest at the Ulster County Fairgroundsis now in its seventh year. This year’s RibFest promises adults and children a wealth of joy, with the festivities including delicious food competitions, demonstrations by famous chefs, vendors displaying the tools we need to make our own gourmet barbeques, and loads of entertainment.

In this interview from the New Orleans Rotary International Convention, Louisiana environmentalist Windell Curole (Golden Meadow Rotary) discusses the effects of the recent Mississippi River flooding. Mr. Curole is the General Manager of South LaFourche Levee District and one of Louisiana’s leading coastal environment experts. Mr. Curole has testified before the U.S. Congress after Katrina, providing information about the successful levees he established in his part of the Gulf. Last year he was a member of and consultant to Louisiana’s official clean-up team during the BP spill.

This program features a powerful discussion of teenage eating disorders and one parent’s journey to help her daughter. The principal eating disorders are anorexia nervosa (self-starvation) and bulimia (binges followed by purging). The interview ranges from the early signs of the illness to the difficulties of finding effective cures. Included in the discussion are the painful effects of the illness on the child and on all family members. Most important, this remarkable parent shares her success in finding help.

Enjoy interviews with students participating in Rotary International’s Youth Exchange Program, including current Inbound and next year’s Outbound students. Rotary’s Youth Exchange program began in the 1920s, enabling students to learn firsthand about life in another country, while planting the seeds for a lifetime of international understanding and gaining a deeper understanding of themselves. These programs are directed for Rotary District 7210 by Inbound Co-Chairs Nan and David Greenwood and Outbound Chair, Donna Bemiss, who are also interviewed on the program. Students applying to the program do not have to have family affiliated with Rotary.

On-site interviews at the 2011 New Orleans Rotary International Convention include Rotarians from around the world and discussions with representatives from PolioPlus (explaining the existing threat), ShelterBox (describing tents and equipment for survival after a disaster), Diveheart (Jim Elliott, Founder and President, explaining therapeutic diving and snorkeling experiences for everyone, especially those with disabilities), and Single Rotarians (meeting like-minded humanitarians).

Rotary Foundation Chair for District 7210 Knut Johnsen (past District Governor 2003-04) explains the work of The Rotary Foundation, describing it as the “engine that drives the work of the clubs.” He provides many examples of describe the plight of those being helped by the Foundation and the aid it provides. For example, the Foundation’s humanitarian and education projects include medical centers staffed by volunteer Rotarian doctors, dentists, and surgeons who perform cataract surgery. In addition, he describes the work done to eradicate polio so that the world is no longer at risk. Mr. Johnsen finally said it this way: the folks we see here in our Soup Kitchens would be considered quite rich by those being helped by the Foundation.

Rotary International President Ray Klinginsmith, known for his “Cowboy Logic” philosophy, discusses his next pursuits (you’ll laugh at one of them). Other interviews include the Rotarian Action Group for Diabetics; Microcredit, which provides small loans to families worldwide to achieve economic independence; and the Learn/Grow project, which meets the challenge of food shortages through diverse food plants conducive to different environments.

Rotary District 7210 Scholarship Chair Bill Bassett (District Governor Nominee for 2012-13) discusses the various scholarships supported by the Rotary Foundation that are available to the public on both the graduate and undergraduate level, either locally or abroad. Depending on the degree sought, students can undertake programs in the areas of focus supported by Rotary International, such as peace and conflict resolution, disease prevention and treatment, water and sanitation, maternal and child health, basic education and literacy, economic and community development, or other suitable subject matter.

n this first broadcast of on-site interviews at Rotary International’s Convention, co-hosts Sarah O’Connell and Jonah Triebwasser talk to Rotaracters and other humanitarians from around the world who are working on projects such as Guitars for Troops, maternal health, mercy ships, and artificial limbs.

Peter Muir is the Director of the Institute of Music and Health, a nationally recognized center pioneering in the use of music for well-being, especially for people with disabilities. Although he grew up in England, Dr. Muir has become an acknowledged authority on American jazz and ragtime music, authoring numerous scholarly articles and the book Long Lost Blues: Popular Blues in America 1850-1920. His passion for American jazz and ragtime inspired him to move to the United States.

Vivian Hardison, Membership Chair of Rotary District 7250 and member of Glen Cove Rotary on Long Island, NY, discusses the benefits for people of all ages of joining a Rotary club. Among her personal reasons for joining Rotary, Ms. Hardison emphasizes how she found soulmates who share her passion for humanitarianism. Ms. Hardison also tells of the issues potential members should consider before deciding to join a Rotary club.

Dr. Richard Ostfeld discusses the results of his extensive research on Lyme disease. Dr. Ostfeld is a Senior Scientist at Cary Institute of Ecosystem Studies in Millbrook, NY. In addition to debunking long held myths about Lyme, Dr. Ostfeld tells how to prevent Lyme disease, how to reduce the tick numbers in the environment, the role of white-footed mice, and much more. His book, Lyme Disease: The Ecology of a Complex System, is available for more detailed information.

Dr. Sherre Wesley describes various education and job programs provided by Dutchess Bureau of Cooperative Services (BOCES) for adults. The literacy program helps adults get their GED (high school equivalency diploma), and ESL (English as a second language) classes help adults improve their proficiency in English. The career program, which consists of hands-on training on state-of-the-art equipment in numerous fields, helps those seeking a new career. Students leave BOCES prepared for jobs in the work force.

Principal Mitchell Shron discusses the Dutchess Board of Cooperative Education Services (BOCES, pronounced “BOH-sees”), a cost-effective education solution unique to New York State. BOCES programs provide career and technical education, special and alternative education, and professional development. The Career and Technical Institute (CTI) is for students, mainly in 11th and 12th grades, to learn occupations that have a strong job potential, such as plumbing, welding, auto mechanics, electrical programs, communication technology, and health. After graduation, students are prepared to enter the work force or to attend college.