Compiled by Diane Eckberg

The November 2, 2021 meeting was called to order at the Boone Courtyard Marriott by Immediate Past President John Eckman at 7:39 a.m.

After the Pledge of Allegiance, Sergeant at Arms Nick Friedman collected Happy Dollars and facilitated the 50/50 drawing.

Announcements

Russell Kirsch introduced his guest, wife Ann.

Nick Friedman shared that he’d invited members of MOA to join the Club in organizing an Honor Flight at a recent MOA dinner. He also informed them of the Club fruit sale.

Nick also reminded attendees to wear masks when not eating or drinking.

Ben Henderson provided a fruit sale update.  He visited Blowing Rock Rotary to inform them about the sale.  About $3,000 has been sold to date.  He reminded us that November 12 is the last day to order for delivery to Boone for pick up and December 12 is the last day to order for delivery to customers before Christmas Eve.  Nick Friedman suggested reinstating a paper order form to take to organizations like MOA.  As a reminder here are the links for ordering fruit:

•  https://shop.floridaindianrivergroves.com/ecommerce/729293 = the  link that customers can use to order directly from Indian River Groves
•  https://forms.gle/3CJEmiSTZ4T1ZUr4A = the Google forms link that Club members can use to place an order on a customer’s behalf

Program

President Elect Brian Irving introduced Club Member Russell Kirsch, who researched and presented valuable information regarding Rotary’s new 7th Area of Focus, Protecting the Environment.

ESRAG (Environmental Sustainability Rotarian Action Group) published a position paper that made two key points:

• The environment sustains all life on Earth, and Rotary cannot effectively serve humanity, if Rotary does not focus on supporting the wellbeing of Planet Earth.
• Climate change will have the biggest impact and create the most harm, on the poorest people in the world, the very people Rotary is dedicated to serving.

In June, 2020, the Rotary Foundation Trustees and Rotary International Board of Directors unanimously agreed to add this 7th Area of Focus.

Russell shared a number of efforts to support the cause of Protecting the Environment that are underway.  These causes fall into three categories:

• Helping the Environment
• Climate Change 
• Friendly Persuasion

For all the details from his presentation, Russell provided the attached video and slides. 

Russell also noted that the October issue of Rotary magazine has a related article.

John Eckman invited all to stay for further discussion after adjournment.  After sharing the 4 Way Test, he adjourned the meeting at 8:30.