Rachel Shaw (middle, first row) with Rotary members at a book launch in Manila.
By Rachel Shaw, honorary member of the Rotary Club of West Bay, Laguna, Philippines.
Six years ago, I visited the Philippines as part of a Group Study Exchange team from Rotary District 1270 (Lincolnshire, England).The opportunity to visit one of the world’s biodiversity hotspots as a professional wildlife conservationist became for me the start of a new writing and illustrating adventure.
Glimpsing just a little of the amazing diversity of animals sparked my imagination.The animals became characters in my mind and I started to write their stories. Three of those stories have just been published in the Philippines.
The animals featured in ‘Danao the Parrot,’ ‘Mayumi the Forest Pig,’ and ‘Pipisin the Pangolin’ are all endemic to the Philippines; they are found nowhere else in the world. The books are a celebration of the rich diversity of wildlife in the country with a strong educational element and conservation messages about the endangered animals. Two of the picture books were illustrated by Filipino artists Jonathan Ranola and Ingrid Tan, while the third I illustrated myself.
Witnessing the work of Rotary in the Philippines, particularly after Typhoon Ketsana hit just months after my exchange visit, left a deep impression on me. Since the exchange I have raised funds for Rotary projects and disaster relief including for ShelterBox. In writing the books, I discovered that I have something more that I can give: stories about the unique and special animals, and, my enthusiasm and passion for wildlife. I hope the children’s books will prove to be a lasting and tangible contribution to a country that has given me so much.
I have strong memories from my exchange visit of going to schools adopted by their local Rotary clubs. These are the children I thought about while writing the stories. I would love to work with Rotary clubs to give the picture books to schools and children who can’t afford the luxury of buying books.
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Prayer: O God, our help in ages past, our hope for years to come, in this week of national remembering, we recall with appreciation the blessings of the past which give us reason for hope in the future. We are grateful that life for us is not just an isolated moment, but an experience lining us with yesterday.
With somber reflection but also with rejoicing, we have assembled to pursue our Rotarian purposes. Bless for our enrichment the food and fellowship we take for granted but which are precious gifts from your beneficent hand. Amen.
The Between the Lions program at William Walton Elementary School in Jackson completed its program year with an advancement ceremony in which the pre-Kindergarten children were promoted to Kindergarten for the next school year beginning in September. For the past 9 months members of the Rotary Club of North Jackson have been reading to the Pre-K children on a weekly basis. The program is one sponsored by Mississippi public Broadcasting. The Rotary Club of North Jackson is a co-sponsor along with MPB. Rotarian Dr. J. Clinton Smith has chaired the project. Approximately 8 members of the club have actively participated this year. It has been a wonderful year introducing the children to books and, as lead by Dr. Smith, a little bit of exercise. Our program is coordinated by Ms. Kat Jordan of MPB. Our hosts are Ms. Angela Sandifer. Pre-K teacher, Ms. Gewn Gardner, Principal, and Dr. Shevonne McDuffy-Oatis, Resource Specialist.It has been a marvelous year watching these children absorb the knowledge. The large crowd at the assembly is shown on the right. We thank MPB, Jackson Public Schools, and the adminstration and teachers of Walton School for the opportunty to participate.
Jeff Good, local restauranteur and civic activist, spoke to the Rotary Club of North Jackson at its May 19, 2015 meeting. The subject of his talk was Locally Invested Food Trade or LIFT. He described the loss of the ability to use locally prodcued food products in Mississippi bussiness, particularly restaurants.
Early in the 20th century Mississippi produced nearly all of the food products consumed in the State. However, with the passage of time and some regulations, particularly to protect the consumer, most of food production relocated out of state. This is ironic since Mississppi is a vast agricultural state with large number of hungry citizens. The purpose of LIFT is to develop local sources of foodstuffs. Jeff is shown on the right during his talk. WE thank him for speaking to our club.
The Rotary Club of North Jackson held its annual Club Assembly at St. Andrew's Episcopal Cathedral in Jackson on the evening of May 12, 2015..Two photos from the assembly are shown on the right. A fine dinner was prepared by St. Andrew's Holy Smokers. Dinner consisted of grilled beef tenderloin, au gratin potatoes, grilled asparagus and a mixed green salad. A great time was had by all. Thanks to the Holy Smokers and to St. Andrew's for our wonderful evening.
No meeting August 4. The Rotary Club of North Jackson will not meet on August 4, 2015. St. James Church has a Rummage sale that will require the Parish Hall that week.
No meeting June 16. The Rotary Club of North Jackson will not meet on Tuesday, June 16 because St. James Church is having Vacation Bible School that week and will be using the Parish Hall.
Billy Brumfield House. The Rotary Club of North Jackson is serving supper once a month at The Billy Brumfield House, a Stewpot Community Services ministry. Our club serves on the 1st Tuesday of each month. Interested members need to meet @ St. James @ 5:15 and then travel together to Billy Brumfield. Also, if you are interested in sponsoring a month, the est. cost is $180 for the food. Joe Myers is project chair and can be reached @ 601-291-4568 or jmyers11@comcast.net.
Between the Lions. We are finishing our Between the Lions reading sessions the week of May 18 We have read almost weekly at WilliamWaltonElementary School on Bailey Ave. Please consider signing up to read next year. It is a wonderful experience! The children are truly information sponges and very willing learners. Contact Clinton Smith (601) 668-2366 for more information.
Member Care Committee reminder: For anyone who needs assistance getting to a meeting, please call Luther Munford at (601) 985-4418.
Thinking of Proposing a New Member?
First, discuss with Classification Committee (Paul Miller or Julian Carroll). They will provide a membership application, check classification availability, and discuss occupational qualifications.
· A Professional (Attorney, CPA, Physician. Engineer, Architect, etc)
· A Proprietor
· An Agent of a reputable company
· A Manager or Supervisor of a department or section of a business
Rotarians, don't forget to like the club's Facebook page to stay up to date on the latest happenings. Search us out at Rotary Club of North Jackson or click the link:
This week’s Rotary Foundation Thought is about Matching Grants. May does not have an official observance on the Rotary calendar. This month’s Foundation Thoughts focus on water and sanitation.
·Matching Grants. Your contribution to the Annual Programs Fund can literally be the bridge to a better life for people in need. In El Salvador, a US$17,600 Matching Grant project built three bridges that improved the lives of approximately 2,500 people. The bridges increased agricultural trade, economic growth, and access to health care and education. An unexpected benefit of the project: During excavation for one of the bridges, a high-quality water source was discovered which residents can now access — by crossing the bridge.
“Service above self; they profit most who serve best."
P. O. B O X 9 5 2 8, J A C K S O N, MS 3 9 2 8 6 - 9 5 2 8
The Between the Lions program at William Walton Elementary School in Jackson completed its program year with an advancement ceremony in which the pre-Kindergarten children were promoted to Kindergarten for the next school year beginning in September. For the past 9 months members of the Rotary Club of North Jackson have been reading to the Pre-K children on a weekly basis. The program is one sponsored by Mississippi public Broadcasting. The Rotary Club of North Jackson is a co-sponsor along with MPB. Rotarian Dr. J. Clinton Smith has chaired the project. Approximately 8 members of the club have actively participated this year. It has been a wonderful year introducing the children to books and, as lead by Dr. Smith, a little bit of exercise. Our program is coordinated by Ms. Kat Jordan of MPB. Our hosts are Ms. Angela Sandifer. Pre-K teacher, Ms. Gewn Gardner, Principal, and Dr. Shevonne McDuffy-Oatis, Resource Specialist.It has been a marvelous year watching these children absorb the knowledge. The large crowd at the assembly is shown on the right. We thank MPB, Jackson Public Schools, and the adminstration and teachers of Walton School for the opportunty to participate.
