Rotary Club of Falls Church VA

05/19/2020

eFlashOnline

Rotarian and #polio survivor John Nanni is president of the Middletown-Odessa-Townsend Rotary Club and Rotary District 7630 #PolioPlus committee chair for Delaware and Eastern Shore Maryland. At #CPETS19 training, FC Club President Stephanie Arnold and Past President Diane Hill (as CPETS markering chair) appreciated the chance to talk with him. Read his interview with the Dover Post about the parallels between the 1950s polio epidemic and #covid19.

Rtn. John Nanni, a polio survivor, shares his his perspective on the COVID19 pandemic. John and his Rotary club are supporting the community during this global health emergency.

05/16/2020

Rotary International - District 7820

Something to sing about! #RotariansRock

It had to be done. Choirs around the world are creating Zoom performances and so did we! Four Way Harmony includes Rotarians from Halifax area clubs and we love service through music. We missed each other - so we recorded this piece to share... we hope you enjoy it! Rotary Club of Halifax Halifax Harbourside Rotary Dartmouth East Rotary Club Rotary Club of Halifax Northwest Rotary Club of Dartmouth NS

05/15/2020

Rotary International

Join Rotary International President Mark Maloney and John Hewko on May 20 for our new weekly series, #RotaryResponds Live. Tune in to find out how we are staying connected and taking action in our communities. RSVP now: https://on.rotary.org/rrlive

05/12/2020

Food for Others

Food for Others

Check out how Falls Church Better Together is helping local businesses AND people in need during COVID closures. 100% of the profits from their T-shirts are used to buy gift cards from small Falls Church Businesses. Last week, they bought forty $50.00 gift cards for families in need of food which we distributed at our Falls Church neighborhood sites.
Click the link below to learn more / purchase a shirt!
https://www.bonfire.com/store/fallschurch/

05/10/2020

Rotary International

Discover what one ShelterBox volunteer learned about COVID-19 from her disaster response experience. #RotaryResponds
https://on.rotary.org/2YAFlbB

05/08/2020

Car crashes in to Vietnamese market in Falls Church area

This is at the shopping center at Graham Rd. where Harvest Moon Restaurant is! No one was seriously hurt.

A car crashed into the Bien Hoa Oriental Supermarket at 7240 Arlington Blvd. in the Falls Church area of Fairfax County this morning, th...

05/08/2020

Rotary International

We are committed to increasing our ability to adapt in these challenging times. Read more in this month's President's message. https://on.rotary.org/3dqLATx

05/07/2020

We have a guest speaker at our virtual club meeting this Thursday, May 7 at 6:30pm. Miranda Gillespie, a substance abuse counselor at A New Beginning, will educate us about the opioid crisis affecting our community and so many others across the country.

We'll begin at 6:30pm with time to socialize, and she’ll join us closer to 7:00pm for her talk.

Miranda Gillespie began her career with Fairfax County in 1999 at the County’s Detox Center. In 2005, she began working at the County’s intermediate residential program A New Beginning, where she continues to work today. In 2014, she developed and initiated the Opioid Group and works closely with clients who are diagnosed with Opioid Dependency. It will be an interesting talk on a very serious topic that affects many communities across our country.

Opiod prevention and assistance is a top priority for our Rotary District 7610. All welcome to attend online via RingCentral. If you'd like to join our Rotary Club of Falls Church VA for the online meeting, email Diane at [email protected] for the meeting ID info.

05/06/2020

Interact

Rotary International believes in developing the next generation of leaders. Our programs help younger leaders build leadership skills, expand education, and learn the value of service. Learn more at https://www.rotary.org/youth-programs #RotaryYouthService

05/03/2020

Rotary International

Rotary International

The eight pillars of Positive Peace provide a framework for an effective response to the COVID-19 pandemic. https://on.rotary.org/2KHlgZj

05/01/2020

#PositivePeace

Rotary Voices

Stories of service from around the world

Positive Peace and a pandemic

By Rebecca Crall

It is easy to see the health crisis created by the outbreak of the novel coronavirus. What’s not as easy to see are the long-term impacts of the crisis on peace, particularly in states with government and public health infrastructures weakened by violence or unrest.

Fortunately, Rotarians have an amazing capacity to use their ingenuity to address the world’s most pressing challenges. And the COVID-19 pandemic is no exception. As the Area of Focus Manager for Peacebuilding and Conflict Prevention, I have been spending some time thinking about the pandemic in terms of peacebuilding and human resiliency.

Earlier this year, Rotary and the Institute for Economics and Peace, held the inaugural Positive Peace Activator training in Ontario, California. This event trained 30 Rotarians, Rotary Peace Fellows, and Rotaractors on how to “activate” Positive Peace in communities around the globe.

The framework of Positive Peace provides a valuable tool for this time. We have used the pillars to analyze ways communities can develop in order to sustain peace or to recover from conflict. But it’s also a tool that helps communities become more resilient and recover from shocks, such as the novel coronavirus outbreak.

With Positive Peace, we can conceptualize peace as an interconnected system. Strength in all eight pillars can help countries, regions and communities better prepare, prevent and respond to shocks. We can also think about the system as an interconnected web. Strong, interdependent fibers can absorb and respond to a shock, whereas tears or weakness in the connections start to quickly unravel the whole system under stress.

During this crisis, we have seen the eight pillars at work. We are reminded that these pillars are crucial, not only to preventing violence but allowing our society to weather both internal and external shocks.

Here are ways the pillars have or can respond to the COVID-19 outbreak (Information adapted from initial Positive Peace + COVID-19 research conducted by the Institute for Economics and Peace):

A well-functioning government can

coordinate responses internally and across international platforms
legislate economic relief packages to keep economy afloat
Implement new and amended policies to flatten infection curve
Redirect resources to communities most in need
Equal distribution of resources can ensure

Access to care and testing for all individuals
Support to unemployed people experiencing rent stress and supporting failing businesses.
Free flow of information helps

Increase information flows allowing for triangulation of data and informed responses
Frequent and accurate public announcements
Good relations with neighbours at the international level facilitate

Intercountry resource sharing particularly personal protection equipment, drugs, and medical equipment
Intercountry knowledge transfer of data, analysis, research, and technology
Good relations with neighbours at the community level

Community organizing to support more vulnerable community members
More open and understanding interpersonal communications
We are all in this together and like campaigns fostering community cohesion
High level of human capital facilitates

Industry shifts as needed
Manufactures and engineers being repurposed for hospital equipment and medical supplies
Upskilling of medical and allied health professionals
Acceptance of the rights of others allows

Individuals to accept the rights of others in communal areas through social distancing
Individuals balance their personal fears and needs with carer and community responsibilities. (Nurses, teachers, parents, police, aids)
Families care for isolated and vulnerable elderly parents
Low levels of corruption ensure that

State and Federal governments flow information to citizens to remain accountable and transparent
Provides the trust between citizen and state required for societal stresses not to escalate.
Sound business environment provides

Businesses adopt flexible work arrangements (work from home) to remain viable
Finding ways for individuals to support local business. (Home delivery)
Applying this framework to discrete situations, provides us with a critical lens to see the importance of building Positive Peace within our communities. As we move from response to recovery, I am hopeful that our Rotary community will continue to invest in the training and implementation of programs related to Positive Peace. Rotary’s 100+ year track record of encouraging international cooperation and understanding across borders has never been more important than it is today.

For more information on how to get more involved with Rotary’s Positive Peace work, please contact the Rotary-IEP Partnership coordinator Summer Lewis: [email protected].

https://blog.rotary.org/2020/04/24/positive-peace-and-a-pandemic/#more-10630

05/01/2020

Mark your calendars -- and free of charge!

Mark your calendars for 20-26 June for an exciting opportunity to gather online with the family of Rotary for our first virtual convention – for free!

Together, we’ll still experience the spirit of Rotary, be inspired by innovation, celebrate our resilience, and explore how clubs are addressing COVID-19. Join us to experience Rotary in action during our Flag Ceremony, witness the power of connection during our general sessions, learn new ways to engage with Rotary during our breakout sessions, find inspiration from our global speakers, and much more.

We have never needed Rotary — and we have never needed each other — more than we do now. We hope to see you online, because Now More Than Ever, Rotary Connects the World.

Signup for this free event will be available at the end of May.

04/29/2020

DCist

DCist

Once-filled parking lots are now empty at the Eden Center, a community hub for Vietnamese-American culture and cuisine.

04/27/2020

Many of your know our club's President Elect, Rene R. Calandria, works at Inova Fairfax Hospital, at the Inova Heart and Vascular Institute. As a small token of the BIG appreciation we feel for all the frontline healthcare workers, Rene delivered his colleagues a breakfast treat today, courtesy of Rotary Club of Falls Church VA. Thank you all for your dedication and sacrifice to take care of us and our loved ones -- you are all heroes! #HeroesWorkHere #InovaHeartAndVascularInstitute #IHVI #MedicalSurgicalUnit #NT10 #nurses #heroes #rotarycares @WeAreRotary #PeopleOfAction

Many of your know our club's President Elect, Rene R. Calandria, works at Inova Fairfax Hospital, at the Inova Heart and Vascular Institute. As a small token of the BIG appreciation we feel for all the frontline healthcare workers, Rene delivered his colleagues a breakfast treat today, courtesy of Rotary Club of Falls Church VA. Thank you all for your dedication and sacrifice to take care of us and our loved ones -- you are all heroes! #HeroesWorkHere #InovaHeartAndVascularInstitute #IHVI #MedicalSurgicalUnit #NT10 #nurses #heroes #rotarycares @WeAreRotary #PeopleOfAction

04/27/2020

St. James Catholic Church

St. James Catholic Church

Please pray for Father Richard Carr at Holy Trinity Parish in Gainesville. He has been diagnosed with COVID-19

04/27/2020

FYI - St. James Catholic Church in Falls Church City has been holding easy-dropoff food collection drives for families in need.

On April 25, the parishioners of Saint James held a "Pop & Go" drive-thru food drive to help increase food availability to the Falls Church community. Donors drove-up, popped their trunks, had their bags of food removed by the intrepid volunteers, and drove off.

04/24/2020

eFlashOnline

The important role of water in the fight against COVID-19
https://rotaryserviceblog.org/2020/04/23/the-important-role-of-water-in-the-fight-against-covid-19/

Rotary International has long committed access to safe water and sanitation as one of our Areas of Focus. When handwashing is crucial to reducing the spread of the COVID-19 pandemic, this commitment becomes very important.

04/23/2020

Falls Church T-Shirt Fundraiser Buys Small Business Gift Cards

Falls Church T-Shirt Fundraiser Buys Small Business Gift Cards

Proceeds from the fundraiser allow gift cards from Falls Church business to be distributed to families in need.

04/22/2020

7 reasons young people should join Rotary

Nice testimonial on the appeal of joining Rotary for young people, especially for today #EarthDay: "Rotary is kind of a big deal. With over 1.2 million members worldwide, it’s the biggest service organization on the planet. If you’re a fan of the planet, that’s just what Rotary wants to preserve. Our members are working on helping save mothers and children, supporting basic education for children, and fighting diseases. Many of those members are now using their connections and resources to help combat COVID-19...." #MembershipAttraction

By Ryan Bell, Iowa City District 6000 Public Image Co-Chair I have a message for all you young people out there who may never have heard about Rotary. Or if you have, it was from a parent or grandp…

04/21/2020

We all appreciate the dedication and extra hard work of all the front line workers, including healthcare providers, grocery workers, safety personnel -- awesome sign by our colleagues at Rotary Club of Sterling 💖

Sterling Flags are flying again. Healthcare professionals and first responders on the front lines...you’re our Heroes!! THANK YOU! THANK YOU!! THANK YOU!!🇱🇷

04/18/2020

How to engage members during the coronavirus pandemic

How to engage members during the coronavirus pandemic

By George Robertson-Burnett, Zone 34 Rotary Coordinator and past governor of Rotary District 6890 These are certainly interesting times we live in. None of us could have foreseen these extraordinar…

04/18/2020

Rotary International

Missing our in-person Rotary dinners and activities? Check out the many Rotary Fellowships to connect with Rotarians worldwide, based on hobbies or other common interests ⤵️

Rotary is a global community of 1.2 million members who share similar values and want to make the world a better place. A Rotary membership comes with access to this network of diverse people who share similar passions and interests. Find out how you can enhance your Rotary experience through our programs and activities at rotary.org

04/15/2020

eFlashOnline

Staying connected is important - District Governor Grant Hocking, Australia in Rotary Service Blog

There is no doubt that we are, and will be feeling the impact of the COVID-19 virus for many months to come. Health authorities, Governments and Rotary International are providing advice about what to do to ensure the spread of the virus is limited and our health systems are not overwhelmed.

It is vitally important during these challenging times to maintain communication. Between Rotary members, Rotary clubs and the district, between other districts and all over the Rotary world.

As Rotarians in Australia, we are approaching a long and proud 100-year history of stepping up as People of Action. We know how to bring the community together, particularly in times of crisis. If there is one thing that is clear it is that our community needs our leadership now more than ever.

Rotary clubs have already suspended events and some have suspended meetings. Many events across Australia have been cancelled including district conferences, Youth Exchange travel, district assemblies, and fundraising events. This will severely impact club’s financial status and ability to support projects.

This is not a time to stop what we are doing within our clubs, but rather a time to pivot. Whilst your club may not be able to physically meet for the time being, there are still plenty of ways your club can continue to make a difference. Most notably, our communication channels – newsletter, email, website, social media, phone trees, text or virtual meeting – are vitally important in staying connected to our members, project partners, sponsors and communities.

District 9800 has arranged twice weekly Zoom meetings for all members to stay connected, share ideas and hear from each other and special guest presenters. This was also done to provide a safe avenue for Rotarians to try the new technology and become familiar with it before using it themselves.

I recently appeared on the ABC radio station which is the leading radio station in Melbourne and Victoria to talk about volunteering opportunities and directed people to a volunteer page on our website. This has led to dozens of new people linking with local clubs offering to work with us on projects to support the community. It will hopefully lead to membership growth too. Wouldn’t that be wonderful in these challenging times!

More information on what we are doing in District 9800 can be found on our new webpage called Staying Connected. There are several subpages with lots of information suitable for Rotary members and clubs. We have just set up a link to the Rotary Club of Mt Lawley in Western Australia who have produced a list of clubs around the world willing to share details of their meetings and how they have adapted during this time. We are doing the same for our district clubs and encouraging them to put their details on both sites.

The majority of clubs are adapting quickly to new technology. Most are finding it an excellent means of communication and a great way to stay connected. I am also attending dozens of club meetings via Zoom to support their endeavours. Our goal is to support all clubs to ensure they stay connected. The E-club of Melbourne is supporting these efforts; the e-clubs are probably wondering why it has taken so long for the rest of us to discover the benefits of on-line meetings.

It is also important to look after our members during these challenging times. Clubs are being encouraged to proactively engage with members to support them getting more tech savvy and online to reduce social isolation and supporting any impact that financial markets may be having on their income.

Remember, we’re all part of a large Rotary family and support is available at every level of Rotary through these unprecedented times. Let’s all do our bit to stay connected, positive and active so we come out the other side of these events even stronger!

Stay healthy and stay well.