Rotary and the United Nations (Aired on July 27, 2012)

Seated: Giorgio Balestrieri. Standing: Co-hosts Jonah Triebwasser, Sarah O'Connell.

Seated: Giorgio Balestrieri. Standing: Co-hosts Jonah Triebwasser, Sarah O'Connell

Giorgio Balestrieri, a Rotary UN Representative in the International Service Division, epitomizes Rotary’s passion for peace through service. He discusses examples of Rotary’s effectiveness in worldwide efforts such as polio eradication and clean water. In one very emotional segment, he describes how Rotary’s efforts brought peace and understanding between Armenians and Turks in 2005. Mr. Balestrieri’s moving invocation, which he delivered after this momentous event and which has been repeated countless times for people from many cultures and religions, demonstrates Rotary’s passion for peace.

In alphabetical order: Allah, Bog, Dieu, Dio, God our Lord, Oh Great Architect of the Universe! We are the women and men of Rotary that consists of members from the entire world’s great religions, that represent the nationalities of five continents, Rotarians who want to make this a better world. We value people. We value life, and we care for humanity.

  • Give us, Lord, the determination to serve our fellow human beings in need, regardless of race, political or religious beliefs.
  • Give us the strength to overcome the challenges and promote peace and understanding around the world.
  • Give us the enthusiasm and the pride of being Rotarians.
  • Bless us all and bless our Fellow Rotarians far away from their families, giving service to humanity.

Peace through service.

Learn More:
Rotary’s Peace Efforts for Turks and Armenians
Rotary and the United Nations

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July 27, 2012 · Posted in History, Peace, United Nations  

Hunters Helping the Hungry (Aired on July 20, 2012)

Seated: Penny Hickman. Standing: Co-hosts Jonah Triebwasser, Sarah O'Connell

Seated: Penny Hickman. Standing: Co-hosts Jonah Triebwasser, Sarah O'Connell

Penny Hickman, Distribution Coordinator for the humanitarian organization Hunters Helping the Hungry, discusses the process by which this program brings thousands of pounds of game (venison and birds) to soup kitchens, churches, food pantries, and other food distribution sites. She describes how the local deer population would breed themselves out of existence without controlled hunting. Volunteer hunters collect the food, bring it to a processing plant donated and staffed by hunters, cut up and vacuum-pack the meat, freeze it, and distribute it–58,000 pounds distributed since 1993! For young people involved in hunting and fishing, Ms. Hickman describes various ways to help the next generation learn about conservation and the outdoors, such as hunter safety courses, conservation programs, and summer camps. Ms. Hickman urges hunters to wear blaze orange, also known as safety orange, instead of camouflage for safer hunting. Hunting permits include Ms. Hickman’s contact information.

Learn More:
Deer Management
Venison Donations
Venison Donation Coalition
Dutchess County Fish and Game Clubs
Donate, Volunteer: 845-635-3641
Hunters Helping the Hungry
P.O. Box 3201
Poughkeepsie, NY 12603

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July 20, 2012 · Posted in Hudson Valley, Humanitarian Service  

Benefits of Physical Therapy (Aired on July 13, 2012)

Seated L to R: William BreMiller, John Roger. Standing: Co-hosts Jonah Triebwasser, Sarah O'Connell

Seated L to R: William BreMiller, John Roger. Standing: Co-hosts Jonah Triebwasser, Sarah O'Connell

William BreMiller and John Roger, physical therapists with extensive medical and academic credentials, discuss the benefits of physical therapy, especially orthopedic therapy. Therapy is commonly used for treating movement disorders caused by aging, arthritis, injuries, and so forth. But there are also a wide variety of conditions that physical therapy addresses, including post-trauma rehabilitation, surgery follow up, sports injuries, and even headache management. The interview covers tips to prevent conditions from becoming chronic as well as the ways that modern therapy strategies speed recovery. There are many reasons why more people today are seeking physical therapy, especially young athletes.

Learn More:
American Physical Therapy Association
American Academy of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation
Millbrook Physical Therapy, phone 845-677-5021

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July 13, 2012 · Posted in Health  

Youth Exchange: A Unique Opportunity for Students (Aired on July 6, 2012)

L to R: Inbound Chair Nan Greenwood, Outbound Chair Donna Bemiss

L to R: Inbound Chair Nan Greenwood, Outbound Chair Donna Bemiss

Rotary International’s long-term Youth Exchange Program provides students ages 15-19 with the opportunity to live in a different country for a full school year. Enjoy this lively interview with current Inbound and next year’s outbound students participating under the direction of Rotary District 7210’s Inbound Co-Chairs Nan and David Greenwood and Outbound Chair Donna Bemiss. Inbound students describe their experiences–including their food preferences–living with Hudson Valley host families and attending local public schools. Outbound students discuss why they look forward to living abroad. Through Youth Exchange, which began in the 1920s, students learn firsthand about life in another country, planting the seeds for a lifetime of international understanding. Students applying for the program do not have to have family affiliated with Rotary.

Learn More:
Rotary Youth Exchange
Youth Exchange Handbook
 A Guide for Host Families of Inbound YE Students

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July 6, 2012 · Posted in Education, International Exchanges, Youth