Saving Children in Nepal (Aired on June 27 & 28, 2015)

(l-r) Jonah Triebwasser, Lauren Yanks, Sarah O’Connell

(l-r) Jonah Triebwasser, Lauren Yanks, Sarah O’Connell

Even before devastating earthquakes hit Nepal and surrounding territory in April and May of 2015, the plight of numerous children in that Himalayan nation was desperate. Many young children were being sold by their parents to work in Indian factories; young girls were often forced into prostitution. The Blue Butterfly Foundation, created by Lauren Yanks, has helped save over 2,000 children from trafficking, the use of force or fraud to cause humans to provide labor or sex against their will. In this radio interview, Ms. Yanks tells the powerful story of how the Blue Butterfly Foundation was founded and named. She urges listeners to become aware that their pursuit of evermore inexpensive items and food is contributing to this international tragedy.

Learn more:
Blue Butterfly Foundation
April 2015 Nepal Earthquake
Human Trafficking

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June 27, 2015 · Posted in Children, Disaster Relief, Education, Humanitarian Service, International Programs  

Vassar-Haiti Project (Aired on June 20 & 21, 2015)

(l-r) Lila Meade and Sarah Oliver

(l-r) Lila Meade and Sarah Oliver

The ongoing Vassar project for improving education, health, women’s economy, water purity, and forests in Chermaitre, Haiti, is described by the Co-Founder and Artistic Director of the Vassar-Haiti Project, Lila Meade, and Vassar student Sarah Oliver. Andrew and Lila Meade founded the project in 2001, partly in a response to the 9/11 attacks on the U.S. Its original goal was simply a lunch project at a school in poverty-stricken Chermaitre, but it has evolved greatly. So far more than 350 Vassar students have been involved. The project has also attracted the attention and considerable help from the Poughkeepsie-Arlington Rotary Club. One of the major sources of funding is an annual art show and auction featuring work by native Haitian artists.

Learn more:
Vassar-Haiti Project
History of Vassar-Haiti Project
Rural Poverty in Haiti

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June 20, 2015 · Posted in Arts & Letters, Education, Environment, Health, Humanitarian Service, Literacy, Rotary Club Projects, Water Projects  

Prevent Type 2 Diabetes (Aired on June 13 & 14, 2015)

Rufia Payman

Rufia Payman

Licensed Nutritionist Rufia Payman from Northern Dutchess Hospital in Rhinebeck describes the ravages of type 2 diabetes and steps to take to prevent the disease. Her primary approach is to put her patients on the Mediterranean diet (mainly fruits and vegetables, whole grains, legumes, olive oil, and nuts) and regular exercise. Ms. Payman runs a free 16-week diabetes protection at Northern Dutchess that helps participants lose weigh and avoid the metabolic syndrome that often precedes type 2 diabetes. Meditation and other stress-reducing activities are also promoted. Often a person who has already crossed the line into diabetes can avoid insulin shots with a suitable lifestyle.

Learn more:
HealthQuest Diabetes Prevention Programs
Type 2 Diabetes
The Mediterranean Diet

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June 13, 2015 · Posted in Health, Nutrition  

Center for Performing Arts 2015 Season (Aired on June 6 & 7, 2015)

Lou Trapani

Lou Trapani

Rhinebeck Rotarian Lou Trapani, Artistic and Managing Director of The Center for the Performing Arts at Rhinebeck, returns to RadioRotary to discuss some of the upcoming performances at this hub for theater and related events, including the summer arts day camp, which brings many courses in theater-arts. Among other upcoming productions discussed on the show will be The Me That Nobody Knows; Seussical, the Musical; Rip, a new play about Rip Van Winkle; Singing in the Rain, and Carousel. On August 21-23 the Center will have a terrific weekend, beginning with a magic show (pay what you think it is worth), continuing with a gal performance by Alice Ripley, and winding up with The Tempest brought to Rhinebeck free by the Hudson Valley Shakespeare Festival.

Learn more:
Center for the Performing Arts
Alice Ripley
The Hudson Valley Shakespeare Festival

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June 6, 2015 · Posted in Arts & Letters, Education, Events, Hudson Valley