The World is Out of Control
The World is Out of Control by Dave Rhea I hear this phrase a lot: “The world is out of control.” So, I started thinking about what “out of control” means. In this phrase’s cheapest usage, it’s a way for cable-news channels, for example (but certainly not exclusive to them), to attract and retain an […]
What Goes Around Comes Around..
What goes around comes around – even Rotary’s role in eradicating life-threatening illnesses. by Russ Florence In 1979, Rotary began its worldwide fight against polio with an ambitious project to immunize 6 million children in the Philippines. Six years later, Rotary International launched the first and largest coordinated private-sector support of a public health initiative, […]
It’s a Question of Trust
It’s a Question of Trust by Terri Watkins I spent most of my adult life working in the media, first as a radio reporter and then in television. I wanted to be a reporter from the time I started reading Nancy Drew and never stopped. When I was studying Political Science and then Journalism, it […]
A Wild Ride
A Wild Ride by Pat Rooney Here’s a question. What can lose $1.32 trillion in three months and nobody cares? Cryptocurrencies. These currencies are actually treated more like securities these days, or the commodities, with their wild fluctuations in price. A bigger question is why crypto went so high in the first place. With a […]
Yard Lights
Yard Lights By Ron Page When the glacier retreated from northern Illinois, it left in our county a lake roughly 15 miles in diameter. Over the centuries, it receded to “swamp” status, and, around 1910, it was drained, leaving a flat-as-a- pool-table layer of thick, black, fertile soil. Our house and outbuildings sat on a […]
Navigating the Legislature the Rotary Way
Navigating the Legislature the Rotary Way by Emily Lang As a new legislative session gets underway, policy makers are again considering the priorities and direction for our state. Participation in our democracy is an obligation, and as someone who has been in and around the state capitol for the last two decades, I can tell […]
I Sing Because I’m Happy
I Sing Because I’m Happy by Franci Hart “I sing because I’m happy. I sing because I’m free. For his eye is on the sparrow and I know he watches me.” This old gospel hymn resonates with me, especially in January when the weather is often dark and cold. It helps me remember all my […]
The ABCs of Inflation
The ABCs of Inflation by John Frost Everyone has experienced inflation. It is most notable in gasoline prices, food prices, entertainment, recreational prices and, in general, the cost of living. We live in a capitalistic economic system wherein prices are affected by supply and demand issues, supply chain bottlenecks and, unfortunately, the behavior of providers […]
Rotary New Year, New Commitment
Rotary New Year, New Commitment by Abby Broyles I’ve always gotten a kick out of New Year’s resolutions, mostly because I’m guilty (like most) of falling off the bandwagon mid-February. Eating healthier, joining a gym, learning a new skill – they’re all worthwhile endeavors, but this year I encourage us as Rotarians to recommit to […]
The Meaning Behind Christmas
The Meaning Behind Christmas by Charlie Smith I am impatient. I have a short attention span. I have abundant energy and enthusiasm. For those who follow personality types, I am an Enneagram 7 and a Myers-Briggs ESFJ. I have always been a light sleeper, so I was the first down the stairs as a child […]
Prioritizing Our Priorities
Prioritizing Our Priorities by Lauren Branch A “priority” is a funny concept with a broad definition. Sometimes it refers to things that need to get done today. Sometimes it’s things that need to get done this week, or even this year. It can range from a visit to a grocery store to achieving a lifelong […]