Sunday, February 28, 2021 Message from the President Dear Friends, I recently came across an article that really resonated with me. Throughout this devastating pandemic, which has disrupted our lives in countless ways, I sometimes catch glimpses of the opportunities that lie just beyond our grasp. As we imagine meeting in person at some point, we have to open our minds to the possibilities, because there is reason for hope, and indeed, optimism. From Creativity + Innovation as a Pandemic Response by Mike Rollison and David McCarty -- “We are experiencing a truly unique time in human history that we perhaps haven’t seen since the end of World War II. A global phenomenon that nearly the entire planet is dealing with simultaneously. Like the shared experience of war or other forms of crisis that brings out the best in people, we put aside our otherwise petty disagreements and those who survive, work together for the common good. Across human history, crisis has always presented opportunities for innovation and will always be fertile ground for those fearless enough to look past the obvious obstacles at hand. We are now in flux, as they say. A period of dramatic shifts that are taking place within both social consciousness and human behavior. We don’t yet know what will become the new norm, and what will fade away—a momentary anomaly from a chaotic time. Human beings are social creatures and are hardwired to seek solace in human interaction and community. We crave human contact and revel in shared experiences. Human nature isn’t going to change that easily, but the theater in which we share those experiences might. There is no opportunity without optimism. There is no innovation without perseverance. If you’re expecting the worst, you won’t be disappointed by anything, but you won’t be surprised by anything either.“ Let’s begin to plan now for the Rotary Club of Haddonfield’s future. I will be asking a few of you to join a Strategic Planning Committee that will revisit our current Strategic Plan and recommend some changes that reflect our current environment. This should not be a heavy lift – we just need creative thinkers who represent both newer and long-time members. Email me at denisecstuart@gmail.com if you are interested in participating and click to read the Strategic Plan. In Rotary, Denise Join This Week's Meeting on Zoom   WHEN: Wednesday, March 3, at 12 noon. WHERE:  Register in advance by clicking here: https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZAsc-uhqTkrGdbghpXpfuCStOfHU6_5ONtI and you'll receive an email with a one-click link to join the meeting. Our speaker this week will be Haddonfield Schools Superintendent Charles "Chuck" Klaus, who began his role in the middle of the pandemic in July 2020.  This followed a nearly 30-year career in the District starting as an English teacher at HMHS in 1994, English department facilitator, Assistant Principal, a one-year post as Principal of Central Elementary, and then as HMHS Principal in 2011.  He became the Acting Assistant Superintendent in June 2018, and was appointed to the position in May of 2019. In addition to being a teacher and administrator, Klaus was the varsity wrestling coach from 1993 through 2009, winning numerous commendations. Additionally he coached several other fall and spring sports totaling nearly 50 seasons of coaching. For six years he served on the Executive Committee of the NJSIAA (New Jersey State Interscholastic Athletic Association) and was president for the 2017-18 school year.  Currently a resident of Haddon Township, Klaus raised three children who attended Haddonfield Schools. Invite your friends and neighbors to these upcoming meetings by simply forwarding this email.  March 10:  Club Forum! March 17:  Mark Valli, CEO, Norwescap, a social services organization serving northwestern NJ counties. March 24:  Bianca Neff, Rotary Peace Fellow, with Peacebuilders -- joining us from Spain. June 13:  Shooting Party and Club Picnic at Club Roosevelt. June 23:  Changeover Dinner at Tavistock Country Club (livestreamed and in-person - as of now). Rotary Club of Haddonfield P.O. Box 383 Haddonfield, NJ 08033 Doing Good and Having Fun Doing it! With much appreciation to Bill Reynolds, Editor Emeritus.   We meet Wednesdays at 12:15pm  via ZOOM for now, and looking forward to returning to Tavistock Country Club 100 Tavistock Lane, Haddonfield NJ  08033, 856-795-7976 Want to change how you receive these emails? Update your preferences or unsubscribe from this list Have something for The Observer?  Send to baltake@comcast.net by Friday noon.

This email was sent to <<Email Address>> why did I get this?    unsubscribe from this list    update subscription preferences Susan Baltake · Haddonfield · Haddonfield, NJ 08033 · USA