The day’s president, PP Marsha Hunt, introduced John O'Keefe to give the pledge, followed by PP Mike Newman’s Thought for the Day. PP Mike chose the Ukrainian conflict for the subject of today’s prayer, and for this he selected a patriotic Ukrainian hymn. This hymn was composed in 1885 by Mykola Lysenko and is called “A Prayer for Ukraine.” It became a regular hymn in services of the Ukrainian Greek Catholic and Orthodox Church of Ukraine. It gained national significance when performed by Mass Choirs during the Ukrainian War of Independence in 1917-1920. Today it is played at sessions of Oblast Councils and performed at National Functions.
Anticipating today’s speaker’s topic, Ed Gauld sang us Somewhere Over the Rainbow, the song from the Wizard of Oz which won the Oscar in 1941.
Visiting with us today were the Bronson's from Incline Village, introduced by Gail Smith.
PP Marsha and PP Mark Rogo announced that next week’s meeting would be aboard a tall ship out of San Pedro. Arrangements need to be made with Mark Rogo. Order your lunch with either of Roozbeh’s restaurants (Mary and Robb’s or Delphi Greek), and PP Mark will pick them up for you.
Many Westwood Village Rotarians have contributed or wish to contribute to humanitarian relief efforts in Ukraine. There are links on the club’s website (wvrc.net or westwoodrotary.org) to three ways to help - through the Flying Rotarians, through Rotary International, and through District 5280.