Using Visioning to Create Plans

Photo Contest, ClubRunner, and more?

Rotary Photo Contest

John Hoekstra talked about using our club website and the photo contest that just started.

Veteran's Initiative

A couple of years ago, Laura Terpsma and her husband were mountain biking, discussing the troubling rise in depression and suicide among military members and veterans. Laura, who ran a yoga studio, and her husband, then nearing retirement from the military, noticed that many veteran-focused programs revolved around alcohol and sedentary activities.

At the time, her husband was stationed at Fort Custer. Upon his retirement, they relocated first to Grand Rapids and then to Holland, Michigan—where they discovered that Ottawa County ranks ninth in Michigan for veteran population. This insight led them to a powerful conclusion: veterans benefit from continuing the physical activity and camaraderie they experienced during their service.

In 2023, Laura established a physical location for her yoga studio and began offering classes specifically designed for veterans and active-duty military personnel. These sessions foster both physical wellness and community connection. In addition, they host veteran dinners that regularly attract more than 40 attendees.

Their program is called “The 90”, and on September 27, they’ll host a unique event at Beechwood Church titled “30 x 30 x 30”—featuring 30 veterans walking for 30 hours while carrying a 30-pound weight. The community is warmly invited to watch or join the walk. The event kicks off at 8 AM on Saturday, the 27th.

The Terpsmas also launched “Start Strong, Serve Strong”, a program for high school students planning to enlist in the military. It helps future recruits prepare for the physical and mental challenges of military training.

Veteran's Initiative, Veterans Ball

The Effect of Changing US Government Policy on North Central Europe

Field Reichart grew up with a retail family business that imported goods from around the world. He travelled for the business and later worked for the State of Michigan in the office for trade. In 1981, Field was part of a Rotary Group Study Exchange trip to Papua New Guinea. This had a major influence on his understanding of the world. He reminded us that the United States comprises only 4% of the world's population. His observations were primarily from his trip to Europe earlier this year.

In 1989, Field was in Poland observing the first democratic election after the fall of the Soviet Union. He watched the development of democracy since then and kept in touch with a wide range of society.

Earlier this year, he revisited several northern European countries and talked to a diverse group of citizens. The US commitment to NATO has been very confusing to the allies. The NATO members have been used to guidance from the US, and the current administration has not been helpful.

The business climate has been adversely affected by tariffs, and this has caused chaos even for countries that don't export directly to the US. Many economies are linked and provide goods and services to exporting countries.

The Europeans are participating more in their own defense, but concern is growing that the US can't be trusted. Polls in Poland show a decline in public trust in the US from 80% to around 30%. In Estonia, a media executive friend of Field told him that the odds are 41% that the Russians will invade Estonia. NATO members Slovakia and Hungary are heavily influenced by Russian propaganda and have been reticent to move forward with more defense preparations.

Field concludes that it is important for the US to have a consistent, non-partisan foreign policy.

During and after World War II, Rotarians became increasingly involved in promoting international understanding. In 1945, 49 Rotary members served in 29 delegations to the United Nations Charter Conference. Rotary still actively participates in UN conferences by sending observers to major meetings and promoting the United Nations in Rotary publications. Rotary International's relationship with the United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) dates back to a 1943 London Rotary conference that promoted international cultural and educational exchanges. Attended by ministers of education and observers from around the world, and chaired by a past president of RI, the conference was an impetus to the establishment of UNESCO in 1946.