OUR SPEAKER: Lorraine Cochran-Johnson | DeKalb County Super District 7
Lorraine Cochran-Johnson, originally from Greenville, Alabama, is a long-time resident of DeKalb County, Georgia. She has a B.S. degree from Troy University, an M.S. and an M.P.A. from Auburn University before attending John Marshall Law School. She also holds a business certificate from Harvard University.
Lorraine has spent more than two decades in print media, mass communications, and management, and is a seasoned grant writer.
Rev. Dr. Todd Speed reflected on how we think and act can impact the world.
Rotarians say the Pledge of Allegiance and state the Four Way Test at each meeting.
Guests and Dignitaries
Judge Ana Maria Martinez, guest of Doug Tozzi
Riley Paré, Decatur Exchange Student bound for Italy
Emily Pelton, The Task Force for Global Health
Rev. Betty Brewer-Calvert, guest of the club
Tracy John, guest of James Herndon
Diane Crow
Preethi Rao, guest of Marion Curry
Judge Ana Maria Martinez, guest of President Tozzi says hello to the club.
Art Rosser introduces his guest and member of the Task Force for Global Health, Emily Pelton.
Marion Curry introduces guest Preethi Rao.
Diane Crow speaks to the group after an introduction by Maria Alvarez
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Event Update! Rotary Fundraiser/Huge 80s Party May 2!
DATE: Thursday, May 2
Time: 6 PM
Place: The Lost Druid, 2866 Washington St,
Avondale Estates, GA 30002
Jason Conn reported that Intown Hardware-Decatur is donating a Big Green Egg for the Foundation auction. Jason also announced that tickets for the Egg are available for $20 each or 6 for $100. All sales go to the Foundation.
Foundation Chair Dudley Larus holds up tickets to the fundraiser.
Art Rosser talked about more types of experiences we can consider for getting sponsorships like pub crawls and tickets for the Atlanta Open tennis tournament.
Maria Alvarez reminded us that the end date for sponsorship signups is April 19.
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Decatur Rotary Expands Its International Student Exchange Program
John Bennett, chair of the student exchange program, announced that the Decatur Club had been awarded an exchange student coming to Decatur in the next school year. What we know so far is that the student is female. John also reintroduced Riley Paré, who is going to Italy in the new year, and mentioned that she had learned to speak Italian in three months, a remarkable achievement.
John Bennett introduces DHS student Riley Paré
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Rotary Service All Over the World: Lyon, Southern France
Dudley Larus saw this Rotary Service Project in Lyon, France during a stop on a cruise along the Rhone River. In addition to meeting fellow Rotarians from New Zealand on the trip, he notes, "It's great to see Rotary at work wherever you go."
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Rotary Welcomes Rev. Betty Brewer-Calvert
Rick Garnitz welcomes Betty and tells the club about the successful project to install new benches at the Toy Park in Decatur.
The Decatur Rotary Club was deeply honored to welcome back Rev. Betty Brewer-Calvert. Betty is the wife of our beloved member James who passed away recently after his courageous battle with cancer. In James and Betty’s honor, Rotary recently placed new benches in James’s beloved Toy Park in Decatur.
Upcoming Service Project at the Toy Park:
We Need You!
The Decatur Rotary Club has an important service project on Saturday, May 11, from 10 am to noon at the Decatur Toy Park for a cleanup in honor of James Brewer-Calvert. Contact Service Membership Chair, Chris Brannon, at chris@georgia-elderlaw.com with any questions.
SPEAKER RECAP
We Welcome Patrick O’Carroll, Task Force for Global Health
Decatur-based Task Force for Global Health: A Beacon of Hope in the Fight Against Polio and Many Other Health Issues
Art Rosser introduces president and CEO of the Task Force for Global Health, Patrick O’Carroll.
Dr. O’Carroll engaged Rotarians with a detailed talk about its mission and the world situation in fighting disease.
In the relentless battle against polio and disease, the Decatur-based Task Force for Global Health stands as a beacon of hope, spearheading impactful initiatives to eradicate this debilitating disease. The Task Force plays a pivotal role in coordinating strategies, resources, and expertise to reach the most vulnerable populations worldwide. The Task Force works alongside of Rotary International's global efforts to eradicate polio.
The Task Force has three key focus areas:
Eliminate disease.
Ensure access to vaccines.
Strengthen health systems.
At the forefront of the Task Force's endeavors is its commitment to immunization campaigns, ensuring that every child receives the appropriate vaccine regardless of their location or socio-economic status. Through innovative approaches and partnerships with local communities and governments, the Task Force has been instrumental in overcoming logistical challenges and reaching remote areas where the virus still lurks.
Furthermore, the Task Force's advocacy efforts have been instrumental in garnering support and raising awareness about the importance of polio and neglected tropical disease eradication. By engaging with stakeholders at all levels, from grassroots volunteers to policymakers, they have helped galvanize global action and funding to sustain the momentum towards a polio-free world.
In addition to their fieldwork, the Task Force leverages cutting-edge research and data analysis to inform strategic decision-making and optimize the allocation of resources. By harnessing the power of technology and scientific innovation, they are continuously refining their approach and adapting to the evolving landscape of polio eradication efforts.
As Rotary celebrates its longstanding commitment to ending polio, the Decatur-based Task Force for Global Health stands as a shining example of collaboration, dedication, and perseverance in the fight against this ancient scourge. Together, we can turn the dream of a polio-free world into a reality, ensuring a brighter and healthier future for generations to come.
Rotary President Tozzi thanks Dr. O’Carroll and presents a book, “Pandora’s Gamble: Lab Leaks, Pandemics, and a World at Risk” to be awarded to the DeKalb Public Library in his honor.
This 'n That
Scenes from around the room at our most recent meeting. Individuals are identified from left to right.
Jennifer Topple with Art Rosser
Diane Crow with Maria Alvarez
Andrea Arnold with Brian Downs
Guest Tracy John with James Herndon
Thank You to Our Club Sponsors
We are grateful for the support of our local sponsors, and we encourage our members to support them in return.
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