Rotary News

            Apologies to all for a brief report on our November 12 meeting - Veterans' Day - a celebration of Armistice Day - remembering the end of the war that was to end all wars - World War I - ending at the 11^th hour of the 11^th day of the 11^th month in 1918 - casualties conservatively estimated at 10 million dead and 20 million wounded.  The consequences of World War I were not just the deaths that happened, but many have said that this led to a continuation in World War II, where the deaths probably were twice as numerous.

            Pat Norris reflected on the horrors of the war in few but eloquent words - urging that when preparing to enter a war, our leaders think not only of the lofty thoughts they may have, but also of what will happen to the people whom their orders will touch - those who kill, and those who are killed.  I was touched by Pat's words.

            The meeting on November 12 was, as always, wonderfully managed by our President - an unusually full agenda, but everything nicely covered - there is leadership in Kalamazoo!

            Our program was a thrill!  Introduced by Stacy Ridenour who hinted at having had some special musical talents at her side that enabled her to attract the speaker to Kalamazoo, she introduced  Fred P. Keller, president of Cascade Engineering in Grand Rapids.  Mr. Keller has led the creation of a major blow molding company from its inception to what it is today, possessing cutting edge technology guided by innovative thoughts and sustainability.  Amazing - what can be done when motivation and innovation join hands - even in being environmentally friendly.

            Mr. Keller gives us hope that Michigan will be a player in the future, and he cited many ways in which this can happen now that we are concerned about global warming and the need to reduce pollution and waste.  This must happen in order for us to have sustainability.  He cited numerous examples of how, once determined to reduce waste and pollution, industries have managed to turn what had been viewed as interference and added cost to benefiting the bottom line.  He is hopeful that with creative thinking, we shall see substantial changes that favorably off-set what we today view as threatening trends.

            One example of creativeness: a new design for the Biosand filters we have been supporting.  Providing potable water, they have been made of cement (could be made locally) but were heavy and a challenge to transport where there are no roads.  Mr. Keller, helping International Aid in South Have (that would be a program!) has created an expensive mold for a plastic Biosand filter.  There is reason to believe that this innovation will revolutionize our ability to provide potable water.  Rotary in southwest Michigan has had much to do with that - thank you, Rotarians!

                                                                        Karl R. Sandelin