BRIARCLIFF MANOR ROTARY CLUB MEETING
March 6, 2009
TODAY IN HISTORY
On this date in 1475, Michelangelo was born. On this date in 1806, Elizabeth Barrett Browning was born. On this date in 1919, my mother-in-law was born.
Ah, well.
QUOTE OF THE WEEK
“Live as you were to die tomorrow.”
--Mahatama Gandhi
“But what if you don’t?” What if you just keep going on and on and on and ----?
--A Wondering Me.
*******
OPENING CEREMONY: Our weekly meeting was officially opened at 12:21 PM and was celebrated by the shooting off of skyrockets. Also, a cherry bomb, which appeared to fizzle. Drat!
SALUTE TO OUR FLAG, PATRIOTIC SONG, AND BENEDICTION: The salute to our flag was led by Zen Eidel. Then, with tears pouring down his cheeks, Sy Yuter
sang a heart-wrenching version of “My Country, ‘Tis of Thee.” With nowhere to go but down after Sy’s riveting performance, Reverend Lee lifted his eyes to the heavens and whispered, “Mercy, Lord!”
CLUB PRESIDENT’S REMARKS: ANNOUNCEMENTS, OBSERVATIONS AND
HAPPY THOUGHTS Frances Chu reminded us of the upcoming Chinese Dinner, slated for the near future and Geraldine Mahoney invited us all to attend the Official Opening of the New Briarcliff Library this coming Sunday. (We did, and it was wonderful!)
There were so many other Announcements and Happy Thoughts that my head is in a spin just thinking about them. Immediately on my recovery, I shall let you know what they were
NEXT WEEK’S SPEAKER: Our speaker on March 13, will be Tom Saunders. His subject: “Government Internet Suveillance.”
TODAY’S SPEAKER: Today’s speaker was our own Paul Rosen, who provided us with an up-to-the-present review of public education history.
A few of the highlights:
In 1840, Horace Mann started the public school movement.
After the American Revolution, a need was seen for occupational education.
In 1900, only 6% of American youngsters graduated from high school. Today, 85% graduate.
In 1917, vocational programs were added to school curricula.
In 1925, the U.S. Supreme Court ruled that a high school education, though not mandatory, was recommended for every child.
In the same year, 1925, it was decided that Home Schooling had to comply with the education requirements provided by Public Schools.
Along the way, a school tax was devised to provide to pay for public schooling.
And today, public education remains even more necessary than ever. An educated citizenry is paramount, Mr. Rosen concluded, if the U.S. is to continue maintaining its position as leader of the Free World.
It was a well-thought out, well-delivered, and informative talk.
Bravo, Paul!
###
THE DRAWING: The first winner was Rod Ertischek; the second winner was Bob Maher.
Bishop John converted to Catholicism. .
CLOSING CEREMONY: This week’s meeting drew to a close precisely at 1:32 pm. celebrated by the singing of Brahm’s Requium.
It was awe-inspiring.
Submitted by
Recording Secretary, Don Wilde
