Byesville Rotary introduced to the country of Turkey

Pictured: Rich Dair, Speaker Host; Dr. Mamidi, guest speaker. And Joe Waske, Byesville Rotary President.

Readings for Feb. 1:

• February Rotarian, "Picture this: Your photo, a winner," p. 16-17, and "Purchases for polio," and crossword, p. 72.

Next meeting is the business meeting: BRING YOUR MEAT DONATION!!! Thanks.

During a short business meeting, the Byesville Rotary reviewed plans for spring projects. These projects include a Health Fair, staffing a booth at the Community Resource Day, and a landscaping project at Rotary gazebo in Byesville.

Dr. Mamidi, a Byesville Rotarian, was the guest speaker. Dr. Mamidi provided a slide show and spoke about the trip he and his wife took to Turkey. The history of Turkey is varied and ancient. Because of its strategic location, the country has been ruled by many different cultures. It is also a country of many different religions including Christian and Muslim.

The county itself is a little larger than Texas. One of the reasons the area has played a large role in history is because its capitol, Istanbul—once known as Constantinople, guards the straits linking the Black Sea to the Mediterranean. The straits provide the narrowest crossing between Europe and Asia. Istanbul, located in two continents—Europe and Asia.

Many historical sites are located in Turkey such as Mt. Ararat and Troy. The county has many ancient Roman ruins including many amphitheaters and public baths. Dr. Mamidi and his wife were able to visit many of these sites.

One of the most interesting was the town of Ephesus. The Temple of Artemis was located here. This temple was considered one of the 7 Ancient Wonders of the World. The temple was an important site for pilgrims to visit. The many ancient tourists visiting the Temple helped Ephesus become the second largest city in the Roman Empire. Today all that is left of the Temple is one lonely pillar.

Another site visited by the Mamidi’s—Heirapolis, was famous for its hot water baths. Many people came to the baths in the belief that bathing in the carbonated water could cure illnesses. Sometimes the hoped for cure did not occur. As a result, there is an extensive necropolis or graveyard nearby.

The Mamidi’s also visited the Cappadocia regions. This region is characterized by over 100 cities carved into the volcanic rock of the region and that are completely underground. At present, 6 of these underground cities are open to the public. Dr. Mamidi and his wife stayed in a modern hotel that was built underground and got a taste of what it was like to live in the underground cities.

Dr. Mamidi and his wife concluded their tour of Turkey in Istanbul. While there, they saw the Topkapi Market and the Hagia Sofia which was first a church under Emperor Constantine and later became a mosque. They also took a cruise and toured the Dardanelle and Bosporus Straits.

The club’s next meeting will be 7:30 am, February 1, 2011, at the Stop Nine Senior Center at 60313 (GPS use 60299) Southgate Road, Byesville. Anyone interested in learning more about the Byesville Rotary can call Membership Chairs Marty Patchen, 740-685-3828, or Larry Miller, 740-439-2767

Byesville Rotary learns how to give “A Special Wish”

Pictured: Joe Waske, Byesville Rotary President, Pat Vaughan, A Special Wish Foundation” representative, and Rich Dair, Speaker Host.

Reading for Jan. 25

• January Rotarian, "Rotarian Redoux," p. 33.

Pat Vaughan, representing the “A Special Wish Foundation” of Muskingum and Guernsey Counties, explained that the goal of the foundation is to provide children who have life threatening illnesses or disorders with “…at least one magical moment” in their lives. These moments are based on the child’s wish.

The Special Wish Foundation was established in 1983 and national headquarters are in Columbus, Ohio. The Zanesville Chapter, serving Muskingum and Guernsey Counties, was founded in 1994. To date, the Foundation has granted 39 wishes to children in the area. Six of the wish recipients were children living in Guernsey County.

The average cost of a child’s wish is $3015. Funding for the wishes comes solely from the generosity of individual, organizations, business, religious institutions, and local fundraisers sponsored by the Special Wish Foundations. Locally, the Special Wish Foundation is supported by volunteers who park cars for $5.00 during the Zanesville Gus Macker tournament. Parking areas are donated by Zanesville banks. A second fundraiser is an “Absentee Party.” Donors respond to the party invitation with a donation based on what they might spend going to a real event.

The most popular wish granted is a trip to Disney World. The child and his or her family will stay in a free cottage in Kissimmee. The trip is a joint effort between the local Special Wish Foundation and volunteers in Florida who keep the cottage refrigerator stocked with kid snacks. Perkins Pancake House provides free breakfasts and dinners. Bus transportation is provided to and from Disney World.

The Special Wish Foundation invites families, friends, or medical personal to refer children qualifying for the program. Referrals can be made to: A Special Wish Foundation—Zanesville Chapter, PO Box 2573, Zanesville, OH 43702-2573 or by calling 740-452-3432 or 740-685-8017.

Wishes are granted to children up to 20. Immediate family members are included in the wish whenever possible. Wishes cannot be given to a child more than once, and the Special Wish does not provide wishes to children who have had a wish fulfilled by another organization.

The club’s next meeting will be 7:30 am, January 25, 2011, at the Stop Nine Senior Center at 60313 (GPS use 60299) Southgate Road, Byesville. Anyone interested in learning more about the Byesville Rotary can call Membership Chairs Marty Patchen, 740-685-3828, or Larry Miller, 740-439-2767

Byesville Rotary starts 2011 learning about healthy eating habits

Pictured: Joe Waske, Byesville Rotary President, Linda Warrick, Certified Health Coach, guest speaker, and, Rich Dair, Speaker Host.

Reading for Jan. 18:

• January Rotarian, "Mentoring," p. 109.

Remember to register for the 2011 District 6690 Conference. Use this website:

• http://www.district6690.org/index.php?id=13172

Linda Warrick, a Certified Health Coach, pointed out, “Excess weight is often accumulated gradually.” People suddenly realize they are 10, 20 or 30 pounds heavier than they used to be. She continued, “This excess weight can contribute to the development of diabetes, depression, or high blood pressure. “People with relatives suffering from these problems are at higher risk for developing them than people whose relatives are healthy.

Fortunately, losing weight can help avoid, reverse, or reduce the impact of this type of medical condition. For example, some people are able to control their diabetes with diet and exercise rather than with insulin.

The first step a person should take before beginning a weight loss program is to visit his or her family physician and discuss what type of diet would be most effective and safe.

Weight loss is challenging and food habits can be hard to change. There are many, varied resources available that can help a person stay on diet, lose weight, and maintain weight loss. Ms. Warrick suggested several tools that people can use to help them reach their weight loss goals.

Tools can be used alone or in combination. These tools can include using one of several different meal replacement programs offering ready-made meals and portions. These programs typically provide pre-proportioned meals and do the calorie counting for the dieter. A second tool is to use a mentor or health coach who will help the dieter stay focused. Another tool is providing education to the dieter about weight loss and healthy life style habits. And finally, many dieters find someone to support and encourage them during their diet. Support can take many forms—some is provided on-line, through coaches or mentors, or through diet books and meetings with a support group of fellow dieters.

For more information about diet and nutrition, contact Linda Warrick at 740-584-5673.

The club’s next meeting will be 7:30 am, December 18, 2011, at the Stop Nine Senior Center at 60313 (GPS use 60299) Southgate Road, Byesville. Anyone interested in learning more about the Byesville Rotary can call Membership Chairs Marty Patchen, 740-685-3828, or Larry Miller, 740-439-2767.