Speaker Program

Bob Holert introduced our speaker, Hans Florine, who was here to talk about rock climbing.  He climbs primarily in Yosemite National Park.  He has written books about his experiences there, and  presented many photos of the area.  The Nose Route on El Capitan is considered the most famous rock climbing route in the world.  Hans mentioned a competition of how fast they can climb it.  They kept being beaten by another team, who got no publicity when they set the record.  Ultimately Hans and his teammate climbed it in 2:48.  They finally got some press to cover their accomplishment.  Hans spoke of his learning curve to climb the wall, and how it took so long, but eventually with experience, they were able to achieve the record.

Over the years, Hans has worked with many who wanted to climb the wall, including those with severe disabilities, including those blind and paralyzed.  The benefit of being blind is you can’t look down and get scared!  He told an inspirational story about Wayne, who contracted polio in 1953, months prior to the vaccine being discovered by Salk.  Wayne witnessed the first ascent of the rock in 1958 as a young child, and over time, overcame his disability to climb the wall himself with Hans.  Featured below is a photo of Hans with BBRC members Rourke O’Brien and Shokouh Mousavi.

Club Business

Inspirational thought was given by Mike Ralph

Visiting Rotarians and Guests were introduced by Carmela Ramaglia.

Student of the Month – Introduced by Bob Holert.  Our BBRC Student of the Month is Daniel Ficca from Bellevue Christian High School.  Daniel has yet to decide on a college.  He’s been involved in football and music at Bellevue Christian.  He was joined and supported by his family and school staff.  He spoke about participating on the football team and how it provided him important life skills.  He set a school record for the most rushing yards in a single season.  He spoke of playing music (guitar) and how it is an integral part of who he is, and how music is an important part of life, and how one communicates to others.  He spoke eloquently of how important it is to be a part of our community, and caring for others.

Paul Osborne introduced Dorothy C. Echodu who spoke about the Katakwi Rotary Malaria Project via Pilgrim Africa in Uganda, sponsored by the BBRC.  It was her first visit to the BBRC.  Uganda has the world’s highest incidence of malaria.  She presented some statistics, showing the problem and the need there.  Over 45 million treatment doses per year are provided.  It is treated via mass drug administration (MDA) and indoor residual spraying (IRS).   At any point in time, about 50% are infected with some form of malaria.  They provide MDA to about 85% of the population, and use IRS which can be effective for many months.  Dorothy gave an impassioned talk, and it was obvious how much good work was being done by her program.

Thought for the week

– Sir Edmund Hillary –“It’s not the mountain we conquer, but ourselves”.

About the Speaker