FEB 7, 2012 ROTARY IN REVIEW:
Joseph Beckman

One big highlight of the meeting was the recognition of 24 years of service by Sherry Howe as our Executive Director.  Standing applause and joy spread through the room.  What a treasure Sherry has been all these years, and, of course still is.

Chuck Dietz introduced a promising new member for the Club – Tom Heim of 3M.  Tom has served around the world for the company (Italy, China, etc) and now is Director of Administrative Services which, Chuck advises, means he takes on all the tasks don’t want to do.  A warm welcome, Tom.

Jacob La Croix announced that we would be receiving a questionnaire asking what social activities we want Saint Paul Rotary to undertake.

Nancy McKillips said her membership team is in place and is acccepting the challenge of 12 to 18 new members by June 30, 2012.  Nancy also informed us that her son Dan who has suffered from brain injury is improving.  Joyous news.

Jim Kosmo found lots of volunteers for Happy Dollars…Our new friend and member Claude Hone turned 92 and was roundly applauded…Jim Hart noted the Nobel Peace Prize Conference at Augsburg College on Match 1 to 3…Valdi Stefanson gave a positive report on our Rotary-sponsored activities in Bolivia, Guyana and Nicaragua.  Well done,  Valdi…Al Zdrazil noted that the model statue for Nagasaki  was almost ready……Dan McKeown reported on the conference of “Large Rotary Clubs” in Tulsa about the enthusiasm for Rotary around the world…Joe Kovarik, scheduled to be our District Governor, observed that our District 5960 is held in high regard.

Mick White then introduced our relatively new member, Joe Beckman, as our speaker for the day.  Joe gave some personal and occupational background (Catholic schools in Chicago, Georgetown Law, service in Chicago and Helena, MT, now for several years with Hellmuth and Johnson, PLLC here in Saint Paul.  But Joe’s real subject was Depression and Suicide.  As your scribe, I could not keep up with all the many points he made, but I can tell that I learned a lot from his talk.  Here are some thoughts on his presentation:

Depression need not follow into suicide.  Joe opened himself to the audience by reporting that his father and two brothers-in-law had committed suicide, a dreadful loss.

Be aware of changes in the lives of people close to us that might indicate depression -  sleeping disorder, appetite loss, angry sessions, weight gain or loss, etc.  In other words, be aware of changes.  There are recognizable symptoms.

Talk about those with people you care about. A “What’s wrong with you?” approach won’t be useful but a “May I help” can be.

Depression is a chemical imbalance in the brain.  It can also affect the whole body - thought, feelings, behavior, and physical well-being.

Never lie nor hide facts with a person who suffers from depression.  Offer help and always be truthful.

Some things depression is not include bi-polar disorder, schizophrenia, epilepsy, Alzheimer’s, etc.

There were many other points Joe made that I cannot duplicate here.  But I learned more about this dread disease of depression and the great complications that can take in our place in our brains, that wonderful organ which can break down under certain circumstances.  And finally, on a personal note, I don't know Joe yet except for his talk, but I sense his great desire to be helpful to those in distress, his intense study of what can go wrong, and his knowledge of techniques that can confront this kind mental disorder. And beyond that, I have the impression of a kind and caring heart in the man.

 Malcolm McLean, Scribe