Building Peace, One Cup of Turkish Coffee at a Time

February’s Rotary theme—Peace and Conflict Resolution—couldn’t be more fitting. To celebrate, I’m heading to the 2025 Rotary Presidential Peace Conference in Istanbul later this month. Yes, Istanbul—the city where East meets West, where history and modernity collide and where I fully intend to consume my weight in baklava. It’s the perfect setting to discuss peace because, if history has taught us anything, achieving peace takes patience, dialogue and probably a dangerously strong cup of Turkish coffee.

This year, we’re also celebrating a milestone in Rotary’s peacebuilding efforts: the establishment of the Otto and Fran Walter Rotary Peace Center, the first Rotary Peace Center in the Middle East, in partnership with Bahçe?ehir University. This center is a powerful testament to Rotary’s unwavering commitment to fostering understanding and resolving conflict where it’s needed most.

Now, I know what you’re thinking: "Bret, does this mean you’re bringing back world peace in your carry-on?" Well, I’ll certainly try—but between security checks and baggage fees, it might be tricky. What I can promise is that I’ll return with insights, stories and strategies, and I’d love to share them with your clubs. 

Once I’m back, I’d love to speak at your clubs about what I learned, how peacebuilding affects us both globally and locally, and what practical steps we, as Rotarians, can take to make a real difference. Because let’s be honest—when we hear “peace and conflict resolution,” we often picture diplomats in suits, historical treaties and dramatic handshakes. And yes, Rotary was at the table when the United Nations was founded. But peacebuilding isn’t just for world leaders; it’s for all of us.  It’s in how we handle difficult conversations at work, how we navigate family disagreements and how we, as Rotarians, build bridges in our communities instead of walls. This is the Magic of Rotary.

Peace doesn’t happen overnight. It starts small—with service projects that bring people together, conversations that foster understanding and clubs like ours that believe in making the world—our little piece of it—a better place.

And you know one of the best ways to create more peace? Let’s grow! Invite more people to be part of the greatest humanitarian, peace-building and peace-making organization in the world—Rotary. The more of us there are, the greater our impact. Plus, let’s be honest—we could all use more friends who know how to resolve an argument without flipping a table.

See you soon! In the meantime, let’s keep working for peace—one Rotary meeting (and one strong cup of coffee) at a time.

The Rotary Club of Lexington Sunrise held a Christmas Breakfast/Membership Recruitment event on Thursday, December 19, 2024 at Grace Episcopal Church.  All guests were welcomed and introduced. President Jim Halasz and Board Member Monty Kennedy assisted President Elect Ruth Parsons with setting up and preparing for the event.  This included dressing the tables with magical Santa collectible centerpieces, fancy napkins, plates, and silverware. Jim Halasz's wife (Deb) made three kinds of scones, and Mexican cornbread for the breakfast fare.  Ruth whipped up breakfast quiche, muffins, and her mother's Jewish Sour Cream Coffee Cake. 

Ron Perkins was inducted into the membership during the meeting by Club President Jim Halasz. Ron is a former member of the club in years past. He will be championing the Wreaths Across America program, with future support from the Club foundation. Ron gave a brief presentation on the program to the club members and their guests at the breakfast.  Goodie bags were given to the children, members and their guests. A good time was had by all who attended this joyous occasion.


LSRC members and guests join in the pledge of allegiance together. And Rotarians Monty Kennedy (l)  and BJ Parsons (r) visit during the Rotary Club of Lexington Sunrise Rotary Club's Christmas party and Membership Recruitment event. 

After a long day, stressful week, or in times of grief, wind chimes deliver a moment of calm in a spirit of simplicity.  Their gentle notes ring in time with the wind, and remind us that we, like the wind, are part of a far larger creation. Since 2006, Jamie & Patty Baisden and the craftsmen at Wind River have been delivering moments of calm to a hectic landscape – one porch at a time.  At Wind River we work to inspire harmony, and this purpose extends beyond our livelihoods to each connection we have to the communities we serve.   

Wind River® chimes are handcrafted in Manassas Park, VA and inspired by the shores, mountains and valleys of the place we call home. They also reflect the spirit and landscapes of communities throughout the United States. From top to bottom, tubes to strikers—every Wind River® chime is made almost entirely from American-sourced materials. We use string and pipe from New York, Georgia and Florida, native hardwood from Pennsylvania, metal components from the Midwest, and sustainable, rot-resistant California redwood.

Wind River® is pleased to offer our line of fully licensed Rotary International® wind chimes. With each passing breeze, these wind chimes sing a song of harmony and hope. As members and supporters of Rotary International®, we are proud to share 10% of our gross sales of these wind chimes.

Yours in Rotary, Jamie & Patty Baisden

 

Rotary Conference Registration is open! ?? From April 3-6, 2025, we’re gathering at the beautiful Inn at Virginia Tech in Blacksburg, VA for a weekend of inspiration, learning, and unforgettable fellowship.

Why Attend?
This year’s conference promises to be an exciting event! Here’s what you can look forward to:

?? Engaging Speakers – Hear from renowned experts like Richard Reeves on rebuilding relationships, Steve Lerch on the power of AI, Rotarian and Holocaust survivor Sam Harris on critical lessons from history, and more! Check the conference website for more updates and speakers.

?? Show-Stopping Entertainment – Tap your toes to Dueling Pianos, sing along with a Beatles Tribute Band, and enjoy camaraderie that only Rotary can offer.

?? Hands-On Fun – Create a lasting memory with arts and crafts, where you can paint LOVE letters or a peace pole to symbolize connection and peace in your community.

?? Fellowship Like Never Before – Share stories, laughter, and ideas with Rotarians from across the district. From Pints for Polio to a Wine & Chocolate Tasting and our annual Whiskey Tasting, there’s something for everyone.

?? The Famous Rotary Cookie Table – In honor of RI president Stephanie Urchick, Saturday night will be Pittsburgh food theme. Bring a batch of your favorite cookies to share at our cookie table—a sweet tradition that connects us all. Taste your way through a variety of treats and maybe discover a new favorite!

?? Professional Networking Opportunities – Build connections with business leaders, attorneys, and professionals from across the district. Share insights, forge partnerships, and explore opportunities to grow your impact both in your career and in service.

?? Learn & Grow – Participate in interactive breakouts, youth-focused sessions, and discussions that showcase the heart of Rotary’s mission.

?? Make an Impact – Roll up your sleeves and join the district service project on Saturday afternoon. Together, we’ll demonstrate Rotary’s commitment to making a difference while having fun and connecting with one another.

?? Memorial Service and Final Awards – Celebrate our Rotary family, reflect on our impact, and look forward to the future.

To Register > https://www.rotary7570conference.com/

Help us preserve the written story of District 7570 club history.  D7570 is fortunate to have a storage room at the Virginia Tech Corporate Research Center in Blacksburg to house our records and memorabilia.  In addition, the district will save any electronic resources provided by clubs for future reference. 

This is a good time for the outgoing club presidents to complete a Club History form to record highlights from the previous Rotary year.  It’s also a good resource for past presidents to complete for their year as president.  Please take a moment to review this form and complete one for as many Rotary years as possible.  Forms may be emailed to DG Paula Alston ([email protected]), who will save them in the history archives room.  Form link:  Click here