Opening Rituals and an Update
Thirteen Rotarians participated in the opening rituals and then President Caroline called on Nicole for an update. Community Grant applications due date is February 28th. A
committee will decide the receipts of the awards at a meeting at the Barre Social Club on Tuesday, March 4th at 5:30 pm. Awards will be given out at the annual Pie For Brunch event on April 5th.
Since Last We Met
No anniversaries or birthdays.
On this day in history: In 2016 American author
Harper Lee—who was nationally acclaimed and revered for her first novel,
To Kill a Mockingbird, which movingly depicts small-town life and racial prejudice—died at age 89.
Action Item
President Caroline passed out a membership worksheet and asked members to complete it and bring it to next week’s Club Assembly.
Announcements
Eddie reported that he had attended an Interact meeting at Spaulding High School to thank Margo Austin, advisor, and the students for their help in staffing the concession at the BOR.
President Caroline announced that we will be having a Speech Contest on Thursday, March 6th from 5-6 pm in the Vermont Room at the Aldrich.
A Happy Dollar and a Fine
The one HD at today’s meeting was given by Emily who was happy that Riley, her daughter and frequent guest, had her art work displayed (right behind where she was sitting) here in the Milne Room.
Karl rose to tell of an incident involving his nephew. He was driving on Washington Street when his car was deluged with a blanket of snow. Karl theorized that the culprit was Eddie and his snow blower. One-and-nine on Eddie for causing hazardous driving conditions on Washington Street. Eddie pleaded “plausible deniability”(the ability to deny
responsibility or knowledge of something without clear evidence). Admitting that he was probably the cause of the mayhem on Washington Street, Eddie paid the fine before it went to the “jury” for a vote.
Self-Defense
Nicole introduced our program presenter, Master Freddie LaPan.
Freddie LaPan is a highly respected figure in the martial arts world, recognized not only for his six world championships in sport karate, but also for his dedication to personal safety and self defense. With over four decades of experience, he has become a prominent expert in empowering individuals by teaching practical, effective self-defense techniques. His work goes beyond just martial arts, as he actively engages with schools, community, organizations and local groups offering workshops and seminars focused on personal awareness.
Freddie’s ability to make complex self-defense concepts accessible to all is a key reason his classes are highly valued. His approachable manner, combined with clear and engaging instructional methods, makes his teachings resonate with a diverse range of people. Whether for individuals seeking to enhance their own safety or those building their self-confidence, Master LaPan’s impact remains profound, giving people the tools to navigate life with greater assurance.
Freddie’s presentation was a blend of philosophy, principles and demonstrations..
Here are some of his major points:
- Awareness-scan your environment for potential trouble-don’t be distracted.
- Present yourself as positive and confident-mannerisms can make a difference.
- Avoid undesirables-people and situations.
- Put out your authority-raise your voice commensurate with whom you are engaged.
- Don’t challenge the ego of a potential assailant.
- A fight is mutual contact-self-defense is not a fight…yet.
- Find an opportunity to get out of the situation as soon as possible.
- Create a scene with witnesses.
- Be stern.
Many of these principles were demonstrated by Freddie and his willing assistant, President Caroline. He showed us how to use body parts relative to the degree of escalation. The first protective use of the body is presenting a confident self with an authoritative voice followed by the
position of hands, use of arms and elbows and knees. Eventually, you learn how to link these actions into a unified whole. These techniques can be used to break out of holds and grabs if the encounter escalates to that level. Freddie also demonstrated space and range considerations and how they affect action that you take to protect yourself.
In answer to the question of how one remembers how to use these techniques when in the “heat of the moment.” Freddie responded that you practice, with someone or alone, until it becomes part of “muscle memory.” This would be the equivalent of an instinctual or autonomic/involuntary response to a threat.
Rotarians thoroughly enjoyed Master LaPan’s talk/demonstration and President Caroline’s showing us her fast-learned self-defense skills. At the conclusion of the program, Rotarians gave a robust round of applause in appreciation.
For those interested in experiencing Master LaPan in person, more information is at:
Click this link to see President Caroline and Freddie in action:
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