On March 31, our Club listened to Springfield, Illinois author and retired teacher, Kathy Lamsargis, speak about her debut book, Marbles in a Fishbowl. The book is a tribute to her grandparents and the life lessons she learned while spending time with them.
Kathy explained that the book explores the legacy of grandparents through shared memories of her and her sisters' experiences, highlighting the positive life lessons imparted by them. These experiences and lessons demonstrate that grandparenting matters.
Kathy also identified how her book aligns with Rotary's Four-West Test, which are the guiding principles for Rotarians to use for their personal and professional relationships. Specfically:
1. Is it the TRUTH?
- All the book's stories are true family stories
2. Is it FAIR to all concerned?
- Some character's flaws are revealed during the stories, but meaningful lessons are taught through these characters experiences.
3. Will it build GOODWILL and BETTER FRIENDSHIPS?
- Friends are made in the book while learning positive, life lessons.
4. Will it be beneficial to all concerned?
- Readers have recalled fond and sad memories of their grandparents that bring happiness and motivation to create happier memories, respectively.
The book is written for readers of all ages, notably teachers, parents, and children. It shares family recipes and offers up study questions to invoke introspection, understanding and memories.
The evening concluded with a book signing, allowing attendees to commemorate Kathy's interactions with her grandparents and reflect on the significance of intergenerational relationships.
Our Club appreciates Kathy for providing glimpses into the lives of her grandparents, Roy and Jane Bode, and sharing her lived stories with them. It set the mood for us to recall moments and memories with our own grandparents.