Page 18 - LIN_February_2024_web-version

Love

Makes the World Go Round

by Lois Bolin, Ph.D., Old Naples Historian

ebruary is the month of love, caring “It was the finest thing I have seen or hope to see this side of
and kindness; but why do we heaven,” said John Ladd, another survivor who saw the chaplains’
F emphasize these “feelings” in the month selfless act. This altruistic action constitutes one of the purest
of February more than any other month? spiritual acts of love a person can make. “When giving their life
Some say that February is a time to recall jackets, Rabbi Goode did not call out for a Jew; Father Washington
that ‘Love Is A Verb’. According to Scott did not call out for a Catholic; nor did the Reverends Fox and
Peck, noted psychiatrist,” It is something we Poling call out for a Protestant.” They simply gave their life jackets
do which involves a conscious action when we act with loving to the next man in line. Of the 902 men aboard the U.S.A.T.
kindness towards one of our human family members [and furry Dorchester, there were only 230 survivors.
members too]. In Peck’s classic self-help book, The Road Less Carl Sandburg said, “Valor is a gift, those having it never know
Traveled (1978), he noted, “Love is as love does. Love is an act of for sure whether they have it until the test comes.” I think it is
will—namely, both an intention and an action. Will also implies safe to say that Reverend Fox, Rabbi Goode, Reverend Poling, and
choice. We do not have to love. We choose to love.” (I am not so Father Washington passed life’s ultimate test for selfless love. In
sure about this.) doing so, they became an enduring example of extraordinary faith,
In 1965, Deon Jackson’s song, Love Makes the World Go Round, courage, and selflessness.
th
captures the essence of love as a driving force that influences our Since Lely Presbyterian Church will be celebrating its 50
nd
rd
actions and interactions. His song celebrates the power of love, anniversary on February 3 , the 2 Annual Four Chaplains
emphasizing that it can bring joy, unity, and hope to a world Recognition Service will be held on Friday, February 9, 2024,
plagued by chaos and division. (Yes, we do need more love.) at 10:30 a.m. in the church’s sanctuary. Several notable and
Is that all there is? accomplished individuals will be recognized by Pastor Ed Brandt,
According to singer Peggy Lee, not necessarily. While her followed by a luncheon in Kemp Hall. The public is invited.
mournful song tells a story of disillusionment and existential February 22 The Ann Children’s Fund (ACF) was established in
angst, it also holds a message of hope and suggests that it’s only 2019 by Founder and President Lori Roman as a tribute to her
by confronting our disillusionment can we truly appreciate life. mother, Ann Stillwagon. Anne was a Girl Scout Troop leader for
I have taken us back in time to portray ‘love’ through the girls with Down syndrome and a translator of children’s books into
eyes of notables such as Scott Peck, Deon Jackson, and Peggy braille for children who were visually impaired.
Lee, so let’s fast forward and look at love through two notable Ann Children's Fund is about giving families and their children
community stewards whose love gives us hope. the help they need to ensure their children will thrive and grow
February 9. Four Chaplains Day, (normally February 3rd), is up strong by providing them with much needed "extra" help that
the day we honor four World War II military chaplains, who ensures they have hope for the future.
sacrificed their lives for fellow service members. It was 1943 and This February 22, at the Ritz-Carlton Tiburon at 6 p.m.,
the U.S.A.T. Dorchester was sailing across the Atlantic Ocean, you can participate in Martinis & Mulligans, a one-of-a-kind
packed to capacity. Tragedy struck when a German submarine crazy putt-putt adventure with celebrities and pro golfers, benefiting
torpedoed the ship, killing hundreds onboard. adopted and foster children with special medical needs.
After the blast most of the men were topside, as the chaplains Honorary Chairs are The Honorable Byron Donalds and Erika Donalds.
Whether love is a noun or a verb, February is the
opened a storage locker and began distributing life jackets. When
there were no more lifejackets, the chaplains removed theirs and
gave them to four frightened young men. perfect month to realize the power of love and the
hope it brings to our world.

18 Life in Naples | February 2024