Weekly Newsletter for July 21, 2010

ROTARY INFORMER for July 21, 2010 Another warm sunny day!!

President Jack greeted a nice group and Dr McMurray was the subject of today's “humor”. He then called on Ernie for the 4 way test which he handled with a few alterations. We then sang the 3rd verse of America the Beautiful and John Grob again provided an invocation.

Following lunch we sang Happy Birthday to Roger Winslow and then “Vive Le Rotary” all 4 verses, poorly but did better on Smile. Jack then invited Agnes Balon to come up to exchange flags. She thanked us for our hospitality and told us about her club in southern France. Jack was excited.

Kristy introduced 17 summer and visiting Rotarians. Other guests were Paul Ryan, David Hill, Philip Gulley Mackenzie Mainland who leaves for Peru next Wednesday, John and Matthew Fell and Sherwin Sokolove.

Bob Brummeler read a nice thank you note from Mike Dryden and then again appealed for help for the Sidewalk Sales. A sheet was circulated and several names were added. If everyone shows up we'll have lots of help. Bob thanks all who have volunteered.

Mackenzie thanked all those who attended her going-away party. Over 150 were there to wish her and Mallory well.  She also spoke that this would be her last meeting since next Wednesday she will be traveling to Peru!

Russ reminded us about the raffle of two tickets for a trip to the top of the Mackinaw Bridge. Tickets are $10 and the drawing will be held September 15, 2010. We hope to raise enough to provide 1500 stoves for needy folks in the Caribbean. Extra funds will be used for local projects. We'll be selling tickets at the Sidewalk Sale and any member who would like to help can see Ernie for tickets

John Scholten spoke about the second annual “Pedaling for Polio” on Sunday August 22. You can ride, make a donation or get sponsors to sponsor your ride. Our goal this year is to raise $2000 for Polio+. Someone offered to try to get back into the spandex, but Jack suggested that with enough pledges he would wear his “speedo”. That didn't get much support.

John Johnson gave a brief update on the Haiti project. They are currently raising monies to build several residences for the females on the project. The cost of the house for 22 is $34,000 each. They will provide a basic home with bathroom facilities, kitchen facilities,
occasional electric, and security.

PDG Chris spoke about TRF and presented Jay Neff with a PHF in memory of his dad Mort Neff. Jay said his dad was a Kiwanian but believed in service and he was sure his dad would be proud of the honor.

John Stakoe introduced the program (entertainment)today. It was a quartet of students from Bay View. There were 2 violins, a viola and a cello. They are all returning students and were excellent. They played Mendelssohns 80th opus. Following the performance they had to head back for a rehearsal of the Magic Flute” which will be presented at the Crooked Tree this weekend. Chris Ludveh(sp) the artistic director at Bay View then spoke about the programs and explained that Bay View is one of just a few “Chitaquas” still in existence. They have 4 avenues of activities religious, recreational, performance and education. Chris emphasized that they want to be sure everyone knows that all of the Bay View presentations are open to the public and they want people to take advantage of the programs