Clavandentcher's News Briefs for January 05, 2010 HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!!! Liz opened the meeting by wishing all our Rotarians a happy New Year and gently chastising those who came last week to the meeting that wasn't. When it was suggested that "they" should get credit for attending a meeting, Jim gleefully stated he would be happy to charge them for the lunch they didn't eat. Jim Sivelle was our song leader and, dressed in coat and tie, he started the New Year off with a rousing rendition of "Row, Row Your Boat". I think we all knew the words. Liz announced that Mike Taylor, who was also dressed in stylish attire, won the world cup in shotgun shooting in the seniors division round at a tournament on Jan. 19. Congratulations, Mike. Nardy announced that he had just received word that our counterparts in India had received their check from R.I. for our joint lighting project. Liz circulated a bulletin from R.I. that identified that R.I. last year donated over $120 million to five major projects to include; clean water, economic development, basic education, mental and childrens' health and peace and conflict resolution. These are among the reasons we are Rotarians and donate to the Rotary Foundation. I started the New Year off by winning the 50/50 today and was happy to donate the proceeds to The Loaves and Fish Food Pantry. They pantry is beginning a building campaign and our club has just donated $5,000 toward that effort. Greg Hertz was our Program Chair and introduced Sandra Dennis, who spoke about a Mission their church, and other local churches, are sponsoring in Guinea Bissau, a small, extremely poor country in West Africa. Sandra spoke of the couple that ran this mission in a country that is 50% Muslim, about 50 % Animist and less than 5% Christian. The local support group provides some funds and material. (They noted that Gayle Siemers had sent a supply of Novocain and needles for the emerging dental clinic.) They also provide prayerful support for the work of the couple that run this mission. The mission provides education, medical and some dental support for the poor people of this small country. The country, previously occupied and run by the Portuguese, is a turbulent nation that has experienced many coups and administration changes. Over these years the infrastructure has deteriorated and the need for help is great. The mission now teaches over 900 students, many of whom are female who cannot be educated in Muslim schools. They provide rudimentary medical and dental support as well. The country's cash crop is drug smuggling which only benefits those in power. The mission tries to support the rest of the population. Craig Waldron (sp?) from a group named "equip21" presented pictures of the mission and the progress that has occurred in recent years as they have built school rooms, toilets and medical facilities. The work is needed and impressive. Sandra would welcome local support for this effort which can be in the form of money, supplies, volunteer efforts in Guinea Bissau or prayer. |