The Area 4 Foundation Dinner last Thursday
evening with Orthopedic Surgeon PDG Dr. Joe Serra
speaking on his experiences working with polio victims in Africa
was well attended with nearly 180 Rotarians and guests present.
He shared personal stories, especially helping a young man that
lived much longer than most victims and eventually was able
to marry and have a family. Under the expert planning by pP
Nancy Kemp and pP Ellen Davis, the
highlights included special recognition for large donors, bequests
and, of course, Paul Harris Fellows, preceded
with remarks by DG Wyn Spiller.
The previous week’s program hosted by PDG Dave
Denney was another excellent and informative presentation.
PDG Chuck Elizondo brought us a new insight
into raising goats in Uganda and a better understanding of the
3-H Grant recently awarded by The Rotary
Foundation to our area. He and his team, including
two 4-H young ladies, shared a portion of a video they prepared
on the subject to include how to select goats and care for them
to improve the quality of life for the people of Uganda.
We were also reminded by pP Nancy of the importance
for each of us to save up at least $100 ($11 as a starter, then
25 cents a day works) to meet our objective of 100% participation
in Foundation giving. For those willing to strive for a PHF
in 12 months, a monthly $87 deduction from your bank account
is an easy way to go. Then, of course, there is the pP
Don Fultz method of each evening putting your spare
change in a jar. That can add up quickly!
Coming up at our meeting this week will be a presentation by
Gretchen Bond, Executive Director of Miners
Foundry. Her emphasis will be on the history of the Foundry
and its future. Just announced is a First Annual District
5190 Photography Contest emphasizing Rotary projects
– details available on request! The district Golf
Tournament will be held on May 13, 2009, in Reno and
save April 25 for Rotary Work Day when all
of the clubs in District 5190 will perform a work project in
their communities on the same day. Remember, our Area
4 eWaste project is coming up, so save those old computers
and printers for our Polio Plus fund raiser
and bring those old cell phones to the next meeting.
