June 4, 2015 West Bay Rotary Meeting

Abigail spoke to the membership for the second time about her fourth humanitarian trip in December of 2014.  Abigail traveled to a remote village in Guatemala with her Aunt Laurie, who is a Nurse Practitioner, and her mother Kathryn to provide medical care to the people living in that village.   Abigail’s Aunt Laurie learned of a man, David, who that had adopted 30 children.  Laurie contacted him to see if Abigail, Kathryn and she could come down and provide medical services to his family.   David stated that his family was taken care of but the local village could use some help.  So, in December, they traveled to Guatemala and with David’s help, made it to the village.  Within the week they were there, they provided medical services to 80 people, organized and handed out medications and food, distributed clothing from consignment clothes they had brought with them and had fun with the villagers.  

 

Abigail said this trip was different than the others as she was more prepared for the realities of being in a village like this.  She has learned to be more patient and is more comfortable in this environment.  She also felt like she could do more.  Her Aunt has taught her a lot about providing health care.  She took vital signs, helped dispense medications, and helped teach nutrition and hygiene. 

 

Abigail shared some observations of the health challenges the population has.  Nutrition is a big issue as the land is not fertile and they have to buy all of their food.   Additionally, trucks come in every day bringing soda to the local merchants to sell to the locals.  Soda is cheaper than water so they drink a lot of this.   This has resulted in a significant rise in obesity and sugar related diseases.  Lastly, the open fires in the homes cause significant lung ailments.

 

In addition to this trip, Abigail has also done similar trips to Burma and Mozambique.  Abigail is a junior at CHRHS and during the summers she works and raises money for these trips.  Thank you, Abigail, for sharing this amazing experience with us and for all you have done.  We can’t wait to hear what you are planning next.

*************************************************

 

New Member Induction:  Jessica Kent sponsored by Lisa Sojka.   Welcome Jessica!

 

Jane Lafleur:  Described some of the Rotary Foundation Recognitions

Some clubs are recognized for being made up entirely of Paull Harris members.

Some clubs are recognized for having 100% of their members give at least $100.00 per year to EREY.

Our club has not yet reached the EREY goal but we are getting there!!

Remember that the West Bay Charitable Foundation is the vehicle for accepting and giving charitable donations.

 

Buckets on the table:  Holly Campbell’s husband had a serious stroke last week and was flown to Maine Medical Center.  The buckets on the table are for Holly and her husband. 

 

Annual Dinner is Tuesday June 30^th at 6pm at the Samoset.  Please sign up or talk to Barbara Heard to attend

 

Sandy Cox:  The street lights in Camden are green and the bases are very beaten up.  Sandy is asking to for five teams of two people to help restore the light posts. This will entail sanding, priming and painting.   The days set aside to do this are saturdays 6/13 and 6/20 from 9-12.  Sign-up sheet are available or talk to Sandy.

 

Rodney Lynch:  Maine Boats and Harbors boat show is August 14-16^th.  Get ready to sign up to help

 

Hans Christian:  Rotary exchange student from Denmark, is speaking at the Camden Club Tuesday at noon next week

 

West Bay Rotary Board Meeting was yesterday.  A discussion was had about the Union Sunrise Club.  Martha Johnston Nash requested that West Bay Rotary stop hosting the Sunrise club as the club is down to four members from nine.  The board agreed.  However, if there is interest by the community at another time, the Union Sunrise club will be started again.

 

Auction:  Terry Bregy auctioned 25 lbs of Vidalia onions. Three 8 lbs bag were sold for $10 each to Jane Lafleur, Sandy Cox and Joan Lemole.  Bon Appetit!

 

Next Week’s Speaker:   Brien Davis of Hope Orchards