December 14, 2017 Meeting of West Bay Rotary

 

Members of the CHRHS Interact club attended along with staff from Safe Passage, where the club is planning a trip in the spring of 2018 for a week to volunteer at the school at the Guatemala City Dump.  We saw a slide show and heard about the history of Safe Passage, Hanley Denning of Yarmouth, its late founder, and the expansion of the education, nutrition and extracurricular programs of Safe Passage since its founding in 1999. They serve 2000 meals a day, have 500 students in a January - October school year. They also have an on-site clinic, that does physical exams and vision screenings, and have psychologists and social workers on staff. Kids receive reproductive education. Rotary has contributed more than $1M to Safe Passage, including support from PDG Deb Walters and her kayak trip to raise money for the cause. Their full-day program, expeditionary learning and team approach is meant to combat the strong gang culture in Guatemala City. 

 

Bruce Malone reminded us that Mary Sargent will succeed Mik as president, and those who were put forward were Kim Milton for President-elect, George Abendroth as Secretary, Kristen Lindquist as Treasurer, and Ken Gardiner as Vice President. There were no other nominations from the floor, Sandy moved that the secretary cast one vote for the slate, which was approved by the membership.

Trina will be inducted next week.  

Etienne announced that at the next Rotary convention in Toronto in June 2018 WBR and Masons on a Mission will have a stove booth that will showcase the work in Guatemala building vented cook stoves in homes. 

Mik's project, Midcoast Recovery Coaltion, is soliciting year-end gifts that will be matched by an anonymous donor $1 for $1 up to $10,000 by 12/31/17. 

Mik reminded the club of the annual holiday party tonight at the Roger's house on Chestnut Street.

Ron Hall recognized Delores Hyssong for her participation in EREY.

Mark Coursey said he would be sharing ideas soon about how Community Service may support the Mid Coast Recovery Coalition.

Terry Bregy said tree sales are going well, and Bob Rubin said we have netted $6500 to $7000 already. Sales this weekend will be crucial.

International Service will be meeting at 8a on Tuesday in the parlor of the church. She reported that the family from the Congo has been provided with winter clothing, and it involved much collaboration in the community.

Mark Materson has sold his house, and is looking for a home for two female cats.

The $1316.50 raffle prize was won by Ella Pierce, daughter of Mike Pierce!!