April 5, 2022 Meeting
Announcements:
Tom Bates spoke of the successful hygiene project and that it will happen again in September. He asked that members buy bulk quantities of toothpaste, etc. as the price is better. These purchases can be reimbursed.
Doug Winter spoke of Fr. Hector's shelters in Juarez; how the people in need of medical care have difficulty in finding a clinic and obtaining transportation. FEMAC works on both sides of the border and has been helpful in that process. Doug indicated that he and Tom are seeking to apply for a Global Grant to help with the work in Juarez. One problem is to find a suitable partner club in Juarez.
Rosie Higgs said the Camino Real Club in El Paso could be very very helpful in this regard; Sunny K. will provide contacts.
Rosie said there is a formula for oral rehydration for infants; adding dry formula to bottled water--especially useful during hot weather.
Peter Falley spoke of how to donate to the Ukraine Disaster Fund by signing in or just going to the RI website where there is a donate button specifically for Ukraine Disaster Relief. All Disaster Relief donations by 4/30/22 will go to Ukraine relief.
Vlad said there are four high school scholarship applicants, and the winners will be decided this week.
Maggie said there are 7 applicants for WNMU Rotary Scholarships.
Sunny announced a board huddle with the foundation board immediately following this meeting, and a regular board meeting on 4/12, and a foundation board meeting on the 4/19.
Steve Chavira is not present due to a hospital stay, but there is another Toastmasters Demo meeting tonight at 6 pm, via zoom.
He is back at home.
Kathy said the Rotary Friendship Exchange group (6 people) will be arriving on 10/17, leaving on 10/21. Host families are responsible for bed and breakfast. Others will provide support, transportation and day trips. Member input for entertainment needed.
Visitors can be told they might have to pay for something. On
October 19, the visiting Rotarians will be our Tuesday program.
Ashley Olson, former visiting student, had twin girls, both healthy.
Francis Reyes doing well in Riverside, Ca., very busy and says hello. She has joined a Rotary Club.
Meeting Notes:
Ray said the Piano Party rehearsals are going well. The last song in the singalong will be the National anthem for Ukraine, but we will not sing, just listen. He and Maggie will be at the door to take in the money. Since 25 seats have been promised to the University, Peter F. suggested blocking off an area for them.
Niel reported that the Auction Committee had met and that we must now select beneficiaries. There was some discussion of using the club's 100th anniversary next year as a theme and possibly coming up with a lot of $100 auction items, possibly by grouping smaller items into $100 lots.
Sunny said we still have time to apply for new District Grant. The preliminary grant proposal must be in by June 15. It must be something to benefit the community.
She also said she spoke to Dave Chandler from the Commons, who talked of the food shortage, globally and locally. Rotary members can once again chip in with labor. There was general support for using a District Grant to help The Commons address food shortages.
We will have to identify a Point of Contact (POC) for any new District Grant. The POC's job will be to put in the proposal and later write reports on the progress of the project.
Barbara Smith said the median needs care. Jim said the student who was maintaining the median has graduated and he will look for someone else.
Happy Dollars:
Max and Rosie Higgs are celebrating 36 happy years of marriage out of 48 (according to Max), on April 13th.
Sunny K is having her long awaited back surgery this month.
Niel found someone to take his drug addicted horse (yay!) and can now buy a new one.
Niel is also celebrating his 25th wedding anniversary in May.
Doug said he and his girl-friend are opening a cafe (with weird movies) in El Paso on Texas Ave.
Tom is celebrating a birthday next week. 85!
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