Posted by Delia Colorado on Mar 12, 2024
Hola. This week our speakers were Donald Marx and his wife Joan, a couple that shared with us their history in Afghanistan. After listening to them, our fellow Rotarian Ken McGrath wrote: "Today's talk about Afghanistan by Don and his wife was one of the most interesting that we have had. Fascinating and very instructional. Not many people would have had the courage to put themselves in harm's way for such a long period of time."  It is the most adventurous love story I have heard, both giving each other support in such difficult situations. And to Joanne, in this month of March that we celebrate women in Rotary, goes our congratulations on the good example that she gives. They sent Gerry their presentation, so if you would like to see it, please contact Gerry. As you may know it was a Zoom meeting because there was no water at AFDA.
 
Next week the Club is convened to meet at Tinto y Blanco at 6PM, so do not forget to be there. 
 
The Board of Directors had before them this information brought by the Treasurer: the amount that the Club charges us members for each lunch does not cover the cost charged by AFDA. Which means that the Club in general is subsidizing the meals. It was discussed whether it would be advisable to change to another venue. However, we considered that AFDA is a safe place where traditionally our meetings they never require not charge parking,  we do not have to carry microphones or badges and other stuff because they keep all our things stored away and bring them up for each meeting, they have never required a specific number of attendees and usually serve us on time.  They have to have at least two waiters for which they charge, on top of the raising costs of electricity, food, etc.  A committee has been named to investigate this matter, which is composed of Sal Nolfo, John Regis, Ken McGrath, Jorge Gonzalez, Juanita Morris, and myself. In the meantime, it has been considered advisable to charge $34 for each lunch to members and $35 to guests, starting May 1. If you have any ideas or suggestions, please do not hesitate to call one of the committee members to discuss them.
 
For next year 2023-2024 which starts next July 1, we have some vacant spots in the Board of Directors: Vice President, Treasurer and Membership. We need volunteers to come forward. Georgie is not continuing either as Foundation chair, but Tito stepped forward and accepted the position.
 
Antonia Jimenez has been accepted as a new member and Awilda Leduc is transferring from the Rio Piedras Club. Their induction will be March 19. Please come to AFDA to welcome our new members. That day the speakers will be representatives of ACUTAS, an NGO that was created after hurricane Maria for community development in Toa Baja, which I hope you will like. 
 
Hope to see you soon. Take care.
 
Delia
787-649-9425
deliacolorado@hotmail.com