While illiteracy in Ottawa County in lower than most of the state or nation, there are still about 8.7 % of the local population who cannot read at better than a 3rd grade level. R.E.A.D. is a volunteer organization that pairs volunteer tutors with students. R.E.A.D. has existed since 2008 to work with the local population to teach English to those whose first language is not English, or to assist those who have trouble reading English to improve. This service aids in family development by having parents learn how to read to their children, and in the business world by helping workers learn how to read directions, instructions, and other work related documents.

 

There are currently 40 students being tutored by R.E.A.D. volunteers. Each volunteer spends about 1-2 hours per week with their student. More than 100 students have been served since R.E.A.D. was founded in 2008.

 

Susan shared personal stories from several students involved with R.E.A.D.

 

In the last several months R.E.A.D. volunteers have been working with the ESL classes at St. Pat's Church on an English Conversation workshop. This is intended to introduce non-English speaking residents to everyday conversational English.

 

R.E.A.D. is currently fund raising with the goal of raising $500 per student per year. This is the approximate cost of teaching and testing materials for each student every year. Guest bar tending at Old Boys, Scrabble tournament at Seven Steps Up in Spring Lake on Nov 10, and several other fund raisers take place throughout the year.

 

The Grand Haven Area Community Foundation and 100 Or More Women Who Care have been very supportive of literacy efforts in NW Ottawa County. WGHN, Grand Haven Tribune and many other local businesses have also been supportive over the years.

 

For more information on R.E.A.D. visit their website at www.readottawa.org, call 616.843.1470, or email readottawa@gmail.com.

 

 

 

D'Vine Event - Thursday, June 30 at Farmer's Market at Chinook Pier from 6 - 9 p.m. Funds raised will go towards the Bolt Park children's play structure on the East End of Grand Haven. Tickets to the event will be $35 and will available online (it will be very easy). All club members are asked to assist in some way with this fundraising effort.  Matt Lator is chairing the event, and he reported that we had a fantastic array of auction items and he encouraged members to sell tickets.

Governor's Installation Dinner - The Installation Dinner for our new District Governor is planned for Monday, June 27.  Cost is $35 per ticket. This special evening will be held at the Trillium and will replace our regular Monday noon meeting to encourage more participation (members will receive a $10 credit).  There will be no weekly meetings on the 27th & 28th so members can plan to attend.

 

Mary Ann Herbst reminded everyone to PLEASE PLEASE register, there is still time to sign up.

 

Hops 4 Homes - Paul McNergney encouraged members to attend and share this fundraising event which will benefit Habitat for Humanity.  The event will be held at the GH Golf Club on Thursday, June 23 from 5:30 - 9:30 p.m.  Come and enjoy a variety of craft beer and music by Don Middlebrook.  For more info., call 616.846-1505.

 

July 14 - Social event at the Sailing Club.

 

Rotary International Convention - Gernot Runschke announced that in 2017 the Rotary International conference will be held in Atlanta. Members interested in attending should contact Gernot.

 

July 4 Flag Detail - Pat McGinnis announced flag install and take down will take place on July 4. Sihn up sheet was distributed. Any and all are welcome to help out.

 

Pancake Breakfast - Gail Ringelberg urged everyone to mark the date of Sunday, July 31, for the annual Rotary Pancake breakfast at Talmer Bank.

 

50/50 Raffle Tickets - No winner this week so it rolls over to the first meeting in July.