John Moxon was our speaker at the June 22 & 23 Club meetings.
John was a Rotarian Exchange Student here in Grand Haven during the 1960’s, and is from the U.K. John spoke about the U.K.’s recent election and shared the three primary issues concerning voters; he believes U.S. voters will be faced with same issues in our next presidential election.
Economic integration: analogous to what has occurred in US; a definitive income disparity exists encouraging a free market trade approach.
Migration: historically the U.K. has taken in people from many areas in Europe; individuals did not have to obtain a Visa.In the last few years, there has been an influx of 600k.London has more people living there, who were not born there, than any other city in the world.One immigrant population is the French; this a result of the many economic difficulties occurring in France.Wages are higher in the U.K.
National Health Service: initially a very conservative government that initiated the system.The U.K. spends about 8.5% vs the U.S. which spends around 16%.Since 2008, health expenses have decreased in the U.K. However, there is a shortage of doctors and nurses, and many non-citizens will come to UK for medical services and then return to their country (e.g. women from Romania/Poland having babies in England’s hospitals because it is free vs their own country where it’s really expensive).
Tom Manderschied gave a summary of the DVine Event and thanked everyone for their support of this annual fundraiser.
John Clickner recognized some of the donors from the DVine Event.
Diane Sheridan announced Friday, July 3 Art Night in downtown GH
Brook Bisonet announced that Rotary will participate in the 30 year birthday celebration for the Grand Haven Farmers Market on July 11
Bill Bassow Club party honoring the outgoing President & welcoming the incoming President on July 15 will be held at the Grand Haven Sailing Club (Clubhouse 219 N Harbor) from 5:00-8:00 PM. Brats/Burgers, chips/snacks, ice cream, beer & wine will be provided by the club.
Pat McGinnis requested help setting flags and/or picking them up on July 4. Contact Pat at 616.402.0815 if you can help at 7AM or 8PM.
Gale Ringelberg asked for volunteers for teh annual pancake breakfast - July 26.
Dale Swihart announced the 50/50 $99 raffle. 26 Cards left. $496 in the pot. And it rolls over until next week!
Brook Bisonet announced that Rotary would be participating in the Walk the Beat event on August 15 in Grand Haven. Over 30 venues with live music will offer opportunities to enjoy local talent and win great prizes from noon - 5 p.m. More detail later.
Gernot showed slides and provided a description of the recent Rotary International conference in Sao Paolo, Brazil.
Gernot and incoming club President Brooke Bisonet led a club assembly regarding last year's accomplishments and discussion of the year upcoming. The Board is still accepting input on local and international projects and fundraisers.
Club members gave a rousing ovation to President Gernot on his year soon to be completed.
Gernot Runschke presented on the International Convention and Club Assembly
International Convention in Sau Paulo
Emphasis on youth
Key note: A young girl, eleven years old from UK shared her fundraising activities to benefit children with cancer. She raised 89,000 pounds by going door to door and soliciting business donations
Discussion regarding club issues – they are similar for most clubs around the world, i.e. maintaining and recruiting members. It was determined that each club should make own rules based on the community composition they serve. One new approach could be to ask our youth; they often have the most innovative ideas
Other: Many clubs in the US have not participated in international projects.
Gernot and others also toured the second largest hydroelectric plant; the dam is the length of the Mackinaw Bridge
Last GH Club Assembly in Oct 2014
Members distributed brochures and spoke at other local clubs to recruit members
Youth exchange will be a project again this year
Developed a budget to help eradicate Polio
Working to obtain additional funds from the State to complete the East town community project
Waterfront Stadium; hoping the City will solicit funds from the state, and Rotary will explore additional grant funding
Slate of Officers; no commitment for the President elect, Pat McGinnis – Secretary, Beth Larsen – Treasurer, Jay Greer – New Generations, Kari Shellie – Public Image, Community Service- Stacey Trowbridge, Eric Kaelin – Membership, Mark Hills – Foundation Chair, Mike Helsen – Vocational Service, Tom Baetens – Club Historian
Board meeting: discussed student of the month; Dolly Parton book club – 1 book per month distributed per student; fundraising ideas for next year based on needs in community; still looking for a volunteer with large shed to house the flags placed along Beacon during national holidays
Rotary Club of Grand Haven accepts responsibility to post flags on patriotic holidays. Easy up, easy down. Lots of opportunities to volunteer for this new local service opportunity this summer. NEXT ACTION DATE JULY 4 at 7:00 am and 8:00 pm.
