2106 June 30. Stiptease day.

 

Many many years ago we had a guest speaker who performed something approaching a striptease.  It was in context and ended up being all rather modest but there were moments when I wondered just how far she was planning on going.  It had me slack-jawed in anticipation I can tell you.  Well that was then and this is now.  At today’s meeting our strip artist was outgoing (now out-gone) President Bryce.  That earlier speaker, she was slim and attractive in an early middle-age sort of way. But Bryce? You know him well enough, so you finish the sentence…

This was the wrap-up meeting of the Rotary year, perhaps justifying Bryce’s strip show.  If you weren’t at the meeting you’ll have to ask around for details or see what you can find on YouTube. 

 

And for the benefit of those who found themselves unable to join us, here are a  few nota benes:  We managed to cobble together $440 in grocery gift certificates and cash for the food bank.  Thanks to those who helped out.

 

Lakeside a la Carte. Ticket sales are going okay-ish. We’re about one-third of the way there.  Lesley Alison will be heading up a silent auction. We need a few sponsors. Vince Molinaro will be a lead sponsor. See Rene if you can help with inspiration on this..

 

Our guest speaker was Henry Vanderlaan, Donor Development officer with International Needs Canada (INC).

 

INC is a faith-based organization that works in various countries, particularly those suffering from recent warfare and/or entrenched governmental corruption.  (A long list I imagine.)  International Needs Canada provides programs such as child sponsorship, community development as well as training in life skills and coping skills.

 

Henry told us about a joint Rotary Club of Lincoln/ INC project in Tecpan, Guatemala, a small town with a high level of maternal mortality.  Modern Guatemalan medical services are scant and far too many women die at childbirth.  Native Mayan tradition reveres the role of a midwife. INC and Rotary are working jointly to improve midwife education, combining the respect for their traditional role with the best of available modern medicine.

 

Henry’s presentation was short and in response to questions from the floor he explained that INC finds ways to use local assets and talents to solve community problems rather than western world solutions.

 

We ended early. As out-going president Bryce gathered his meeting notes and strewn clothing, a few people patted him on the back, or perhaps they were assuring him that memories are short.

Everyone left and that was it for another Rotary year.