Lu Ann White led the meeting that centered on past Rotary service projects as well as a club vision for similar opportunities in the future. She began by highlighting some the different things we have been involved in during past years, from the Green Days to the bike station. She broke the types of projects down into different categories based to time, money, or time and money requirements.
She led an open discussion about where we wanted to go next as a club. She prepared charts in hopes of receiving feedback about what types of projects members were passionate about. Greg Baker emphasized the opportunity to receive community service grants and how efforts needed to be specific and in place well in advance to receive funding. Potential projects include installing handicap-accessible swings at local parks.
The District Governor is emphasizing the year of the Bicycle. One opportunity is the World Bicycle Relief, where bicycles are collected and sent to 3rd world countries. Transportation is essential to schooling and participation in the work force and bikes will go a long way to helping with that. The other fundraiser will come in November, the “Ride to Stamp out Polio.” Rotarians are encouraged to ride and receive pledges per hour or mile that will go towards eradicating Polio.
A vast array of other options were presented to the club to help volunteer or give back. They included installing a handicap accessible picnic table at the high school, involvement in mentoring programs or Best Buddies, marking local trails, and participating in building and clean-up efforts around the community. Mike Schoville also brought to attention the needs of elderly adults in the community that may not receive much interaction beyond that of staff and care givers at their facilities.
Please give Lu Ann and/or Bob feedback on what areas interest you and what you would be excited to help with going forward.