BULLETIN – December 18, 2024

By Tim Dempsey

 

President Jon Robb rang the bell, Jim Curtis gave the Pledge, Greeter Tom Miller led us in prayer and stand in song Meister Doug Fendon helped us through the last verse of the 12 days of Christmas.

 

-Rob Likus bragged that he and his family were on the cover of Libertyville Living.

-Rich Babjak presented 3 Evans scholarships to caddies at his golf club in Wisconsin.

 

-Our next meeting will be in 3 weeks on January 8^th.

-Steve Risley’s heart surgery has been postponed until January 2.

-Jeff Harger told us that Shelter Box raised $201k on giving Tuesday. He will be emailing updates on Shelter Box monthly.

 

-Jon Robb gave Elaine and her staff at Lamb’s a Christmas Bonus.

-Glenn Garlick told us that the Club has contributed $35k to the Rotary Foundation. He presented a Paul Harris award to Jim Curtis.

 

Mary Cole did not show up to do Fun & Frolics. I feel a Wheel coming. Doug Fendon filled in with a 12 days of Christmas presentation.

 

Today’s program featured a presentation about the El Obraje Water Project. A J Voth from Engineers in Action introduced Julie Lomax and Karen Kase who participated in a water project in Ecuador. Julie and Karen are members of the American Public Works Association. APWA has 32,000 members in the US with 2600 in the Chicago area. The group is dedicated to improving the health and well-being of vulnerable communities.

Karen and Julie were among a group that travelled to Ecuador in July. They visited El Obraje, a village of 200 people in the Andes mountains. The village is 10,000 to 11,000 feet above sea level. They spent 3 days at 9000 feet to become acclimated to the altitude. Ecuador lost 9% of its population during Covid. The village relies on farming and most villagers make less than $1 per day. They have no local healthcare and 14houses don’t have running water. They pay $.50 per month for water.

The problem is the existing water system was built 40 years ago and is subject to landslides during the rainy season (February through May). The remainder of the year the village suffers drought conditions. The existing water source is not sufficient for the village and is over a mile away. A new spring water source was found in the village and has good water quality. A tank will be located 850 feet above the spring. The village does not have the funds to connect the spring to the tank. The group did a topographic study to find the best location for the tank and connecting piping.

The next steps in 2025 include designing the tank location, pump and piping. The group will then build the water system. The pump will be solar powered. The project will cost about $135k. Funds are being raised by APWA, the Evergreen, Colorado and La Bamba Rotary clubs.

 

-Daily: $27 won by Howard Jaffe.

-Progressive: $270. Hapi Datt drew the 4 of diamonds. ROLLOVER!

 

-Greeter & Prayer: John McDonald.

-Fun & Frolics: Jim Curtis.

-Program: Ben Rodriguez from District 128.

 

The Rotary Foundation “Investing in Action” program brings together a global network of volunteer leaders who dedicate their time and talent to tackle the world’s most pressing humanitarian challenges. 

 

“Take your work seriously but yourself lightly”. CW Metcalf