I am half way there in my Rotary Year. It has gone as fast as the other Past Presidents said it would happen. With support from all, and extra support from many, we have accomplished much. These are just some of the highlights.
The year started out with a between celebration. Eloise ended her year and I had not started. We celebrated our 30th anniversary with a wonderful gathering of members, former members and dignitaries. I lead the group and Charter members Warren Smith, Dave Lorenzen, Peter Trevleaven provided institutional memory and labor with assistance from Jim Kirkbride and Jennifer Hembd.
What a way to start our 31th year. Then in July we help Del Raby celebrate his 90th birthday with his friends from near and far. We are off to a great start. Don Floriani and Paul O’Rear have brought us programs to peak our interests and inform our minds. The District Governor, Wulff Reinhold, made his annual visit and provided food for thought and his goals for the coming year. Our interact club at Elsie Allen is off to a strong start with faculty advisor Doug Gibson. Our club advisor, Ross Andress, has had a slow start with health issues but with support from Stacy, Rich Randolph and Eloise the club continues it support at Golden Living Center and other service projects in the community. They finished the holiday season with clothing and cash for the Valley of the Moon Children’s Home.
We enjoyed a 5 Rotary Club gathering with 120 people from the clubs coming together at The Livingroom. It was a wonderful opportunity to see what the contributions from our clubs were able to help build. How great to see a spot for women and children to be able to come and receive assistance.
Jack Strange stepped brought the idea of sponsoring the 6th Street Playhouse and our club by holding an event at the dress rehearsal of Rocky Horror Picture Show. Since it was my first time to see this crazy show, a good time was had by all. In the process, we raised money for the clubs operation and had fun doing it.
Under the leadership of Steve Herron and his committee, we were also able to raise $23,000 to fund our projects.
The fund a need also supported Elsie Allen and the hoped for goat and sheep barn with$10,000. We also received a District Grant of $2500 to finish the interior. Partnered with us was a grant from The Rotary Club of Santa Rosa ($1500) and our own Carolyn Anderson to complete the grant application.
Along the way the approval of the Clinic in Sabalos, by the ministry of health, finally happened. John Jones here and Raphael in Nicaragua continued the slow steady pressure and progress that made it happen. We anticipate a Jan. 6, 2017 start day. What excitement it will be to see pictures finally putting shovel in the dirt to start construction.
Some of us learned how to put together bikes for the local Santa Project. I hope they would stay together and be safe. It was nice it was not 2AM like years ago when my children young.
With a new member day to interest prospective new members, lead by Marty Behr, we also nominated and elected next years’ board.
Ending the year on a high note the Elsie Allen Lobosong chorus provided us a musical feast.
We remain healthy with monthly hikes and fellowship. When needed we try to provide sunshine and support to members that need it.
We ended our year at the home of Penny Millar and Paul O’Rear. I had the pleasure of providing some goodies supplemented by club members. This is my thank you to all of you.
Stay tuned to 2017 and the fellowship and accomplishments ahead.
Merle
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