Gus Lebois updated us on John Rankin, home and progressing well.
President Ernie reminded us about Membership Blitz “Road Test Rotary”. Remember this goes through June 30.
You received the invitation to Italian Night, dinner et al prepared and presented by Steve Capelli and Bonnie Walston. Now it is time for RSVPs – positive or negative (so we do not omit you) – all needed by April 18 to Marie (mbcalafiura@gmail.com or 410 430 2035). Also invite guest and/or potential members – numbers and names are needed on this as well, i.e. for food preparation and accommodations. Also, cancellations are requested in ample time.
Reminder: Do you have a potential idea for the community which may lead to us applying for a District Grant? Writer will be submitting one. And you? If so, please reach B.J. Summers by April 25 at: bjsummers072481@gmail.com or at 443-880-4286.
Upcoming
April 18 -- Learn about “Believe in Belize” project
April 25 – Italian Night, reservations are needed
May 2 – Eric Johnston, son of previous member Paul, will inform us of Eastern Shore Leadership Institute.
May 9 – Special event: Pork Chop/Shrimp Dinner
What’s Up: What other spring activities do we support?
Tonight, it was two-fold, a speaker from the DAV and another presenting her 4-H project.
President Ernie introduced George Dutton, who is with the Disabled American Veterans (DAV), Chapter 34, housed at the Holly Center grounds.
George Dutton, DAV.
To be eligible for assistance by the DAV, one needs to have sustained an injury while in the military. The benefits range widely, even including transportation to medical appointments and facilities. Yes, there is paperwork involved but the assistance is well-worth the effort. Those who help administer the services are volunteers, giving of their time and talent.
President Ernie asked Mr. Dutton to accept a contribution from our club to the DAV ($3,000). These funds were part of the net proceeds of the golf tournament held fall 2023.
President Ernie presents check to guest speaker George Dutton.
The second speaker was Claire Moreno, who has a 4-H service project (equal to an Eagle Scout project). It is called “United We Grow”. Her presentation discussed the inclusiveness of persons who are unable to participate in activities due to disabilities, i.e. achieved by the assistance of others and also with special equipment. In our community we had a group called “Athletes Helping Athletes” and these parties assisted disabled persons to engage in activities that they would otherwise not be able to. An example would be a 5K or 10K race. Those assisting would help the runner in any manner needed. The organization then either branched off or re-visioned itself by a name-change to Team 360. You can see and read more at the site https://www.team360run.com/
Claire Moreno, 4-H Team 360 Project.
Claire Moreno, a junior in high school, is a member of that organization, which was begun by her relatives. In this organization she is a runner, also one who assists those who are disabled to participate in the same event. Her aunt, uncle, and dad also participate.
But at times the disabled person rides on a piece of equipment, Axiom Adrenaline Race Chair, nicknamed “green rocket”. As a wingman (the runner assisting the disabled party during the run), Claire pushes the cart or runs along-side it (Wingmen periodically change positions during a run.). The result is the race has been inclusive, and the disabled accomplish a feat, shown by “sheer delight and proud faces.”
Claire’s project is to inform the public of this feat of inclusiveness and to seek funds to help acquire additional pieces of equipment (Green rockets – each of which approaches a cost of approximately $6,000). Currently Team 360 owns two “rockets”, but is in need of more so other than two disabled persons may participate. The need at an event may even rise to ten – so right now some have to sit out. This “green rocket” can accommodate a young person as well as an adult.
At the end of her presentation, from her to
.us: Do you know:
someone who is disabled and would like to participate
someone who wants to assist and be a wingman
someone who would like to be a financial partner?
Claire Moreno with President Ernie.
President Ernie thanked Claire for her presentation and mentioned that the Board meets next week and will discuss a potential contribution.
Congratulations to this week’s winners – Dan Williams and Dave Orem, each took home $10.
What’s Up:
Scholarships to high school and college students. Plus, a couple years ago we supported Field 7 ½ at the Henry Parker Athletic Grounds in north Salisbury. This past week both had their annual events: SU Scholarship Luncheon and Little League Opening Day. Here are some snapshots.
Salisbury University Foundation annual Luncheon
In attendance on behalf of Rotary Club of Salisbury, Fred Mitchell, Dick Meeks, and Allen Brown.
Opening Day for Challenger teams at Field 7 1/2.
Allen Brown, Rotarian and member of the Parks and Rec Commission, and Superintendent Dr.Stauffer.
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