Call to order: April 18, 2024 - Meeting was called to order by President Ernie Colburn.
He asked Rotarians to lead the way for:
Allegiance Pledge -Dan Williams
Four-Way Test - Dick Meeks
Invocation - Rocky Burnett
Guests Nabil Bedewi, our speaker for this evening; Dave Leone, current Rotarian of Wicomico County Club, and his guest Andrea Croyle
In addition: Rotarian Kathleen McLain reported that Scott, the spouse of Rotarian Gail Anderson, is facing pancreatic cancer and is being treated on the western shore. A card was available for members to sign.
As tradition has it, President Ernie continued with his weekly joke.
President Ernie read the thank you note from Claire Moreno, who at a prior meeting spoke about her project “United We Grow” – namely, a 4-H project to promote inclusiveness of disabled persons in events with the help of Team 360. One of her projects is the “green rocket” for the disabled, who ride in during races and marathons while the piece of equipment is guided and pushed by members of Team 360.
Audrey Orr came forth to the podium to tell us about this year’s Flags for Heroes. Sponsorship forms are available. The event, in its ninth year, will again be held at the southeast corner of Route 50 and Hobbs Road from May 15 (set-up at 5 p.m.) through June 19. Please consider promoting and participating in this event, all via time, talent, and treasures.
Audrey Orr, Flaga for Heroes.
The Blitz continues. Watch your email for your consideration of proposed new members. Also, think of those you know – would they make good Rotarians? If so, inquire of them.
April 25 has changed -- you have been notified. Italian night will be rescheduled at a later date. But we have Quaiyum “Dave” Khan, who will present on climate change.
Another upcoming presenter is Eric Johnston, son of former Paul Johnston, who will tell us about the Eastern Shore Leadership Institute on the second of May.
Then on May 9 a special event of pork chops/shrimp dinner. Watch for emails on the latter.
What’s Up: See the statement near the bottom to clarify the What’s Up from March 14.
President Ernie introduced our speaker for the evening Nabil Bedewi, a Rotarian from the Potomac Bethesda Club, who established the non-profit “Believe in Belize”.
Nabil Bedewi, Believe in Belize.
Belize, formerly a British colony in Central America, is located in the Caribbean, and, of course, an absolutely scenic spot where tourism is the major industry. Here on this island, 390,000 persons reside became independent in 1981 and has a current budget of $500 million. The minimum wage is $2.50, annual salary $7 thousand and half of the population is in poverty.
You can picture it.
Yes, schools, but the children go to school up to the fifth grade, then stop, and for females, they stop earlier than that. Six percent of the youth attend high school, a huge number are wed prior to 18 years old, and almost one-sixth of the population is diabetic. You can picture that as well.
Mr. Bedewi visited there and wanted to do something. So, he started a charity which attempts to assist. The first project involved 200 computers for the area, then Covid hit in 2020. In 2021 the charity enabled firetrucks to be delivered. Since more and more assistance has been presented to Belize.
Believe in Belize.
The charity has four pillars: education, health, community and environment. So, its projects involve school supplies, bikes, computers, prostheses and more. Mr. Bedewi, his family and friends continue to help and seek the help of others, such as each of us.
Congratulations to this week’s winners – Audrey Orr and George Whitehead, each took home $14.
What’s Up:
A couple of weeks ago, we had a chicken dinner which was preceded with smoked salmon. But we need to clarify this a bit. Way back when, yes special dinners were held as they are now – it may have been steak cookouts, maybe chicken dinners (mainly an entree and sides); but the attendance seemed to be decreasing. At a board meeting,approximately end of Rotary Year 2016-2017, discussion was held on possible reasons and solutions for improvement.. Our current president Ernie, who was on the Board at that time (secretary), suggested modifying the dinner somehow, like a “fin and fowl” and that is what happened the succeeding year’s special events. We had “fin and fowl” – smoked or perhaps grilled salmon as the first course, appetizer style. Thanks, Ernie, for the suggestion which has continued throughout the years and remains delicious!!!
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