President Bob Sweitzer called the meeting to order by leading us in the Pledge of Allegiance. Program Host, De-de Mulligan followed with an invocation about peace.
PROGRAM: De-de then introduced Carol Crimi and David and Janet Dix of the Kent Club to talk about their visit to El Salvador last June to celebrate a new water project.
David, the retired publisher of the Record Courier, Stow Sentry and other papers, began by describing El Salvador's beauty and giving an historical perspective on their violent, civil war history that went from 1979 through 1992 when their cold war ended. During that time,75, 000 were killed and 2 million people fled to the United States. It took until 2019 when there was a real change in leadership and tourism was encouraged. Beginning then, Rotary teamed with 6 villages to carry out water projects.
Janet humanized their trip by talking about the delicious papusa, a native food of El Salvador made with a flour cake with meat, spices, cheese and possibly beans inside. It is served with sauce or a vinegar slaw. She too talked about the beauty of the country and the warmth of the people.
Carol described that there are 14 sections of El Salvador where originally one rich family per country controlled each section, CoCoDa has been the focus of Rotarian efforts starting in 1992 when conversations were started with the U.S. after horrible destruction there. Since that time relationships have been built, health has improved, schools have been created, scholarships have been available and water projects have been started, all with a $2.5 million investment. Health partnerships with medical schools in the United States have been created.
At this point, there has been involvement from our district in water projects for about 20 years. During that time sanitation has improved, water related diseases are down, children are healthier, school attendance is greatly improved and the women of the communities spend far less time carrying water. 90% of the people have running water.
There are 6 water projects in El Salvador and Nicaragua. Our presenters were there to celebrate Sistema Apolinario Serrano, the latest of the six projects. Solar panels create energy that is then controlled with special equipment for 6 rural communities. Suchitoto, a Center for peace is located there and was the place that the group stayed.
If others are interested in being on the next Rotary Delegation Trip, it will occur from June 6-13 this year. Cost is $900 for the week plus airfare. Go to cocoda.org for mor information.
BUSINESS MEETING:
Bob thanked Todd Hearty and Jill Smith for getting us checked in this morning and welcoming out visitors.
CELEBRATIONS:
Birthdays: Marty Tass will celebrate his birthday on Friday.
Happy Buck: Andy Denton said that their daughter, Marcie, successfully defended her dissertation last week through Kent State and is now Dr. Denton.
Drawing: Annie Hanson Hilaire's table had the winning ticket but Annie drew the 5 of clubs so the pot will continue to grow.
ANNOUNCEMENTS;
Bunny Trail Hop: Steve Dunton reminded us that this Saturday is the event at Silver Springs Park. The first shift will set up beginning at 9:30 so all is ready for the 10:00 to 1:00 event where about 700 children are expected. We will be by the baseball field, so Steve suggests that Rotarians park on the Young Rd. side. If you have volunteered, look for an e-mail from Steve with specific directions.
Foodbank: Our next volunteer time will be Wednesday, April 8 from 4:30-6:30 at the Foodbank. Please help if you can.
Golf Committee: The next meeting of the Golf Committee will be Monday, March 30 at 6:00 at the FOP Lodge. Note that a form for sponsorships and registration is attached to these minutes.
Walk of Hope: Watch for an e-mail from Maria Ferrara as far as how to participate in the walk, to benefit Resolve, an organization which supports issues of infertility. We will have a team from our Rotary club, that will walk, but it is also possible to be a virtual walker or to donate. The walk is at 8:00 a.m. on Saturday, April 25 at the Akron Zoo.
Bob closed the meeting by leading in the Four-Way-Test
DATES TO REMEMBER:
Saturday, March 28 starting at 9:30 a.m., Bunny Trail Hop at Silver Springs Park
Monday, March 30, 6:00 Golf Committee Meeting at the FOP Lodge
Wednesday, April 1, 7:30 a.m. Morning meeting at The Center when Cindy Billideau will speak about the “Say My Child's Name” Foundation.
Wednesday, April 8, 4:30-6:30, Volunteer time at the Akron-Canton Foodbank
Friday, April 10, 7:15 a.m. Board Meeting at City Hall
Friday, April 24 and Saturday, April 25, Rotary District 6630 Conference of Clubs at the Marriott in Warrensville Heights on Harvard Rd.
Saturday, April 25 at 8:00 a.m. at the Akron Zoo “Walk of Hope” to benefit Resolve.
Wednesday, April 29 no morning meeting because it is a fifth Wednesday.
Saturday, May 9, Heroes Day
Saturday, May 23, mid-morning, Adopt-A-Spot planting
Friday, June 12, Golf Outing
Wednesday, October 14, Reverse Raffle/Silent Auction
Respectfully Submitted,
Andrea Denton