Meeting Minutes - June 22, 2016

Posted by Jim Bush and Dave Read on Jun 22, 2016

The "Goodbye" Meeting

Guests: Ashlynn Hopkins (Gary), Bill Bush (Jim), Sadie Doyle, Elida Iskandarova (Dave Stachniok), A.J. Rella, Luke Medina (Marty & Tina), Shirley Bassage (she's a guest?), Rollo Black, Rory Sloan (Bob & Dianne), Donna Johnson (T.J.Chamberlain).

MIA: Brian Brooks, Pam Dean, Marie Fessler, Cheryl Ford, Gary Haigh, Robert Ike, Debbie LeMoyne, Peter Park, Arnie Pechler, Dave Pray, Jenn Preston, Chris Santelli, Maurina Schmidt, Cindy Surline, Andy Wahl.

Birthdays: Katie Read, Autumn Sloan.

A bittersweet meeting by some measures: We bid farewell to Sofia Coll, who is soon bound to return to Barcelona after her life-changing year with us in Palmyra and Macedon. Just whose life changed? Hers? Ours? Or both! Ask anybody who knows her if they think the future is brighter because of the youth involved in the Exchange program. Some tears, some laughs, many warm and lasting memories on both sides of the equation. Bon Voyage, Sofia! We applaud your incredible talent and spirit and send our love and blessings with you as you embark on the next chapter of your life.

President Sparky's last day on the job, except for next week's Changeover picnic, when it's "out with the old, in with the new". But we have a hunch he won't be far from the center of power. And what a year it's been. The picnic is usually where we hear a summary of all the milestones of the past 12 months, so don't miss it. You probably have your own favorite. For sure, it was a "hands-on" presidency, and it's hard to think of anything that Mark Clement missed during his term - from the standpoint of overall improvement and maintaining membership interest. Kudos, Mark, on your excellent leadership and generosity of time and dedication. And the fun, of course!

President-elect Kim Clement kicked off the official goodbyes to Sofia Coll with a skillfully customized song to the tune of West Side Story's "Maria".

Marty Medina reviewed many of the highlights of his family's experience in sharing their home and time with Sofia as a host family. His poignant and very humorous memories revealed bits and pieces of why the student exchange experience is so often called "life-changing" - for both parties involved.

President Mark Clement tends to business as usual during his final club meeting

Bill Bush (L. with brother Jim) provided the program - about a new initiative in Wayne County which is associated with a national organization called Family Promise. Its general mission is to help homeless and low-income families achieve sustainable independence. It is gaining momentum nationally through some 200 affiliates. At the heart of each affiliate is an Interfaith Hospitality Network (IHN). The IHN marshals existing local resources to provide for homeless families as they work to get back on their feet. These resources include available congregational spaces, donated goods, and – most importantly – volunteers. (Bill explained that "families" in this context includes kids, and "homeless" refers to families who, through no fault of their own, find themselves without homes or good options for a place to live. They may be living with friends or relatives temporarily, but have no stable living environment.) Recognizing that this problem exists, a core group has formed in Wayne County to assess - independently from the government - a workable process that will fit the above mission goals.

The idea so far - 13 or 14 church congregations each host 4 to 5 families four times a year for one week. The people move from one church to another every week, where they are provided food and a place to sleep - while during the day they can focus on other services and gain momentum towards the end goal of a return to independence. Since many churches are somewhat idle during the week, there appears to be a "win-win" aspect to the approach. Many other variables in the process were mentioned, and Bill reminded us that the whole effort in Wayne County is in a preliminary stage. We will no doubt hear more in the future. At present, as Bill said, Rotarians are compassionate people who may offer other creative resources and ideas. Online information can be found at: http://familypromise.org/.