We would like to thank our special guest Anna Turosky for her excellent presentation on October 2. Anna's extensive experience with the Peace Corps in China is just a chapter in this world traveler's life and hope that we will learn more about her international adventures in the not-too-distant future. Thank you, Anna and we hope to see you again soon!

Volunteer Assignments for December 11:  Greeter: NEED VOLUNTEER;  50/50: Keith Krings;  B.A.B.Es: Manish Mehta

 

Registration for first quarter 2015 volunteer assignments will be circulated at the December 11 meeting.

 

"The best way to find yourself is to lose yourself in the service of others." ~ Mahatma Gandhi

At our last meeting, Phil Zepeda spoke about our recent District Grant proposal to improve the present infrastructure that provides water to the Nahavo residents served by St. Mary, St. Joseph and St. Anthony Missions in Tohatchi, New Mexico. Phil and Manish collaborated on a quick grant proposal and it was submitted in time for consideration for funding in 2014 - 15. In addition, $2500 from our RCAAN Foundation was earmarked for the project.

 

I would like to share a little background information on the project and the community's needs so that you are aware of the work that we are doing. The following is an excerpt from the proposal as written by Phil Zepeda:

 

"The combined Missions provide schooling, after school children's activities, Adult Education, cultural education to advance the Navajo culture, community building, language training, and opportunities for service for Easter High School students to work on the mission. Without water, the work of the mission cannot continue."

 

The total cost for the project is estimated to be $15,000 including materials and supplies. In addition to the funds set aside in our Foundation, Phil made a generous stock contribution to match an equally generous donation made by Dr. Steve Modell.  Phil is also reaching out to Rotary clubs in Clermont, Florida, and to the Las Cruses and Grants Rotary clubs in New Mexico. We will keep you apprised of future developments and thank Phil and Manish for their leadership on this project.

This is a reminder that this is the final week for Pennies for Polio. If you have not contributed to this worthy cause, please remember that we are asking each member to contribute 60 cents (the approximate cost to vaccinate a child against polio) this coming Thursday, October 23. The entire district will be asking our members for contributions to support World Polio Day on October 24.

 

 

We would like to thank Gail Scott for warmly welcoming our members and visiting guests. This week, we had the pleasure of introducing visitors The Hon. John Hammond, Rotarian from the Lakeshore club; Rotarian John Mau; Bob Overhiser, Ann Arbor West; John Rasmussen from the Ann Arbor Club and last but not least, our special guest and speaker, Dr. Chuck Madenjian. We hope that you enjoyed your visit!

 

 

Lots of good news to share this week:

 

Vern Hutton had a wonderful time visiting with his family and friends from all over the United States while attending a family wedding and 60th class reunion.

 

Bob Greenough had a wonderful trip up North and reports that fall color is at approximately 50% and should provide ideal leaf peeping by the second week of October. Bob was also congratulated for a recent photo that appeared in the Ann Arbor News and taken at an open house honoring Veterans. 

 

John Rasmussen announced the formation of his new non-profit "One Love - One World" and their mission is to help, relieve and reverse diabetes in Jamaica.