September 15 Meeting Notes

Announcements

Pybus Take Over this Saturday, 7:30 - 1:30 (3 shifts). Wear you Rotary shirts, hats, masks, etc.  We are the hosts and greeters.  Let's have some fun and show off our Rotary spirit.

John S reported on the Board meeting with District Governor Richard DeRock.  It was a time of sharing how and what clubs around the district are doing.  Hybrid meetings are starting to take place, and goals for membership and Foundation are being pursued.

Craig Reese, our Rotary Foundation committee chair let us know that they are looking at events or activities for Foundation Month (November). The committee has goals for planned giving and obtaining grants.  Bill McDowell and Rani Sampson are also on the committee.

Brags and Confessions

Kathleen thanked Bill McDowell for his help researching gambling rules fr our Road Apple Roulette'

Robin is going to Southern California to visit mom and family.

Craig's son and wife are expecting - grand kid #4.

Chris and Holly were just starting to enjoy the empty nest when both sons moved back in.  Brian is now headed back to CWU, and Brady is moving in with some friends, so things will be back to just the two of them soon.

Carol & Jim had a great time hosting Craig & Tracy and Earl & Kaitlyn as part of the dinner for six social. Three other host will also conduct dinners for six this month.

Jim H said the Port District distributed CARE Act checks to businesses, and presented one $10,000 check to an orchardist who lost his orchard and business in the fire.

Alan had to cancel plans for a vacation with his wife, but had a good time hunkering down here.  He also bragged about the Community Action Council stepping up to help with food distributions.

Earl said his daughter, Emma, is back at CWU, so they are changing her room into an office.  Kaitlyn & Ethan are moving into a rental, so their home is emptying out a bit.

Jim H gave the Rotary moment by reading the 1950's RI initiative outlining the international responsibilities of Rotarians. International is one of our 5 avenues of service.

Program

Craig introduced Dr. Ron Rice, founder of Wheelchairs for Nigeria.  Ron isa graduate of Whitworth and Princeton Theological Seminary.  He spent years as a pastor, and is now involved in the fundraising for his non-profit. He dis a Rotarian and a Paul Harris Fellow.

Wheelchairs for Nigeria is a non-profit that provides hand-peddled tricycles for crippled polio survivors.  Nigeria has just been declared polio-free, but there are thousands of survivors suffering from the affects.  From a small start, the organization now employees 65 Nigerian (total wages $4000/mo), and have built and donated 20,000 tricycles all across Nigeria.  Each bike is built from bike arts, and costs $150 to make.The organization is now adopting a school for the deaf, canes for the blind, making artificial limbs, and distribution food.  Wheelchairs for Nigeria partners with Rotary clubs for support, and has received a large TRF matching grant.  The annual income each year is around $260,000, all going to the Nigeria project.  You can get more info, and watch more videos at their website, wheelchairsfornigeria.org.