The program was Dan Pappalardo, speaking for the AWE Foundation, which we have been supporting for several years. They bring water and education to remote villages in El Salvador. Dan is now a Spanish teacher, married to Ruby from El Salvador, and parents of two beautiful daughters. He reminded us that economic woes hurt the poor far more than the affluent, and that the needs of clean water and a chance to get a college education in mountains towns only become less attainable. He thanked the club for their support and asked for it to continue. Their most recent well digging project had some setbacks, but was successful at 260 feet, with the help of a matching grant from Rotary Foundation. They have been able to give 7 students scholarships of $1000 a year to enable them to attend college. In exchange, the student must do community service to help their own town (not always easy to do while attending classes). He will be doing more club visits in the area and appealing to those who have helped in the past. Dan is doing a terrific job, and will be teaching Spanish at South Range this year, so we will have more access to him. Contributions by individuals may be sent to the AWE Foundation at 4286 Burkey Rd., Austintown Oh 44515. Remember your gift is tax deductible.
The meeting was called to order by President Brian Laraway with invocation and pledge by Gary Reel.
Visitors were Christina Dailey from Poland and guests Stan Winter from Boardman (came with Karl) and Sarah Hahn, Dan Pappalardo, and Josh Tolbert (came with Gary).
Deanna was song leader, "Daisy, Daisy", sounded good.
ROTARY MINUTE: Chuck Baker did a Rotary minute, asking about who was on new magazine cover, which nobody but Chuck seemed to have had delivered, glories of Ellsworth post office that gets one magazine a day.
INSPIRATIONAL QUOTE: Toby Mirto gave an inspirational quote from John Adams about leaders.
ANNOUNCEMENTS:
* Brian announced that Sept. 10 would be the final bike night at Quaker Steak, hoping for lots to show up to increase our 50/50 income, sign-up sheet next week.
* He also reminded us that the GSE Team is being formed. If we have any nominees aged 25-40 who are not Rotarians, Hank Conrad from Poland will be the group leader.
* He also reminded us to see Brian Frederick if a member needs some extra time or a payment plan involving dues or meals. We don't want to lose anyone for that.
* Board meeting will be this Wednesday at Lucianno's, 7:30 a.m. Remember it counts as a makeup.
* We will also send out postcards to "Save the Date" for our Reverse Raffle, which is March 6th, 2010.
FELLOWSHIP: Frank Santisi was in charge of fellowship, fined himself but nobody else.
RAFFLE: Toby won the raffle, but not the big pot.
Visitors were Christina Dailey from Poland and guests Stan Winter from Boardman (came with Karl) and Sarah Hahn, Dan Pappalardo, and Josh Tolbert (came with Gary).
Deanna was song leader, "Daisy, Daisy", sounded good.
ROTARY MINUTE: Chuck Baker did a Rotary minute, asking about who was on new magazine cover, which nobody but Chuck seemed to have had delivered, glories of Ellsworth post office that gets one magazine a day.
INSPIRATIONAL QUOTE: Toby Mirto gave an inspirational quote from John Adams about leaders.
ANNOUNCEMENTS:
* Brian announced that Sept. 10 would be the final bike night at Quaker Steak, hoping for lots to show up to increase our 50/50 income, sign-up sheet next week.
* He also reminded us that the GSE Team is being formed. If we have any nominees aged 25-40 who are not Rotarians, Hank Conrad from Poland will be the group leader.
* He also reminded us to see Brian Frederick if a member needs some extra time or a payment plan involving dues or meals. We don't want to lose anyone for that.
* Board meeting will be this Wednesday at Lucianno's, 7:30 a.m. Remember it counts as a makeup.
* We will also send out postcards to "Save the Date" for our Reverse Raffle, which is March 6th, 2010.
FELLOWSHIP: Frank Santisi was in charge of fellowship, fined himself but nobody else.
RAFFLE: Toby won the raffle, but not the big pot.