Natick Rotary Sprocket

March 20, 2018

President Joey called the meeting to order and Rick led us in the Pledge, Verna led us in singing “America The Beautiful”, Dr. Keefe provided the Invocation

Guests: Judy D’Antonio, District Governor Karen Gaffney

The meeting began with a short address from District Governor Karen Gaffney:

Karen is seven months into her reign and wanted to assure us that she is pushing for all Rotarians to resist the temptation to “coast” through the remainder. We should push to finish strong!

Karen highlighted some upcoming initiatives:

• The Hurricane Relief Committee is close to achieving their financial goal of raising $50,000. They have already had two missions to Puerto Rico and another is planned
• Monday, March 26th will be The Service Heroes Event held at the Hampton Inn, Natick beginning at 5:15pm. Twenty-two Rotarians including our own Vinny Tingley will be honored. At this time there are (160) people signed up for the event.
• The tree project involves a request that each Rotarian plant a tree in 2018. Karen has 1,500 saplings which she is selling to Clubs for $2.00 each with a (25) tree minimum. She has three different tree types.
• The week of Rotary in May involves Rotarians serving a meal to disabled veterans in Boston
• Rotary Service Saturday has occurred on several Saturdays this year and the last one will be May 12th in Framingham

Announcements:

• Judy D’Antonio announced that the Friends of Natick Senior Center are setting up a Car Show for July 14th from 12:30 – 4:30. Money raised will go toward helping Seniors in Natick
• Peter Golden Reminded us the we will be serving food on April 22nd at Earth Day on Natick Common
• George confirmed another Bingo Night at Mary Ann Morse this evening @ 6:00pm
• Scott mentioned that Ruth Potee will be speaking about the Opioid crisis at Natick High School at 7:00pm
• Next Open Door is April 12th

Today’s speakers were our own Vinny, Linda, Judy D., and David Rhee.

The group recently made a trip to help out the Haiti Orphanage in Port Au Prince. Vinny began by discussing the much needed upgrades he was able to make at the facility. He relayed to us that about 90% of their electric power is solar and the remaining 10% from generators. During this visit Vinny was able to completely replace an old and dangerous electrical panel. He also added lights to a room which previously had none and replaced or added other outlets throughout the facility. He mentioned it is often necessary to use creativity when working with in this type of environment.

Linda gave us a few fun facts:

• There are 10 million inhabitants of Haiti.
• Many facilities are guarded by armed guards and razor wire
• We just passed the eighth anniversary of the devastating earthquake Haiti experienced
• The food was actually very good
• The kids there are always smiling
• Kids clothing is often made from pillow cases
• Girls enjoyed braiding Linda and Judy’s hair
• The Orphanage houses approximately (90) children and teaches about (350) students.

One of the goals of this trip was to build a library at the Orphanage. Linda brought 125 books and her husband Jim helped construct a large book shelf to accommodate them. The Club was able to view pictures of the kids, the book shelves and some of Vinny’s handiwork!

Judy D. talked to us about packing day. That’s the day they loaded (19) bags with tools, books and other essentials to be loaded on the plane and brought with them to the Orphanage.

Judy D. also told us this was the most rewarding thing she has ever done and she is so thankful for the opportunity to have participated.

All agreed that they were impressed at how easily the kids connect with you once you are there.

Lastly, Vinny mentioned that partial sponsorship opportunities are available for $35 per month. If interested, contact David Rhee

Raffle: Scott got the ticket but pulled the wrong Queen (spades). The pot grows!

Respectfully submitted, Steve Brayman