Gallipolitan
Club President, Deb Rhodes, was out of town this week and in her absence, VP and President-Elect Bonnie McFarland presided at our meeting. We had a good attendance for the meeting today.
Highlights of the meeting continue below the fold, so
Columbus Crew Rotary Night–Bonnie promoted the Ohio Rotary Night at the Columbus Crew which is scheduled for Saturday, August 23rd. The $30 per person cost includes buffet dinner, all the pre-game activities, and a seat in the special Rotary section of Crew stadium. More information is available on line at: http://web.mlsnet.com/t102/tickets/2008/indiv_game2/index.jsp?partner=rotary
Foundation Coin Boxes–Bonnie announced that the club has received two new coin boxes–one from new Rotarian, David Smith, and the other from Margaret Evans. Heavy, they were! Dave had his taped up to keep it together as it was about to burst open! Margaret was busy assembling a few more boxes for Rotarians who need them. This is a great way to give to the Rotary Foundation over the period of a few months. In no time you can fulfill the suggested $100 annual gift. Our Treasurer, Katrinka Hart, will send you an annual statement for your donation.
Literacy Project–Secretary Chuck Clark showed off the newly designed labels for this year’s dictionary distribution to Gallia County 5th graders which will take place in September. He also showed the labels and certificate which will honor our program speakers during the year. We will have each speaker sign and date the label which will go inside a new hardbound children’s book which will then be donated to one of the nine elementary schools in the county. Each speaker will also receive a special certificate, similar to the one we presented DG Tom Kokensparger, commemorating the event and providing a nice thank you to our speaker. The books for the elementary schools is funded in part by a District 6690 Simplified Grant. This is how our gifts to the Rotary Foundation come back to help our local projects.
Split-The-Pot–Dan Whiteley ran STP for the meeting and asked our speaker, Jenny Evans, to draw the lucky winner of the $7 small pot. That lucky ticket holder was none other than . . . Paul Koch! Paul then very carefully drew for the large pot of $46 pulling out the Queen of Hearts! I believe that Paul was the most surprised of everyone. Paul assessed the Foundation Fine against anyone who did not witness Phelp’s win his third Olympic gold medal.
Fellowship–Gordon Amsbary ran STP for the meeting today and started off with some interesting Olympics trivia. There were a few fines for late-comers, Paul Koch and Emily Dailey. Brett Boothe volunteered a buck as he also came in past the bell. Gordon finished up fellowship with a few words of wisdom.
Program—Our special speaker for the meeting was Rotarian Jenny Evans who gave her ‘vocational talk’ about herself. This is Jenny’s last requirement fulfilled so she can move from the red badge to the official Rotary blue badge. Jenny’s Rotary classification is Advocacy Services and she is employed as a Protective Service Advocate for MRDD and special needs clients who are over the age of 18.
Jenny travels Gallia and Jackson counties with her caseload of 72 special needs clients. While the majority of her clients live in group homes or in a Developmental Center like GDC, some are with family or living independently in the community. These clients who are more independent are quite a challenge. As an Advocate, she must visit each client at least three times each year and contact family as well to provide updates about the care of their relative. The clients are taken care of by the Probate Court in each county where they reside. The court acts as the ‘Superior Guardian’ for the client contracting with Advocacy Services to act in the best interests of the individual.
Jenny indicated this experience in helping her clients has benefited her in some of the decision making she has had to do for her own life. All in all she finds the work highly rewarding.At the conclusion of her remarks Rotarians asked a number of interesting questions. VP Bonnie then presented a Gallipolis Rotary coffee mug to Jenny for her interesting talk.
Before adjournment, Paul Koch reminded everyone that the Red Cross Blood drive will be coming up soon downtown at the Episcopal Church. Also, this Friday the Partnership for Prescription Assistance (PPA) bus will be coming to southern Ohio stopping in McArthur from 10-11:30 am and then in Jackson at the Recreation area off Main Street, from 2-3:30 pm. This is an important event to anyone who may need assistance in getting the prescription medicines they need.