THE GALLIPOLIS ROTARY CLUB

Club President, Shirley Doss, introduced PDG Mel Simon who spoke to the club about Rotary’s Guatemala Literacy Project, (GLP).  PDG Mel mentioned that his advice to Chuck Clark’s enthusiastic return from his recent Guatemala trip, “Welcome to the club!”  He explained that Chuck ‘gets it’ and understands the joy of delivering hands-on service in another culture. 

Mel gave a brief overview of Guatemala and the challenges it faces as a developing country with a growing population and a diverse culture.  Two thirds of the country is mountains with 33 volcanoes, earthquakes, 33 different languages, and a literacy rate lowest in the Americas.  In some rural areas, nearly 3/4’s of the adult population cannot read or write.  Rotary’s response to help this country break the cycle of poverty is the Guatemala Literacy Project.

Rotarians viewed a 10 minute video which provided a first hand look into the project and how Rotarians from 400 clubs in the US, Canada and Guatemala have worked together in this self-sustaining program.  (Rotarians: please click on the above link and view this excellent video.)  Since 1988, the GLP has provided needed textbooks, library materials, and computer labs to help over 29,000 students.

There are annual trips for interested Rotarians to participate first hand the implementation of the grant, travel to schools, and assist in distributing textbooks and computer equipment.  Not only can our club provide needed assistance, but Gallipolis Rotarians can take part and experience the joys of ‘Service Before Self.’  Thanks, Mel and Chuck for the interesting program!

Fellowship—Gordon Amsbary ran our club fellowship for the meeting relating that 90 must now be the new 40!  There was more about the Crimean War as Gordo had done his homework!  Paul Koch was a bit late to the meeting today and was the only fine.  It was good to see Lee Saltzgaber back sporting a new beard.  Today is National Penguin Day!  There was a load of celebrity birthdays, but Gordo did not have any words of wisdom for us.

PR Grant—VP/President-Elect Jodie McCalla sent word our club has received the District PR Grant for this Rotary Year.  This grant will cover the costs involved in spreading the word of Rotary via the new Cinema in Spring Valley.  We plan to have Rotary PSA’s promoting the work of Rotary and our club shown before the features at the theater.

Split-The-Pot—Jim Morrison ran our STP for the meeting announcing the small pot was $7.00 and the large pot which has now grown to $142.00.  Jim asked ADG Matt Willis to draw the lucky winner which was Clyde Evans!  Clyde donated back the small pot to the club’s local foundation.  Clyde drew very carefully for the large pot and came up with the QUEEN OF HEARTS, winning the large pot of $142.00!  Clyde also designated this to be donated to the club’s foundation.  Thanks very much, Clyde!  He did assess the Foundation Fine against anyone who did not possess a full head of grey hair!  Some of us were close, but still chipped in a buck.

Here are the upcoming program assignments for the next several weeks:

Jan 24          Lou Ellen Werry
Jan 31          Zac Fosler
Feb 7            Kevin Petrie
Feb 14          Valentine Dinner

Have a great week!