May 17, 2010 Club Bulletin #330

May 17, 2010 Program

Senior Luncheon at theHOLIDAY INN

May 10, 2010:  In Case You Missed It

Guests

Dan Fitzgerald, YPN

Andrea Jentz, YPN

Dan Ramsey, MCSA Executive Director and Potential Member

Happy News

Sarah Lande reported that Rotary member, Gregs Thomopulos, was recently approved by the Board of Regents, State of Iowa, to receive an Honorary Doctor of Science degree from the University of Iowa.

Tom Johanns mentioned that Edward Jones now has an inventory of Muscatine municipal bonds.  Please see Tom or Troy Pugh with questions.

Announcements

First Membership reading for Dan Ramsey, New MCSA Executive Director.  Please see a member of the board if you have concerns about this potential member.

Dan Fitzgerald talked about the YPN downtown showcase that will be held this weekend from 4:00-9:00 on Saturday, 05/15/10.  The cost is $10 for non-members and $5 for YPN members.   From 4:00-6:00 they will be touring businesses and from 6:00-9:00 they will be touring restaurants.  He invited anyone interested in learning about YPN to please attend.

The Bridge tribute recognition is going to be the Tuesday after Memorial Day - Rotary was the largest contributor so please mark your calendars - more information will be coming.

Next week's meeting will be held at the Holiday Inn to recognize 3.0 seniors.

Program

International Projects Update

Tony Joseph gave an update on the work that is going on with the Rotary International.  John Schwandke and Tom Ward have been a big part of these projects, as well.   Tony pointed out that the simplest way to find available projects is through the Rotary International website.  Our club has chosen alternate ways to find projects, however, by working with District 6000 and attending project fairs.

Funding for international projects is generally a mix of club money, district funds and grants.  Applications are prepared by the hosting club and sent to be approved.  Currently we are working on a project to build water wells for Gales Point Manatee in Belize with the objective of supplying water to the school and medical clinic.  This project was recommended to us by District Governor, Dianna Reed.  The project is being done with several other clubs but primarily being a Muscatine Rotary project.

Our other project is for a rural fishing village in Belize City.  The village has a population of around 400 with one school that serves the whole village.  There are 115 students in the school and they currently use buckets to transport water.  There are no flushing mechanisms in the current toilet system.  The goal of this project is to provide a water holding tank to improve sanitation for the school.  John Schwandke came across this project when he was in Mexico and visited a project fair in Belize. 

Tony mentioned that if there are any Rotarians interested in traveling overseas to see the school, meet the Rotarians, and experience Rotary Internationals peace and fellowship to please get involved in the International projects.  Rotarians are very well viewed overseas and welcomed with open arms.  Tony hopes to do regular updates on these projects and include photographs.

Tom Ward will be going to the Rotary International Convention and will bring back ideas about future projects.  If anyone has any questions feel free to talk to either Tony or Tom.