THOUGHT FOR THE WEEK- The QCA is noted for several things and last weekend was one of those noteworthy events. Not only was it possible to listen to some great jazz bands, but if you were one of those some 14,000 folks who loved to run the challenge of the Bix 7, you certainly had an opportunity to walk or run the course. Bix Beiderbecke died young, but he certainly left his mark on the music world.
TODAY – He’s back! Former member, Bill Ratzburg returns to give us an entirely different subject. This time he will be addressing an issue called Regional, and Global Initiative. Pres Roger will introduce Bill.
LAST WEEK – It’s interesting that it is the smaller giving units that are giving the most to aid the ailing economy of Haiti. The larger countries that have pledged support to the country have come through with only about 2% of the total amount that they have pledged. Dr. Ralph Saintfort stated that the country still has no functional government, which makes it difficult to move forward to repair a completely broken country. Haiti before the earthquake was one of the poorest countries in the world, and the disaster certainly did not help the situation. Even the death toll is not completely accurate, but they know that at least 250,000 folks lost their lives.
The Haitian people are suffering from the lack of good housing, clean water, and proper sanitation.
Saintfort pointed out that one of the Rotary clubs in Maine was awarded a matching grant to assist in repairing a hospital. He apparently was not aware of all of the Shelter Boxes that were sent to the island country. Moline Rotary sent 4 Shelter boxes to assist in providing shelter.
Saintfort stated that it would take at least 20 years to recover from this disaster, providing that no other problem would occur in the meantime.
Our prayers and thoughts are with the people of Haiti to recover from this horrible event.
Dr. Ralph Saintfort
NEWS YOU COULD USE -
1- Take me out to the Ball Game – Tickets will be available for the Annual Rotary ball game at Modern Woodman Park. The date is Wednesday, August 4. This year there will be no Bandit Bucks, but each participating club will receive a portion of the ticket for Polio Plus.
2 –New Member Introduced – Ron Miller, Moline’s Fire Chief, was introduced to the club last week. Ron was sponsored by Lew Steinbrecher, and has served the Moline Fire Department for several years. Congratulations and welcome to Ron.
3 – On the other side of the coin – We received three resignations – Colbie Andes changed jobs.
Gary Koeller took on a new assignment with the Botanical Center and had conflicts in his schedule.
Beth Brenstrom has not been able to get about, and asked for permission to resign.
4 – Short Term Exchanges will speak - Abbey Lasek has been hosting a gal from Germany, Pia Kampon. They will present a short power point today.
5 – Help Wanted – The club needs someone to take over the projection procedure on our power point equipment. President Roger will be happy to train you in the proper manner. Please see Roger after the meeting today. We could use at least one, if not more, to help handle the program.
6 – Meeting dates – If you want to announce a committee meeting date, contact Editor Swens at 309/764-5296 or e-mail swensdls@qconline.com.
VISITORS FROM HERE AND THERE
Editor Swens had a mini-family reunion and brought them to Rotary: Carolyn Parsons McCall from Portland OR; Dr. William Parsons from St. Petersburg, FL; Dr. Bob Parsons and his wife, Elise from LaGrange Park, IL; and his spouse, Peg Parsons Swenson. Patti Franklin hosted her grand-daughter, Chrystin Franklin from Charlotte, NC.
Karla Taylor was a guest of her spouse, Joe. Tim Smith hosted Donna Keim from Milan, who is with Midland Communications. We had a special guest- a Visiting Rotarian from East Moline/Silvis Rotary- Paul Jones who has 48 years of perfect attendance.
ROVING ROTARIAN
Myron Scheibe was again at North Scott visiting his spouse, Carolyn. He is our Roving Rotarian for the week.
SMILE A WHILE –
IN THE FUTURE –
Aug 02 – District 6420 Don Ahrensen from Ottawa, IL.
Aug 04 – Baseball game at Modern Woodman Park
Aug 08 – Ricardo Moscoso arrives from Brazil
Aug 09 - David Spitzfaden – My year in Denmark
Aug 23 – Stephanie Brown – QC River Bandits
Aug 30 – Picnic in the Park at Prospect Park
Sep 06 - LABOR DAY
Sep 13 – Sports Day at Rock Island Arsenal |
