Meeting started at 12:10 PM

Flag: Marie Valencia,  Invocation: James Tenner,  Song:  Judy Coates

 

Wynne Ritch (PP) introduced his guest, Michael Parenteau, Les Grossman introduced Mr. Ingo Werk and Mrs. Mary Werk, Eli Gauna (PDG) was introduced by Alice Gauna, while Mary Barrientos introduced David Contreras and Ashley Leony, our Honorees for the day.

President Marie reminded all members about the forthcoming Poker Tournament.  Andy Duchan was called upon to give an update.  He stated that all arrangements had been formalized, and members should please invite family, friends and guests to the poker tournament.  However, payment arrangements for those paying with credit cards have yet to be finalized. 

Our president also announced that we were honoring two young students from R.U.T.H YouthBuild, who were presented by Mary Barrientos. R.U.T.H YouthBuild is a leadership development program for students ages 16 to 24. It is a program that is grounded in the fundamental belief that young people, when given the right assistance, tools and role models, can become empowered, positive leaders in their home and community.  David Contreras and Ashley Leony were shining examples of youth leaders, who are making a difference in their communities.

David Contreras gave an inspiring speech that earned him a huge applause from members.

Les Grossman (PDG) was asked to introduce our guest speaker.   He called on his old friend Ingo Werk (PDG).

He acknowledged and thanked David Contreras for giving an inspiring speech.  He also thanked James Tenner for wearing the Rotary shirt he designed when he was District Governor years ago. Ingo also acknowledged the presence of Eli Gauna (PDG).

Rotary is planning to set up a humanitarian project in Central Africa and the Republic of Niger has been chosen for this great project.  This is a Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WSH) project. Rotary is partnering with World Vision to make this project possible.  The estimated total cost of the WSH project is 1 million Dollars.

A community of about 25,000 people in a remote area in Niger was identified because it was an area that had no drinking water readily available.  Women and girls have to trek many miles from home just to get drinking water for their families. As a result, girls cannot go to school because they are saddled with this responsibility.  Upon completion of the WSH project, girls will have the opportunity to attend school and further their education.

This project is very important because unlike other humanitarian projects worldwide, World Vision is committed to maintaining this water project for 18 years, thereby ensuring the community is completely trained to sustain the project.

Ingo’s responsibility is to help raise awareness about this project and help raise funds.  Rotary needs to come up with half a million and World Vision will match it with half a million and that’s how the 1 million will be reached.  For more on this project, please contact Ingo at ingowerk.rotary@gmail.com

 

At the end of his speech, Ingo was presented with a GVNR pin and a book to sign by our Club President Marie Valencia.

 

Eli Gauna pledged 200.00 Dollars towards this project if he dances with Mary Werk. 

 

Meeting ended at 1:20 PM