Rotarians Discuss Major Projects
Local Club Raises Almost $50,000 Annually
May 4, 2008
By: Stephen Kent
Last Weeks program - April 29, 2008 Club Assembly
The Bay City Rotary met in a club assembly to continue the discussion of the next five year major project. The process will continue as the club narrows the focus until a project is selected and goals are set.
Major projects are a focused effort that typically raises $50,000 a year for five years and applies these funds to a community project or other effort. The current project focus was community improvements and funded three micro parks in the downtown area and a large part of the landscaping cost for the restored Pere Marquette Station. The previous project provided the funds that allowed the Bay County Library System to hire a Youth Outreach Librarian for five years.
This week the club reviewed the results of a survey taken several weeks ago that showed:
- A major project is one that requires a significant level of financial resources ($45,000 to $250,000).
- A major project is one that could take 3 to 5 years to complete.
- "Bricks and Mortar" projects are preferred over programs and services.
- Rotary should receive tangible recognition for its support.
- A small portion of the funds raised each year should be set aside for emergency requests such as disaster relief.
The club then discussed the responses to the
NEEDS in our community. The survey results had shown the following ranking from most significant to least:
- Jobs and Economic Development, which also included attracting new business, young people and families as well as keeping our own young people in town.
- Education including scholarships, literacy, mentoring and building an educated workforce.
- Quality of Life including environment, celebrating our heritage and supporting the arts.
- Human Services addressing poverty, children and parents.
- Health issues in general
- Youth Issues in general.
The final discussion topic covered
Opportunities in the community.
- Economic Development lead the survey with the most responses. This included riverfront, waterfront and natural resources, but also encompassed upcoming projects such as Uptown, Maritime, the YMCA and the Mill End property.
- Quality of Life opportunities was next.
- Human services and education were third and fourth.
The process is anticipated to continue for several more months as the focus is narrowed and refined.
CLUB NEWS and ANNOUNCEMENTS
Rotary Concert: Lee and Mollie Newton will be giving a concert with the John Glenn Band on
Saturday May 10. Proceeds will benefit both Rotary and John Glenn.
The
Annual Golf Outing has been scheduled for Monday, June 2, 2008 at the Bay City Country Club. See Brian Kay or visit the
club web site for details.
(
RotaryBayCity.org)
Love Bag update: With the initial goal of 250 bags was exceeded President Rob Clark set a new goal of 300 bags. That goal has also been exceeded and there is a good chance that over 400 bags will have been collected and delivered to Lutheran Child and Family Services before the project is completed.
The Rotary Club of Bay City was honored at the recent district conference with yet another President's Citation and was one of the first clubs to receive the new District Governor's award.
REMINDER! The May 6th meeting will be changed to the next day, Wednesday May 7th. The speaker will be Ambassadorial Scholar Mohibullah Israr from Afghanistan
Upcoming Programs
(See the official schedule at
RotaryBayCity.org )
May 6 meeting to be held on May 7!
Rotary Ambassadorial Scholar Mohibullah Israr.
May 13
Consumers Energy's New Power Plant In Essexville
May 20
Retired USAF General David Hall speaks about the Iraq War and Leadership.
May 27
Chippewa Nature Center Executive Director Dick Touvell.
Visit
RotaryBayCity.org
