Santiago Couple Talks About Rotary Water Projects
July 15, 2014
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By: Stephen Kent
Dr. Alexandra Martinez Adams
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Charles Adams |
The Bay City Noon Rotary welcomed
Dr. Alexandra (Alex) Adams and husband
Charles Adams. Hailing from the Dominican Republic, the couple were in Michigan to talk about Rotary's newest water filter project. The couple was introduced by Larry Arendt, President of the Morning Rotary Club.
Citing the problem with impure drinking water in South American countries, the couple told the story of the latest Michigan-made filter. The simple device comes in several sizes for in-home right up to school and village sizes.
The components for the filter are made in the Far East, but they are imported to Holland Michigan where they are assembled and prepared for shipment. The completed home-sized unit sells for $65.
Rotary International has embraced this as an additional filter to it's current bio-sand model. This one is far less expensive enabling the organization to place it in 30% more homes. This is one of RI's first truly economical approach to water problems.
Narrating a slide show, Alex talked about the problems faced by villages and even well developed areas. Rotary latrine projects help eliminate one major source of contamination. Tanks and rainwater harvesting projects provide a clean source of water. The new filters complete the water and sanitation infrastructure.
Just as important as the hardware is the education. People learn how to use the purification equipment. They are also taught the source of disease; how do microbes get from the latrine to the mouth.
They learn the significance and benefit of proper hand washing. This one small thing can have a profound effect on health.
Rotary's programs teach the teachers. Classroom lessons and exercises teach the proper methods. Teachers practice then demonstrate to the instructors that they understand. Certification in these techniques "means a lot to teachers in the Dominican Republic".
Larry Arendt demonstrates water filter to Linda Heemstra
and Brenda Scramlin
CLUB NEWS and ANNOUNCEMENTS
President Ron opened the meeting with a greeting in Spanish, the language of the Dominican Republic. He said "it means good afternoon, which I read can be anywhere from noon to 7pm". He then talked about the first Club in the Dominican Republic, formed in 1943. He also mentioned some of the foreign profession classifications RI used such as "haberdasherie" and "burlap sack manufacturer".
Doug Rise was the day's greeter and introduced a number of guests and visiting Rotarians.
The
District is sponsoring a
Rotary Day at the Loons baseball game on August 17. It will be Family and Fellowship day at the Loons, which is appropriate for Rotary. Cost is $9.50 for a box seat, $6.50 for lawn seats. The district is collecting payment and needs checks by August 1. Talk to Ron or Doug Rise if you're interested.
Ron reminded everyone that the club is taking bids from anyone interested in the project to revise the club's history book for the 100th anniversary year. See the announcement below.
Members were reminded to be sure that they get a
Centennial Rotary Pin if they haven't already. There are some left.
Rob Clark reminded the club about the August 13 Family of Rotary picnic at Rotary Park, following the club's food drive with Hidden Harvest. The drive will run from 8am to 5pm with the picnic following. "After the picnic you can go to the State Theatre to see Jeff Daniels... which is not part of the Rotary event!", said Rob.
Lynn Weaver announced that there will be an
International Night training session at 11:00 next Tuesday, before the regular meeting. Anyone interested in helping with the club's major fund raiser of the year is encouraged to attend.
Brenda Scramlin reminded the club that the Community Grants process is up and running. A page in the public section of the web site tells all about the requirement and include applications.
Chuck Cusick updated the club on the situation in Guatemala where we support the Adopt a Village program. A recent storm has caused significant damage and destruction. Chuck offered a $500 match to funds contributed to this cause.
The Centennial Committee plans to revise and re-print the 100 year book for the Bay City Club.
If you are interested in bidding on this project, please contact Ron Bloomfield.
Rotary Club of Bay City
View Centennial Year Celebrations Schedule
July 2014-June 2015
DATES TO REMEMBER
Family of Rotary Picnic and Hidden Harvest Food Drive
- Wednesday August 13
- food drive all day
- picnic 5:30 to 7:30
- food, beverage and entertainment
- Rotary Park at the Pere Marquette Depot
Paul Harris Statue Dedication
- September 11, 2014
- 5:30 pm
- Rotary Park at the Pere Marquette Depot
International Night 2014
- October 23, 2014
- 5:30 to 9
- Bay City Country Club
Upcoming Programs
(See the official schedule at
RotaryBayCity.org )
July 22, 2014: Financial Planning, Looking at Today's Economy As You Plan For Tomorrow
Fellow Rotarian, Tim Holsworth, President of AHP Financial Services Inc. is a Certified Life Underwriter (CLU) and Chartered Financial Consultant (ChFC). Tim will share his views about financial planning with a focus on retirement planning.
July 29, 2014: GLBR Update
Executive Director Matt Felan will update the club on the Great Lakes Bay Regional Alliance.
August 12, 2014: District 6310 Governor Visit:
Delores Brock will present her vision for the District for the upcoming Rotary year. Governor Brock will also be a special guest at our 11:00AM board meeting.
August 19, 2014: Field Neurosciences Institute
Mr. Thomas Cline will review the FNI as well as highlight its largest annual fundraiser, a concert that typically features Saginaw native Brian D'Arcy James.
Rotary is an intimate affiliation of carefully selected business and professional people,
having as its objective the promotion of high ethical standards in private, commercial
and civic life, and dedicated to the ideal that the basis of all worthy endeavor is unselfish service.
Current and past
DISTRICT DISPATCH newsletters are available on the District site shown in the LINKS section below.
Rotary Bay City on Facebook!
Click on the Blue Facebook to visit us there.
Remember! Check attendance sheets at the front desk.
LINKS
Stephen Kent
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Steve Kent and his family have lived in Bay City for 40 years. He is VP of Technical Services at MMCC which produces MyBayCity.Com. Kent is active in many Bay City civic organizations.
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