Rotattler for February 7, 2019

 

 

We welcomed Berwick Academy's Interact Club Advisor, Jen Onken, who took time out of her busy schedule to tell us about the great things her group of service-oriented students are doing.  At any given time there are about 100 students chipping helping out on a large number of projects, such as 1) providing towels at the Penguin Plunge, 2) meal preparation for families in Rochester, 3) supporting the Ebenezer School in Milot, Haiti with fundraisers for two students there, 4) a service trip to Haiti to bring supplies they have gathered, 5) tutoring in Dover, 6) packing items to be sent to soldiers, 6) picking apples to give to End 68 Hours of Hunger, 7) making blankets for the Linus Project, 8) baking and cooking for Table of Plenty, and much more.  Jen's personal history is full of service to others, having served on the Peace Corps in Lesotho, Egypt and Lebanon.  Since settling down with her family that international excitement has diminished in their lives, but she still hopes to enjoy international experiences like that in the future.  We are fortunate to have such a wonderful role model for the students at Berwick Academy.  We'll see them at the Geography Quiz Night and, before that, when President Richard and club liaison to that group, Skip Cousens, attend one of their meetings to present their charter to them.  They will be sending students to RYLA this summer, too.  Both they and Marshwood Interact would like to send more than the 4 we have budgeted for, so we need to think about that (good) problem.

 

 

Robin Wheeler reported that the mini-fundraising for the Coast Guard families provided more than $370 in food and supplies before the government shutdown ended.  Thank you for your generosity, everyone!

 

Skip Cousens reported that the global grant we will be supporting with the Geography Quiz Night proceeds is called "Healthy Kids - Bright Future" and provides school-based healthcare to families in Zambia.  That event is April 5th and we are putting the teams together now.   Both the Portsmouth and Kittery clubs also wish to send teams.

 

The MEF-Rotary dance is April 27.  Shine up those boogie shoes...

 

March 1st is the comedy night at Spring Hill organized by the Marshwood Interact Club to help defray the costs of their service trip to Peru.  We will be having a good group of Rotarians socializing that night.  See earlier emails to get your tickets from Grace Jacobs so you can join in the fun.

 

See you all on Thursday!   Stay safe during the snowstorm.