The Kalamazoo Rotary Club

Rotary News
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The Rotary News

March 2, 2009                               Karl Sandelin, Editarian 

Please note correction regarding Polio Plus Checks  - Thank you!

            President Rex started the meeting, and we joined a capella Jon Pellowe in the national
anthem, starting us off, on key.  Later, Jon led us in the Rotary standard Sing - again, without accompaniment - such talent!  Why can't we all.......?

            The program today is perhaps best described as a club assembly led by Brian Kaufman in which he talked about the outbound GSE (Group Study Exchange) and the Rotaract club we are sponsoring.  Both are important components to the life of the club.

            For this senior member today's program was timely.  Last night, when I read the District 6360 newsletter and the district membership statistics, I noticed how well the Kalamazoo club has met the membership challenges Rotary and other institutions have faced.  Since 2005 the district membership has declined to 3,012 (loss of 6.6%), while our club has gone from 258 to 251 (loss of 3.3%).  I have always believed that the quality of our programs is of prime importance in maintaining our membership level.  Yet -

            Brian's presentation made me realized that the two programs he discussed are important, if in different way and point to the future in membership: GSE brings Rotary to the attention of young professionals, reaches into places of work and makes many aware of Rotary; Rotaract brings young people to Rotary ideals of service; and, when more advanced in their careers, they may seek out Rotary.  Amy Krone, Kimberly Loftus and Greg McLogan told of membership development (includes retention!).

            These presentations made me appreciate my club even more: we are not just passive and enjoying good meetings but are actively working in the present building foundations for the future; and, we are assured of good leadership.  Well done, all!

            Special Meeting on March 9.  We are indebted to PP Rick for much effort on behalf of Rotary's Polio eradication program.  I ask all club members to join me and make a special contribution to Rotary International Foundation.    Bring a guest for a fine program, meet a special person whom I respect highly, a truly outstanding Rotarian, District 6360 Secretary Ed Foster, DVM.  Ed survived polio, has much to tell!

CHECKS SHOULD BE MADE OUT TO ROTARY INTERNATIONAL FOUNDATION DESIGNATED FOR POLIO PLUS.
                                                                 
KALAMAZOO ROTARY CLUB    MAKE-UP LIST    March 2, 2009

CAESAR RODNEY, DE:          Patrick Donnelly (2)
CEREAL CITY, MI:                Don Gilmer
CHRISTIANA, DE:                Patrick Donnelly
CLIMAX, MI:                        Dick Roosenberg
E-CLUB ONE:                       James Stroupe
GSE:                                    Barb Walters, Greta Williams
HAKESSIN, DE:                   Patrick Donnelly
KALAMAZOO SUNRISE:       Tom Little
MARCO ISLAND, FL:            Dave Boutell (2)
NEWARK-MORNING, DE:     Patrick Donnelly (2)
NORTH PALM BEACH, FL:    Bob Britigan
OSHTEMO, MI:                    Bob Boughner, Nan Thompson
PARCHMENT, MI:                Sandy Bliesener, Craig Misner, Jim Winkworth (4), 
                                          Melike Winkworth (4)
PORTAGE AM, MI:              Peter TerLouw
PORTAGE, MI:                   Don Ryan
SINGER ISLAND, FL:         Bob Britigan, Dan Busby
STRIVE - 02/25/09:         Jon Andrews, Jill Eldred, Judy Moore, Chris Tracy,
                                         Elaine Williams
THREE RIVERS, MI:            Peter TerLouw
WILMINGTON, DE:             Patrick Donnelly (2)
??:                                     Don Gilmer, Tom McComb

NEW MEMBER PROPOSAL: WALTER J. JONES of Constructive Community Builders has been proposed or membership by THELL WOODS with a classification of Youth and Social Welfare Organizations.  Any comments or objections must be received by the Administrative Secretary within 10 days.

BOARD MEETING NOTES, FEBRUARY 11, 2009:-Approved transfer of membership of Michael J. Larson from the Battle Creek Rotary Club;  Approved transfer of membership of Andre' Wiegand to the Hastings Rotary Club, with regret;  Accepted resignation of Dan VanSweden, with regret.


  ...in Kalamazoo!