Rotary News

            Several visiting Rotarians were introduced, including Kalamazoo Rotary Past President Bruce Siebold, who was visiting from Hilton Head Island.  Guests included Sue Esman's son Dan, who will be attending Kalamazoo College this coming fall. 

            Following the patriotic songs "Marine's Hymn" and "America," Pres. Judy awarded pins for 25 years of membership to Past Pres. Bob Tower and Jim Woodruff and will be sure to present a pin to Jim Smith, who was absent. 

            Dan Hartlieb read a letter from a Sister and the girls of Casa Amparo, thanking Rotarians for their generosity in supporting a teacher for the girls.  Bob Parker, founder of the program, is apparently doing better healthwise these days.

           Pres. Judy (and later, Amy Remmert) offered thanks to the many Rotarians who helped host the GSE team from the Philippines and make the visit memorable.  Special thanks went out to the following Rotarians for their help -- and that of their organizations:  Amy Remmert; Jennifer Lang; Gordon Duisterhof; Kathleen Tosco and her husband, Bob Small; Jim Bridenstine; Dan VanSweden; Jill Flipse; Greta Williams; Past Pres. Rick Briscoe; Betty Lee Ongley; Mark Pawlowski; Anne Drummond; and Rachel Packer. 

            Pres. Judy reminded Rotarians that Rotary dues statements have gone out, along with committee preference sheets.  Rotarians then offered numerous Happy Bucks, including many happy thanks for the wonderful week with the GSE team from the Philippines.

            Program:  Lisa Godfrey introduced Alison Geist, Director of the Mary Jane Underwood Stryker Institute for Service-Learning at Kalamazoo College.  Service-learning combines academic learning with civic engagement.  The Institute for Service-Learning, established in 2001 with a gift from Ronda Stryker and Bill Johnston, has established over 40 community partnerships.  Areas of involvement include education; community development; community arts; community health; and the environment.  Students can participate in a variety of ways ranging from tutoring and other hands-on activities to solving community problems.  In the 2006-07 year alone, students provided over 23,000 hours of service in the Kalamazoo community.  Students and student teams have won a number of STAR and other awards for their efforts, including the 2005 Carter Award and recognition for the popular "Empty Bowls" program, which raises money for Kalamazoo Loaves and Fishes.  As Kalamazoo College celebrates 175 years in our community this year, we offer thanks for this special program that helps Kalamazoo as it helps students acquire skills needed to be leaders in a diverse community.

- Submitted by Deb Chope Hughes`