Rotary Wheel
Rotary Wheel – August 7, 2012
From the July 31, 2012 meeting:
SCHOOL SUPPLIES
Janet Nelson coordinated our effort to collect school supplies for students in need in our community. A big thank you is in order to Janet and all that contributed. If you did not contribute and would still like to do so, you can mail a check to West Des Moines Human Services or drop it off at their offices in Valley Junction. All checks should be made payable to West Des Moines Human Services and not to the West Des Moines Rotary.
SPECIAL OLYMPICS
Janet is also heading up the Root Beer Float fundraiser for Special Olympics and could use a few volunteers to staff the event to be held on August 18th. This is a good way to involve family and friends!
UPCOMING PROGRAM
University of Iowa President Sally Mason will be our featured speaker on October 9, 2012. You are invited to bring a guest that day. If you would like to invite a guest, please let President Chris Nelson know ahead of time so that we have sufficient food for all that attend.
ROTARY DUES & NEW INVOICES
Doug Hillman announced that future invoices will be sent out electronically via email. To make Doug’s job easier, please confirm he has your correct (and best!) email address. Once you get your invoice, please take care of it promptly so he does not need to follow up with you!
FARMERS MARKET
Orange juice sales at our booth at the downtown farmers market remain robust. While many volunteer slots have been filled, several remain. Please check the schedule for when more help is needed and sign up if you can. If you have difficulty signing up, let President Chris Nelson know and he can help you out.
Here is the rundown:
Sat Aug 25, 2012 – 1 needed for late shift
Sat Sep 1, 2012 – several people are needed for both shifts
Sat Sep 22, 2012 – Several people are needed for both shifts
To check the calendar, go to Google calendar and type in wdmrotary for the email and market2012 for the password.
3 MINUTE SPEAKER
Roger Peterson works for First Bank and is planning to retire next year. He began his career at First Bank in 1981 after having worked in public accounting and at other banks in other cities both near and far. Roger grew up in Greenfield, IA and he and his wife have 3 grown children. Once he retires, they plan to travel and spend time at their condo in Arizona.
FEATURED PROGRAM
President Chris Nelson and his wife Robin presented the program. They described their experiences through photos and commentary regarding their International Rotary Convention in Bangkok, Thailand.
- Travel time was considerable as they ventured from Des Moines to Chicago to Seoul to Bangkok.
- Thailand is hot, humid and rainy. Average high is 91 with an average low of 75. In May, it is slightly higher in both regards at 93 and 78 respectively. Rain averages about 16 days per month.
- 67 million people reside in 200,000 square miles (335 people per square mile). By comparison, Iowa is about 2.926 million people (2000 census) and 56,276 square miles (52 people per square mile).
- The people of Thailand are 95% Buddhist and they love their King.
- Upon arrival, Rotarians were met by volunteer greeters in white shirts
- The center of the activity was the Impact Center. At the center, there were 35,000 Rotarians from 185 countries in attendance. This was the largest single event of this type in this city.
- At the House of Friendship, Rotarians gathered to share thoughts and ideas on Rotary projects, etc.
- Chris was very appreciative of our WDM Rotary Club and our history of sending our new presidents to the international convention each year.
The presentation was informative and shared with all in attendance the international aspects of Rotary that many of us might not otherwise get to witness in person.