Flag Salute by Henry Lee

Visiting Rotarians Ray George, Kyle Jackson, John Stewart, Ron Wygle selling tulips.

Guests
: Nick from Bellingham Bells, Stan's significant other Carrie Dyer, and Stan's brother in law.  Also, Marcia McEvoy and other team members from the Action for Africa group.

Announcements  

Glen Groenig said Tuesday, May 8th is our annual golf round at Lake Padden Golf Club.  Lunch will be at noon, golf (optional) begins at 1pm. It will function as our lunch meeting, so DO NOT COME TO NORTHWOOD HALL THAT DAY!

OPPORTUNITY TO TRAVEL TO GERMANY:  Bob Becker reminded us that our District 5050 is planning a friendship exchange with District 1830 in NW Germany for September 12-30.  A team of 6-10 people will be formed. The exchange is for Rotarians and their significant others.  Airfare will be around $1000 - $1500, but most of the rest of the costs (transport, housing and meals) are covered by the German clubs. This is a very inexpensive and personal way to see Germany, and it's a great time of year to visit too!  Registration forms are due by this Friday April 20 along with $200 deposit.  Questions Email to Bob Becker at b-d-becker@comcast.net or call at 319-0170.  

Lesa said that June 26th (Tuesday evening) will be our annual "changing of the guard" party / BBQ at Boxx Farms. More details forthcoming!
 
Bucks in the Bay
  • Phil X Hageman leaving for a cruise soon;
  • Chuck Walter $100 for Foundation, proud of daughters.
  • Bob Moles $50, update on Pure Water for the World, daughter moving from PA to Lummi Island;
  • Glendine with some happy news;
  • Birthday boy Eddie turned $44 plus $1 for Stan;
  • Dannon missed meeting while in AL visiting parents, and New Orleans;
  • Bryant said his very successful ski season officially ended last weekend, lots of gas bills ;
  • Brad Cornwell has two nieces hiking the Pacific Crest trail;
  • Marilyn Olson was selected to be apart of Whatcom Artosit Studio tour (along with Mark Bergsma);
  • The other birthday boy, Stan, lead the club in a rousing rendition of Happy Birthday.
Sergeant at Arms by Barry Kramer
Fines for Tim McEvoy for the high price of gas, Mimi and others.

Program
Tim McEvoy introduced Action for Africa, a small, non-profit, grass-roots organization started in Bellingham.  The purpose Action for Africa is a lifeline partnership between people in Whatcom County, WA and children, families and communities suffering from extreme poverty in Lesotho, Africa.  The organization aims to build relationships through listening, learning and working together so people can move from extreme poverty to sustainable livelihoods.  This is done by providing access to clean water, adequate farming practices, access to basic health care and education and access to economic development tools.  

Action for Action is focussed on one area: Lesotho, surrounded by South Africa.  Action for Africa focusses a lot on AIDS orphans there is Lesotho.  Why Lesotho? Lesotho is a small, single-tribe nation in extreme poverty and has one of the highest incident levels (32%) of HIV/Aids in the world. The HIV/Aids Pandemic leaves children orphaned and vulnverable to dangers we would never accept for our own children. Sustainable solutions are available.

The program has raised about $100K per year over past 4 years, under the umbrella of World Vision.  They make it clear to the benefitting communities that this program is temporary: Ten years, to build sustainability and self-sustaining practices, then move on to another community.  Next village of focus for 2012-2014: Mpharane, Lesotho.  Tim has made two trips there so far.  The program has been so successful because of its sustained focus on one geographic area. 

Story of local guy, Mike Breeding who married a Lesothian, and since adopted five AIDS orphans: http://www.biawc.com/content/newsm/news.asp?show=VIEW&a=64&z=0&nocache=true

Additional information: Action for Africa

Respectfully submitted,
Stowe Talbot