The Power of Rotary!

In January a representative of the Bill & Melinda Gates foundation met with Rotary International’s incoming board. The representative was Bill Gates himself! He announced that their foundation would commit another $250 million dollars towards Rotary’s Polio Plus. This is in addition to the $100 Million already donated. Now it’s Rotary’s job to raise another $100 Million by 2012. This brings the total to over $550 Million dollars that these two groups will have raised to help eradicate Polio. Only four countries still are experiencing a polio endemic, but those four present the greatest practical and epidemiological challenges. The Brentwood Rotary board has just agreed to send a check in the amount of $900 on behalf of our club to this cause. If we all continue to support this great effort we can soon one day say proudly we actually helped in completely ridding the world of this terrible disease. If you would like to make a donation you now have the opportunity to use your cell phone to make a one-time US $5 donation toward polio by texting "polio" to 90999.

Speaking of the power of Rotarians what an incredible holiday party we had in January. A first for our club, we held a progressive party at the homes of Fred & Pam Ehler, Gene & Gretchen Clare, Jackie & Dan Hanel and finally but not least Donna & Ben Landeros. Starting at Jackie’s beautiful home we all were treated to some great hors D’ourves and champagne. As well as wonderful music provided by Jackie’s brother. Next it was off to the older gentleman’s home (Fred) & the Clare’s for the main course. Rumor has it; Fred & Gretchen did almost all the cooking. The food was delicious! From there we took a short walk down the street to the home of Donna & Ben for some absolutely delightful desserts! Unfortunately the only thing that we ALL forgot was a camera! All in all it was an absolutely great evening and we want to thank those that opened their homes up to all of us!

Looking to the next few months we are getting ready to select our Interact students to attend both Camp Royal and Camp Venture this summer. We still are planning to have our E-waste day, Poker Tournament, the Rotarians at Work Day in April, and finally our Annual Golf Tournament in May. Don’t sit on the side lines the next few months. Step up and get involved, remember many hands make light work.

In Service~

Dirk

“Did You Know?”  In 1988, Rotary International began it quest to assist in the eradication of the polio virus.  Before the beginning of the campaign, about 1,000 children a day were paralyzed by this terrible disease.  Who can tell me how many countries today are still polio-endemic as opposed to how many there were when Rotary International began their fight to end the disease?  122 in 1988, 4 in 2008.  Whose Foundation recently announced a $100m grant to assist in polio eradication efforts?  Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation
 
 That’s the only “Did You Know?” from January!

Jim is one of  Brentwood Rotary Club's founding fathers, and last surviving charter member. He was present on May 7, 1949 for the club's first meeting, which occurred while Harry Truman was still president of the United States. The meeting was held in the Brentwood Hotel, which hardly survives even in memory.

Jim was actually the guiding light behind the club's formation. He recruited the 14 original members when a Concord Rotarian challenged Jim to start a club in Brentwood.

Jim joined Rotary to help people in need. (Plus, he admits that he enjoyed the Reno Train trips.) Jim served as President during 1954/1955 and over the years, at one time or another, has held all board positions. He has six Paul Harris awards to his credit.

Jim's career was in Land Development for 40 plus years. He and Ilene were married in 1935 and had one daughter and two boys. He has six grandchildren and three great-grandchildren.