Yesterday was the final day for folks to complete their individual walk/run/bike event to benefit Chikumbuso.  Team Westerly Rotary included Kathryn, Rona, Doug, Dan and Rose.  The following are some of the pictures received  -  Doug and family walking around the Preserve, Rose walking around her gardens, Kathryn at Osbrook Point in Pawcatuck and Rona at Hope Valley.

  

 

  

 

Meeting this past Monday evening with the members above, including John Hall on the telephone, began with our speaker, Russ Partridge, Executive Director of The WARM Center.  He told us that through this crisis they have continued to provide over a hundred meals daily in Anita's Kitchen, seven days per week.  3,500 people have been cared for.  The Emergency Shelter program, a 19-bed facility, was "designed to help homeless men and women who suffer from a variety of circumstances."  They must remain alcohol and drug free, follow house rules, meet with their peers and staff.  Other programs that continue to be successful include Attire for Hire, Harvest Homes, Supportive Homes, Street Outreach, Community Outreach.  Russ said that all have remained in good health.  WARM has received a Rhode Island Foundation Grant to provide financial assistance for people having financial issues.  He believes that the level of need is increasing as people learn that WARM is there if help is needed and reach out.  Most staff has been working from home.

Russ said "when people come to WARM their lives change."  He told of one individual who had been living with substance abuse and came to WARM.  He stayed with the program and eventually attended college, graduated and is now in a Master's Program.  While we thanked Russ for all that has been accomplished at WARM for the community, he thanked us for our support.

 

Bob Elmer provided a Foundation Moment, telling how Habitat for Humanity and Texas Rotary Club helped to build a home for a family in Milawi, Africa.

  

Aug 24:  District Governor Charlene Jarest visitation  - Million Dollar Meal at Rotary Park  -  uncertain

 

We are pleased to announce that Adam Gilman, shown above with President Kathryn and Principal Hobin, has been selected for the 2020 Rotary Youth Leadership Award.  He will be attending the annual event at Cape Cod Sea Camps in Brewster, MA, which is now postponed until the Fall.  This is a leadership program that is open to high school sophomores and juniors  and offers life-changing, lasting opportunities "to gain hands-on experience in developing skills with a focus on community service."  Many Rylarians return to this annual conference as Alumni to put their leadership skills into action through coordination of leadership seminars and community projects.

 

Adam is an Honor student, has earned his Academic letter, Lamp of Learning Pin.  He has participated in soccer, basketball, lacrosse.  Adam is also a Big Buddy mentor, Summer Pops volunteer, Westerly Youth Soccer Association volunteer, and WHS Student representative to School Committee.  He hopes to attend the Naval Academy.  We are certain that this young man will be successful in all that he does and hope that Rotary will be a part of his adult life.

          

This flyer above says it all.  Donating to Rotary means clean water and sanitation.  Health and Hope in areas that were once ravaged by diseases like polio.  Economic Development and new opportunities.  Your financial help makes all this happen, and more.  With your help, we can make lives better in your community and around the world.  EVERY ROTARIAN EVERY YEAR provides funds to Rotary Foundation's Annual Fund, specifically, and 50% of this donation comes back to the District.   You can prepare a check to the Club and Rose will make sure that it gets to Rotary Foundation in your name or you can go directly to RF and make your donation online.  Please let Rose know that you did so - new Rotary Foundation EREY stickers are ready to insert on your Member Badge.