Greeters:  Russ Rainwater, Marcia Baragay; Dudley Frost provided the Inspirational Moment and the Pledge of Allegiance was then led by Al Hansen.

Mike McKenzie celebrated his birthday on Sunday, April 12

Frank Bumpus celebrates his birthday on Wednesday, April 15

Tamara Borges announced she had attended a lovely dinner at President Chuck Pattishall’s home on Thursday, April 9^th, after a long anticipate wait since her arrival to McMinnville’s Rotary Club on October 31^st.

Erin Stephenson bragged that the one game Tamara Borges couldn’t play was the one game her team had lost!  Erin  also announced the upcoming Community Volunteer Fair on Saturday, April 25, from 10:00 AM – 3:00 PM At McMinnville Community Center.  This event will have our local non-profits, medical institutions, music clubs and city volunteer opportunities.  Don’t miss this opportunity to give your talent to our local community.  Enjoy food, music and Kids Zone, completely free!  Thank you to First Federal and the News Register for sponsoring this event.

Bruce Huffman announced the upcoming CASA Auction: Giving Voices to Children, to be held Friday May 1st, 2009 at the McMinnville Grand Ballroom.  Tickets are $50 each

Brent Adams gave a rugby update on the local A & B teams.  He was looking forward to their game today at Duniway Middle School.

Ron Benek reminded us of Citizens Banks annual flower basket sale, the 9^th Annual Fundraiser Benefit for the American Cancer Society.  Prices for the Country Garden Nursery hanging baskets are $34 for pre-order for Friday, May 8, and $37 on Saturday, May 9.  Talk to Ron, Teresa, or any Citizens Bank employee to get your order form.

Art Bradley suggested a Fun Run – walk option as a fundraiser for the polio program and wants interested Rotarians to come talk to him to get involved on the committee.

Darrick Price thanked Leslie VanBlaricom for sending this week’s e-question “Does it wear you out being so awesome?”  He explained in great detail how he is still willing to carry the load of being awesome even though he fills the strain but realizes his humility will help him with a lot of help from his friends.

President Chuck Pattishall gave a recent overview of the monthly board meeting and congratulated the McMinnville Rotarians having an average March attendance being at 77.12 %.  He also stated that the next Flag Pole Committee meeting will be on Tuesday, April 14, at noon at Golden Valley.

Walter Haight thanked Jack Crabtree for volunteering to take the orange crew out to our local Rotary Park for spring cleanup

MAIN EVENT

President Chuck Pattishall, Jill Methven, and Brent Adams shared their experiences as Rotarian Volunteers in the high land village, Vuelta Grande Guatemala.  Rotary’s several 2009 projects in action: medical clinics, dental clinics, water facilities and resources, and the transition program for disabled villagers.

Jill briefed the members on the Microbanking Committee’s success stories.  12 of the 13 village women who had borrowed money to start their own private enterprises were able to pay back their loans.  Loans ranged from $80 to $125 depending on how many years the women had been involved in the program.  Rotarians help the villagers develop products that will contribute to the community.

This year’s water Project was upgrading and maintenance of the water station used as the locals laundry mat.  The team expressed their respect for the women who come to and from the steep hills with laundry loaded in their pots which are carried on the women’s heads.

The local village’s school was closed and converted into the Medical and Dental Headquarters.  This year’s Medical Headquarters was staffed by 2 Doctors, 1 Chiropractor, and 1 Physical Therapist.  All the villagers were measured, weighed and had their blood pressure checked.  Pharmacy had two Rotarian’s volunteering with dispensing reading glasses and prescriptions.

Dental Headquarters contained 3 dental chairs which were constantly in use for the four days from the hours of 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM.  This was the first year a portable dental x-ray machine was purchased by Rotary which was used on site by the dental staff.  144 patients visited the Dental Headquarters:  39 patients for dental cleanings, 97 for fillings, 189 extractions, and one root canal for Maria, a lovely 12 year old girl who would probably lose the opportunity to marry if she lost her teeth.  Most of the dental work was extractions due to poor dental care and the constant intake of sugar in the form of pop and suckers for the children. 

Brent, Chuck, and Jill worked at the Dental Headquarters.  Brent and Chuck spent most of their time pulling teeth with Jill working on sanitizing the dental equipment.  Jill wants to set up a dental education program as an additional segment of their program.   She is suggesting educating the need for proper brushing, flossing, and good hygiene as well as sugar intake.

Brent enjoyed spending some time as a volunteer in the Transitions Program which works with providing equipment for villagers with disabilities.  Brent discussed how the local wheel chair frames are made with steel instead of aluminum with bicycle wheels attached for the rough terrain. 

Check out their website for photos at www.flickr.com/macrotary; you will view 10 pages of photos.  The floor was opened up for questions and public comment.

Dale Tomlinson, chair of the International Rotary Committee, announced he was looking for members to volunteer for an additional trip to Guatemala in October for education. 

The Board of Directors has approved the following for membership:

Alison Bufkin Reggie proposed by Russ Rainwater for the classification "Real Estate - Principal Broker". She will automatically become a member unless anyone objects in writing within ten days of  publication of this notice.

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