Fenfen Zhang, guest of Chip, was our presenter today. Her presentation started with a very moving yet disturbing video about the outright oppression and deaths taking place in China today. Fenfen said that she grew up in China and came to the US in 1989 and is a citizen.
She is trying to increase awareness of the effort in her native country, from which she and her husband are now “blacklisted”, to harvest and sell human organs from people who are being targeted and killed for that purpose.
Fenfen referenced House Bill H.R. 1592 written and introduced in early March this year to “combat forced organ harvesting and trafficking in persons for purposes of the removal of organs, and for other purposes”. The bill still needs to be voted on. She urged us to write our congressional representatives about this and encourage them to support this measure.
District Governor’s Visit – We will still be meeting at The Center for our regular meeting on Thursday, August 5th but our program will be virtual. It is the official visit to our club by our new District Governor, Auruna Koushik. Who resides in Canada. Since the bridge has been closed since the start of the Pandemic, Aurna will be presenting her address virtually. She also requested all board members and officers to stay after the regular meeting so she can speak with them.
Lenawee Bike Tour Update – Sponsor chair, Nate, thanks everyone who has worked hard to find new sponsors and helped support the event themselves especially Kathy Williams who brought in a new $1,000 donor! An anonymous donor came forward recently agreeing to match every gift made up to $3,000. That goal was exceeded, Nate said, by $250!!! This brings our total to over $20,000 – the highest ever raised for this event. Nate thanked Kathy for the station’s in-kind donation as well. All monies raised through registrations will be added to that total! Great job Nate and Chip! The next step is to promote the event as much as we can.
New Club Directories – Thanks again to Allen who compiled the new directories that we started to hand out at our live meetings every Thursday..
Weekly Program Ideas – Chair Gerry reminded members that they need to think about who they would be able to contact for a presentation at one of our weekly meetings. We are all expected to come up with one and let Gerry know. The month of August has been filled so be prepared to come up with one for September and October.
Centennial Clock Dedication – Yours Truly thanked Kathy Williams for arranging the taping with Dale at the WLEN Studios last week and for setting up a live interview on August 6th at the four corners downtown on August 6th at 5pm. She and Chip have planned the event scheduled for Friday, August 6th at 6pm. Be sure and be on hand as Mark Murray and his band Alia will be performing and allowed us to use their sound equipment for the event. The Mayor, Commissioners, State Senator and Representative have been invited to attend. Our former District Governor, Noel, has also been extended an invitation.
Centennial Celebration Dinner – Mark your calendars for Thursday, September 30th to be at the Hills of Lenawee (the former Lenawee Country Club) at 5:30pm for a social gathering, dinner and program. THERE WILL BE NO REGULAR MEETING THAT DAY AT THE CENTER. The social event from 5:30-6:30pm has been totally underwritten by the Adrian Insurance Agency!! Thanks so much, Chip!!
Centennial Booklet – Should you wish to contribute $50 toward the printing of the what is turning pout to be a 30-page full color booklet replete with extensive Rotary information, photos of former members dating back to the 50’s (See pic of Frank Hazen below), and pics of some past Rotary Shows, please contact President or Yours Truly. It needs to go to print about September 1st. Thank you.
Welcome Back Students - Mark is coordinating this event scheduled for August 27th as we welcome back returning as well as new students to AC, SHU and Jackson College. Please mark your calendars to help. More info coming.
Proposed New Member – Tim Pier, sponsored by Chip, submitted his application for membership!
Morning Club Summer Celebration – Morning Rotary Club member, Dave Maxwell, was on hand at today’s meeting to announce the club’s upcoming Summer Celebration shown below. He was also selling raffle tickets for a $1,000 grand prize for $25 a ticket or 5 for $100. The event will take place at Chaloner’s in Downtown Adrian on Sunday, August 15 from 6:30pm-8:30pm. Drawing will be held at 8pm!
Wearables – Susan Tobey is contacting the source we used to have “Rotarians at Work” T-shirts made to see what the cost would be to offer another with the 100th Anniversary logo on them. More info coming.
Lenawee County Library Event – President Kathye announced that the library is planning an event on August 9th from 2-3:30pm out behind their facility to thank Adrian Rotary Club members for their donation every year to the literacy program.
Adrian City Band Concert – Thanks to Chip and the idea he had to purchase water to sell during the last 2 Thursday evening Music in the Park concerts at the Farmer’s Market, over $600 was collected and given to support the band!! Great job, Chip. There are going to be a couple more concerts that we plan to do that at.
Another Winner – Our last $200 ticket winner was Barry! Congrats, Barry!
Member Update – President Kathye told the audience today that she has made it a habit to call Ray Maxe to check on him and Mary. Their daughter informed her that Mary had had surgery recently that affected her eyesight. Please keep them both in your prayers.
Paul Harris Fellow – President Kathye presented Kathryn Szewczuk with her first Paul Harris Fellow pin! Congrats!!
New Club Brochure Available - Make sure to get your own copy of the new club brochure with a copy of the official member application on the reverse side!
DATES TO REMEMBER
August 5 - DG Aruna's Virtual Visit
August 5 - City Band Concert at the Farmer's Market - Club is selling water
August 6 - Centennial Clock Dedication
August 27 - Welcome Back Students (Downtown Adrian)
September 18 – 5th Annual Lenawee Bike Tour
September 30 - Tentative date for the Centennial Gala Dinner
Fenfen Zhang, guest of Chip, was our presenter today. Her presentation started with a very moving yet disturbing video about the outright oppression and deaths taking place in China today. Fenfen said that she grew up in China and came to the US in 1989 and is a citizen.
District Governor’s Visit – We will still be meeting at The Center for our regular meeting on Thursday, August 5th but our program will be virtual. It is the official visit to our club by our new District Governor, Auruna Koushik. Who resides in Canada. Since the bridge has been closed since the start of the Pandemic, Aurna will be presenting her address virtually. She also requested all board members and officers to stay after the regular meeting so she can speak with them.
