We had a great meeting last night, with 34 attendees! Thanks to the members and visitors for coming. We’re looking forward to having you as Paducah Rotaractors! Simply fill out the attached membership application and return it to laura@paducah.travel to become an official member.
(Thanks to Angie Hatton for compiling this summary of last night’s meeting):
Upcoming events are listed below. Scroll down for more details.
February 13: Empty Bowls Project Rotaract Social/Service Project, 6 pm at Terra Cottage
February 25: Empty Bowls Project event, 11 am to 4 pm at the Paducah-McCracken County Convention Center
February 25: Rotaract/Interact District 6710 Conference, 9 am to 4 pm at Kenlake State Resort Park (Email Brandi Harless at brandi.harless@gmail.com if you are interested in attending.)
April 21-22: Paducah Rotaract Retreat, lots of leadership and team building activities around Kentucky Lake for Rotaractors (Email John Shumaker at jjfarley20@hotmail.com for more information.)
May 5: Repair Affair, Midtown Alliance is seeking volunteers and donations, scroll down for more
McCracken County Humane Society
Victor Sredl and Dr. James Shumaker of the McCracken County Humane Society board of directors visited the club’s meeting to present the need for new board members. Sredl, who is board secretary, said the Humane Society is looking to fill two positions with some young people who love animals, have fresh ideas, and who are willing to put in the effort and work to help improve the McCracken County Humane Society. Shumaker said to be a board member, you do not have to live in McCracken County, but you do have to become a member of the Humane Society. The cost is $20 annually per person or $35 annually per family. Call 270-443-5923 to get in touch if you’re interested.
Repair Affair
The club also heard about the needs of the Midtown Alliance Repair Affair. Virginia Siegel and Melissa Wortman, coordinators, said that the organization has had a great track record since 2009, helping 50 homeowners, close to half of those in 2011 alone. However, this year they have gotten word from the Kentucky Housing Corporation that there are no funds available to finance the repair projects. Siegel said that these projects are very important to the people who receive help, many of whom have annual incomes 15 percent below the area’s median income. Projects completed include fixing leaks, repainting, adding exterior fixtures, repairing windows and more needed emergency repairs. The next Repair Affair is tentatively scheduled for May 5. To find out more about the project, visit www.kymidtownalliance.org. Let’s put Service above Self and help out Midtown Alliance with donations and volunteerism.
Interact
Missy Eckenberg, the president-elect of the Rotary Club of Paducah, spoke about the need for a local Interact Club. Interact is school-based Rotary-sponsored club for 12-18 year olds. It’s like Rotaract for a younger set. Eckenberg asked for Rotaractors who might be interested in helping to start Interact Clubs in the Paducah and St. Mary school systems. If you’re interested, email missy@stmore.org Read more about Interact Clubs at the Rotary District 6710 website. http://www.rotarydistrict6710.org/view/19
Polar Plunge Report
Laura Schaumburg, treasurer, reported that five Rotaractors participated in the annual West Kentucky Polar Plunge, held Feb. 4 at Kentucky Dam Village State Resort Park. The Paducah Rotaract team raised $500, contributing to an overall nearly $95,000 raised towards Special Olympics in Kentucky.
P. O. Box
Schaumburg also announced that Paducah Rotaract now has a P. O. Box where members may send dues. The address is, as follows: P. O. Box 211, Paducah KY 42002.
Empty Bowls Project
John Shumaker, social chair, announced a “two-pronged” social event and service project for the month of February with the Empty Bowls Project. Paducah Rotaract has a reservation for up to 14 people to go to Terra Cottage, 514 North 7th Street, on Monday, Feb. 13 (next week!) at 6 pm to glaze a bowl to contribute to the Empty Bowls Project in Paducah. The cost of $5 for the first bowl is covered by Rotaract, but if you get the artistic bug, you’ve got to pony up. Also, on Feb. 25, from 11 am to 4 pm, at the Paducah-McCracken County Convention Center, all Paducah Rotaractors should come buy one of the homemade bowls and get endless refills from some local restaurants that have donated food. Proceeds benefit food programs for low income individuals. If you want to go the the glazing, email Shumaker at jjfarley20@hotmail.com Also find out more on Facebook. http://www.facebook.com/emptybowlspaducah
Other Highlights
Janel Tate, service chair, passed around a list of potential service projects for 2012, and asked for feedback on what we want to do this year. If you’re interested in finding out what’s on the radar or contributing an idea, email her at janel.tate.rme8@statefarm.com.
Samuel “Snacks” Hawkins requested help promoting the Keystone Club of the Oscar Cross Boys and Girls Club. For more information, email him at samuelhawkins@live.com.
Chris Cappock said that Project AIDS Orphan of Paducah is looking to hold a Hunger Banquet. He expects around 30 volunteers will be needed to pull off the event. Shoot him an email if you want to find out more, at c.cappock@gmail.com.
Paducah Bank generously provided pizza and drinks for club members and guests.
Rotaract Paducah 