Newburyport Clipper - Archive  Aug 17, 2004

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     On August 17th the opening song, "God Bless America" was led by Russ Johnson. The invocation was given by Sue Christ, and we dined on fish cakes or chicken.

Guests and Visiting Rotarians

Our guest today was Hans Iker rom Boston Rotary. Hans also has a place on Plum Island. His club wishes to donate 20 computers to the Link House in conjunction with our club; and our club can get all the publicity.

Birthdays and Anniversaries

There were a few birthdays this week; but since none of the honories were in attendance, they were not announced. Happy anniversary - 20 years - to Sue Christ (8/18).

Happy Dollars

Arlene Santa Fe was happy that the summer camps at the YWCA were well attended. All the numbers were up over last year. Russ Johnson was happy to see his son return after a nine - day motorcycle trip to Sturgis, South Dakota.

Board Meeting

There will be a Board Meeting tonight at 6:00 at Zack Longley's house. Potential new members will be discussed.

Program

Larry Blake from Dover, NH Rotary was with us today to do a presentation about Rotoplast.

In 1990, two doctors went to South America and were appalled at the great numbers of people with cleft lip and cleft palate, so they returned to the states and formed an organization called "Rotoplast". It is a team of 30 people-- doctors, dentists, other medical people, and Rotarians with no medical background but a sincere desire to volunteer and help these people. Cleft palate is caused by a lack of folic acid in the diet which is derived from green, leafy vegetables. Those who are afflicted are outcasts and lead very sheltered lives away from society. Children with cleft palate have a high chance of dying because the food they ingest either goes to their stomach, or their nasal passage where it can cause infection, or the lungs where they will suffocate.

When a team of people goes to these countries, they are sponsored by a Rotary Club in the area who house them and see that they are taken care of. His slide program was very graphic and showed before and after photos. The Rotoplast Team does such good work, and our club has donated $600 to them.

Larry was presented with a Rotary Mug.

Raffle

$18  was won by Austin Spinella.