November in Review
Wednesday, December 5, 2018
By Eddie Grant

SPEAKERS
Jasmine Meadows, a student at Paducah Tilghman High School, presented about her experience with RYLA and how she was deeply impacted by her experience in September. She shared that she made a network of what she is sure will be lifelong friends after just four days at the Rotary Youth Leadership Awards Camp in Greenville, Kentucky.

Kristen Beck and Lacey Baker, Founders of the Moses Basket told us about their program whose mission is to provide supplies and assistance to foster families in western Kentucky. For more info you can visit http://www.themosesbasket.com/.

Capulan Gurrola, Executive Director, Beyond Uganda updated club members on the important work they are doing in Uganda, and how they are excited about the opportunity to work with our own UK College of Engineering students on a project designed to turn trash into a biofuel. Our club is working with the College to apply for a Rotary International Grant, to take this technology and put it to work. Learn more about Beyond Uganda here https://www.beyonduganda.org/

Dr. Evelyn Jones – spoke to the club about the importance of the Blue Zones Project initiative and what it means as well as what it would look like for Paducah. She explained that while it wouldn't set any rules for healthy living it would give people more options to make healthier choices to improve their lives and encourage them to do so. She believes if successful it could improve quality of life in our area while lowering healthcare costs both regionally and statewide. For more information https://www.wpsdlocal6.com/2017/03/22/blue-zones-project-could-help-people-in-paducah-live-longer-healthier/

This month, Giuseppe Biagini, with the UNESCO Creative Cities Network, visited our club as a guest of Rotarian Mary Hammond and gave us a little taste of Italy as he told the club about the importance of creativity on culture and about some of the initiatives his home town of Carrara, Italy, has undertaken. His work with the International Traditional Knowledge Institute sees him split his time between Italy and Tucson, AZ.

    

Joint Luncheon with Kiwanis
On November 14 we were happy to host our annual joint luncheon with the Paducah Downtown Kiwanis. Attending from Kiwanis were Tiffany Benberry, Heddy Beyer, Brandon Clifton, Mason DeJarnett, Brent Houseman, Scott Jordan, Brian Laird, Lisa Lauck, Nick Morris, Don Oliver, John Oliver, Cullen Pope, Alice Robertson and Bobbie Wrinkle. Kiwanis President Mason DeJarnett expressed his appreciation through an email that read, "THANK YOU for your hospitality at our annual luncheon. We look forward to this every year. We appreciate your service above self, and hope that at some point in the future we can work together on a project that leaves a positive impact on Paducah. Should you need anything, please call on your Kiwanis friends!"

New Member Orientation
A new member orientation was held on November 9, for anyone who has joined the club in the past 3 years or any existing member who wanted to learn more about all things Rotary. There were fifteen members in attendance; topics included Avenues for Service, Committees, the Rotary Foundation, and weekly programs. Perhaps one of the best parts of the orientation was called "How To's." This focused on navigating the new Dacdb, billing, new member and guest procedures and how each member can help with the clubs PR and marketing efforts. President DeeDee said, “New Member Orientation sessions will strengthen our club and improve new member retention.”


Keep the Gears Turning
December 11 - We will hold our annual night of Christmas Caroling at area nursing and retirement facilities.  We will meet at 5:15 p.m. at The Lakes on Olivet Church Road.  If you have questions please contact Zach Hosman, committee chair or the Rotary Office.  

December 12 - Salvation Army Bell Ringing!  If you haven't signed up we are in need of more volunteers.  https://signup.com/client/invitation2/secure/2574779/false#/invitation 
We need your help!!