Charlotte-Shelburne Rotary - Newsletter

Steve shared a Rotary Foundation Thought – Group Study Exchange (GSE) was founded as an educational program of the Foundation in 1965. As a result of this popular program, thousands of young professionals from more than 100 countries around the world have received vocational training, experienced another culture, and benefited from Rotarian hospitality around the world.

Announcements

Taiwan GSE – delayed by the Dept. of State & Technical due to visitors issues – it will now be later this summer.

Four day tickets for Basic Harbor for the District Conference – a) John Hammer, May 15; b) Linda Gilbert, May 15; Colleen Haag, May 15; d) Deb Hanley, May 15.

Next week – May 6 – Ric will bring the letters for the Bowlathon.

Future programs:

May 6 – Charlie Nardozzi
May 13 – Jeff Crowe
May 20 – Scholarship Students (Alan Hathaway)
May 27 – Terrell Titus, District Simplified Grants

Upcoming events:

May 14 – 17 – Basic Harbor District Conference. Register on-line
May 21 – Board meeting
May 29 – Bowlathon – get names to Ric for letters

Sergeant at Arms

Kris Engstrom shared a joke with club members. Tom Glaser was Kris’ assistant. Kris announced that there is over $200 in the pot.

Happy fines:

Scoot – Ric Flood
Terry – bobcat in backyard, beautiful sunset
Carol – happy
Robert – nice to see Terry
Chuck – been in Mississippi building a house
Dave – heading to FL and happy to have Ron visiting
Howard – 2 moose on his property
Denny – grandchildren visiting
Jim – happy to see Chuck
John – scoot fine
Joyce – scoot fine and saw an otter
John H – spring peepers
Pat – happy
George – happy to see Ron Hyer
Terrell – heading to NY with daughter
Sue – 4 recipients for RYLA finalists
Linda – happy for Stern Center visitors
Gary – happy
Ric – article about Terrill’s notoriety and awards
Jimmy – happy he has a chauffeur

Drawing: Laurie Caswell Burke picked ticket. Sue McClellan was the winner but drew the wrong card.

Presentation

Steve Dates and Dr. Podhajski

George Schiavone introduced the members from The Stern Center for Language and Learning, Dr. Blanche Podhajski, President and Laurie Caswell Burke, Development.

The Stern Center for Language and Learning is a nonprofit literacy center dedicated to helping children and adults reach their full potential. Through high-quality direct service, professional development and research, the Center is committed to enriching the lives of learners because all great minds don’t think alike.

The Center:

Has over 25 years of service
Serves over 1,000 learners annually
$160,000 – for year ’09 scholarship awards target
$57,000 raised to date for scholarships
Over 2,300 educator participants in professional development annually
Learners from 15 states and 4 countries
Sites in Williston and White River Junction

What children need to learn to read:

Phonemic awareness
Phonics
Fluency
Vocabulary
Comprehension
Motivation

“It is important for learners to build a future of success rather than failure. Literacy is the foundation.” - Blanche Podhajski, Ph.D President