testDarren Saliba, Regional ODOT engineer shared with Rotary a basic state of the bridges in North Eastern Oklahoma.

Main points:  the budget has been increased over the last few years to all real fixes rather than just the patch work of previouis years and administrations.

He presented maps showing exactly what bridges need repair,  which have been repaired and which need replacing.

He also showed a willingness to take and answer audience questions, as a commitment to be available to respond those questions that required research.

Kelvin

If you ever wondered what to say when asked about Rotary,  please read the entire article, published in the Muskogee Phoenix.    Kelvin Brown

By Rebeca Walkup Guest Columnist

— Rotary Club of Muskogee, a chapter of Rotary International, was founded in 1913 with the mission to 1) contribute to the health and growth of Muskogee by being active, contributing members of the community by providing assistance and support to disadvantaged groups/individuals and the organizations that serve these populations, fostering development of Muskogee’s youth, and supporting nonprofits with missions compatible with Rotary’s overall goals;  2) support district, national and international Rotary initiatives; and  3) nurture business by supporting club member business owners, executives and appointed representatives.

Click on the link below for the full article. http://muskogeephoenix.com/local/x1929697579/Rotary-Club-has-distinguished-history

Our speaker was Dr. Edwin Strickland. He is the new Principal at Alice Robertson Junior High aka 7th & 8th Grade Center. Dr. Strickland is from NW Arkansas.



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The Rotary International General Secretary has recognized Muskogee Rotary Club for its service to Muskogee youth.  The club is one of only three clubs in the 4 state, 81 club district recognized for vocational service in Rotary year 2010-2011.

The programs for which the club was recognized range from activities in early elementary education through high school and cover a period of time that goes back more than 60 years.  The focus for which the club was recognized is that of serving Muskogee youth through a variety of activities intended to foster enjoyment in learning.  The projects highlighted included, but certainly were not limited to:

• Providing dictionaries to every 3^rd grade student in city and surrounding schools;
• Reading to elementary students each March during Read Across America Day, a National Education Association initiative;
• Providing the CHOICES curriculum, a program designed to help students consider and make choices that enhance their lives and potential livelihoods, to 8^th grade students at the 7^th and 8^th Grade Center and Rougher Academy;
• 60 year sponsorship of Muskogee High School Regional Speech Tournament; and
• Sponsorship of the Four Way Speech Test annually.

Also highlighted in the submission for which the club was recognized was the fact that the projects above and many other Muskogee Rotary projects involve partnering with Muskogee organizations.  The additional collaborations focus on service to youth and families through provision of funds to the Good Shepherd Clinic and holiday baskets through Salvation Army and Gospel Rescue Mission.  Extending the youth-oriented service beyond the community, the club contributes funds to eradicate polio world-wide and participates in the Shoes for Orphan Souls each year.

Congratulations to each and every club member.  You all participated in making this happen through your hard work, your dues, and your caring.