Click the link to read about the First Four Rotarins that started the whole thing !

http://rotary.org/en/MediaAndNews/News/Pages/110210_news_history.aspx

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

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

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.

Wonderful idea!

Christmas 2011 — Birth of a New Tradition

As the holidays approach, the giant Asian factories are kicking into high gear to provide Americans with monstrous piles of cheaply produced goods — merchandise that has been produced at the expense of American labor. This year will be different. This year Americans will give the gift of genuine concern for other Americans. There is no longer an excuse that, at gift giving time, nothing can be found that is produced by American hands. Yes there is!

It’s time to think outside the box, people. Who says a gift needs to fit in a shirt box, wrapped in Chinese produced wrapping paper?

Everyone — yes EVERYONE gets their hair cut. How about gift certificates from your local American hair salon or barber?
Gym membership? It’s appropriate for all ages who are thinking about some health improvement.

Who wouldn’t appreciate getting their car detailed? Small, American owned detail shops and car washes would love to sell you a gift certificate or a book of gift certificates.

Are you one of those extravagant givers who think nothing of plonking down the Benjamins on a Chinese made flat-screen? Perhaps that grateful gift receiver would like his driveway sealed, or lawn mowed for the summer, or driveway plowed all winter, or games at the local golf course.

There are a bazillion owner-run restaurants — all offering gift certificates. And, if your intended isn’t the fancy eatery sort, what about a half dozen breakfasts at the local breakfast joint. Remember, folks this isn’t about big National chains — this is about supporting your home town Americans with their financial lives on the line to keep their doors open.
How many people couldn’t use an oil change for their car, truck or motorcycle, done at a shop run by the American working guy?
Thinking about a heartfelt gift for mom? Mom would LOVE the services of a local cleaning lady for a day.
My computer could use a tune-up, and I KNOW I can find some young guy who is struggling to get his repair business up and running.

OK, you were looking for something more personal. Local crafts people spin their own wool and knit them into scarves. They make jewelry, and pottery and beautiful wooden boxes.

Plan your holiday outings at local, owner operated restaurants and leave your server a nice tip. And, how about going out to see a play or ballet at your hometown theatre.
Musicians need love too, so find a venue showcasing local bands.

Honestly, people, do you REALLY need to buy another ten thousand Chinese lights for the house? When you buy a five dollar string of light, about fifty cents stays in the community. If you have those kinds of bucks to burn, leave the mailman, trash guy or babysitter a nice BIG tip.

You see, Christmas is no longer about draining American pockets so that China can build another glittering city. Christmas is now about caring about US, encouraging American small businesses to keep plugging away to follow their dreams. And, when we care about other Americans, we care about our communities, and the benefits come back to us in ways we couldn’t imagine.
THIS is the new American Christmas tradition.

Forward this to everyone on your mailing list — post it to discussion groups — throw up a post on Craigslist in the Rants and Raves section in your city — send it to the editor of your local paper and radio stations, and TV news departments. This is a revolution of caring about each other, and isn’t that what Christmas is about.

Beth A. Murray
Contract Specialist
Bureau of Reclamation
P.O. Box 61470
Boulder City, NV 89006
phone 702.293.8581
fax 702.293.8499

He received his bachelor’s degree in Geography from the United States Military Academy at West Point. He is also a graduate of the Command and General Staff College in Ft. Leavenworth, Kan.

He began his career with the Department of Veterans Affairs at the Muskogee VA Regional Office in 1999 working first on the Education side processing Montgomery GI Bill college tuition and later as a Rating Veterans Services Representative determining the percentage of disability and compensation Veterans receive for their service connected injuries.  In 2008, Louis joined the Veterans Healthcare Administration at the Jack C. Montgomery VA Medical Center as a registered nurse in the Rehab Department.  He currently works at the VA Medical Center as the Transitional Patient Advocate where he assists with short and long term needs of newly returned service members who are severely injured and ill who are transitioning from military treatment facilities to the VA health care system.

Louis is proud to be an Okie from Muskogee and was a member of the first graduating class from Hilldale High School.  He is married to his wife, Janet, for over 20 years, and has 3 sons, Benjamin, Andrew and Jacob.