March 27 'Round the Wheel Now Online.

Click here to read the March 27 'Round the Wheel and
here to read Raul's note.

March 20 'Round the Wheel Now Online

'Round the Wheel for March 20 is now online. Click here to read and comment: http://rotarysummerlin.org/NL/11-12/120320NL.pdf.

ShelterBox Update

ShelterBox has deployed teams to provide relief to victims of several recent natural disasters, including a cyclone in Madagascar, an earthquake in the Philippines, and most recently devastating mudslides in Peru.  As of earlier today, when a major earthquake struck the area around Acapulco, Mexico, ShelterBox has been in communication with local relief agency officials to determine what, if any need, there will be for ShelterBox assistance there.

In Madagascar ShelterBox has provided more than 550 tents (each of which houses up to 10 people) and more than 60 tents in the Philippines. 

On a more personal note, as one of the newest ShelterBox ambassadors, I am thrilled to be attending the upcoming field training just outside of Austin, TX in April.  We will have the opportunity to participate in simulated deployment activities to give us a first-hand experience of what it's like to be on the ground providing assistance in times of disaster.

So far I have scheduled three presentations at Southern Nevada Rotary Clubs:  Las Vegas West, Centenniel Hills and Green Valley Rotary.  In addition I will be providing support for a visiting ShelterBox ambassador who will be doing a ShelterBox fundraiser while participating in a triathalon on March 31 in Boulder City.  We will have a tent set up along with other items from a box to show people exactly what a ShelterBox is.  If you want to join me or know of another organization that would like to hear about ShelterBox, please let me know or have them contact me at bettym@dynamic-coaching.com.

This is truly an amazing organization! If you'd like more information or want to make a tax-deductible donation, please visit my ShelterBox fundraising site: http://tinyurl.com/844erwp. 

Rotarians At Work Day Project April 21st

Our Rotarians At Work Day (RAWD) project is on for Saturday, April 21^st. We will be sprucing up Police Memorial Park at 3250 Metro Academy Way.  Our tasks include:

1.     Rocks/landscaping in the memorial area (5-10 people)
2.     Sifting of sand in the children's play area (5 people)
3.     Curb painting (5-10 people)
4.     Pavilion painting (5-10 people)
5.     Skate Park (completed as an Eagle Scout project)

We'll gather at about 7:00 AM for coffee, get our assignments and our tools and paint.  After we’re done at around noon, we'll meet in one of the larger pavilions for hamburgers and hot dogs, cooked by Chef Joe G.  Please bring family and friends (over the age of 10) to help.

Sign up sheet will be available after Thursday's Fellowship.

Cimarron HS Robotics Program

On March 9th we visited Cimarron Memorial HS for a demonstration of the robots they built for competition. Here's an article submitted by President Elect Gregg Townsend.

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I, Rotarian Robot?

By Gregg Townsend

L-R: Stacey Wedding,  (John's assistant), John Krakauer,
Dennis Ortwein, Gregg Townsend, Judith Filangeri,
Stephen McKinney, Eric Stensrud, Isaac Salame, Jacob Mauro
Curtis Spence   Chad Pesquera Erick Caballero  Joe Barry
(Photographer, not shown, Dennis Filangeri

Machines help people in many ways.  On March 9^th, a robot did dual work: it made a sick man feel better, and it made basketball free throws as well.

At noon in the old wood shop classroom at Cimarron Memorial High School, the Robotics Team put on a free throw shooting demonstration with their entry into this year's FIRST® Robotics Competition (FRC®). "Rebound Rumble."

The 2012 “Rebound Rumble” robotics game is played between two Alliances of three teams each. Each Alliance competes by trying to score as many of the basketballs in the hoops as possible during the two-minute and 15-second match. Balls scored in higher hoops score teams more points. Team Alliances are awarded bonus points if they are balanced on bridges at the end of the match.

The Cimarron student Robotics Team designed and built the robot.  Competition begins shortly and, as one of nine teams in the valley, Cimarron will soon know how good their robot is.

And the Rotary connection?  With school budgets cut to the bone, the Robotics Team depends upon donations from corporate sponsors and caring individuals.  John Krakauer of the Las Vegas Summerlin Rotary is one of them.  John made a $10,000 donation to the team through the Las Vegas Northwest Rotary Foundation. Though in frail health, John came to see the demonstration, and fairly glowed. From the first three baskets sunk by the robot, the smile on his face spoke to the pride in his heart for the Robotics Team and all their efforts.  The funds helped the Cimarron Robotics team excel in the valley and state competition over the years.

With pride the students demonstrated their robot's capabilities, zipping around a seated John Krakauer, picking up basketballs, returning to the shooting line, putting up shots and sinking almost every one. Then off it would go again. Jeremy Lin, watch out!

Clark County high schools overall have fewer than 50% of its students graduating, but the Robotics Team boasts a 100% graduation rate, and most of its members go on to college with scholarships. 

Engineering and computers have come a long way in a short time, but good people like John and good organizations like Rotary have gone even further.  Service above Self goes a long way: it can even help make a free throw.

'Round the Wheel for March 13 Now Online

The March 13 'Round the Wheel is now online.
Click here.

'Round the Wheel for March 6

The March 6 'Round the Wheel is now on line.
Click Here.

Project 150-Helping Homeless Teens Stay in School

Members and guests at today's meeting were moved to tears after hearing Harmony Homes CEO Don Purdue describe the plight of hundreds of homeless teens in Clark County high schools.  Because Purdue was also moved to tears after first learning about the magnitude of the problem several months ago, he and a grassroots team of volunteers and school staff have formed the 501C3 organization Project 150 to help provide the resources these homeless students need to stay in school and graduate.  Items most needed include school supplies, food items such as juices, instant soups, instant oatmeal and other non-perishables as well as clothing and food gift cards. Thanks to Don for an absolutely fabulous program.  And thanks to the many members who brought guests to today's meeting.  You can find out more about Project 150 at http://www.project150lv.org/.

DAN STOVER MEMORIAL MUSIC CONTEST

DAN STOVER MEMORIAL MUSIC CONTEST

Three outstanding Palo Verde High School senior musicians will compete on March 20 to represent the Summerlin Rotary Club in this yearly District 5300 instrumental contest.  Our club winner will be on the Mesquite Club stage in the Southern Nevada finals at 2:30 p.m. on April 14.  The local winner becomes one of four finalists at the District Conference on June 2 at the Lake Arrowhead Resort.  The other regions are:  California East, California West and High Desert.  Southern Nevada Music has been very helpful in providing a baby grand piano for accompanying the musicians on trombone, trumpet and guitar.

This contest was established as a remembrance to Alhambra Rotarian Dan Stover, an outstanding organist/pianist who entertained multitudes of Rotarians over many years. 

2012 D5300 Super Build

D5300's annual super build international service is scheduled for May 19 in Tecate, Mx. Here are some pictures and links you may find enlightening.

Fremont Club Video


D5300 Super Build Page
Last year we made a donation to help this project. What should we do this year?