Meeting summary

Attendees: Bob Bishop, Harold Burzloff,  John Dooling,  Don Jorgensen,  Kathy Jorgensen,  Becky Penman,  Gregg Hansen,  Mark Gologoski,  Mike Ottman, Cindy Dooling  and  Peter Mack

Quick recap

The meeting focused on ShelterBox, a global disaster relief organization, and its evolution over 26 years. Dr. Don Jorgensen, a past district governor and ShelterBox ambassador, presented an update on the organization's work, highlighting its shift from traditional tent distributions to more customized responses based on specific disaster needs. He discussed ShelterBox’s expansion to support 3 million people by 2024, its use of cash aid in some regions, and its ongoing efforts in countries like Syria, Ukraine, and the Philippines. The presentation also covered ShelterBox’s sustainability efforts, including local procurement of supplies and partnerships with other relief organizations. The club was recognized as a Shelter Box Hero Club for its continued support of the organization's mission.

Summary

Club Updates and Social Chats

The meeting began with a discussion about a check that was sent to Dan.  Mark, who picked it up from Contorno's house for Tour de Cookie. The group then engaged in casual conversation about various topics, including lemon muffins made with Laura's lemons and upcoming birthdays. Cindy announced that Bob had earned a new Paul Harris PIN, and the conversation ended with Beckie leading the group in Happy Bucks.

Personal Updates and Disaster Relief

The group shared personal updates, including Mike's brewing experience and Josh's work on Zella testing for English language learners. Peter discussed turning 70 and his recent ankle injury, while Bob reflected on his military connections and encounters with notable figures in the aviation industry. The conversation ended with an introduction to Dr. Don Jorgensen, who was set to speak about ShelterBox and its disaster relief efforts, highlighting his background as a past district governor and author.

ShelterBox’s Global Disaster Relief

Don provided an update on ShelterBox, highlighting its evolution from a Rotary Club project to a global disaster relief organization. He discussed ShelterBox’s growth, including its expansion to support 40 million people worldwide and its shift from distributing physical boxes to providing customized aid based on local needs. He also explained ShelterBox’s use of cash aid, pre-positioned warehouses, and partnerships with local agencies to enhance effectiveness and sustainability. The organization's efforts in various countries, including the Philippines, Syria, and Gaza, were showcased, along with its recent recognition as a Shelter Box Hero Club.

Meeting summary

Attendees: Harold Burtzloff, Mark Goligoski,Don Jorgensen, Cindy Dooling, Laura Clymer, Mike Ottman, Peter Mack, Beckie Penman, Beverly Smithwick, Gregg Hansen

Quick recap

The meeting focused on updates and announcements from various participants, The group also discussed a recently approved grant for Treasures for Teachers, which will benefit Title I schools. Additionally, Cindy announced that the Marana Food Bank and ShelterBox had expressed appreciation for recent donations. The meeting included personal updates from several attendees. Technical difficulties with the meeting platform affected some participants' ability to fully engage in the discussion.

Next steps

• All (implied team members): Help fill and distribute bags for teachers as part of the new grant with Treasures for Teachers, focusing on Title I schools.

Summary

Technical Setup and Connectivity Challenges

The meeting began with technical difficulties as participants experienced connectivity issues and struggled to set up the presentation and audiovisual equipment. Despite these challenges, the meeting proceeded with participants exchanging greetings and brief pleasantries, though the main agenda and discussion points were not apparent from the transcript.

Personal Updates and Project News

The meeting began with Mike sharing his experience of attending a funeral for his 100-year-old aunt, followed by updates from several members about their personal lives, including Peter's recent flu illness and Beckie's plans to visit Oregon. The group discussed the new meeting location and shared updates about their citrus trees, with Laura bringing Meyer lemons for everyone to enjoy. 

Grant Approval and School Partnerships

Cindy announced that RI has approved their grant for work with Treasures for Teachers, focusing on Title I schools in the Marana Unified School District, and the check should be arriving soon. 

Roadrunner Elementary School Overview

Kristina Brewer, the principal of Roadrunner, shared details about the school's demographics, academic programs, and efforts to improve student outcomes, highlighting its remote location, mission, and vision, including a high transient rate and a significant number of students qualifying for free and reduced lunch. She emphasized the school's focus on culture and academics, mentioning their college-bound theme and efforts to increase academic rigor. She was accompanied by intern Chad Sweatman, who shared information about his programs to increase student engagement.

Meeting Summary

Members in attendance Bo B.  Harold B.  Laura C.   Cindy D.   Mark G.  Don J.  Kathy J.   Michael O.

Quick Recap
The meeting included a presentation by Kate Louis from Ben’s Bells, a nonprofit that promotes intentional kindness through community and volunteer programs. She shared the organization’s mission, history, and volunteer opportunities, including the Professional Production Groups program, which allows teams to volunteer monthly for a small fee and learn to create and distribute bells independently. The group discussed ways to support Ben’s Bells through volunteering, purchasing to-go kits for schools and groups, creating promotional materials, and improving social media engagement.
Additional discussion covered logistics, upcoming events, team updates, and volunteer opportunities. Mark shared experience connecting Ben’s Bells programming with PBIS in schools, noting positive impacts. The meeting also emphasized gratitude, kindness, and community resilience, with participants sharing personal reflections and appreciation.

The meeting also included logistics updates, personal check-ins, expressions of gratitude, and announcements of upcoming workshops, meetings, and volunteer events.
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Updates and Upcoming Events
•    Minor logistical issues (gate access, coffee setup) were addressed.
•    John was absent due to a scheduled appliance delivery.
•    Mark shared personal family updates and thanked the team for help with a recent move.
•    Upcoming events:
o    Grant Writing Workshop – January 8 (registration required)
o    Romanian Friendship Exchange Meeting – January 12 (registration required)
o    More Than a Bed Volunteer Opportunity (Dove Mountain) – January 14, morning shift (up to 10 volunteers)
•    A new gymnasium at Twin Peaks has broken ground and is expected to be completed by the end of August.
Action Items
•    Mark
o    Contact Lauren to confirm Facebook access and ability to boost posts from the main account and add Gregg as a social media admin
o    Check with Karen (arriving at 6:45) or coordinate gate access
•    Bob
o    Check whether the online newsletter has been received; notify Mark if not
•    Team
o    Increase and improve use of social media to support engagement and outreach