TOM BRANUM, JR. from the Fisher Rotary Club told us about his club's goal to build 100 water wells in Sierra Leone, where 60% of the people do not have access to clean water. They spend 4 - 6 hours a day hauling 1.5 gallons of water for their total daily needs. Americans use 100 gallons per day. The fund- raiser is April 17th in Fishers. He shared a video with us. If you want to see more, Click here.

BETTY DOVERSBERGER, two-year college scholarship committee member introduced John Laws and PAT COREY from Ivy Tech and TIM PARSONS, from Harrison College. She also introduced and thanked the other committee members: ROB NOLL, chair; BILL LOVELL, ELDON ORTMAN, ED HEMMER and TOM PEARSON, commenting that the number of high quality applicants made the choices difficult.

Regina Davis is a business management student at Harrison College, graduating this June. She has two sons who enjoy volunteering with her at Habitat for Humanity.

Claudia Forrisi, a nursing student at Ivy Tech, also has two children and, until recently, two jobs. This scholarship, coming on the loss of one of the jobs, is especially important to her success. She thanked all the Rotary members.

Antonio Martin, a political science student at Ivy Tech, intends to continue his education at IUPUI next year. With a wife and son and a dream of studying law, he volunteers at Hanna Community Center and is a student ambassador for Ivy Tech. He thanked members for investing in him.

Stephen Risk, a psychology student at Ivy Tech, was unable to be present. He works two jobs and supports a younger brother.

Each student will receive $1,000 toward next semester's tuition.

CHIP RUTLEDGE introduced Nicole Cherry and Victor Gutwein from West Lafayette High School. Each received a certificate and a travel mug with the 4-Way Test to commemorate meeting with us today.

Patti Truitt, guest of LETA KELLEY; John Laws, guest of PAT COREY; Gary Reif, husband of BARB REIF; Abby Martin, guest of scholarship recipient Antonio Martin; Michael Albin, guest of scholarship recipient Claudia Forrisi; Karen Seymour, guest of scholarship recipient Regina Davis

TOM BRANUM, JR, Fishers, IN; KEN RITCHIE, Daybreak

Money Collector: VICKI BURCH and JUDY RHODES; Greeter: GARY BLAU; Invocation: JIM HANKS; Piano: HARLEY F REY; Song Leader: HARRIET COPPOC; Help with attendance and facilitating a smooth meeting: JO WADE and TOM MORAN; Help with Ripples: BILL FULLER.

LINK OF THE WEEK:

Severl links underscore the problem of clean fresh water. The first one is presented by a group called "charity:water". The Second is from "Quantun Shift". CBS weighs in. Rotary International does not have it's own program, but encourages Clubs to work with existing organization. Here's one Club's page.

Go to Lafayette Rotary Home Page