“The purpose of assembling this committee was to allow new members to witness firsthand the tradition of our Club in developing projects and the funding of those projects,” states John Hintzman, Club member who heads the New Members Project Committee which is comprised of members who have been in the Club for two years or less. 

After identifying potential projects that kept within the $5,000 budget, the committee reviewed project opportunities submitted by the Club’s International and Community Service committees. In the end, the committee voted to support two different projects.

“The smokeless stove project in India will allow new members to be involved with the process of putting together a Rotary Global Grant,” Hintzman explained. “This project directly addresses three of Rotary's seven areas of focus: disease prevention, environment and maternal and child health.”

 

With $4,000, the Club will be able to provide 13 smokeless stoves.


“The stove design is a proven technology that, in addition to having direct health benefits, addresses disease prevention, particularly for women and children. The stove's improved efficiency significantly lowers quantities of fuel making it environmentally friendly,” states new member Walt Grady who championed the project on behalf of fellow Rotarian Krishna Murthy.

 

The free neighborhood library book boxes project was presented to the group by Community Service Chair Brooke Cunningham. This project will have a hands-on component, with Club members purchasing supplies, building the wooden libraries, installing and landscaping the libraries and stocking them with books for all ages. This project addresses Rotary’s basic education and literacy area of focus.

“The New Member Project Committee wanted to fund both an international project and a community project, and committee members found a way to make that happen with the Foundation’s available $5,000,” John summarized.