Speakers

Mission Statement: We create health for people, communities and the planet through love, healing food and empowering the next generation.

Key Facets of their approach:

(1) Supporting individuals dealing with serious illness with free and low-cost, delivered and nutrient-rich prepared meals, nutrition education, and a community of caring.

(2) Involving young people as volunteer gardeners and chefs, giving them direct, hands-on experience of the difference that fresh, healthy foods and community make, and of their own capacity to contribute.

(3) Educating the broader community, including health professionals, about the connection between fresh, healthy food, strong social networks, healing and wellness.

(4) Connecting people of all ages and from all walks of life to one another, and to their value as an integral part of the community.

"Living with Lions" humanely captures and equips lions with GPS collars. Biological measurements and samples are taken to determine their age and health, as well as to map the genetic makeup of the region and state’s lion populations.

Topic to be announced.  Six high school students with share a 3 to 5 minute speech on the determined topic.  Guest judges. Big prizes.

Three teachers will be honored.

Julie Meridian captures the essence of people and places through representational art that reveals impressionist details.Her art often highlights moments of contemplation and peaceful solitude. Natural and unassuming poses create a pervasive sense of being truly present. This solemn eye for truth is brightened with glimmers of gentle optimism.

High school students will compete for awards.  Each student will share their personal journey describing obstacle(s) they have overcome in their life and their plans and goals for the future. These young people have struggled with a physical disability, dysfunctional home, physical abuse, eating disorder, parents that have to keep at 2-3 jobs at a time to survive, homelessness, or another obstacle.  Many have grown up without the support and sustenance that every child deserves.  The students will share how they have worked through or beyond the obstacle(s); they will share what they are doing to make a successful life for themselves.  For some the Overcoming Obstacles Award (OOA) experience may be the first time in their lives where they have had a caring adult's support.

OOA is a symbol of what a local Rotary club can do.  We can find things of real value to our community and tailor what we do to the special needs of the people we serve.  At a time when the concept of community is strained in an America increasingly divided not just by race but also by class, it is a way to bridge a divide and demonstrate that kids who work hard and believe in themselves can still make it in America.