Meeting was called to order by President Elect Linda Hatfield, in the temporary absence of President David Underdown.   Linda led the group in the Pledge of Alliance and Rotary 4-Way Test.
 
Bob Kenning led the group in singing America the Beautiful.  Bob also delivered the invocation.  
 
Birthdays were announced as to Chuck Gosh (August 2) and George Stern (August 7).
 
Guest and Visiting Rotarian Adrian King, from the Honolulu Rotary, was greeted.
 
Meeting Volunteers:
Charles Wickins: Host to Guest Speaker
Betsy Reich: Luncheon Tickets
Ryan Quinn: Raffle Tickets
John Schrot: Bulletin Editor
Tom Waffen: Greeter
Eric Smith: Sheriff
Doug Koschik: 2-Minute Update
 
Doug Koschik’s 2-Minute Rotary Update included his discussion of the upcoming renovations to the Birmingham Library.  He submitted photos and plans.  The work will start in October, 2016 and complete in April, 2017.  The work will include new windows, shelving, etc.  He invited all to check out the new electronic resources and catalogue.  
 
Announcements and Upcoming Events included:
  • Hope Warming Center:  Kayla Thompson announced that the Club had a service night at the Center on July 26.  The next date is August 25.
  • Social Committee Survey:  Bryan Frank distributed a survey.
  • Third Thursday:  Bryan Frank announced the August 17th Tiger Game trip.  Please see Bryan Frank if you are interested in attending.  
  • Dream Cruise Sign Up Sheet:  Bryan Frank announced that Rotary Club members will be handing out water for donations in front of Tiffany Florist in Birmingham on Saturday, August 20.
  • Member Directory:  Bryan Frank asked for ad information ASAP.
  • Board Meeting:  Wednesday, August 17, at BAC.
50/50 Raffle and Card Draw:  There was an $8 jackpot, and no one won the pot.  
 
Speaker:  Allison Hendry, of the Birmingham Education Foundation, which is a foundation which supports the Birmingham Public Schools. In addition, she was assisted by Shelly Potter, who is a reading specialist at Greenfield School.  Our speakers explained that BEF is a non-profit 501(c)(3) which began in 1993.  It is not part of the Birmingham Public Schools.  They stated that funding with inflation is down $2,800 per student.  BEF offers teacher grants.  It supports school groups and district-wide initiatives.  It is a bridge between the schools and community.  It has contributed approximately $2,000,000.00 to the Birmingham schools over the years.  It funded a non-profit group called “Mental Illness Needs Discussion” at both Seaholm and Groves High Schools.  We can help by volunteering, donating, and spreading the word as to the benefits of this organization.
 
The meeting ended with a round of Smile and was adjourned by President Elect Linda Hatfield.