During our meeting, yesterday we heard from a guest detailing the extent of the damage caused by hurricane Irma, as well as possible re-emergence of mosquito borne diseases in many of the affected islands. Parts of Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands were hit particularly hard by the storm which caused widespread damage and, in some cases, total destruction in some parts of the Virgin Islands. Puerto Rico was blessed to only receive a glancing blow from the storm, but many of our neighboring islands were not as fortunate and really need our help. 21 of our members have pledged to donate $3220.00 for the Irma hurricane effort for victims. For those who have yet to contribute to this effort I encourage you to contact Pat to indicate the amount of your support. Any amount will be gladly accepted. You can be assured that Rotary will use our donations wisely and effectively in the most needy location.
For humanitarian aid to victims in Culebra and other islands of Hurricane Irma, San Juan Rotarians pledged their contribution to the cause. Please send an email to rotaryclubofsanjuan@gmail.com OR our telephone: 787-342-6179 and let Pat Schneider know how much so she can charge it to your account;
Guest speaker Robert Collins, spoke on the events of 9/11 as he was an eye witness to that horrific day in New York City. At age 35, Robert was a recent arrival assuming his new employment with the Oil & Natural Gas Mercantile Exchange, located near the Twin Towers. As he related, it was a beautiful day with temperatures in the 60's. As the second plane hit, there was an eerie 10-15 seconds of silence - and then the screaming began. He helped with the evacuation of 6000 and then went to get his young son who was uptown.
A show of hands indicated that most of us have seen the new World Trade Tower that took 13 years to build. Robert believes that there are real parallels to what Puerto Rico is going through during its own fiscal crisis and hoped his talk reminded others of what the opportunity to thrive through crisis looks like.
A most certainly appropriate program for all and kudos to Speaker Chairman Warwick Butler.
Celebrating our 99th Anniversary
The oldest continuously operating club in the worldsouth of the Tropic of Cancer.
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