Carol and Tony Hermann, members of the Lodi Rotary Club, led a medical clinic in Haiti in February. At the Aug. 29 meeting, they spoke of their experience there.
The two connected with an optometry clinic and with eight people assisting, they provided glasses and vision screenings to Haitian residents. Waunakee Rotarian Dr. Dave May also provided eye drops for them to take along.
Carol said one of the reasons she joined Rotary was to do medical missions. She is pharmacist. She learned that of all service clubs, Rotary provides the greatest amount of their dollars to the end users.
Six months after joining Rotary, Carol traveled to Guatemala, where she’s been twice.
Carol said in Haiti, all trash is burned, along with tires, leading to poor air quality. Wood stoves are also used. At the eye clinic, one of the major complaints is burning and itching eyes.
The Haitians have a low educational level, and Carol believes that’s why the country mainly subsists on handouts. Most Haitians don’t have the education or business background to start their own businesses.
Corruption is the biggest reason that services, such as education and health care, don’t reach the people.
Carol said the clinic she helped at was fully equipped with eyeglasses provided by the Lions Club. The problem was, the styles were outdated, so many of the Haitians didn’t want to wear them. Carol said they take a lot of pride in their appearance.
The two connected with an optometry clinic and with eight people assisting, they provided glasses and vision screenings to Haitian residents. Waunakee Rotarian Dr. Dave May also provided eye drops for them to take along.
Carol said one of the reasons she joined Rotary was to do medical missions. She is pharmacist. She learned that of all service clubs, Rotary provides the greatest amount of their dollars to the end users.
Six months after joining Rotary, Carol traveled to Guatemala, where she’s been twice.
Carol said in Haiti, all trash is burned, along with tires, leading to poor air quality. Wood stoves are also used. At the eye clinic, one of the major complaints is burning and itching eyes.
The Haitians have a low educational level, and Carol believes that’s why the country mainly subsists on handouts. Most Haitians don’t have the education or business background to start their own businesses.
Corruption is the biggest reason that services, such as education and health care, don’t reach the people.
Carol said the clinic she helped at was fully equipped with eyeglasses provided by the Lions Club. The problem was, the styles were outdated, so many of the Haitians didn’t want to wear them. Carol said they take a lot of pride in their appearance.
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Also at the meeting, Brent Greiber, the owner of RG Heating and Air Conditioning, introduced himself. RG Heating has been in operation since Brent’s grandfather, Ray, began the company from his garage. RG Heating later moved to West Street and has been operating from there for more than 20 years.
Brent said he worked for the company in high school and college, but he graduated with a master’s from UW-Whitewater and pursued a career in finance. His wife is a CPA. After they purchased the RG Heating, they realized if they wanted to grow the business, the existing building would now allow it.
They looked for a location and purchased a site in the business park next to Octopi Brewing in 2018. Construction is now underway. Brent said the new location will help them better serve customers, provide more space for inventory, and help the employees work more efficiently. It will also position the company for future growth.
Brent said he worked for the company in high school and college, but he graduated with a master’s from UW-Whitewater and pursued a career in finance. His wife is a CPA. After they purchased the RG Heating, they realized if they wanted to grow the business, the existing building would now allow it.
They looked for a location and purchased a site in the business park next to Octopi Brewing in 2018. Construction is now underway. Brent said the new location will help them better serve customers, provide more space for inventory, and help the employees work more efficiently. It will also position the company for future growth.
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Other News:
-Bob Klostermann is planning a tour of the former Badger Ordinance plant for Oct. 10. It’s also the week of the Rotary Friendship exchange, so we may have some visitors along.
-The District Governors visit with the clubs will be Sept. 4 at Octopi and there will be food available then.
-Jean Elvekrog passed around a sign-up sheet for those interested in the Reading Pals Program at Heritage Elementary School. If you are interested in reading with a student, talk to Jean.
-Bob Klostermann is planning a tour of the former Badger Ordinance plant for Oct. 10. It’s also the week of the Rotary Friendship exchange, so we may have some visitors along.
-The District Governors visit with the clubs will be Sept. 4 at Octopi and there will be food available then.
-Jean Elvekrog passed around a sign-up sheet for those interested in the Reading Pals Program at Heritage Elementary School. If you are interested in reading with a student, talk to Jean.
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Guests: Brent Greiber, guest of the club; Jenn Hurley, guest of Dave May.
Corporate Associates: Jean Elvekrog.
Visiting Rotarians: Tony Hermann and Carol Hermann, Lodi Club (speakers).
Birthdays: Sept. 5, Gordy Meicher; Sept. 10, Kevin Kearney
Anniversaries: Sept. 9, Linda and Don Olson.
Birthdays: Sept. 5, Gordy Meicher; Sept. 10, Kevin Kearney
Anniversaries: Sept. 9, Linda and Don Olson.
Programs: Sept. 5, Keith Poulsen, director of UW Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory; Sept. 12, Club Assembly and WNC presentation by Lisa Humenik; Sept. 19, Cameron Swallo, the Better Angel Organizations; Sept. 26, Mark Weller, the art of time stacking.
Greeters: Sept. 5, Ann Becker and Scott Biba; Sept. 12, Connie Blau and Kathy Cefalu; Sept. 19, Scott Cochems and John Cullen; Sept. 26, David Dargenio and Allan Dassow.
