David Stechholz first talked about the Rotary starting in Chicago in 1905 and there are now 1.2 million members and more than 35,000 Rotary Clubs. David then spoke about the August trip to Honduras part of M.O.S.T. Ministries (Mission Opportunities Short Term) to provide rudimentary eye exams and eyeglasses.

The base for this work was in the City of Lapaz, where 63% of the population is below the poverty level. The clinics were held in the local Lutheran Church, hosted by Pastor Martinez, who spoke no English and who also happened to be a Rotarian. There were many interpreters involved, mostly young people.

There were 7 stations set up in the church. The first station was a Christian witness table; the 2^nd station was an education table. Next stations were for the eye examinations, then other stations for trying on glasses to see which ones helped the patient’s vision and also which frames fit the best.  90% of the citizens are mixed race and most cannot afford to go see an eye doctor nor even afford eye glasses. Most have never had eyeglasses in their lives. The eyeglass clinics were held in the morning and Church services in the afternoon. The funding is mostly provided by Rotary clubs, individuals, and churches. Teams of volunteers are provided by churches also. The Group that went in August carried ten 50lb. Bags of eyeglasses. They had 327 patients, and dispensed 432 pairs of eyeglasses, and 386​ pairs of sunglasses. Reverend Dave also explained that the children who go to school and learn English, also end up going to college. A fun surprise happening, some of the citizens of Lapaz wanted to learn the Hokey Pokey. The volunteers also had a chance to tour some Honduran cities and churches.

After a short “Dad” joke from Greg Greene, the meeting adjourned at 8:40 AM.

Marlene Katafias