CottonTales March 15, 2010 

Editor's Comments: Last week was World Rotaract week. Rotaract is a Rotary-sponsored service club for young men and women ages 18 to 30. Rotaract clubs are either community or university based (WPI), and they’re sponsored by a local Rotary club . This makes them true "partners in service" and key members of the family of Rotary
   Since the 1950s, many Rotary clubs had been starting unofficial clubs for young adults, fueling Rotaract’s rapid growth in its first few years. Rotaract grew from 21 clubs in 1967-68 to 289 clubs a year later. There are now more than 8,000 Rotaract clubs in 167 countries and geographical areas.
  
    This week at our March 17th meeting we are fortunate to have Georgi Kardzhaliyski a Student at Worcester Polytechnic Institute  President elect of the Rotaract club of WPI and Past President and founder at The Interact club, Pazardzhik  as our speaker. He also is a National Finalist “The National Achievement Award”, presented by The Dimitar Berbatov Foundation, based on abilities, skills, and accomplishments, 01/2008-06/2009 and a Appointed Member, The United States Student Achievers Program (USAP) of The Fulbright Commission, 02/2008–06/2009 . I think Georgi has the makings of a great future  Rotarian.

Our speaker Wednesday March 10, 2010 was Lewis Flagg III. (Lew) Elder of the First Congregational Church of Hopkinton. Lew  is associated with World Vision.

 "World Vision is a Christian relief, development and advocacy organization dedicated to working with children, families and communities to overcome poverty and injustice.

Inspired by our Christian values, we are dedicated to working with the world’s most vulnerable people. We serve all people regardless of religion, race, ethnicity or gender."

 
Millions of children today – most of them in Africa – are, through no fault of their own, caught up in the life-and-death drama of one of the greatest humanitarian crises of our time AIDS.

First Congregational Church of Hopkinton is partnering with World Vision to bring an interactive, walk-through exhibit to the Metrowest area. This Experience, now touring the U.S., will transport you into the heart of Africa and the life of a child affected by the AIDS crisis. The exhibit combines a stirring audio tour with captivating photography to give you a whole new perspective. This museum-quality Experience will be available to tour at First Congregational Church, 146 E. Main St. in Hopkinton April 11-18 and is free to the public.

Lew pasted out an information kit that gives an overview of how you can help reach and touch our community and our world. Please display the materials enclosed in this packet. Additional materials can be requested by calling 508-435-5900 ext.16. By joining with us to promote the Experience, you will take a step toward helping our community address the needs of those affected by the global AIDS crisis Visit www.worldvisionexperience.org/metrowest for more information.

Serving in your community, Your friends at First Congregational Church of Hopkinton