Free Flow Power

Free Flow Power Corporation was founded to produce cheap, clean, renewable energy from moving water without building new dams or diversions (hydrokinetic generation). We have developed a turbine generator designed to extract energy from tides, ocean currents, rivers, streams, canals and conduits. We plan to develop energy projects, initially in rivers in the United States and ultimately in a wide variety of free flow environments throughout the world. Our team of employees, consultants and strategic partners bring together dedication to our mission and values and the diverse skills and experiences required to make the vision of hydrokinetic generation a reality. Robert Thibodeau, Executive Vice President of Free Flow Power, will be our guest speaker this week and talk about the benefits of their unique energy generating solutions.

October 7, 2008

A couple of quick notes, and then:" Why is it taking so long? Can we ever really eradicate polio? Maybe it would be less expensive just to keep it in check?"

Group Study Exchange (GSE): applications are now due for young business and professional men and women, ages 25-40, interested in studying abroad through District 7930's Group Study Exchange Program. Applicants cannot, nor can their families, be members of Rotary. This year's GSE Team will travel to Johannesburg, South Africa from late February to late March 2009. Rotary International pays almost all expenses, including travel, accommodations and meals. Four team members are sought for cultural and vocational exchange with their South African hosts. Interviews will be held November 1st. Contact Joanne Travers for more information. Go to http://www.rotary7930.org/GroupStudyExchange.cfm for more info and an application.

Youth Exchange: The Nolets report our youth exchange student, Ana from Georgia, is a joy to have in their home. She is doing well in school, but is not challenged enough academically! Don and Lucinda hope to keep her with them until after the New Year.

For American youth, for the coming year, Rotary Youth Exchange Applications are due November 1st.

Who: Students aged 15 - 18.5 who are top third in their class and have a sense of adventure. Rotarian children are eligible.

What: Two choices. Long term exchange for ten months of study abroad or Short term exchange experience, generally held during the summer. There are more than 65 countries to choose from. Students with families are, as a result, totally immersed in the culture. The program is certified and supported by more than 1.2 million Rotarians around the world. More than 20 students in District 7930 have experienced youth exchange in the past four years. Many are available to speak about their experiences to our club.

When: Applications due November 1 for the 2009-2010 school year.

Interested in hosting an inbound student from another country? We are looking for commitments for the first quarter of 2009. For more information about sponsoring an outbound or hosting an inbound, speak with Haverhill Rotarian Mary Gale, email Jackie Bannister or call Jackie at 978.688.0555.

United Nations Day is coming November 8 - watch for more info!

Thanks to the Trustees of Tattersal Farm and Kathy Bresnahan for a very successful "day at the farm!"

Get well soon, Greg DiBurro!

Eradicating Polio: The Dollars and Sense:

For those who do not remember when polio terrified families and children in iron-lungs filled hospital wards, the concept of spending money on polio now might seem strange, particularly in the face of so many arguably competing opportunities to invest in health. But wild polioviruses continue to circulate in a few places, and this is a critical time in the fight to eradicate polio.

Hopefully, we are now at the bitter end of global eradication of wild polioviruses, with annual cases of paralytic polio down globally from an estimated 350,000 in 1988 to under 2000 today.[1] Following successful eradication, we must choose wisely among the many policy options[2] that will determine our future risks, costs, and benefits.[3-8] But first, we need to complete polio eradication. We cannot declare success before the war is won.

Part of the challenge arises from the reality that success to date toward global eradication means that people see fewer paralytic polio cases, and this decreases the perception of polio as a health threat. "Out of sight, out of mind." But polio could come back with a vengeance, and it will most likely be much cheaper, and better from a health perspective, to finish polio eradication now instead of trying to control the disease and keep it at the current low level of cases.[9]

We can afford global polio eradication. In the US, the savings from our historical investments in domestic polio control and elimination efforts exceeds an estimated $180 billion on net.[10] In other words, preventing paralysis and saving lives saves dollars and makes sense. If we can achieve polio eradication, it will represent an important step toward maximizing global health.

by Kimberly Thompson, Kids risk project, Harvard University School of Public Health

See you at Evenfall this Thursday!

John

Ticket Donations

Do you know a company or an individual who has season tickets to one of our great Boston teams? Does your company have tickets to any theater events? This is the time to ask for a donation. We plan to hold a Sports/Theater Ticket Raffle and it is difficult for us to do without any tickets. Last years raffle was well received and contributed significantly to Haverhill Rotary's fundraising goals. Make a call today and let Julian Rich or Chuck Marvin know what you can get your hands on. If the tickets are of significant value I'm sure we can work out an appropriate amount of publicity for the donating company or individual. Let's Make a Deal!

District Governor Nominations 2011-2012: We are accepting nominations for District Governor for 2011 - 2012. The application deadline is October 23, 2008, The District Governor must be a Rotarian in good standing, been a member of Rotary for at least seven years (upon taking the position on July 1, 2011) and of course be willing to accept the responsibilities and duties of being Governor. I recommend applying for this position to any Rotarian who meets the criteria and who believes in our organizations mission and is looking for the Rotary experience of a lifetime! Nominations need to be sent to me at the address below and need to include a letter of nomination from your club, a letter of application from you and a resume. If you have any questions feel free to contact DGE Ingrid Brown, Past District Governors Julia, Donna and/or me.
District Governor Nominee Form

Thomas R. Elliott
District Governor, 2008-2009
Rotary District 7930
6 Spring Street
Danvers, MA 01923

Keep up with what's happening in Rotary District 7930.
You may download a copy of the June 2008 Newsletter or visit the web site:http://www.rotary7930.org

October 9 - Robert Thibodeau, Free Flow Power
October 16 - Grace Martins and the Rotary Group Exchange Team to Brazil
October 23 - John Katsaros
November 6 - Casey Sherman, Best Selling Author
November 13 - Reverend Crabtree, Zion Bible School
November 20 - Amy-Jayne McCabe, USA Cares

An attendance record of 50 percent is required to remain an active Rotarian. Any missed meeting must be made up within 14 days before or after the regular meeting. To accommodate busy schedules, there are various opportunities to make up missed meetings:

Monday 12:15PM Danversport Yacht Club
Monday 12:15PM Exeter Country Club
Tuesday 7:30AM The Village Pancake House in Georgetown
Tuesday 12:15PM Glenn's Galley
Tuesday 12:15PM Caffe Paradiso in Lowell
Wednesday 12:15PM Angelica's Restaurant in Middleton
Thursday 7:30AM Cochichewick Lodge in North Andover
Thursday 12:15PM Redhook Ale Brewery in Portsmouth
Friday 7:30AM Rockingham Park, Belmont Room in Salem NH
Friday 12:15PM Sweetheart Inn in Methuen