Alexandria Rotary Club

2008 Guatemala Stove Project Photos

Jefferson's Basketball Coaches

The head coaches of Jefferson High School's Varsity Basketball teams, Wendy Kohler (Girls) and John Holsten (Boys), shared time at the Alexandria Rotary Club podium at today's weekly meeting at the Broadway Ballroom. Each spoke about their current team's successes and challenges, and the pride they have in their players and being coaches in the Alexandria community. Both took time to thank the Alexandria Rotary Club for sponsoring the annual Boys and Girls Basketball Tournament. And, both give their time to help out at the tournament.

Small Loans, Big Help

Ellsie in Samoa, Dionicio in Ecuador and Ilham in Azerbaijan. These are three of the many entrepreneurs from Third World countries that have received loans from the likes of Fred Bursch (these are 3 of the 5 men and women Fred has helped) through the non-profit Kiva. At today's meeting, Fred explained how Kiva works and his positive experience as a micro-lender.

Swahili for 'unity' or 'agreement', Kiva was founded by 2 Stanford alums and lets you connect with and loan money to unique small businesses in the developing world. By choosing a business on Kiva.org, you can "sponsor a business" and help the world's working poor make strides towards economic independence. Throughout the course of the loan (usually 6-12 months), you can receive email journal updates from the business you've sponsored. As loans are repaid, you get your loan money back. To date, Kiva members have lent nearly 21 million dollars with a default rate around .15%.

Dublin, Ireland and Alexandria, Minnesota

A perk of being a Rotarian is the worldwide community you join. Travel to virtually anywhere in the world and you will be welcomed at a local Rotary meeting. Pictured is me (Craig Mische) with Alan Foy, President of the Dublin Rotary Club (Dublin Central) during my last visit to Dublin in late 2006.

Radon and Your Home

Pictured is Jessica Anderson from the Douglas County Public Health agency (725 Elm St). Jessica was at today's Alexandria Rotary meeting to talk about radon.