Rotary President Bob Keely (center) looks on as District Governor Larry Nelson presents Joni Prince a grant for "Arts in Action" musical instruments.

January 17, 2012

Rotary president Robert A. Keely announced today that the local club has received its second District Simplified Grant from Rotary District 7550.

The grants fund a portion of the cost for the local club's dictionary project and also a portion of the cost of musical instruments for the "Arts in Action" program.

Arts director and Rotarian Joni Prince was on hand to receive the award.

At the end of each year, half of each district's contributions to the Foundation are credited back to the district; the other half goes for worldwide projects. Twenty percent of this Foundation allotment to a district may be awarded through DSGs to support short-term humanitarian projects that benefit the community.

Putnam Rotary has recently contributed "sweat equity" to the Arts music program in Hurricane, and Rotarian Glen Gibbs has volunteered to install shelving for the new musical instruments.

Director Prince announced that Arts Celebration 2012 is scheduled for Monday, June 11, in the Maier Hall of Charleston's Clay Center. Recital performances begin at 6:30. "Mark your calendars now," she said.

Keely also announced today that Rotary International has met the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation challenge of raising $200 million for the PolioPlus program.

"We are close to making the dreadful disease disappear forever," he said. "India has been removed from the endemic country list. There now are only three countries remaining which have never gone a year without a reported case of polio.

"Thanks to many of you who have made a personal contribution," said Keely. "Through your personal efforts and our Pancake Breakfast, our club will be sending $2,000 to the Rotary Foundation."