Lompoc Rotary - A Message from the Club President

Here is an announcement about STEPS to share with your clubs. Please feel free to call Loretta Butts, co-chair if you have any questions. She may be reached at (805)466-2045 or email her at lorettadg1415@yahoo.com, if you have any questions or would like additional information.

Registration is open for the Symposium to Eliminate Poverty Sustainably (STEPS) conference that will be held Saturday, January 28th on the UCSB campus. For this conference we have brought in a variety of speakers from all over the world. The workshops will broaden our understanding of the challenges and opportunities in the six areas of focus under Rotary's Future Vision, such as Peace & Conflict Resolution.

This year, speaking on Peace & Conflict Resolution will be Itonde Kakoma, the Assistant Director in the Conflict Resolution Program at the Carter Center. His work focuses on Sudan and South Sudan with an emphasis on addressing threats to humanitarian efforts.

Mr. Kakoma contributed substantively to the work of the Truth & Reconciliation Commission in Liberia: as a statement taker and expert contributor to the final report's section on the role of religious and traditional institutions during the conflict and in peace building; he also provided technical assistance to the TRC's public hearings on the role of the media during the conflict.

Remember, the conference sold out last year, so although it is FREE to all Rotarians, Rotaractors and Interactors, you MUST REGISTER in advance. Go to rotarystepsonpoverty.org and REGISTER in order to confirm your reservation.

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Community Service Project

I have made my decision for our club's community project for this year. I appreciate all the suggestions and inputs from club and board members that I received. Based upon hearing all this, I concluded that Ryon Park stage repair is where we can best serve our community.

Information from the City of Lompoc said the stage needs concrete repairs, electrical work, and handicapped access. Their quotes for this work ranges from $16,000 to $25,000. It is within our affordable budget and simple enough for the city to accomplish, once funded. We will work closely with Rotarian Bob Lingl and the city staff on this project. The Rotary emblem will be displayed on the finished stage to acknowledge our contribution.

Ryon Park is the city's oldest park and serves the entire Lompoc Valley. It is host to numerous events throughout the year, attended by tens of thousands of visitors annually. This will be a prominent support for our city beautification for local citizens and visitors.

Now we can move forward with our big fundraiser wine tasting event at the Veterans Memorial Building in February 26, 2012.