Northwestern Ruritans hear from CAMO
The Northwestern Ruritan Club met on June 13 for the monthly dinner/meeting at Northwestern High School. Following the welcome by club president Kim Wellert and dinner prepared by the school chefs, the meeting was adjourned to the school library for the program and business meeting.
Jean Keener told of her experience in Central America and introduced Kathy Tschiegg, Executive Director and Founder of “Central America Medical Outreach” (CAMO), who gave a presentation on CAMO, which primarily helps residents in Honduras. As a registered nurse in the Peace Corps, Tschiegg was shocked during a visit to Honduras when she witnessed 31 babies die in one month as a result of not having the supplies, equipment, and educated staff to save them. She was quite discouraged at the conditions with as many as 30 beds/patients all in one room with no formal procedure in techniques.
In 1993, she launched CAMO, a non-denominational Christian-based humanitarian organization that brings lifesaving medical services, education, and community development to Central America. CAMO provides more than 140,000 life-saving services each year to impoverished people who otherwise would not have access to aid. It now has 23 medical programs with 57 staff members. 9,842 boxes of medical supplies have been donated to the program and 2,487 people have been educated. It also built a gymnasium for the residents’ use, and since the recent hurricane, has built new homes for people at a cost of $1,200 each.
It was reported that the Ohio Spring Banquet on April 15, 2023 will again be in Alliance. The Fall Convention will be Nov. 12 at United Local High School in Hanoverton. Michelle Bowman’s treasurer’s report was approved subject to audit, with a check was received from the Ruritan National Foundation for the “Build Your Dollars” scholarship program greatly appreciated. A thank-you note for her scholarship was received from Emma Nicholson.
It was reported the “Parade of Flags,” which had been out in the community since before Memorial Day, were to be taken down after Flag Day on June 14. Also, volunteers are needed July 2 and July 16 to man the recycling bins. Chuck Beck thanked members who donated items and provided cookies for the Husky Brigade boxes he sent out to soldiers in foreign countries. He will be sending packages to soldiers from the area again in November.
Dick Wiley reported that the West Salem Bike Race will be Sat., July 9, from 7:30-11 a.m. This will be the State Champion Race with 120 riders expected. Members will help direct traffic at crossroads. This is the fifth year that club members have helped. Proceeds will go to the Old Schoolhouse in West Salem.
A motion was passed that the club make donations to: Panda Preschool, Norwayne/Northwestern Schools Christian Education, American Legion Girls State, West Salem Outreach, Salvation Army, the Christian Children’s Home of Ohio, and CAMO.
The next meeting will be July 11 at 6:30 pm at the Barn Restaurant, Smithville. The Environment Committee will have the program by John Lorson, Wayne Soil and Water District Program Administrator. Directors will meet at 5:45 that evening at the Barn.
The meeting was adjourned with the recitation of the Pledge of Allegiance. The club always welcomes new members who would like to “help our community be a better place to live.”