The joint collaborative public/private project between the Rotary Club of North Bethesda, Cornerstone Montgomery and Barwood Taxi to support taxi-based transportation for persons with disabilities to obtain and retain employment has been operational since October of 2014. During this period, the program has succeeded supporting new employment for 20 Cornerstone clients and provided support for 30 clients to attend job fairs and training programs. On the basis of this demonstrated success, the program has been awarded a grant from Montgomery County, Maryland to expand its activities. The program, which is managed by Cornerstone Montgomery,  has just announced a “Request for Proposals” from other non-profit organizations wishing assistance for disabled clients in overcoming the transportation barrier to getting and keeping employment. The website for applications is: www.getme2work.org and applications are due by November 30, 2015.

The Rotary Leadership Institute (RLI) is a multi-district, grassroots leadership development program of member districts organized into regional divisions throughout the world. It is not an official program of Rotary International and is not under its control.  The RLI seeks to have Rotary Clubs identify those Rotarians who seem to have the potential for future club leadership.  Bob talked about developing both leadership (mission, think big, team builder) and management (take charge, owning problem, implement, execute) skills.

PDG Bill Fine made Opening remarks and conducted the inauguration.  The first Interact Cub was formed in 1960 and there are 38 clubs in our district.  He talked about the 4 way test, the development of leadership skills, the Rotary Youth Exchange, and Facebook.  PP Gonzo Accame organized the Interact Club last year, working with Jacques Paraskevas, and trying to get other Rotary clubs to participate.  Bill Fine presented pins, a banner, shirts and caps to our new Interactor partners: Nicholas Bernhardt Lanier, Ryan Hunt, Dimitri Karabassis, Maxime Joly: Treasurer,  Andrea Kilajian: Secretary,  Lucy Jeffries: VP Aster Lambert: President (who talked about their project)