The meeting began promptly at 12:30 as President Joyce Hunter rang the bell and we sang “The Star-Spangled Banner,” accompanied by Jody Tull on the piano. Brandon Black inspired us by sharing a story about Frank Lloyd Wright and his uncle that highlights the importance of not missing out on life’s experiences. Downs Herold led us in singing “Let There Be Peace on Earth.”
President Joyce then introduced guests Ed Russel, Kristen Clay, and Shannon. We also celebrated birthdays and anniversaries, with Mike Michelon and Chris Mile being the birthday celebrants, and Dallas Dort marking 55 years of service.
Past President Rosemary Rowney then took to the podium to emcee the Northrup Award ceremonies. She introduced guests Quincy Northrop, Jay Eastman, Cindy Marks, Richard and Diane Wieland, Dr. Nelson Edwards, Dr. Manish Mehta, Dr. Henry Mackey, Coach Don Rydell, Jerry Jackson, Lois Halstead, Lee Halstead, and Renee Floor. Past President Rosemarie Rowney then recognized everyone that made the Northrop award happen, including the Anti-racism Committee, Peace Committee, and Selection Committee members.
The Award is a tribute to the late Robert S. Northrop, a long-time member of the Rotary Club and the International Humanitarian Projects Committee. He was recognized for his significant contributions to global humanitarian efforts, particularly in developing oral rehydration therapy, which has saved millions of lives.
From Margarita to Medical Mission: An Odyssey in Real Life
Linda M. Eastman was awarded the Northrup Award 2025 for her work with Casa Colibri, Reach Out and Read, and the Macomb Intermediate School District. She was recognized for her dedication to improving the lives of the Mayan people in Guatemala through her work in maternal-child health, dental care, eye care, and literacy programs.
In her talk, Linda shared the story of her journey, starting with her interest in learning to speak Spanish after a trip to Mexico. She enrolled at Oakland University, and although her focus was on learning the Spanish language, she eventually graduated with a degree in Latin American Studies.
Her husband, a pediatrician, was a member of the Rochester Rotary Club, and when he was asked to go to Guatemala in 2001 to assess the needs of a rural community there, Linda went along as an interpreter. Despite initial skepticism, they managed to connect with the locals by reading children’s books in Spanish.
In short, the community needed everything! The village primary school had no books, and there were no medical facilities in the village. After returning, Linda decided to help by collecting books for the school. She formed a nonprofit organization called Casa Colibri, which now not only provides books to the Mayan people in northwest Guatemala, but also provides health, education, and infrastructure programs.
Linda shared stories of the impact of their medical mission trips. One story was about Segundo Mateo, an 8-year-old boy who was brought in blind due to juvenile cataracts. The team found an ophthalmologist from Atlanta, Georgia, who was willing to travel to the location and remove his cataracts, allowing him to see again.
Another story was about a father who lost his wife in childbirth and was struggling to care for his premature babies. The team provided medical assistance and support, and the father and his children have since thrived. She also discussed a global grant that provided water filters, village health promoter training, and midwife training that has evolved from basic to more advanced equipment and techniques.
Linda also shared a personal story about helping a young girl named Maria, who was being abused by her uncle. The team was able to provide her with safety and support, and she is now doing well.
These stories highlighted the medical and educational work that Casa Colibri has been involved with in Guatemala. Other programs include dental services, vision services, vitamin A and deworming medicine distribution, literacy programs, health education for young girls, and midwife training for 24 nurses and 50 traditional birth attendants this year. Linda also mentioned that their goal is to eventually turn the organization over to the Guatemalan people.
Sharna Hatcher, Rotary District Director ended the meeting with awarding Ashish Sarkar the district’s Changemaker award for his many contributions to Rotary.
We ended the meeting by reciting the 4-Way Test.
