Feb. 12, 2025
President Jared Campbell called the meeting to order and led us in the Pledge of Allegiance. Sarah Beyer led us in a thoughtful prayer.
GUESTS: We welcomed 11 guests, including a visiting Rotarian from the Plaza Club. One of our of our guests was Tom Fyffe of the Boys Scouts of America office in KCMO.
CLUB ANNIVERSARIES: Francis Karanu, 4 years, February 14th
ANNOUNCEMENTS:
Our Greeters were the members of our Board of Directors. (Thank you for your service to the Club).
Ms Rayham Williams of the Summit Technology Academy - Interact Global Schisto Project. Schistosmiasis is a waterborne parasitic infection [parasitic flatworms] contacted through activities like swimming or collecting water. It affects 200 to 250 million people annually with a 11% fatality rate according to the World Health Organization (WHO). Those who survive can have a number of terrible side effects. It is highly endemic in Tanzania with a prevalence rate of 26% to 51% according to the National Institute of Heath (NIH). Tanzania school-aged children are particularly affected, with studies showing prevalence rates ranging from 53.6% up to 93.2 % in some areas. The side effects include bladder cancer, paralysis, kidney damage, chronic pain, neurological damage, and much more. While the discussion focused on Africia, it is common elsewhere in the world. Schistosmiasis is classified as one of the 21 neglected tropical diseases. [For more information on Schistosmiasis, google it and there is a substantial Wikipedia article.]
There is more to the problem. The Tanzanians have trouble getting the funds, in general lack of experience or expertise in funding for medication, and apparently no accountability or transparency for donors. There is hope with a new drug, Arpraziquantel, by Merck, available in over 78 countries worldwide and prequalified by the WHO. Africia lags behind here, with the first preschool-aged child has been treated in Uganda. From there it will be taken to Tanzania. The cost per treatment is $2. Ms Rayham Williams through the Schisto Project has raised $1,100, including the sale of World Finest Chocolates, to save 550 lives [$2 = 1 dose, then 1 life saved].
Shoes for Orphan Souls: Brad Kleindl (& Tucker Clark) reminded us that the project is coming up. It is particularly important as the 2027-2028 R.I. President, Larry Lunsford, of the KCMO Plaza Club, has been very involved with the Shoes for Orphan Souls project.
Greater Kansas City Prayer Breakfast: Jared Campbell mentioned that he has available seats at his table for the event.
Member Update: Jim Porter has been released from the hospital to the St Lukes Rehab Center in OPKS. W should send him our best wishes on his continued recovery.
Happy Bucks: Several Club members shared their good tidings. Even one of our guests, Tom Fyffe of the Boy Scouts, chipped in.
Geeks for Kids Build Event. We were reminded that the upcoming event February 14th from 8:30 to 4:30 in two shifts (morning & afternoon). We assist in building “cars” for young kids with various mobility issues. The situs will be the caves arounds 31st Street, KCMO.
HAPPY BUCKS. Several club members had good news to share with their Happy Bucks.
PROGRAM: TOPIC: The Twelve Things Warren Buffet Looks for in an Investment. Our speaker, Mr. Holmes Osborn, CFA, and has for 22 years, been a principal of Global Investments, Inc, located in Lee’s Summit, MO. Holmes graduated from Syracuse University and earned the Chartered Financial Analyst designation. Holmes is an elected member of the Metropolitan Community College. We were all eager to listen (second hand) to Warren Buffett’s insights as to the 12 things Buffett looks for when evaluating companies. For time and space, I will simply list the “Rules”or “Guidelines”.
1 Is the business simple and understandable? 2 Does the business have a long operating history? 3 Does the company have favorable long-term prospects? 4. Is management rational (in their allocation of financial capital)? 5 Is management candid with its shareholders ? 6. Can management resist the institutional imperative (continue to focus on their own business versus being busy acquiring other businesses)? 7 Focus on return on equity, not earning per share. 8 Calculate owner earnings [earnings{profits} plus noncash charges such as depreciation, <minus> capital expenditures (property, plant & equipment etc) ? 9 For every dollar retained, does it add a dollar in market value [ versus additional executive compensation] ? 10 What is the value of the business? 11 Look for companies with consistent high profit margins. 12 Purchase the stock if it can be bought at a discount to its valuation.
UPCOMING EVENTS: BRING A GUEST !
Feb 14th- Geeks for Kids Build Day
Feb 19th - Speaker to be announced
Feb 26th - No lunch meeting – 4th Thursday Social at Aixois -55th & Brookside Blvd, KCMO
March 5th - Youth Camp Panel with Sally Bibb and others
Jared Campbell wrapped up the meeting with an Act of Kindness suggestion and the Four Way Test.
[as an ongoing scrivener’s note: our local Club 13 Rotary organization is comprised of at least three interrelated groups (like a three-legged stool), each with its own separate board, officers & primary focus. KCRClub 13 comprised of various committees and weekly luncheon meetings with speakers; KCRCFoundation primarily focused on financially supporting the Club 13’s Rotary Youth Camp; and the Rotary Youth Camp*, near Lake Jocomo, at 22310 NE Colbern Road, in Lee’s Summit, MO 64086] (* Rotary’s oldest continuous ongoing project in the world!)
As a separate note - a CALL FOR HELP: the Scribe Committee is down to three scribing members. We could use at least one (or more) additional scribe(s) to spread the dates and provide some depth if a particular scribe has a scheduling conflict with work, illness or travel. Please consider joining up or talking to any of three current scribes, Pat Donnelly, Lee Brumitt or John Gillis for more information.
