Trenton native Martha Hoffman Goedert and her husband, James, presented the program at the Thursday, Oct. 24 meeting of the Trenton Rotary Club. Joe Brinser was the program chairman.
The Goederts talked about their recent trip to Haiti, where they led the building of a birthing center over a two-week period. The structure was constructed on property donated by a local minister and his wife, who is a graduate of a midwifery school that Mrs. Goedert helped start in Haiti several years ago. The center, located in Hinche, is part of an initiative to improve women’s health as well as the survival rate of newborns and babies in which the Goederts have been involved for several years. Both locals and foreign volunteers assisted with the construction project. There is still a need for both water/well distribution and solar/electric distribution systems as well as “finishing out” the structure. The clinic will be Haitian-owned, Haitian-staffed and Haitian-run, using trained midwives who are Haitian natives.
During the business meeting, it was announced the club Christmas party would be held on Thursday, Dec. 12 at The Space. It will be a 6 p.m. meal and entertainment for both members and their guests.
An update was given on the Missouri Day Parade and turkey leg sales as well as the foundation meeting in Kansas City on Nov. 2. It was also announced that new Paul Harris recipients will be recognized and new club members installed at the Nov. 7 meeting.
Next week’s program chairman is Kim Washburn, with Barb Spencer giving the program on “Grundy County Hauntings.”
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