Posted by Dana Rebelein on Aug 29, 2017
Many thanks to Dana Rebelein for providing this meeting summary (Ed.)
 

John Marg-Patton (Cousin Millie Pearl’s cousin), opened the meeting with the pledge of allegiance and Mark Beisswenger offered the invocation. President Gerry distributed a member satisfaction survey. If you missed the meeting, be sure to get your copy from Gerry.

There was lots of happiness today! Mark B. was really happy because his daughter is engaged, he and Gail celebrated their 43rd wedding anniversary and enjoyed two weeks out east visiting family, they attended a Boston/Yankees game, and Beisswenger’s Hardware (“If we don’t have it, you don’t need it”)’s state fair booth “is blowing them away.” Ed’s daughter matriculated at Notre Dame, and, when his car was damaged by a rear-ender, the rental vehicle provided through the other driver’s insurance was upgraded to a GMC Acadia (whatever that is). Beverly was happy to be out and about. MaryAnn enjoyed a family reunion and is happy that Gary’s surgery was successful. Gerry was happy that John and Marla correctly called the inclement weather that would occur Saturday and postponed the picnic for two weeks. Jim K. played 59 holes of disc golf. Dana welcomed the 11th repairman to tinker with her oven. John R. saw his neurologist and gets to try a new drug.

Gerry called on committee chairs to share their plans for the Rotary year. Bob (administration) emphasized two goals, (1) everyone will understand the responsibilities for club meetings. He has assigned months and will email reminders for each. (2) we will have fun. The party at Ordways is the first of events he wants us to enjoy quarterly. (Spoiler alert - Watch for wine from the Risdall winery in Oregon at the rescheduled picnic!)

Gerry ( Communications and Image) listed the emailed weekly newsletter, weekly updates to facebook, and our web page. The newspapers have not run the press releases Gerry has provided regarding the Thursday breakfast meetings. The Club authorized expenditures for advertisements and Mark B and Beverly offered to take care of it.

Beverly (Membership) reported that we have 33 members, most of whom are active. She challenged us to find new ways to reach out, encouraged us to recruit at the well-attended gala, and to consider our contacts in the neighborhood, at church and through business. A new brochure is under construction. The breakfast meetings will be added beginning Thursday, September 14, from 7 – 8 a.m. The Exchange will open its doors at 6:30 to allow setting up. Attendees will receive prospective member packets and Rotarian magazines. (REMEMBER TO BRING IN YOUR MAGAZINES!) The initial speaker will be Tom Pastor, about why he joined Rotary and what it means to him.

Jason Slama (Service) called on his committee chairs:  

A. Ed (Youth Service) offered an ambitious  six-point plan: (1) continue all existing major programs targeting youth, (2) quarterly food packing with youth from Quincy House and increased donation to Feed My Starving Children, (3) mentorship and mentor, 1-hour/week, with Quincy House and other organizations working with youth at risk in our community, (4) reading buddies, 45 min. to 1 hour each week, at Sunnyside and other pre- and elementary schools in the area,(5)  participation in the Welcome Day when children return to area schools, and (6) Start a back-to-school Rotary Bowl with fun activities (ex., inflatables ) and school supplies.

B.  Dana (Community Service) thanked those who participated in feeding the stockyard days parade participants and volunteered at the CPY Kids Karnival. A job description for George’s activities regarding the parade feed has been completed. Dana intends to get job descriptions from Dave for the parade feed and the Easter egg hunt. A representative from Marnita’s Table will speak to us next month about Intentional Social Interaction. Depending upon the club’s response to the opportunity, Rotary could provide a community service by hosting sessions that bring together first responders, community members and youth.  

C.  Geoff (International Service) goal is to remain one of the premier Clubs in District 5960 for having successful, well-managed projects. Our signature project for 2017-18 will provide equipment for Educational Concerns for Hunger Organization (ECHO) in North Fort Myers, Florida. ECH0  develops and provides environmentally sound agricultural research and skills to enable small scale farmers to produce food. The project costs $8,236, of which we provide $2,800. The remainder comes from four other Clubs and The Rotary Foundation through District 5960.

D.  Mark L (Vocational Service) plans an off-site meeting at ReStore, a Habitat for Humanity related enterprise in New Brighton. Other tours are under consideration and he anticipates a program on Ethics.