It felt like slipping on a comfortable old shoe as we returned to our former digs at the Long Island Yacht Club. The new LIYC owners did a fantastic job renovating the facility while maintaining a relaxed and welcoming atmosphere, in a beautiful setting on the Great South Bay.

 

Co-President Scott opened the meting with the pledge led by Charlie Spencer, and grace by Scott’s guest, Rev.Tom Carney of the United Methodist Church in Babylon Village. In addition to Rev. Carney, our special guest was the new District Governor of Rotary District 7255, Shawn Weis. Charlie Spencer’s guest was Brad Wilson, and RYLA students Neely Crosswell and Jordan Fuentes also joined us.

 

More RYLA Thanks - RYLA (Rotary Youth Leadership Awards) is the Rotary training program that brings together youth and young adults to promote character development and leadership skills, and to learn about Rotary.

 

Neely Crosswell and Jordan Fuentes each gave a brief talk about their experiences with the recent Spring RYLA, and thanked Babylon Rotary for supporting their participation in the event.

 

Both Neely and Jordan echoed the many other RYLA students who have visited and gave thanks for our support, emphasizing how effectively RYLA succeeds in its mission to develop the qualities of leadership, citizenship, and personal development for all who attend, and expressing gratitude for the new friendships forged during the event.

 

 

District Governor Shawn Weis gave a summary of this year’s primary events and goals for Rotary and Rotary District 7255.

 

Shawn started with greetings from this year’s Rotary International President Barry Rassin, explaining his theme: “Be the Inspiration,” and Rotary’s recently adopted vision statement: "Together, we see a world where people unite and take action to create lasting change — across the globe, in our communities, and in ourselves."

 

The new RI president is also encouraging all clubs to consider organizing “Rotary Information Days” and community-involvement projects, such as those aimed at creating a cleaner and sustainable environment.

 

Shawn emphasized the importance of continued support of the Rotary Foundation, reminding everyone of this year’s Rotary Foundation Awards Luncheon on November 4th at Windows on the Lake in Lake Ronkonkoma.

 

He also encouraged all to attend the very informative, multi-club, District Leadership Meetings - breakfast meeting held on the first Saturday of each month at a central Long Island location.

 

Shawn concluded with a description of his District Conference, to be held May 2-5, 2019 at the Gideon Putnam Hotel in Saratoga Springs, with enticing discounts for all who sign up early. 

 

 

 

Next Wednesday, September 5th, our own Dr. Michael Beck is scheduled to give a talk on “Narcissism, What It Is & What It’s Good For”.