9 SEPTEMBER 16 - CLUB MEETING AT MARRIOTT COURTYARD DG Steve Visit

 

On September 9 at the Montvale Courtyard by Marriott, members welcomed District Governor Stephen V. Jarahian. Steve met with Board members prior to the luncheon.  At the luncheon meeting, Steve spoke to all Club attendees about subjects important to him this year: membership, District Foundations and military family assistance.

 

Steve’s first focus area was membership. He began with a reference to his home club (Bergenfield-Dumont), which had over 50 members years ago but saw that number dwindle to 11.  His group found 1,700 businesses in their towns, and invited over 900 to a meet and greet. After two meet and greet events, their membership increased dramatically. Steve recommended this approach to other clubs and commented that he had a team that could help with research if club members could focus on hosting the events.

 

Steve’s second area of focus related to two foundations in our District.  The first is the Gift of Life, which began as an effort requiring a host family and approximately $5,000. Now the average cost is $1,000 - $2,000 per child. The second is the Walter D. Head Foundation.  Steve noted that Foundation money goes to charity.  Walter Head plaques are typically given to past club presidents but can be given to others.  Last year the Foundation gave out $15,000 in scholarships.

 

Steve’s discussion of Interact Clubs focused on the issue that the District doesn’t have a good fix on where they are.  The District is trying to identify and locate them. He further noted that this year RYLA would go from 90 – 120 participants.

 

Calisto Bertin was instrumental in energizing the military family assistance center. The Department of Veteran Affairs noted that veterans are reluctant to ask for help. Sometimes veterans don’t know what they’re entitled to. We provide food through pantry at the Veterans Center in Secaucus. They manage the distribution. We also provide food cards for fruit and vegetables.