President Craig opened the meeting at 7 PM introducing guests Alex Ray and Steve Rand both of whom spoke later. This meeting focused almost entirely on Rotary community service directed toward meeting the immediate needs of our local communities faced with Covid-19.
Teresa introduced a program, Be Our Guest, at the request of citizen Chris Kelly and others. This is a community effort to provide 300 meals (each meal to serve a family of six) one day a week for eight weeks to be served by volunteers for those in need. Initiated by Chef Ken at Ellacoya Bar and Grill who will prepare the meals, the cost ($4500 weekly) to be covered by businesses, corporations and civic groups. The costs for four (4) weeks already covered. A motion was made by Richard Gerken, seconded by Bonnie, to sponsor one (1) week (May 21) at a cost of $4500. Passed unanimously.
Kevin introduced an effort on the part of a group of professionals at District to support a virtual GALA the end of May. Sixty clubs have been invited to participate. A Go Fund Page has been set-up. Buying locally will be encouraged. A virtual band, dancing and guest speakers will highlight the evening. Stay tuned!
Gary reported that the Past District Governor has secured a Covid-19 Global Grant that will match up to 3.5 times money raised/donated to meet community needs. Craig wondered if the already approved Ellacoya Bar and Grill initiative would quality. This possibility will be researched.
Gary announced that the Interact Club will have their end-of-year- ceremony via ZOOM on May 28 at 6:30 PM. All are invited to attend. Their final program of the year is called: “Got Coolers”.
Patterned on the “Got Lunch” program, they have secured 15 large size coolers of the 60 they need to be used to distribute food weekly for those served. Coolers can be purchased at Job Lot, Walmart, etc. and should be dropped off at the main high school entrance facing the turf field and identified as for the Interact Club.
Let’s support this fine idea!
Jim McFarlin thankfully acknowledged Brian and Lynn’s work to assist Lisa Davis in getting her yard ready for spring. He also noted with thanks that the second $25,000 donation from the club in support of the Meredith Library Project had been deposited.
Program - Alex Ray and Steve Rand
Alex and Steve reported on their success in securing 67,000 face masks for first responders, medical personnel and everyone else. Last weekend the Plymouth Rotary/Common Man Restaurants distributed 5700 masks over three days at a make shift drive-up in their community. They now want to share this great opportunity with other Rotary Clubs and non-profits. (Securing the masks (flat and washable) was not an easy task. Alex and Steve flew to Miami to get them returning 1,200 miles in 24 hours by car.)
A brief video illustrated how their drive-up distribution point was set-up including signage, storage, tables, traffic cones, volunteers, donations and above all employing Covid-19 protections at all times. The three day event (Fri., Sat., and Sun.) was from 10 AM to 2 PM each day. Volunteers worked in shifts, wore masks and kept their distance. Recipients were ever so grateful. Up to six masks were distributed per car but Alex recommends a limit of two per person. Good will donations topped $8,000!
Those present responded with much enthusiasm. There was immediate endorsement of this project. The dates chosen: May 15, 16 and 17. Three sites were discussed: Hart’s, the Community Center and ultimately, preferred by most, the high school parking lot. Consideration given was: high traffic volume, visibility and ease in access.
Teresa and Jeanie stepped –up to the cause. They will look into all the details, including but not limited to publicity, signage, police support, parking lot availability, volunteers, etc.
Alex and Steve offered all the masks we would need, some signage, their mobile, all of their creativity and encouragement.
Many thanks Alex and Steve.
Announcements:
Erin: The Meredith Library is now open for curb-side delivery. Call: 279-4303
Dean: Jan and Dean had a 2 hour ZOOM with a former exchange student (2011-12) from Honduras… now 25 years old and an established business man.
Happy Dollars:
Kevin: for National Nurses Week $20
Our local VNA staff members were rewarded with a pancake bag brunch. Kevin praised a staff member who has loaned her RV to a Concord nurse.
Craig: Note: This scribe (Ed) forgot what Craig said. $20 to be matched by scribe.
Bob K. – Celebrating new septic $20
Carl C. - daughter-in-law tested negative $20
Steve Cappachietti - acknowledging countless greeting cards his wife has sent in support of others $20
Rick: glad for his first kboat ride of the season $20
Teresa: Happy for the “Be Our Guest” program; for Chris Kelly and for our club support $20
Fred: for all the techies in the club that are always working; Tiffany for efforts in Derby marketing; and Donna for marketing and PR. $20
President Craig announced the program for our next meeting. We will be addressed by the out-going Interact President. She was the only applicant for the Speech Contest Program that was cancelled.
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