WELCOME ALL 

 
Meeting opened by President Betsy at 6:05 who led us in the Pledge.  Richard followed with prayer. 

 

Guests of the evening included Bob Malone and Jan Gulezian.

Announcements:  Senior Christmas Party (Dec 2) volunteers were requested and sign-up list was passed.  There is still a need for raffle items..  get them to Teresa by Friday. 

 

Board of Directors will meet on December 12. 

 

Nominating committee will meet on Dec 5.

 

Interact:  Ice House (Bob House) will not be donated as previously due to circumstances beyond Interact’s control.  Gary will hold a meeting after tonight’s presentation to discuss how Interact and Rotary might proceed. 

 

Rotary’s Christmas Tree for the Altrusa Festival is complete thanks to efforts by Carl, Ginny, Teresa and Youth Exchange students Heidi and Marek who made the decorations. 

 

Next week’s program will feature Marek’s presentation of his Youth Exchange experience and home country of Slovakia.
 
Happy Dollars:  Betsey for family Thanksgiving celebration with 30; Rick for Teresa’s help. Rob for his family celebration for 26; Dean for thoughts and support during his mother’s medical issues; Donna for the club’s support of the Veteran’s home ($1500); Peter for his trip to China; Tom for his family celebration with five of his six children and their families; Jim for the arrival of a great grand-daughter in Ottawa; Kevin for Thanksgiving with family in Washington, DC; Fred whose daughter had a baby girl named: Godhi; Gary for his ‘flying with angels’ (fighter pilots) in San Diego; Jim and Rob for early ice in reports; Chuck for Thanksgiving at home with 29 and the unfortunate cancellation of his trip to participate in the World Cup in Colorado.
 
PROGRAM With 30 years of historical perspective, Carl introduced the Meredith Rotary Club’s participation in the Paul Harris Fellowship Program.  Carl reviewed how membership can be achieved, namely, through a substantial monetary donation to the Foundation and through the exceptional contribution of time and talent to their home club.  Carl noted with highest praise the more than 2 Million dollars raised for charitable giving by our club since its founding.  He emphasized that “We are a very special club”.

Following Carl’s remarks, on behalf of the his committee and Meredith Paul Harris Fellows he presented Paul Harris Awards to Will Williams and Richard Goodby in recognition of their generous donations to The Foundation.

 

The highlight of the evening was the presentation of two Paul Harris Fellowships to members in long standing who have contributed unselfishly countless hours to our club.  Tony Avrutine was described as “the guy who has worked behind the scenes”.  No one can calculate the hours Tony has given our causes and no one would have a ticket to the ‘Derby’ without Tony. 

 

When the applause for Tony finally subsided, Dean was presented with his second Fellowship in four years…  an unprecedented achievement.  The club is in constant awe over Dean’s leadership of the Student Exchange Program which has become a model for other clubs across the state in addition to his vast contributions to other club activities.

When a well deserved applause finally died down, President Betsy adjourned the meeting.