Welcome Guests:  Lucy Kelly and Dan Faenza

Welcome ‘Snow Birds’ Del and Will

 

Prayer led by Richard Gerken who remembered Bob Davis, Ann White, Jim Wallace and Kevin Kelly (present).

 

Kevin offered his “Joke of the Evening” which led to uproarious laughter but which cannot be reprinted here.

 

Craig reported on attending the District Conference in Danvers, MA with Gary, Dean and our Exchange Students.  They had a great time.  Our club was recognized by the District Governor as the only club of 59 to record a net increase in membership this year.  On behalf of the District Governor Craig presented a well deserved framed citation to President Betsy.  Applause ensued and was followed by Betsy’s acknowledgement of the good work done by Membership Chair Fred.

 

Gary reported on the Interact Club Polio Fund Drive that will continue another couple of weeks.  He also urged that we once again participate in the Rotary Speech Contest noting excellent presentations given by the student finalists at District.

 

Rob reported excellent progress was being made by the casino committee.  He clarified that “no cash or awards would be won at the gaming tables.  There operation is entertainment value.  Entrance fees and raffles will be the main source of revenue from the event.

 

Kevin announced that the LRVNA, our local Visiting nurses Association, will be sponsoring a Concert by “Five O’clock Shadow”  on May 25^th at 7:30 PM at the Interlakes Auditorium.  This is a fundraiser in support of their efforts to “refresh/renew/recharge” everyday at-home family caregivers.  Tickets are available.

 

Mike reported on the wonderful results of five work days by fellow Rotarians on the Rotary Pavilion.  (Doesn’t it catch ones eye!)  The concrete slab and installation of picnic table is all that remains!

 

Betsy announced that Bonny Ireland has volunteered to fill Bob Davis’ shoes for the Bay Clean-Up on June 1.  Contact her if you can help in any way.

 

 

The Board of Directors has approved membership for Jack Platt.  The membership is invited to comment for two weeks after which a vote will be taken.

 

President Betsy announced that the Board of Directors had approved a donation of $25,000 to the Meredith Library Fundraising Appeal subject to the vote of the membership.  A motion was made by Ray Moritz, seconded by Chuck Thorndike and voted unanimously.

 

Rotarian and Library Fundraising Chairperson Jim McFarlin thanked the membership and announced that over $500,000 has now been raised toward the Trustees’ goal of $1.1 million.

 

Happy Dollars were presented by Carl and Fred welcoming Del and Will back to the fold.

 

The program of the evening was presented by Dr. Peter Kador”  The Eye is the Window to the Brain”.  Peter explained how the eye is the only tissue of the body that ‘reports’ directly to the brain.  The eye has no blood vessels but survives on oxygen and nutrients.  He was blunt when he told us that “aging our eyes go to hell”!  He noted that we are all going to get one or more age related eye conditions namely, cataracts, glaucoma, macular degeneration, complications from diabetes, and more.  Peter said 45 million people over 50 suffer from dry eye. Viewing LCD screens is not a healthy practice for the eye as the eye does not blink as often as it would otherwise.   There are several over-the-counter “comfort agents” available to treat it.  As time was running late, Peter was urged to return and continue his fascinating and informative presentation at another meeting.