Blastoff September 13, 2010

"...the relationships we build are more important than the checks we give."  President Coney 

The meeting opened with a traditional song (I've Got a Hammer), although some of us dipped when we should have soared.  We may need to try that one again to make sure we're all headed in the same direction.  Dick Gregg III led the pledge, followed by Dan Weber leading the Four Way Test.  Dick also welcomed visitors and guests, included Assistant District 5890 Governor Chris Schneider.  Mike Duckworth led off with the first announcement, sharing information about Patriot Golf Day, held at a variety of golf courses over Labor Day weekend to raise money for the Halls of Honor Foundation.  Roger Donnelly reminded members that September 9th is Rotary Night at the Astros.  A portion of the ticket proceeds will go to the PolioPlus Fund.  Anyone interested in tickets needs to contact Roger as soon as possible.  View a photo and read more about the game.

President David Coney expressed condolences to the McKinnie family due to the recent death of past President Jon McKinnie's son.  In lieu of flowers, the family has requested donations to the Shriners Hospital of Houston.  Condolence cards were passed around the room for member signature.

President Coney announced that the meeting is one of at least three Club Assemblies that will be held during the year. He discussed his vision of service through fun and fellowship, and his belief that the relationships we build are more important than the checks that we give.  We need to do more than just maintain the milestones we have already achieved; we need to continue to build on them.  We can do this through building on personal connections.  He recognized Marc Schneider for agreeing to take on the new chairmanship of the Interact Club committee and discussed the importance of promoting Rotary values in our youth

President Coney then introduced the rest of his officer team: President-Elect Mike Dennard, Secretary Marilyn Musial, Treasurer Sheryl Berg, and Sergeant at Arms Scott Rainey.  Directors and committees were then recognized. (Meet the Directors). Director of Club Administration Kippy Caraway was first noting committee members Jerrold Dewease (web master), Kathy Dooley (reporter), John Lee and Bob Mitchell (photographers), John Branch (Programs) and Billy Smith (Constitution and Bylaws).  Public Relations Director Bill Lowes announced that he is in need of volunteers, and recognized Roger Donnelly and Mary Alice Cherry as two of his committee members.  Bill Geissler is the Director for Membership.  His committees include the Attendance, Classification, Recruitment, and Retention committees.  Membership is chaired by Bob Taggart and Classification is chaired by Scott Rainey.  Bill read a list of committee members and asked for additional volunteers.  Mike Duckworth is the Director of Fund raising, and has both the Shrimporee and Springoree Committees.  Additional volunteers are always welcome.  John Nugent is the Director for Community Services A, assisted by Dr. Greg Smith, Marc Schneider and Dr. Ted Cummings.  Phil Sandlin is the Director for Community Services B, which includes the Senior Citizen program, Health and Safety, and Scholarships.  Phil also coordinates the Excellence in Public Service Awards, which will recognize EMTs this year.  Travis Vermeer, Director of International Service A, oversees the Rotary Foundation and Space Center Rotary Club Endowment Foundation.  Travis discussed the purpose of the two different funds and solicited volunteers.  As Director of International Service B, Bob Taggart is responsible for Group Study Exchange, the International Youth Exchange Program, and the World Health Foundation committees.  Rae DeCastro is in charge of Vocational Service, which includes the Excellence in Education program, for which we partner with the Seabrook and League City Rotary Clubs and the Excellence in Law Enforcement committees.

President Coney noted that we have lots of people, and lots of activities.  He is working on ways to improve communication within the club, and wants to include a list of committee members and committee meeting dates on the web site.  Jerrold Dewease is available to assist anyone needing help with web site navigation.  President Coney asked if anyone saw a need for any new committee.  In addition to leveraging new ideas, he wants to net 5 new members this year.  There is still $9,000 unallocated in the annual budget for new projects.  He challenged the membership to come up with fresh ideas and to concentrate our efforts on things that make an impact with people.  A major goal for the club this year is donation of $12,500 to the Rotary Foundation, and a Polio Plus goal of $20 per member.

President-Elect/Shrimporee Chair Mike Dennard recognized Marilyn Musial as the Shrimporee Co-Chair and several of the committee chairs.  The team approach is being used for fund raising again this year, with membership divided into "tribes".  Scott Rainey needs weekly reports from each tribe Chieftain.  Courtney Lindberg is in charge of ticket sales this year.  Courtney, Scott, and Marilyn will receive funds from each tribe.  Dr. Greg Smith is in charge of the silent auction and will be recommending themes to each tribe.

Other committees include the Environmental Committee, created last year by Courtney Lindberg.  Club beneficiaries include the new International Oven Project, local Meals on Wheels, Hope Village, and a synergistic lab for Clear Creek Independent School District.  The Club supports 23 local projects and 6 international projects.  Questions were received from the floor, with many focusing on the Earlyact, Interact and Rotaract programs.  Members asked whether efforts would be made to start Interact Clubs at additional high schools in the district.

No meeting will be held next Monday due to the holiday.  A Shrimporee meeting is scheduled for Tuesday.  Anyone needing information on the Astros tickets should contact Roger Donnelly.  Tickets will also be given to the Interact and Youth Exchange students.  The meeting adjourned at 1:00 p.m.