Rotary Newsletter March 18th, 2009
Notes from the Scituate Rotary Club Meeting 18 March 2009
Present: Connie Mitchell, Ben, Janet and her sister Carolejeanne (visiting from Philadelphia, Jamie, Diane, Veronica, Katherine, Joan, Lew, William, Dietrich, Lisa, Walter, our Speaker, Jeff Croll, and our acting President, Candace. President and Mrs were attending DARE and representing the club as they presented our supporting check to them at the graduation ceremony.
Missed: Janice (still recovering from her most recent surgery. We miss you Janice), Bill Coulter (getting ready to move back to Clinton, MA), Eric (who worked overtime on Saturday to feed 80 seniors), Paul Prescott (where are you) Beatrice, Mary, Michael (nearly ready to return to
Connie led us in the Pledge, Ben offered the prayer and as best I can recall no one won the QOH. We had no time for Happy Bucks which is a great pity as it is a rather painless way to raise funds for our club's benefit. We moved right into discussing options for fund raisers for the community's benefit. I periodically forgot I was taking notes so do not have great detail for you here but be sure that you will be hearing more from those who are prepared to make something happen! Walter spoke about advertising. Jamie continued on in that light and proposed an information booth at the Heritage Days and Marshfield Fair - selling Diane's knives as well! (see below). Lisa explained what a "Boot Sale" is. Diane is going to sell knives at all her craft shows and whenever we have a "do", at the pancake breakfast, for example. Candace talked about a Jewelry Show with the Borror's and described a "Penny Sale." There are lots of ideas out there and more we need to hear. Most importantly, we need the ideas (dreams) made real. It is not enough to have a great idea. You need meat on the bones.work out the details, tell us what each of us needs to do then lets make it happen!
Our speaker grew up in New Jersey and summered with his family in Nausett. He loved his life in Nausett Bay and has created an elementary school program called "Deep Blue Discoveries" sharing his passion and enthusiasm of this water habitat. Some of us thought we were going have a virtual diving experience but instead we learned about ecosystems, habitats, eel grass versus invasive species which make it harder for fish to hide. We learned some things about a salt marsh, photosynthesis creating energy within the bay, zooplankton, the problem with nitrogenous leakage into the bay and some tips on taking care of the environment. I forget the number but some huge amount of ocean's surface is covered with plastic bags!!! Jeff wants to be invited into elementary schools to present his program. His enthusiasm is obvious and his knowledge base sound. His childhood adventures have led him to an interesting adult career.
We are closing up the phonebook this week. It appears we will be earning nearly $14,000. Could be better but could be worse in this economy.
For Sandi, our finest creative writer,
Janet Schmitz
