SRC Regular Meeting March 27, 2013
The regular weekly meeting of Scituate Rotary Club was held on March 27th at The Scituate Country Club. President, Joe Kelley called the meeting to order at 6:30 PM and led The Pledge to The American Flag.
Members, friends, and guests present were Lambert Brandes, Lois Brandes, Kristin Erickson, Walter Heller, Tracy Johnston, Joe Kelley, John Miller, Connie Mitchell, Bart Nuboer, Sue O’Brien, Joan Powers, Bob Price, Judy Price, Janet Schmitz, Lucille Sorrentino, Jack Stebe, and Bernie Westerveld.
Bart Nuboer offered the Invocation.
All spoke The Four Way Test.
Joe welcomed Tracy Johnston from Scituate Community of Resources for Special Education, CORSE.
The secretary’s report was read and accepted.
The treasurer updated us concerning the SRC Funds.
The Phone Book is closed and is going to press.
There was significant planning for the combined April 11th meeting sponsored by Weymouth Rotary, Peace Through Service International Night, at The Elks Club on Route 53. The cost is $20.00 per person. SRC will host a German table with ethnic food and treasures.
The District Convention is in Plymouth on May 17th through the 19th. As yet, no decision has been made whether or not to place an ad in the program book.
SRC will sponsor and provide The Senior Dinner held at St. Luke’s Church on Sunday, April 28th at 5:00 PM. Joan will make the coffee and tea. The main course will be spaghetti and meatballs. It was suggested to have tulips on the tables.
Sergeant-at-Arms, Walter Heller, presided over Happy Sad Bucks.
Joe held the winning ticket, but alas, he did not draw the queen.
Janet Schmitz gave a Foundation Minute and reminded members to make their yearly Foundation Contribution.
Jack read thank you letters from several Marshfield recipients of SRC’s Award Night Generosity.
Jim Moriarity expressed gratitude upon being named an Honorary Scituate Rotary Club Member.
SRC was pleased to have Tracy Johnston as our speaker of the evening.
Tracy incorporated her foundation, CORSE, Scituate Community of Resources for Special Education, on Valentine’s Day, 2006. The mission is to “raise funds to provide the highest quality educational, social, and recreational experiences, so that children with special needs can reach their full potential.”
CORSE allocates funds for a wide range of supplemental resources that benefit children, parents, and educators. Some of the outstanding experiences they offer children are Therapeutic Horseback Riding, Maritime Adventures, and Lose the Training Wheels.
CORSE partners with local businesses and organizations to provide opportunities for special needs students, their peers, and mentors. For example, Finns, on Front Street, provides dining opportunities, and The Yacht Club encourages Seaside Exploring. Mentoring Programs, such as Best Buddies are in place.
CORSE considers its duties to be fundraising, developing customized programs, and keeping the programs more affordable than most private programs. Staffing is a high priority and is at a 3-1, 2-1, or 1-1 ratio depending on need. The programs are integrated so that at least 1/3 of participants are NOT special needs students.
The program culminated with a video of CORSE Children involved in many activities and was deeply moving.
Tracy, and her organization’s treasurer, Kristin Erickson, were most dynamic and engaging. SRC Members spontaneously agreed that CORSE needs to be one of our favored charities.
The meeting was adjourned at 8:10.
Respectfully submitted,
Lois Brandes
