December 21, 2012

21 December, first day of winter, shortest day of the year.

Pres. Elect Mika called the meeting to order at 1215 followed with joyous holiday greetings and wishes.

The Pledge of Allegiance was lead by Bob Celli.

The Invocation was given by Paul Peacock.

There were no guests in attendance.

An inquiry was made about the good and welfare of members.  There was no response.

Announcements:

The December 9 fundraiser at Jack’s in West End raised a total of $7,000 for the Long Branch Habitat for Humanity to help homeowners in the area rebuild after Hurricane Sandy.  $2,000 was raised by the event and $5,000 was donated by Investor’s Bank.

Bob Celli reminded members of the Food collection at Shoprite in West Long Branch on Saturday, 12/22 from 10am-1pm and 1pm-4pm.

Presentation:

Ken Gittell showed 2 films 1) USA- Disaster Relief - Rotary response to Cedar Rapids flood in 2008 and 2) Bridging the Gap- Rotary attracting young members.

Mika commented on the presentation and the potential to connect with schools, students through a monthly forum.

Announcements:

Our Club is donating $500 to New Town, Ct. Rotary Club to help after the massacre.

We now have an ongoing column, started by Mike Ciavolino, in the Link News to make the public aware of who we are and what we do. 

The Fire Department has 5 Christmas trees they would like to donate to a family in need.  We suggested they contact the Concordance or Furnished with Love to find a family.

A Holiday card was presented to Lisa, our lovely server.

Ken G. showed photos from the Holiday Dinner and last summer’s clam bake which included the Bocce tournament and “Sangria making class”.

Bob Celli won the 50/50 with ticket number 51.  Bob drew for the “big pot” progressive worth (est) $3,000,000  pulled the joker and won.  Happy Holidays Bob.

Lunch was served with a smile and all members were festive and merry.

Happy “Safe” Holidays

The Meeting was adjourned at 1315 after the serving of dessert, which consisted of French vanilla ice cream topped with whipped cream and rainbow sprinkles (aka jimmies)