May 9, 2014

The meeting was called to order by President Mika Hon.  Al Peskoe led the Pledge of Allegiance and Paul Peacock delivered the Invocation.  Mika welcomed visiting Rotarians, Gene Petraglia and his wife Marlin from California.  Gene is the President of the Vista, California Club.

President Mika made the following announcements:

• District 7500 sent $36,000 to Shelterbox as a result of contributions from the Clubs in the District.  Of that total, 95% went to the Phillipines.
• The Club will be delivering the food collected by Shore Regional, and being stored at Mika’s shop, to The Lutheran Church of the Reformation (Rev. Al’s Church) on Wednesday. 
• We are planning to help paint the Ronald McDonald House on June 7^th.
• The Club will participate in the Long Branch Car Show this year on June 15^th and be operating a booth.  Please let President-elect Brian know if you can help.
• The induction ceremony for incoming President Brian Berry will take place on June 19^th.  We will also be honoring Jack Kiely and Dan George at the event.
• The Scholarship Committee will be meeting on Monday to review the applications.

Tyler Richards -A member of the Club for about 7 years, Tyler Richards spoke to the Club to provide an update on his daughter as well as recommendations for health and well-being.  As many of you know, Tyler’s daughter was diagnosed with an inoperable brain tumor.  Tyler was pleased to report that she is currently thriving but noted that they are not out of the woods yet.  Tyler spoke of the experience of going through the diagnosis to discovering the best way to fight.  He said the most valuable asset you have is your health and asked members what they do to invest in their health.  Tyler believes we cover up symptoms using too many chemicals through Pharmaceuticals.  He said that only you are responsible for your health and it is important to monitor what you put into your body and you care for your well-being.  Tyler said proper nutrition and exercise are essential components.  He attributed some nutritional changes to the improvement in his daughter’s health.

Gene Petraglia – Gene is President of the Vista, California Rotary Club which was chartered in 1936.  He said his Club went through some changes in the past 30 years as many Clubs have around the country.  He said they went from 140 members in the 1980’s to only a handful of members a few years ago.  They changed from a lunch club to a happy-hour club and doubled membership in 6 months.  After a District Strategic Planning Session, they were able to implement changes that led to the current membership of about 20.  The Club has been involved in setting up a Dental Clinic, providing shoes for kids and are providing 8 scholarships a year.

Tyler Richards won the 50/50