Cogitator 10/2/10

We survived the great non-blizzard of 2010.   Panicked by the prospect of snow, Rhode Island shut down and residents ate bread and consumed milk all day Wednesday, while watching for signs of snow.  Communities handed out parking tickets in anticipation that it might possibly snow and the streets might possibly have to be plowed.   Thank god we have people who understand that it is vital not to interfere with municipal workers when there is snow.  How important is commerce anyway?

The good news is that we are quite sure the streets will be clear enough for traffic by Wednesday and we should be able to hold our meeting...same time, same location.  Pray that it doesn't rain.

Since we didn't meet, I have no pictures to include, so have reached back for one of our favorite photos of our fearless leader. This was taken on St. Patrick's day, after which he was urged to get help.

Judy is on the March with the Scott Carlson Memorial Road Race and details are coming into focus.  New entry forms, with our key sponsor included, are in place and will be added to teamals.org.    The first registration has been received, a good sign.  Our big mailing will be going out soon and we have had some publicity. 

Your Rotary Board in Action.

            At their Feb 8th meeting, the Board approved $500 to support ClownTown, a project of the Greenwich Bay Women's Club..$300 to the East Greenwich Little League..$400 to help the High School Track Team purchase uniforms..and $550 to assist a Rocky Hill student's travel to the gulf states area for a Habitat for Humanity project.

            International Service Chairperson Jane Boynton reported our donations to the Shelterbox project funded 4 shelterboxes for Haiti.  A shelterbox will house 10 people and has supplies for six months.

            According to Chuck Sauer the club's donations to the Health Kits project produced 120 kits for Haiti.  His church, the MethodistChurch, came up with 80, for a total of 200 that are on their way to the earthquake stricken country.

            Reporting for the Scholarship Committee, John Wolcott said the group will fund $15,000 in scholarships again this year.  They took action to maintain that level of awards, although the fund earnings are minimal.

            Wolcott also updated the Group Study Exchange visit, scheduled for our area for May 1^st to the 8^th.  We will house two teachers, a dentist, an accountant and a Realtor.  Our My 5^th meeting will be a joint meeting with North Kingstown, and possibly Wakefield.   If the Wakefield club is able to attend, the meeting will be held at the Quonset "O" Club.