Cogitator August 18, 2010

(A brief reminder, from the Treasury Department...if you haven't yet paid your annual $200 dues please see Treasurer Bob asap!)

VISITING ROTARIANS--

Ira Steinberg, once again joining us all the way from Oberlin, OH.

GUESTS--

John Palla, guest of Jodi Gladstone and Stan Reuter. 

BIRTHDAY--

A warm Happy Birthday to Honorary Rotarian and long-time former Sergeant at Arms, Earl Shaw.

ANNIVERSARIES--

Sally and John Russell celebrate every August 19th, and Stan and Joan Reuter celebrate every August 23rd.     

ANNOUNCEMENTS--

President Ed invited one and all to come to the board meeting scheduled for August 19th, and he pledged that his tee time at 10am would ensure a speedy meeting.

Phonebook Chair Betsy DePrimo thanked the club for all their work, and passed on the terrific news that it looks like we'll surpass the $70,000 mark for revenues this year.  Congratulations to Betsy, and the entire committee, for a fantastic job this year!  Once again our club will be able to give so much to so many programs and to so many people in need, primarily because of the Phonebook's success.     

HAPPY BUCKS--

Mike Balsamo was happy to announce his wife Erica's venture into the baked goods and catering business.  He happily paid the happy 'fine' for a plug for 'Wild Harvest.'

Bill TenEyck thanked in particular the Rotarians who succeeded in rounding up new business for the phonebook.

Paula Buckheit had a great ride through Newport in the Scoop Coupe.

Dave Iannuccilli visited his son Jason in Los Angeles and had a great time.  Jason is now working at the UCLA Medical Center.

Stan Rueter was happy about his upcoming 41st(!) wedding anniversary.  

Soozie Sundlun visited her son, Max, and Max's girldfriend in Palm Beach, FL. 

And President Ed had a great trip to Alaska with Irene.  Sounds like a good future program...

SPEAKER/PROGRAM

Terri Fitch, former District 7950 District Governor, and active leader in the Rotary Club of Newport, gave a report on her attendance at Rotary International's Council on Legislation. 

Terri is known affectionately in her hometown (Newport) club as Citrus Czarina, for her 12 years spearheading their Citrus Drive. 

She represented District 7950 at this year's Council on Legislation.  The Council is held every three years, to discuss, present, and vote on important issues to Rotary International.  It is held each year at Rotary's headquarters in Chicago, IL (Evanston).  

Each representative has three minutes to propose legislation.

Terri was impressed with the passionate presentations from most speakers.  Some highlights from this year were:

--Generally, the Council supported issues relating to local clubs' autonomy.

--Rotary International decided against any new major project(s) until polio is wiped out.

--'E Clubs' were officially sanctioned, with the agreement that each district would have no more than 2 E Clubs.

--The 50% attendance rule was affirmed, despite a proposal to revert back to the 60% rule. 

--Rotary meetings must last at least one hour to be considered an official 'meeting.'

--Rotary International's board of directors agreed to open up their records, especially relating to personal reimbursements, thus continuing to maintain excellent transparency. 

--Two year district governor terms were voted down.  (Past 'DG' Terri happily voted 'no' on that one!) 

--Rotary International added 'sexual orientation' into its anti-discrimination laws, a vote that was quite contentious as Rotarians from all over the world brought their different perspectives into the debate.  

--Fifth Avenue of Service, 'New Generations,' was passed.  New Generations' goal is to help grow and maintain the Rotary family in years to come by extending invitations especially to younger members of the community.   

Finally, Terri mentioned a poignant and personal story about being asked to participate in the advocacy for wheelchair and handicap access at Rotary meeting sites.  She reluctantly agreed to assist, but her eloquent speech helped win the day--the measure passed 75% to 25%.    

Thanks to Terri for representing our District so well, and thanks for a fine report/program!