November 1, 2021
Meeting Minutes
Greeter: Addeline
Note Taker: Mike Jaeger
Invocation: Joe Bedard
Song: Norma on piano playing ”God Bless America”
Pledge of Allegiance
President, Matt Staub opened the meeting at 12:08 with a few remarks and passed the floor to Andy Rebuck who provided information on the Pancake Breakfast. This year, Rotary, in partnership with Central PA Food Bank, will donate pancake ingredients to approximately 500 people through 5-6 nonprofits. The Food Bank donated all the food and will deliver to the nonprofit locations. $15,000 has been raised through donation. At this coming Monday’s meeting, Rotary members will be given take-home pancake kits with a request that all make delicious pancakes the week of the 8th and take pictures while you are at it. There will be a contest for the member with the best spirit, or pancakes, and a raffle.
Introductions:
Meeting Guests: HU DELTA – Harrisburg University Rotaract Club - Chrissy and Azalea
New Member Introductions: Peggy Grove introduced Alex Reber and the Club was also introduced to Ruth Njuguna, a former member of a Rotary Club in Kenya.
Additional Announcements: Peggy Grove took a moment to announce Veterans Month and the WITF program, “You are Never the Same” airing this past Tuesday night at 9pm on WITF. Matt notified members of a Club wine exchange at Country Club of Harrisburg on November 30.
Next, our main presentation, The Four Way Test Speech Contest, began with Toni Mark saying a few words about the experience working with students and the purpose of the contest. Each contestant picked a topic that was personal to them and applied their perspective using the Four Way Test. Due to Covid restrictions, student finalists presented via Zoom at Monday’s meeting to a panel of judges present with the Club.
Judges:
Virginia Roth
Floyd Stokes
Kwasi Abrokwa
Ana White
This year’s contestants, from Sci Tech, were:
Paula Orusede
Miracle Burton
Sacheyska Villanueva Soto
Rahina Halidou
Each student did a nice job presenting speeches on topics including: reality of love (Rahina), life decisions coming out of high school (Miracle), procrastination (Paula), and comfortability with body image (Sacheyska). Each student took a few minutes to contemplate their topics, provide opinions, and apply their thoughts using the Four Way Test. Paula finished (1st) and receives $300, Miracle placed (2nd) and receives $200, and Sacheyska and Rahina tied for (3rd) and receive $50 each. Following the speeches, Toni Mark introduced Mr. Bonini, the Sci Tech English teacher working with the students on their speeches and who has been critical to the success of the program. Mr. Bonini spoke about the importance of the program and his appreciation for the experience. While judges convened to determine place, each student had an opportunity to share a little about themselves and what they were planning to do after school. Upon learning of her 1st place finish, Paula Orusede thanked the Club and all involved in the contest and shared her excitement over winning.
Matt closed the meeting by thanking Toni, Mr. Bonini, the students, and judges for their efforts. The meeting adjourned at 1:14.
