When he came to America in the 1830s one thing that impressed French social philosopher Alexis de Tocqueville was the habit of Americans when creating an organization, from a volunteer fire company to a chess club, to elect officers and establish by laws. He saw it as a strength of the still young nation’s democracy.
In keeping with that tradition on Friday, May 4, the members of the Allentown Rotary Club gathered to hold their annual meeting. Presiding over the meeting was current president Barb Bottitta and incoming president Marcella “Marci” Schick.
After the lunch a vote for three candidates to serve on the board of directors for three-year terms ending in 2021 was held. Those selected were Dave Hornung (elected for a 2nd consecutive term), Lou Bottitta and John Hannis.
Our president led off the meeting by highlighting some of the club's successes this year:
- implemented the Club Runner system and got the software up and "running" (excuse the pun) to improve the club's operational and information sharing functions.
- used Club Runner to develop the Smile e-newletter which is sent weekly to members and "friends" helping them feel better connected to each other and the club. This tool has also led to more Social Media activity by club members, promoting the club's activities and events on Facebook and LinkedIn.
- switched the Club's website, www.AllentownRotary.org, to the Club Runner format which integrates the website calendar and stories with the weekly Smile updates.
- as of the May 4th meeting date, inducted 6 new members, taking ARC membership to 65. That's a net increase YTD for the club of 1 after accounting for membership terminations. More importantly, it represents an injection of new and fresh points of view and activism. Marci noted that although we are a far cry from our peak memberships in the low one hundreds many years ago, we now have much larger and more inclusive volunteer and service participation.
- updated the Bylaws and Strategic Plan to be "in sync" with each other and with Rotary International.
- put in place a succession plan for future club leadership.
- qualified for several Rotary District and International recognition awards for this year's accomplishments.
Treasurer Tom Christman read and reviewed the financial report. Club assets as of 6/30/17 were shown to be, $90, 126.02. General Foundation Funds assets were $469,723.10 and Scholarship FUNDS was $350,067.69. Liabilities in club funds during the same time period were listed at $1,537.86. In Foundation founds liabilities were listed at $58,014.00. Those seeking more information can contact Tom.
This was followed by a report from president Bottitta that, in keeping with by law changes by our parent body Rotary International, changes would have to be made in the names and structure of our standing committees. Beginning with the 2018/2019 Rotary year, those 6 committees are:
- Club Administration
- Membership
- Service Projects
- Communications and Public Relations
- Rotary International Foundation
- Scholarships, Grants and Fundraising
As always the meeting was ended with the pledge to the flag. Somewhere in eternity Alexis de Tocqueville is smiling.
