Club Meeting December 20, 2016

Posted by Charles Roumas on Dec 22, 2016
 
Club Meeting December 20, 2016
 
Opening and Welcome:  President Jackie Guzie opened the meeting with the Pledge of Allegiance and the recitation of the Rotary Four-Way Test. Luis Lee gave the invocation. Jackie then led the singing of “God Bless America”.
 
Members Present: Dale Baker, Joe Blake,  Jed Dery, Greg DeSantis, Frank DiGennaro, Jackie Guzie, Greg Heineman, Luis Lee, Don Miner, Jack Muska, Paul Pace, Ken Pascoe, Ray Perleoni, Jay Presser, Charles Roumas, Gordon Stagg, and Nancy Viggiano (17/37….46%). Additionally, all members not present at meeting who participated in the Sand & Salt and/or Kettle Drive programs were recorded as make-ups in Rotary attendance (revises total to 57%).
 
Guests: None
 
Announcements/Program: In lieu of a formal program, there were several announcements:
 
Jackie Guzie announced:
-The annual Rotary Christmas Party at Oak Ridge CC on December 13th was well attended and a fun, successful evening. She thanked Jack Muska for his part in planning the event.
 
- The annual Rotary involvement in the Christmas Kettle Giving Drive raised a terrific $1271 despite the inclement weather. Member turnout was excellent; they wore Santa hats and rang donation bells on Dec 17 & 18 at two locations:  Highland Park Market entrance and Mountain Rd’s Dunkin Donuts entrance. Jackie also thanked Luis Lee personally for selflessly giving her his own hand warmers during their bell ringing shift.
 
-Volunteers from the club delivered 33 Rotary Salt and Sand Buckets to seniors last week. This was a great first year effort. Karen and Clark Mason were again thanked for their initiative and solid execution, along with coordination by Ken Pascoe. These types of programs humbly but publicly reinforce the value of Rotary’s commitment to community service.
 
-Lastly, for clarification, the board had reviewed on November 15 the current list of Honorary Rotary Club members. Jackie will inform or has informed all they are welcome to come to any future Rotary functions without the necessity of paying annual Rotary dues. Those who currently earn that distinction are Blair Childs, Peter Das, Dottie McCarty, Tom Modzelesky and Jim Wood.
 
 
Greg Heineman announced:
  • He recently attended Key West Florida’s Rotary Club Meeting, which included 45 participants. The President of their club offered to visit Suffield and speak at our club as well.
  • Raffle ticket sales for the Zero Turn Lawn Mower raised to date are $1484. Members have until the drawing in mid-April 2017 to add to this total. He has more tickets to distribute for sale at any time.
Gordon Stagg wanted to give the club the good news on the continued recovery of Jim Wood. He saw him today and was pleased with his progress. Jackie added that Jim had formally asked her to convey to all members his appreciation for their wishes and support.
 
Unrelated to club business, two members shared some info of personal pride. Jay Presser announced the recent publication of his daughter’s book (see him for purchase details). Charles Roumas announced he was just sworn in as a Suffield Justice of the Peace.
 
Blue Ticket Winners: Dale Baker had the winning blue ticket, with sides won by Jay Presser and Greg Heineman.
 
Queen of Hearts:  Greg Heineman had the winning ticket, but did not select the Queen of Hearts. Next week’s drawing $139+. Secretary Charles Roumas had incorrectly identified the pot as $119.
 
Birthdays and Anniversaries:  Jackie Guzie announced the 4th wedding anniversary of Joe and Valentina Blake.
 
 Adjournment: Jackie Guzie adjourned the meeting with the members with Greg Heineman leading the singing of “God Bless America”.
 
Minutes recorded by Charles Roumas, Secretary on December 20, 2016.