Club Meeting-January 10, 2017

 

Opening and Welcome:  President Jackie Guzie opened the meeting with the Pledge of Allegiance and the recitation of the Rotary Four-Way Test. Tom Sullivan gave the invocation and led the singing of “God Bless America”.

 

Members Present: Dale Baker, Gayle Demko, Frank DiGennaro, Guy Fortunato, Jackie Guzie, Greg Heineman, Jon Kozloski, Robert Lowell, Don Miner, Cat Morrow, Jack Muska, Paul Pace, Ken Pascoe, Ray Perleoni, Charles Roumas, Gordon Stagg, Tom Sullivan and Tami Zawistowski. (18/37….49%).

 

Guests: Ben Frost and Don Rawling- prospective members sponsored by Jackie Guzie; Rotary Student of the Month Caitlin Kirschbaum and her parents Eileen and Ron Kirschbaum.

 

Announcements: None.

 

 

 Intro: Guy Fortunato had the honor of introducing the January Rotary Student of the Month Caitlin Kirschbaum. He described Caitlin as humble, and very appreciative of her SHS experience, especially interactions with teachers and fellow students. When Guy read one of her college application essays, it “stopped him in his tracks” because of her refreshing recognition that the true meaning of high school learning is not memorizing textbooks for test-taking, but instead asking pointed questions on all subjects to all types of people. Guy is certain Caitlin, being very well-rounded, will have many career options in her future.

 

Speaker: Caitlin had a different approach to her remarks. Instead of elaborating to members on her extensive accomplishments and credentials, she wanted to discuss her opportunities for improvement- those school experiences which she called “failures”, because each of those were awkward and required bravery. SHS has been a great place to fail, yet succeed by doing so, because classmates supported her so she never felt alone in her journey. Already accepted to Boston College, Northeastern and Fordham, she is still in her college selection process, and wishes to use her skills and passions in either Law or Government. Caitlin is a proud member of Rotary’s Interact Club, and has affinities for computer programming and track/cross country. Her creative thinking and passion for problem solving make her well suited for her future professional pursuits.

 

 Our members were very engaged by her words, and offered hearty congratulations to her award selection! Kudos were also given to her parents Ron and Eileen for their encouragement and support.

 

Blue Ticket Winners: Guest Donald Rawling had the winning blue ticket, with sides won by Jackie Guzie and Student of the Month Caitlin Kirschbaum.

 

Queen of Hearts: Tami Zawistowski had the winning red ticket, but did not select the Queen of Hearts; she came very close with the Jack of Hearts selection. Next week’s pot is $188+.

 

Birthdays and Anniversaries: None

 

Adjournment: Jackie Guzie adjourned the meeting with “God Bless America” as the closing song.

 

Minutes recorded by Charles Roumas, Secretary on January 10, 2017.