Club Meeting February 5, 2019
Opening and Welcome: President Dick Kisiel opened the meeting with the Pledge of Allegiance and the recitation of the Rotary Four-Way Test. Scott Seabury provided the invocation and led the club singing of “God Bless America”.
Members Present: Gayle Demko, Frank DiGennaro, Natalie Donais, Gail Handley, Heidi Huhn Partain, Richard Kisiel, Jon Kozloski, Luis Lee, Don Miner, Jack Muska, Ken Pascoe, Roger Pratt, Jay Presser, Don Rawling, Scott Seabury, Tom Sullivan, Cat Thomas and Nancy Viggiano. (18/31….58%).
Guests: Paul Muska
Announcements: Dick welcomed Paul to the meeting; Jack is presenting Paul as a perspective member.
Wine Tasting Fundraiser:
Date: May 17 Location: Suffield By The River
Time: 7:30 pm Ticket Prices: $35 ea or two for $60
Donations requested for raffle baskets – bring to meeting for collection; Natalie and Gayle will assemble baskets. Nancy will be distributing tickets to members for assistance with sales. This event will be fun and rewarding – good music, good food and a variety of beverages to enjoy!
Paul Harris: Please email Ken Pascoe with your nominee for a Paul Harris award. Decisions will be finalized by the end of this month.
Program:
Membership workshop. Dick asked each of the three tables to brainstorm the following question: “How would you explain the benefits of Rotary membership to a prospective member”. After a ten minute discussion, each table relayed their thoughts. Dick compiled the results of the discussion as listed below:
- Develop friendships and new acquaintances/friendships
- Enjoys each other’s company, good feelings of comradery
- Recognize the value and importance of service to others
- Personal, professional, and business networking
- Exposure to and support of international humanitarian projects such as polio eradication, water and sanitation systems, and medical needs
- Impact the community by supporting student scholarships, community projects, youth leadership training, and specific needs of individuals or identified groups of people
- Support Rotary’s Interact Service club at Suffield High School
- Recognize a deserving high school student each month at the Rotary meeting
- Supports personal and family values, ethics
- Participation in service projects besides fundraising
- Build community connections and support systems
- Model for the importance of community spirit and service
- Build and strengthen political connections
- Opportunity to reinvest personal time back into the community
- Learning opportunities through club meeting programs
This was the first of three monthly workshops to support the definition of membership and community efforts within our organization. Thanks to all who participate; we appreciate your ideas and enthusiasm!
Blue Ticket Winners: Blue ticket winner was Luis with side winners Paul and Don.
Queen of Hearts: Cat Thomas had the winning ticket and did not pull the Queen of Hearts. Total winning pot now stands at $236.
Birthdays and Anniversaries: No birthdays were celebrated this evening.
Adjournment: Scott closed the meeting with a group singing of “My Country Tis of Thee”.
Next week’s meeting–Feb 12
Monthly Presentation – Student of the Month.