This bulletin is a bit late this week as I was out of town without my computer (as vacations should be!) so I hope you enjoy a little late weekend reading-LOL!

 

We celebrated the beginning of fall season with our annual Steak Dinner at the VFW. Pulled together by our Skip and Judy with chefs Bill and Marty, it was a very enjoyable evening. Thirty-one Rotarians were joined by 8 guests! Our new exchange students, Udyu Yoshino from Japan and Anna Yang from Taiwan, attended their first Rotary meeting. Our speaker was Colleen Betrus, advisor for Interact. Frank also introduced John Betrus, Kathleen Duserick, Jody Bendzlowicz, Chip Weismiller and Mindy Richards.

 

Karen led us in the Pledge and Jack chose God Bless America. He also quoted Pope Francis saying that living for others is a rule of nature and life is happy when you make others happy. Wise words for Rotarians to live by.

 

Jill and Carrie filled us in on our Naples exchange students in their new homes. Parker in Sweden reports he's not getting as much to eat as he is used to. Eliza in Brazil says she is starving as well.  Lyra in Thailand says she is eating constantly! Anna presented a colorful flag from her home Rotary Club to President Karen.

 

Jack had a report from the District Golf Tournament last Friday afternoon. Liz and Clyde didn't make it due to illness but they received golf towels. John who was a great assistant to Jack as well as beer analyst, got a new 6 pack cooler. Nancy and Laurie who sold tickets received new golf balls. The highest scoring team of Jo, Sue, Patrice and Bo were awarded a string of beads to help them to count their shots next tournament!

The profit of about $2500 will go to the District Governor's fund for mental health initiatives, etc.

 

Colleen has been the Interact advisor for about a year and a half, filling in for Annalisa Chapman during her health journey. Annalisa is back to teaching and could return to Interact when ready. Colleen has also been the NCS Honor Society advisor and sees a lot of those students also participating in Interact. Last year, Interact focused on a local and an international project. Locally they ran a fundraiser - a Pink Soccer game benefitting Making Strides for Breast Cancer. They raised more than $350. International funding for Medicine for All People (MAP) earned $178. in a volleyball tournament. Next week is the first meeting for Interact this school year. Colleen hopes some younger students will be joining since 12 of last year's members graduated. Possible projects this year include another Making Strides soccer game and helping with the Grape Fest and Caruso's Thanksgiving Dinner. Other suggestions from Rotarians were a pickleball tournament, helping at the golf tourney, volunteering at BVT and Hospeace House. At all events, school rules for student safety will be followed.

 

Everyone enjoyed a great evening of socializing with friends! Thanks to Skip and Judy, Bill and Marty and the staff of the VFW. See you Monday 9/16 at noon!