High Gear, January 15, 2014

The weather was such that if the course were open, the golfers would be sorely tempted to get the clubs out of storage and hit the links for the first round of the year!  That being said, inside the Ridge seemed a little quieter than usual - the effect of wine and cheese from last week had run the course! President George, too, was a little sluggish, ringing the bell a couple of minutes later than normal, and without the cherished medallion dangling from his neck!

After the usual opening, Steve Jacoby gave the Invocation thanking God for the privilege and the opportunity of being in America and of being a Rotarian, and charging us as Rotarians to strive to make the world a better place.  We were served our lunch of salad, ziti and meatballs, bread, and chocolate ice cream covered with fresh strawberries!

Following lunch Pres. George called us back to order and called up Peter Klock to announce that India had now been declared to be Polio free!  Great news!!! He also announced the new Rotary catch phrase -"Light up Rotary".

Next was the introduction of a very special guest - Yvette's 7 week old daughter, Brianna Marie! Rookie Mike Costa and old timer Neal Cunningham were called upon to lead the Welcome Song for our special guest - kind a scary for such a little one!  Next Sgt. at Arms Jack Sayre announced three special anniversaries - Jim Fallon -21 years, Dan Firestone - 38 years, and Sue Klock - 16 years! Congratulations!

Alex Wisz then spoke about the Duck Race tentatively scheduled for June 22nd.  The committee is looking to move the race to the Labor Field area of the Hockanum located near Mayberry Village.  All are welcome to walk the site on Saturday at noon with the committee to check it out.

Pres. George reported that the Board voted to give $500 to the Circle of Life, and nominated Sue Klock to be a candidate for the Council On Legislation in 2016.  And finally, the Raffle was won by early bird Steve Jacoby.

The Meeting was adjourned and reconvened as the Annual Meeting.  Details of the Annual meeting will appear in the Secretary's and Treasurer's Reports at the next Annual meeting.

Some Highlights of the Annual meeting - Our club has donated $25,616 to the foundation through World Fund, Polio Plus, and the Foundation contributions.

The Slate of officers was presented by Sheryl O'Connor --- Past President - George Schoen, President - Brian Liss, President Elect - Alex Wisz, Secretary - Mark Glass, Directors - Bob Buettner and Janice Freschlin, Director Emeritis - Bob Wood, and Sgt. at Arms Director - Brian Gorman.  The slate was duly elected.

Interesting factoids - our club gave out $41,001.79 in charitable contributions.  We had a cash balance of $13,194.49 on 12/31/2013, and Scholarship Trusts valued at $235,829 as of 12/31/2013. A detailed account was passed out at the meeting.

Pres. George ended the meeting with a big thank you to all who helped make our Club successful in all our projects and activities.  He cited that the Golf Tournament raised about $24,000 and the Duck Race about $17,000.  Big Bucks, Great effort - Keep it up.  We will be awarding three Paul Harris Fellowships in March- Bob Buettner, Larry Hangland, and Peggy Schoen.  We have added 4 new members and must continue with this effort.   Remember, we need a 100% commitment from all our members to make our Club all that it can be!!

'til next week - Bob Wood