In lieu of a keynote speaker, each committees chair was requested to give an update about their committee initiatives and objectives, and recommendations were invited so the Club can start planning for our new year, starting July 1st.
Membership (Joe Lolli)- A Rotary information packet has been distributed to over 35 prospective members. Joe is following up with several prospective members.
Public Relations (Ghida Neukirch) – Club activities and events are promoted regularly through Facebook, the website, and through media releases. Members are encouraged to “like” the Club’s page and share information so it has a wider reach.
Fellowship(Mike Babian) – The Committee plans fellowship events, such as the Rotary at Rosewood and bingo nights. The events encourage fellowship among members, in a different setting than the regular lunch meetings.
Program (Dale Muglar is Chair and Len Tenner serves as back-up and support) – Speakers are currently scheduled through April. During May, we will recognize our scholarship, RYLA and Tabu participants.
Youth (Len Tenner) – The Committee works with the youth exchange, where we host a visitor from another country. It also interfaces with the Rotary Graduate Scholars, and the Youth Committee coordinates and communicates often with the Rotary Interact group. The Youth Committee also manages the financial literacy with youth program.
Rotary Foundation (Manu Khodadad serves as Chair and Len Tenner provides back up and support) – The Committee coordinates with the District grant program for international and local grants, and awards members for reaching the Paul Harris giving level.
Scholarships (Carrie Callas) – The Committee has currently released three scholarship applications through the high school, on our website, and via a press release – Service Above Self (merit-based recognizing academic performance and community service), the new Frank J. Schwermin (for students seeking to pursue education in the health care field), and Rotary District 6440 Vocational Scholarship (to support educational programs preparing students for vocational or technical careers). In addition to these scholarships, our club will again be supporting College Bound Opportunities students with needs-based gap funding their first year in college.
The Committee also awards scholarships for RYLA (Rotary Youth Leadership Awards) participants each year. This year we are sending two students to the March and April leadership conferences.
Service Projects (Mike Stroz) – The Committee plans various service projects for members. For example, this year, the committee planned the pancake breakfast, the tree decorating, and participated in National Night Out, and MLK Day of Service. The Committee is coordinating upcoming projects with the Northwood Gives Back service club.
Charities (Jon Levey) – The Committee releases the grant application to prospective organizations typically in March every year. This year, the applications will be released in mid-April when we can anticipate the revenues we expect to receive from the gala. The committee will also be determining the focus and priorities for funding.
Literacy (Yesim Sonmez) – In Yesim’s absence, it was shared that this committee plans the youth financial literacy activities at the high school.
International (Phil Lazarus) – It was reported that the Club has a group of 6 students going to northern Ireland in March. There are many activities planned on this trip.
SUGGESTION FROM CLUB MEMBERS:
- Include a separate calendar on the website with descriptions of youth and international activities
It was reported that additional brainstorming for 2019/2020 programs and initiatives will be conducted at a later date.
Other Business
Mike Mills shared information about his Curling experience, and provided direction about the game. The Club’s curling event will be rescheduled to next winter.
President Neukirch adjourned the meeting at 1:03 PM.
