President Doug's First Meeting

President Doug hosted his first Board of Director's Meeting on July 7th. At the outset he reiterated his committee chair assignments for the coming year. They include; Frank Celico—Membership, Bob Elmer—Foundation, Program—Rose Russo, Public Relations—Chris DiPaola, Tattler, Facebook & web site—Cal Lord

Rose reported that we ended the year in the black. We were much more judicious in our benevolent giving than in recent years. Among ther organizations we supported this year were;

The Jonnycake Center with the proceeds from our Pasta dinner, THE YMCA Capital Campaign with the third installment of our $5000 total pledge, The Westerly Columbus Day Parade, The Reforest the Tropics program at Westerly Middle School (also approved for a Rotary District Grant) , The Rotary Rose Bowl Parade, The Westerly Armory,The WARM Shelter,(2) $2000 High School scholarships, The Girl,The Boy Scouts, The Westerly Children’s Library and The Chorus of Westerly

We approved the medical leave of absence for John Huhtula as he has tests.

Doug then reiterated his three goals for the year—(1) Increase membership, (2) Raise funds and have more (3) fun. Doug went into greater detail on all three at our club meeting.where several people chimed in on his goals and offered suggestions on how to make them a reality. Frank Celico challenged each of us to invite potential new members to future meetings. He would like to see each of us sponsor one new member or more in the next year.

Doug talked about three potential fund raisers for the coming year; A golf tournament in October, the Chowder Festival in February and a charity auction in May. Frank Celico is chairing the golf tournament. Doug and Rose will oversee the Chowder Festival again. Steve Cofone and Ted Avedesian will organize the Auction.

It was a great first meeting!