Weekly Meeting News - 10 Sept 2012

    Guests Monday evening included Honorary members Bob Boughner and Joe Potter.  Joe also brought along his grandson, Paul Grube.

    Member present    12          Members absent   11

    Frank Toscano was installed - reinstalled - into our Club.  Frank was previously a member from August 1982 to November 1996.  Mario Celico, who brought Frank back into the Club, spoke of their long friendship.  Frank has retired from his business and will soon be traveling down to Florida for the winter.

Foundation Moment

    Steve Salerno began with mention of the anniversary of September 11 and told the group about the California Club that visited Puerto Rico and delivered dictionaries and computers.  Steve urged everyone to remember the Club's goal for 100% participation to EREY giving  -  just give what you can.

Board Notes

    Four members have Perfect Attendance for the months of July and August:  Dan Alvino, Bob Elmer, Doug Rayner and Rosemarie Russo.

    We will not be participating in Fall Fest but please try to attend and provide support to the Misquamicut Business Association.

    President Cal will be attending the Chamber EMILY demonstration on 14 September at the Windjammer.

    Board voted to contribute $100 to the Columbus Day Parade and President Cal put forth the question to members about participating with a Club float.  Contact him if you have an interest.  Mario Celico has offered use of his truck.  Would be a great way to promote Rotary and Polio Plus.

    Ron has suggested that the Club could meet its goal of $500 by designating fines once a month for Polio Plus.  It was also suggested that there should be just a special collection for that purpose.

    Board has discussed two major projects involving District Grant application:  The first is related to improvements at Rotary Park.  Two additional tennis courts are in process.  Most of the construction cost per Paul Duffy is covered with the exception of Lighting, picnic benches, landscaping, drinking fountain, signage and small bleachers.  Paul provided estimated costs for each of these items.  Mario Celico would like to have a more permanent Rotary sign installed.  The second project is related to our September 24 speaker - Reforest the Tropics, Inc..  Dan Alvino has been doing some work with the group, whose home base is in Mystic, to bring their education program to Westerly Middle School.  The Board will be putting together grant applications for both projects in the next week or so.

      CELEBRATIONS:  Birthday Wishes to Frank Celico on 11 September,  Lori Lord on 9 September and Valerie Rumfelt on 10 September.  Wedding Anniversary blessings to Carol and Joe Potter, 58 years, on 11 September.

    Rotary Day of Success, October 6 at White's of Westport, beginning at 8:00am.  Four separate "track" seminars will cover Membership, Rotary Foundation, New Generations and Public Image.   Interested members should contact President Cal or Treasurer Ron by 21 September to register.