June 20, 2018 - Rotary Club Meeting Minutes: Linda McConville
John Roberts opened the meeting at 12:15
Todd Lattig led the group in prayer and Steve Westcott led the group in singing America the Beautiful.
Guests: We welcomed Marcy Rittie, mother of Ryan Rittie who is going to Germany as an exchange student. Also, Marcy may become a future Newton Rotarian in the near future.
Todd acknowledged the presence of the Holy Spirit in the seat next to him.
Happy Dollars: Todd gave a happy $5 to acknowledge is parents and sister who are visiting to attend his daughter’s high school graduation ceremony.
Jan Pasculli was happy to express lavish praise for our President John Roberts for his service to the Club over the past year. She acknowledged John’s commitment and his welcoming bright voice and spirit that we all looked forward each week. Jan expressed kudos to John for a great year of service to the Club.
Tom Brodhecker seconded Jan’s comments regarding our fine President. Tom gave another happy dollar because they were able to get their corn planted by June 10 (a government deadline for receiving funds if you have a failed growing season).
Jim Taylor echoed Jan’s comments and support for President Roberts fine year of service.
Matt Hannum enthusiastically repeated the support of our President Roberts and noted his light-hearted demeanor. Matt also gave a happy dollar for a good Father’s Day even when he unexpectedly had to jump in the pool fully clothed with his eager to swim three year old daughter who jumped in before him.
Nancy Morrisey thanked John for his service to our Club this year. Nancy also gave thanks and blessings to all Rotary fathers, grandfathers and great-grand fathers!
Charles Grotyohann missed Rotary last week as his son’s car broke down which was followed by three days of car shopping. He reported that he was able to participate in this year’s Rotary District Golf Outing and had a lot of fun with his fellow Rotarians. Charles also attended a Rotary Foundation meeting where they presented information about Uganda and the assistance needed by the young pregnant mothers.
Charles also echoed sentiments regarding the fine job done by our President Roberts with recommendations for a future endeavor – perhaps a game show host?
Laura Camp echoed praises for John’s service and duly noted there is no black hole of past Newton Rotary Presidents. Laura asked for a show of hands of past-presidents in attendance. This writer was not able to get the full count but there were at least 10 Rotary Presidents in attendance. Impressive!
Announcements:
Installation of Officers: Our incoming officers will be installed at a dinner event on June 29th at the Mohawk House along with the Vernon and Wallkill Clubs. The dinner is $45/person. We will also have our regular installation on Wednesday, June 27th.
The Garden Party is scheduled for June 30. Barbara Miller graciously volunteered to coordinate the event. The party will be at the Newton Rotary Booth at the Fair Grounds. A sign up sheet for food contributions was distributed. If you have not had an opportunity to sign up yet, please do so on Wednesday or let Barbara Miller know you are attending and a side dish or dessert you can bring. Hotdogs and hamburgers will be provided. John promised to bring his famous fried chicken. The event will be held rain or shine. The Party is BYO in terms of liquor. Soda and water will be provided. There is no charge to attend the party this year.
The Rotary District is looking for a computer savvy person to act as a liaison … Barbara Miller volunteered to fill that need. Thank you Barbara.
Facebook: Jim Taylor requested that members sign on to the Newton Rotary Facebook page. The latest addition is photos of this year’s scholarship recipients We want to increase the traffic on the page.
Independence Day, July 4, 2018: There will not be a Rotary meeting. Enjoy the day celebrating our country.
Program: Jerry Doherty, Past President of NAMI, gave an informative presentation about NAMI, the National Alliance on Mental Illness. NAMI is a national 501©3 nonprofit organization that provides support, education, and advocacy ton behalf of individuals and families affected by mental illness. NAMI/Sussex provides services throughout Sussex County.
Jerry shared that currently there is cure for mental illness but there is recovery. The organization offers a variety of services to individuals experiencing mental illness along with support for families to help them develop the skills to understand, empathize and assist in facilitating the recovery of their ill family member. They offer educational programs about the different types of mental illness for their clients, as well as law enforcement education. They want to educate the community to be aware that mental illness is an illness, it is not something to be embarrassed about and needs to be discussed to fight the stigma and discrimination sometimes associated with mental illness.
Jan Pasculli expressed gratitude for the services of NAMI as well as Jerry Doherty. Jan expressed there probably would not be a NAMI/Sussex if not for Jerry and the work she has done over the years … in a volunteer capacity.
50/50: YIKES, I neglected to note the winner of the $7 50/50!
President John Roberts closed the meeting at 1:30 PM.
