June 13, 2018 - Rotary Club Meeting Minutes: Linda McConville
John Roberts opened the meeting at 12:30 to a room filled with Newton Rotarians along with our good friend and guest, Lonnie Nechamkin.
Todd Lattig led the group in prayer and Steve Wescott led the group in singing God Bless America.
Happy Dollars:
Heidi Weber expressed her happiness and gratitude for the support provided to her family following the passing of her Dad and our dear Judge Weber. Heidi mentioned that her family received support by many Rotary members including Todd Lattig for the service provided for her Dad as well as Mark Hontz and Carl Lazzaro. Heidi shared that her Dad loved Rotary.
Todd shared that he was honored to serve Heidi’s family and noted she has a beautiful family. Todd also shared that his daughter graduated from high school anf will be attending Westchester University. His daughter also received an award from the Marines … proud papa, for sure.
Bud Luthman was happy that his son was inducted into the High Point High School Hall of Fame for his multitude of achievements including honors in soccer and basketball and more.
Lonnie Nechamkin gave two happy dollars in honor of her grandson, Wyatt, for achieving the 1st degree Black Belt. Lonnie also gave a dollar to express her pride in her daughter, Liza, who is doing a wonderful job raising Wyatt, who repeatedly demonstrates strength of character.
Bob Shankman is happy that the marketing committee is working with the Spring Street Restaurant to offer a more varied menu, which was duly noted with today’s lunch. Nice job and thank you to the committee.
Laura Camp is happy for her daughter who opened her business in the Shoppes in Lafayette.
Buz Tomasino shared that he raises pigs in the summer and that they experienced a virus but he is happy to report that the pigs are A-Okay and healthy now.
Carolyn Ottenbreit is happy to share that her son graduated from elementary school and received the Foster Award, her daughter, Maggie, ended the year with straight A’s. Carolyn is off to France this weekend to catch up with her oldest daughter who spent a semester, or two, going to school abroad.
Charles Grotyohann had a great time at the Rotary district golf outing.
John Roberts was happy that the golfers had fun. He unfortunately could not go as his water pump broke the same day.
Linda McConville and her husband had a wonderful trip to California visiting their son Jason and the opportunity to go to a Paul Simon concert in the Hollywood Bowl. Linda reported that she also witnessed somewhat of a miracle as the Baltimore Orioles won a baseball game she attended in New York.
Picture Fines: Bud Luthman paid a fine for a picture of himself … which Bud believes was a Photo Shopped creation by Frank Eberhart.
Announcements:
The Garden Party is scheduled for June 30. After a discussion of our options for locations, the members voted to have this year’s party at the Newton Rotary Booth at the Fair Grounds. A sign up sheet for food contributions was distributed. Please contact Bill Kehoe if you can help chair the event &/or work with Bill or others for the party. Also, please let Bill know if you plan to attend and can bring a dish to share.
Scholarship Recipient Thank You: The Club received a lovely thank you note from Crystal McSherry for the $500 scholarship she received to attend SCCC. She noted this has inspired her to help others to achieve their goals.
The Rotary District Golf Outing was held on June 12. Frank Eberhart reported there were 100 golfers at the event. Rob Rhine “won” close to pin.
Newton Rotary Golf Committee: Matt encouraged people to sign up to help, to golf, etc. Mark Avondoglio is the honoree this year. The event will be held September 12th.
Installation of Officers: Remember our incoming officers will be installed at a dinner event on June 29th at the Mohawk House along with the Vernon and Walkill Clubs. The dinner is $45/person. We will also have our regular installation on Wednesday, June 27th.
Lake Hopatcong Boat Races: Lonnie announced the Lake Hopatcong boat races will take place on September 23. There are four boat races. Lonnie shared it is a fundraiser and Rotarians are welcome to attend.
Program: Steve Westcott awarded Lonnie Nechamkin the status of being a Paul Harris Fellow. Lonnie thanked the Club and her beloved Jerry for this opportunity.
Steve then shared information regarding how club members can become a Paul Harris Fellow. There are two paths: 1. the club member donates $1,000 to the Rotary Foundation, over time, OR 2. a member can earn points to become a Paul Harris Fellow. The Newton Rotary Club is offering a new opportunity to its club members. A club member can donate $500 and our Club is offering to match that donation by donating up to 500 points to the member. This will give the person the equivalent of $1,000, which they need to become a Paul Harris Fellow. The Club has 9,000 points they can donate to members. This is a wonderful incentive to club members that will begin July 1st. See Steve for more details.
We presently have 39 Paul Harris Fellows in our club.
Denise Current announced there will be a Trash to Treasures this year which will be held at Denise’s house on July 21st. More details will follow.
50/50: Barbara Miller won the weekly pot which she donated back.
President John Roberts closed the meeting at 1:30 PM.
