This Week, Wednesday, March 20, 2019
Featured this week is Brian Romanowsky; topic: Gift of Life
March 15 – “The Ides of March”
Quote of the Day, March 15, 44 BC – “Should've listened to that soothsayer.” (J. Caesar)
March 17 – Happy St. Patrick's Day
In memory of beloved member, Joe Quinn – his favorite Irish blessing:
May the road rise up to meet you,
May the wind be always at your back,
May the sun shine warm upon your face,
The rains fall soft upon your fields,
And until we meet again,
May God hold you in the palm of His hand.
Last Week, Wednesday, March 13, 2019
Pres. Bill called the meeting to order on this the 37th week of his presidency. Rev. Todd offered our weekly prayer. Led by music-meister de jour Steve Wescott, the sonorous sounds of “God Bless America” permeated our meeting and quite possibly the diners in the adjacent room.
Fred Spages was our presenter on this date. His topic was “Red Cross 101.” Fred gave an overview of the extensive workings of the Red Cross as well as the humanitarian relief efforts of the Red Cross on the local, national and international scene.
Fred also shared some astounding statistics regarding the Red Cross; e.g. the number of volunteers in the organization, pints of blood collected in NJ; number of training sessions conducted, services to our armed forces, etc. The program provided an inside look into the vast operations of the Red Cross and its storied responses to those in need.
Paul Harris Fellow – John Cuozzo
Steve Wescott shared information regarding the Rotary Foundation. Steve noted that the Club surpassed his goal of $8,000 with $10,000 being donated. Twenty-nine members contributed to the Foundation this year with the Club adding seven new Paul Harris Fellows and ten members moving on to the next level. Steve thanked all for their commitment to the Rotary Foundation.
Steve then, in a very touching moment, announced a new Paul Harris Fellow – John Cuozzo. John was honored for his service, dedication, and commitment to Newton Rotary.
Congratulations, John!
Guests
One guest this week -- joining us this week for a return visit was Brian Ochrym, guest of Nancy Morrisey. Dawn Hall welcomed our guest.
Photos
No photo cameos this week!
Announcements
• “Get Thee to a Gym” Chris Wolverton launched the Newton Rotary annual “Gift of Life Volleyball Tournament.” The event is scheduled for Friday, April 12, 5:30 pm at SCCC. Chris noted that teams, sponsors and volunteers (referees and assistance at the check-in desk) are needed.
• Pres. Bill announced that the Veterans' Cemetery Project date will be set soon. The Hops and Grapes event hosted by Wallkill Valley Rotary will be held April 26 at the Sussex Firehouse. Pres. Bill also shared that he recently attended a Vernon Rotary meeting which the District Governor attended. The District Governor noted that anyone planning on attending the District Conference should register now – especially if planning to take the battlefield tour.
• Rev. Todd reminded us that the tree planting ceremony is slated for May 4, noon, at Memory Park.
• The Garden Party is scheduled for June 29 at the home of Denise Current.
Happy Dollars
“Talking Happy Talk” this week were many:
• Bob Shankman for the delightful pair of socks he found prior to the meeting.
• Kurt Walton for Jim Taylor's translation of Kurt's words to: “Life is like a roll of toilet paper, the nearer the end, the shorter it gets.”
• John Cuozzo for the admission of Sam Hontz into the Rutgers Graduate Program. Sam is a trumpeter par excellence.
• Steve & Helen Wescott for attending the Scholar Athlete Program run by Kurt Walton.
• Bill Kehoe offered a dollar for Jim Taylor for conducting the meeting last week in his absence. Bill rescinded the dollar when informed Jim did not conduct the meeting.
• John Frank for sitting at the meeting between two roses, Laura and Nancy. When John could not find his dollar, Laura (rose on the right) graciously paid John's happy dollar.
• Nancy Morrisey (rose on the left) paid a happy dollar for the pancake breakfast. Nancy was happy that she was assigned multiple tasks at the breakfast and accomplished them all. Nancy also paid a happy dollar for the Newton Chamber of Commerce dinner honoring Nancy Woods. Nancy and Brian then played a video of Mark Hontz playing the bagpipe at the event.
• Mark paid a happy dollar to ensure the video never leaves the room.
50/50
The elusive Ace remains on sabbatical, but John Frank won a down payment to Disney ($9).
EIRINN go BRACH
