Rotary Club Meeting Minutes:  Linda McConville

 

Carolyn Ottenbreit opened the meeting at 12:30 at the Barrel House.

 

Bud Luthman led the group in prayer, which was followed by a beautiful rendition of God Bless America.

 

Guests:  We welcomed Lonnie Nechamkin.

Jim Taylor welcomed everyone to Rotary on this Blustery, Winnie the Pooh kind of day!

 

Picture Fine:  Dewey Budd paid a fine for the picture that appeared in the paper showing the Newton High School Reunion for the class that graduated 74 years ago!  There were 8 alumni in attendance at the reunion.  They have already set the date for their 75^th reunion.

 

Tree Project:  Pastor Todd Lattig announced that the tree planting was postponed until the spring.  The weather is just not cooperating for the event to take place this fall.  Todd will let us know the new spring date.

 

Homeless Project:  Denise is delighted with the cooperation and enthusiasm of the members with this project. Denise thanked everyone for their continued support. 

Please continue to bring the items needed each week.  Items requested for the next two weeks are as follows:

 

 

 

Heidi Weber announced that the Hoboken Rotary Lift of Life Dinner is 11/1/18.  A close friend of Heidi’s was so inspired by Judge Weber and the words spoken by Carl Lazzaro’s about the Judge that she decided to become a Rotarian! 

 

Charles Grotyohann was pleased to make Lonnie Nechamkin an Honorary member of the Newton Rotary and shared this is one of the highest distinctions given by Rotary.  Lonnie has been very involved volunteer with Rotary for years including hosting events at her home.  The Club gave a big welcome to our newest member.

 

Steve Westcott reminded members that the Newton Rotary Foundation is offering to match donations to the Foundation up to $500/person to encourage Club members to become Paul Harris Fellows. 

 

 

Jim Taylor gave three happy dollars:  First, he is happy that Lonnie is now a Newton Rotarian.  Secondly, he is happy that he attended the Newton High School football game where they honored the students who graduated from Newton High School 50 years ago, which included Jim, and last, but not least, he was happy to sit with Dewey at the game. 

 

Bob Shankman was delighted to go to Frank Peppy Pizza in Danbury Connecticut where they have the best pizza in the country!!

 

John Cuozzo is delighted with the caliber of the Kittatinny High School bands and choirs.  The students had to learn Latin for their performances.  They will be performing The Crucible on November 2.

 

Lonnie is happy to be an honorary member of the Newton Rotary.

 

Charles is happy for many reasons. He attended a Rotary social hour at Angry Erik which was a fun evening.  He also had the opportunity to play golf with fellow Rotarians … John Frank, Frank Eberhart and John Roberts.  He is also happy that his daughter’s wedding is just three weeks away!

 

Dewey is happy that we are continuing the tradition of tree plantings in Newton.  Dewey reported that the year he joined the Newton Rotary, 1956, the Club planted 30 trees around Newton!

 

Program:  Bob Shankman introduced our guest speaker, Maryann Taylor.  Maryann is working with the Branding and Marketing Committee on their goal to increase the visibility of the Club and increase club members’ involvement. Today, Maryann focused on Facebook and the Club’s Facebook page. 

 

She encouraged everyone to become active on Club’s Facebook page.  She gave information about making your information private and distributed instructions for setting up your own page if you have not done so already.  If you need help, she will assist you.  She can be reached at maretaylor1962@gmail.com.  Maryann also demonstrated how you can “go live” on Facebook and took a live video of the Club members at the meeting.  If you go to the Club Facebook page now, you will see the live recording. 

 

Members shared their positive experiences with Facebook.  Steve reported that a friend of a friend of his daughter posted a picture of their dog that was lost.  Due to his picture on Facebook, the dog was located and safely returned to his owners. 

 

Todd then shared that someone had posted they wanted to commit suicide.  Someone on Facebook in New York reported the posting and the Vernon police were able to go to the girl’s house.  Her life was potentially saved. 

 

50/50: Lonnie won the 50/50 which was $8 … but not the pot.  Sorry Lonnie.

 

Carolyn closed the meeting at 1:10 PM.