Last week: Charles Wortmann introduced Jocelyn Gilman, Executive Director of the Northern New Jersey Red Cross. Ms. Gilman discussed the history of the International Red Cross and the establishment of the Red Cross in the United States in 1881 to assist with domestic emergencies. The Red Cross is not federally funded and relies on private donations and a 92+% volunteer staff. In addition to emergency preparedness and response, the Red Cross organizes blood drives, delivers care packages and services to our servicemen overseas and helps to trace family relationships interrupted by war.
Guests and Visiting Rotarians: Paul Kattermann (Wallkill Valley), Gary Chiusano and Charles Wortmann. John Roberts welcomed our guests.
Announcements:
John Roberts reminded everyone that the Pancake breakfast will be held on March 5th. If you have not done so already, please get your ticket money in to Helen Trimper.
Chris Wolverton is organizing teams for the Gift of Life. We need volleyball players! If you would like to join an existing team, please contact Chris. Corporate sponsors are also welcome. See Chris to donate.
Picture Fines: Wayne McCabe displayed a picture from the 1919 parade in Newton which welcomed home our servicemen from the First World War. 1,000 people marched, including fire departments and Civil War veteran, and 10,000 people attended as spectators. Carl Lazzaro was happy to pay for a picture of a double rainbow over Family Friendly Fredon.
Happy $:
Tom Digby is happy for the appointment of Dr. Robert Higgins, an African American, as Chairman of the Department of Surgery at Johns Hopkins University.
Michael Hannifan is happy to see French fries on today’s menu. He also announced that the district is looking for placements for two incoming exchange students.
Paul Kattermann is happy that he got Cory Stoner to Rotary today.
Steve McNally is happy that his son’s baseball team (Fordham University) will be covered live on ESPN3 this evening during their game against LSU.
Alice Vigiletti is happy that the Club’s Ebay site has raised another$123.
Steve Wescott was happy to hear from Lu & Dottie Fletcher, who are in Florida for the winer.
Mark Hontz gave $5 to promote the “Celtic Coffee House” at the Newton Methodist Church, featuring free dessert and coffee and lots of Celtic music (courtesy of the Hontz family singers?).
50/50: Dottie Budd won the 50/50, but left $289 in the pot.
