Editor: Carl Luthman
August 2, 2017: In Service/Membership
July 26, 2017 Meeting: President John called the meeting to order, at least the best order you can with Newton Rotary. Carl followed with the invocation and asked us to particularly remember Past President Gary LaFranco's family in our prayers. Gary passed away early this week after a long and arduous battle with cancer. Carl reminded us what a kind and thoughtful man Gary was. Steve then led us in a wonderful rendition of "God Bless America".
Guests: Past President Charles was happy to welcome our guests:
- Dawn Hall (more on her later).
- Joe and Jerry were happy to introduce wives, Lonnie Nechamkin and Sandra Inglima.
- Ryan Staple, a new business owner in Newton. His business is called Recollectables.
Jennifer Gardner, Executive Director of the Sussex County YMCA was our speaker. She explained the expansion at the Y which will include a full basketball court gymnasium and an expanded wellness center along with other renovations. The project will cost $3.1 million and Jennifer expressed her appreciation to our Club for its financial support of this project. A couple of interesting facts Jen shared with us. In 10 years the Sussex Y has grown to a membership exceeding 9,000. And the Y gives back to Sussex County. In 2016 the Y provided over $300,000 in grants to individuals who would not be able to participate in the various activities offered by the Y due to financial reasons.
Happy Dollars: This had to be the most “happy” week in Newton Rotary history and I had to be the editor:
Denise Current: She was happy to attend the Hackettstown Club where she was honored for having donated a bus for use in Africa. She was very pleased to discover 2 former Newton Rotarians are now members of the Hackettstown Club. Denise was happy, although with a little tinge of sadness, to take Beam, our exchange student, to the airport for Beam's return to Thailand. Denise also reminded us that being involved with the Student Exchange Program is not a chore but a pleasure.
John Frank: John was overflowing with happiness. He thanked Jim Taylor for being his driver for the day. John couldn't remember where he put his car keys. He was also happy that both George Kaiser and Bob Shankman have undergone successful back surgery. And finally John was happy to discover Tinkerbell is for real. His granddaughter played the role in a summer theater.
Jerry was happy to have his wife with him today.
Mike Hanifan: He got to see Rod Stewart in concert at the PNC center. Mike just hopes he can put on a 2 1/2 hour show when he is Rod's age.
Charles: He is happy to be in the crowd rather than at the head table. He is also happy that his daughter has passed her dental hygienist exams and already has a job.
Barbara Miller: She is happy for all the work Denise does with the Student Exchange Program.
Pam: She is happy that three Rotarians have stepped up to relieve her of some responsibilities. Linda McConville will be handling the sign-in table as well as the 50/50. Linda has also agreed to get an editor for the Newtarian each week. Helen Westcott will be handling the lunch, endowment, happy dollar and fine monies. Nancy Morrisey is taking over the sign-up sheet, tickets and parking passes for the Fair.
Laura Camp: She is happy for all the help that joined together to clean the fair booth after last week's meeting.
President's Announcements:
- John is happy for the 7 Rotarians who joined him in making the booth as sterile as possible. He also said that all the administrative and grounds staff at the fair were very appreciative of being invited to share lunch with us. We should do this annually. The Fair does start on Friday, August 4. This is also dollar day at the Fair so we will be giving everyone who orders a sandwich a free 16 oz. cup of iced tea. President John encouraged everyone to sign up for a minimum of 2 shifts working at the booth. Remember there will be no meeting on August 9.
- Frank Eberhart had make ups at two different clubs. He also has conveniently arranged his schedule so that he will not be back north the week of the fair.
- Jim Taylor received his 100% attendance certificate and John Frank received his 30 year service award pin. Nancy Morrisey received her 20 year service award pin.
- Carl Lazzaro and Nancy Morrisey conducted an induction ceremony into Newton Rotary for Dawn Hall. Nancy is Dawn's sponsor. Welcome Dawn!! We look forward to your active participation in our club.
- Barbara Miller had the sad responsibility to empty out Past District Governor Ken Meredith's house. While doing so she found 2 Rotary jackets which she thought would be fun to auction at our meeting today. Under the skillful gavel of Auctioneer Carl $120 was raised to support a Rotary project. Thanks to our guest Ryan for being one of the high bidders. Now that he has a Rotary jacket, maybe we can convince him to be a club member.
Tom Brodhecker again won the 50/50. However he did not pick the ace of spades so the pot is now worth over $300
