Editor: Barbara Miller
Newton Rotary Club Meeting
August 30, 2017
President elect Bill Kehoe presided at the meeting held at Spring Street Grille on Wednesday, August 30th. Carl led us in prayer, followed by Steve leading us in “God Bless America.” Bill asked for special prayers for Judge Weber, who is in poor health.
Guests: Eric Snyder, Assistant Governor from the Branchville Club. Our greeter, the infamous Frank, welcomed Eric to our meeting.
Eric shared some news from the District: District Directories are now available and he is leaving a supply with Bill. Rotarians should consider signing up now for the District Conference Cruise next May as room rates are still guaranteed. In response to Hurricane Harvey’s devastating hit on Texas, Rotarians are asked to make donations to the District Foundation as per the email that was sent to every Rotarian in the district.
Happy Dollars: Richard was happy for three reasons: (1) he had a great time at the fair for the first time, (2) his daughter and husband just bought their first house, and (3) he is going on vacation to England and Wales; Jim K. was happy for the leadership of Carl and Steve and Jim T. at the food booth; Charles was happy because his daughter got engaged; Barb was happy to celebrate the life of PDG Ken Meredith and to have 8 PDG’s come to pay tribute to him at the funeral home; Nancy was happy for all of the people who worked at the food booth during the fair week—she picked up the money each evening; Carl was happy for the group of people who spent last Wednesday at the food booth during the Agricultural Event, netting about $700 for the club.
Announcements/Upcoming Events: This was the 5th Wednesday of the month, so all Paul Harris recipients were recognized.
Barb reported on the meeting that was held the previous week with Wallkill Valley Rotary. It was attended by President John, Barb, Denise, and Alice and was a good exchange of ideas and information. AG Eric also announced he is going to arrange for a joint meeting of all clubs in Sussex County.
Denise: Farm to Table will be held on Saturday September 30th, and will benefit the homeless of Sussex County. It will be catered by Frances DelGaldo and will be held at Current’s barn. Octoberfest will be Sunday, September 24th from 1 – 5 p.m. This is a friend-raiser and the Hontz family band will be providing entertainment and hayrides will be available. This is also held at Current’s barn.
Speaker: Our speaker was Joan Russo, Social Services Director in Sussex County. She spoke about the needs of the homeless, but also the needs of those who have fallen on hard times and may not be able to get back on their feet without help. She has given Denise a list of “needs” for the people involved, and it will be distributed to club members so that they can begin to purchase the items on the list. There is also a group of people who have started to knit hats and scarves that will be needed in the colder weather.
Carl thanked Joan and spoke about the Health Department in Sussex County, and in particular about the work of the Social Services division.
The 50/50 was won by Laura Camp ($11) but the magic card eluded her and the money pot will grow for another week.
NEWS NOTE:
OUR DISTRICT GOVERNOR, PEGGY MADER, IS SCHEDULED TO BE AT NEWTON ROTARY ON WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 6, 2017. ALL MEMBERS SHOULD TRY TO ATTEND TO SHOW YOUR SUPPORT FOR HER!
