NEWTON ROTARY CLUB

 

President Todd called the meeting to order at 12:17 pm.   The salute to the flag was followed by a moment of prayer offered by Marge McCabe.  Our voices were raised, singing “America” under the guidance and encouragement of Steve Wescott.

It was noted that we had 20 of our club members present, with Athena Storm, Mike Hanifan’s guest.  Jim Taylor thanked those present for being here for the weekly luncheon.  

 

Happy Dollars were contributed by:

 

Todd Lattig – opened up with $1 – for Steve Wescott being with us today.

Frank Eberhart – gave $1 – glad to be able to work with Barbara Miller at Kittatinny Regional High School to interview the students for the scholarship award.

Carolyn Ottenbreit – gave $1 because she was glad to see Frank E. singing.

Gerry Hanifan – gave $1 – because he his grandson was graduating.

Barbara Miller – gave $5 – because she is very happy to be back here with all of us.

 

 

 

President Todd asked if there was anyone in the club who could use a get-well card or some similar expression of concern and well wishes.  It was suggested that we send a card to Norma Cupola.  The card to Norma wishing her a Happy Birthday was circulated and signed by everyone present.  Likewise, a get well card was signed and sent to Kathy Shankman.

 

President Todd reported on the Military Vehicle Show and Swap Meet event at the Fair Grounds that took place on April 28, 29 and 30.  Our gross sales were $1,333.50, with expenses totaling $926.  This left a net amount of $406.  He also indicated that most of the items purchased would be used for upcoming events as well.

 

Memorial Day Parade – Marge spoke about the Memorial Day parade that will be held in Newton. We are planning on handing out bottles of water to the veterans at both the beginning of the parade and at the end. Carl said that he would drive a convertible and that we could put the club’s magnetic signs on the side indicating that it was the rotary float.

 

Newton Day, June 10 - we will be having a booth down on Spring Street according to Marge McCabe. We will be able to hand out literature and some sort of small trinket to let families know that we have been serving Newton for 100 years.

Todd once again stressed that the blue and clear jars on the tables are for loose change or folding money to go to help fight polio. 

 

Annual Garden Party – this annual event was discussed at some length.  The issue of whether or not we will be having the event this year will be discussed at the board meeting immediately following lunch.  The board will report any final decision back to the membership at next Wednesday’s luncheon.

 

 

Wednesday, May 17 – Wayne McCabe will be talking about the annual cemetery tours that the Sussex County Historical Society coordinates during the Sussex County History Day program.  Wayne will reprise his role as Capt. George V. T. Griggs, talking about the numerous issues as a child growing up in a local farm family, his entrance into adulthood and his role in the American Civil War.

 

 

Barbara Miller, is freshly back from an extended vacation in the southern latitudes.  Her discussion today involved the annual student scholarship program our club undertakes.

Barbara said that she and Frank Eberhart were at Kittatinny Regional High School, and for various reasons took more than ten minutes to gain entry to the building.  Once inside the school – they were faced with a fire drill that spilled all occupants back outside.

Once back inside, Barbara and Frank interviewed six students who had submitted applications.  To be considered, a student must have a 3.8 GPA or greater and submit a typed essay.  The essay focuses on how one of the Rotary four ways tests has played a role in their lives – or how does the motto “Service Above Self” play a role in the life of the student.  Essentially, this centers on volunteerism being a very important component element in a students’ life.

 

In the next couple of weeks, Laura and Carl will be interviewing eight students at the County Vocational High School and Steve Wescott and John Cuozzo will be interviewing six students at Newton High School.  Each of the three schools has a $2,000 scholarship allocated to it for a student going on to a four-year college and one $500 scholarship for a student going on to the Sussex County Community College.  The interview team selects the student for the $2,000 scholarship, while the individual school counselors recommend the student from the lists for the $500 scholarship.

 

 

Buz brought up the possibility of taking part in a fund raiser that is being put on by the Sussex County Farm and Horse Show Association.  The event is known as BOOTS, BOURBON, BBQ – A Helluva Hootenanny Hoedown.  The event will take place on Saturday, June 10, with doors (or gates) opening at 5:00 p.m.  Dinner will begin at 6:00 pm, provided by the American B-B-Q Company.  They will also be holding a 50/50 raffle and a live auction taking place at 7:30 pm.  Music will be provided by Whiskey Crossing – how appropriate!

 

The Association is trying to raise money to make improvements and upgrades of specific facilities on the grounds. 

 

Tickets are only available in advance and you MUST be 21 to buy a ticket.  The price for a ticket - $80.

 

Now, if I got this right - Buz suggested that the club buy two tickets and that we have a drawing for them – much like a 50/50.  The club would then be the recipient of the funds from our raffle ticket sales and some one or some two people get tickets and get to go to the actual event at the Fair Grounds.

 

 

Sharon, our waitress, brought to our attention that Benny’s Bodega will be parking his collection bus in front of the Hampton Diner on Sunday, May 21 between 9:00 am and 2:00 pm.  This will be a STUFF THE BUS event, where we can bring cleaning supplies, dishwasher/laundry soap, canned goods, fruits and veggies, snacks, water/juice, formula, baby food, diapers and personal hygiene products.  Sharon said that if our club members bring an item on Wednesday, she will see that they get into the bus during the event.

 

The winning 50/50 ticket – Wayne McCabe was asked to pick the winning ticket for the 50/50.  He picked the ticket held by Buz Tomasino.  However, Buz drew the King of diamonds and left the growing pot still growing.  It’s up to $25 now.

 

Todd gaveled the meeting closed at 1:20 pm, with the admonition of traveling home safely.

 

Wayne

 

Respectfully submitted,

Wayne T. McCabe