Rotary Meeting Notes – March 31, 2022
By Sandie Dewane, Scribe
Co-President Athenea Luciano called the meeting to order and we recited the 4-Way Test with her. Pete Griffith led us in the Pledge of Allegiance and Tom Murphy’s Inspirational message quoted then terminally ill Steve Jobs to “Grasp the day” and “Stay hungry and stay foolish.” James Kaspar stepped in as Greeter and welcomed Speaker Wayne Reffesberger, Honorary Member Jo Casterline, and Frank DeFrancesco, who will be transferring from the Downtown Rotary to our Club! Joel Doss led us in singing the welcome song. Thanks to Bill Brehm for room set-up; front desk volunteers Bob Vaughn, Pat Chaffee, Joel Doss; James Kaspar, photographer; Bill Angus, newsletter editor; and Sandie Dewane, Scribe.
President-Elect Alan Turner thanked members who have volunteered to assist in various capacities on the Membership Committee. The Club is attracting new members and two new applications were received today! He also mentioned that he would like to focus on increasing the number of Interact Clubs at local high schools.
Club Foundation President Mike Fuqua gave a helpful presentation about the differences and similarities of our Club Foundation vs. The Rotary (International) Foundation. Mike mentioned our Matching Gifts program in which the Club Foundation can match members’ donations up to $1,000. This year the Club Foundation has given out $93,499, through matching gifts, donations, grants, etc., including $12,000 to Ukraine, thanks to the generosity of our membership. Mike has served as Club Foundation the past two years and will be stepping down at the end of this Rotary year.
Ballots were distributed to elect two trustees from a slate of three (Sonny Googins, John O’Neill and Benita Page). The vote count resulted in the election of John O’Neill and Benita Page to serve 3-year terms.
John O’Neill was in attendance today and we made him feel right at home with boisterous booing as he began his Fine Master duties. Among those who gave Happy Bucks were Dave Brooks – who is happy to be having another cochlear ear surgery so he can hear in stereo. Jim Sommer because he and Karen are celebrating their 65th wedding anniversary – they honeymooned in Cuba! Benita Page as she is now feeling better and looking forward to attending club meetings on a regular basis. Dave King was happy that the Honor Graduate Sword program for non-commissioned Marine officers will resume. Sandie Dewane is happy that her business, Keep It Simple Senior Care Referrals is celebrating its 5th Anniversary in April and thanked the members for their on-going support, referrals and overall cheerleading.
Gary Saks introduced Wayne Reffesberger, former Rotarian and author of “Thank God I Got Polio – A Life of Adventure and an Adventure of Life.” Wayne shared his experiences after receiving a polio diagnosis at age 4 and how it impacted him and his family. He credits Children’s Hospital and God for his recovery and the challenges he overcame to lead an adventurous life. Cheryl Roop did the book presentation.
Co-President Athenea reminded us that our next meeting is an evening meeting on Thursday, April 7th. Doors open at 5:15, with dinner served at 5:30. The Speaker will be Rose Schindler, Holocaust Survivor.
Respectfully submitted,
Sandie Dewane, Scribe
