Greetings Monadnock Rotarians
Meeting notes for our Club Assembly. Bill had Opening Words. There was no “Hat” or speaker today to allow more time for the assembly.
Bob Meissner and Dale gave a brief review of the recent district meeting. Jerry gave an update on the Rotary Park. He will be organizing a trail clearing day to clean up winter damage. Tom Warren noted that a tree had fallen and is blocking the driveway to the campsite. Jerry and Bill plan to remove the tree Thursday afternoon. Folks are welcome to join us about 2:30. A spring picnic is in the planning stages. Jerry also reported on membership and that applications are complete for Pegg and Harry. Pegg suggested we send an article to the Harrisville newsletter, The Thread, with information about our meetings.
Following discussion, it was agreed that we would begin preliminary planning for the annual Wellness Festival. Vance noted that the festival is associated with Monadnock Rotary in the local community and Jerry spoke about the importance of supporting local health initiatives and providing operating income for non-profits. Jim Fearnside gave a list of the key positions that need to be filled to make the event a success:
  • Exhibit Organizer
  • Sponsor Outreach
  • Advertising and Printed Materials
  • Facilities Supervisor
  • Outdoor Activity Coordinator
Jim will send an email to club members asking about their willingness to serve in one of the roles listed above. A final decision on the Festival for 2018 will be made at the May 1st club meeting.
Kevin gave an overview of the key requirements of the Youth Exchange Officer. We currently work with the Peterborough Rotary Club to support efforts at ConVal High School. While the job can be stressful, Kevin noted that the accomplishments are rewarding on a personal level. Some of the required duties include:
  • Helping with a visa and enrolling the student at ConVal
  • Interviewing “outbound” students
  • Coordinate extra-curricula activates with ConVal staff
  • Selection and orientation of “host” parents
  • Certification by the U.S Dept. of State
Kevin deserves our appreciation and respect for a job very well done over the years. There are no outbound or inbound students this coming school year. Anyone interested in organizing the program for the 2019-20 school year should speak with Jim Guy.
Dale reported that the Club has a checking account balance of $8,000. Quarterly invoices were recently sent via email and folks are encouraged to pay by check to help us avoid processing fees for credit cards.
Following the meeting, Dale gave a presentation on using the ClubRunner website.
The discussions today reminded me of a Ralph Waldo Emerson quote that I would like to share.
The purpose of life is not to be happy.
It is to be useful, to be honorable, to be compassionate,
to make some difference that you have lived, and lived well.
 
Announcements:
Roadside cleanup is scheduled for the morning of May 12.
The Executive Board will next meet April 25 at DGS at 7:30 a.m. All are welcome.
On April 24, Chuck Simpson has “The Hat” and our speaker will be Jim Hall, Certified Physical Therapist, CMC. If anyone would like to offer Opening Words, please let me know.
See you Tuesday!
Bill