May 9,
2013: Twenty-six Rotarians were present
as John Stokinger and Melissa Laniewski, co-directors of Community Service, lead
a Club Assembly. Due to Donna’s illness, Pat Pinkowski presided. John shared
information about our fund raising activities. A review of the figures shows
that the Chicken Barbeque has been our main fund raiser (between and 2,000 and
4,000 over the years), with Beds for a Cause at its height raising $1600, and
happy fines raising about $1100 annually. Paying for missed meals nets the Club
treasury about $9000 a year, so it is clear that we cannot stop this practice
without first identifying and implementing a substantial additional fund
raiser. By consensus, the members support continuing the Barbeque, and are
willing to do both the physical work and the “selling” that would be necessary.
In the “perhaps” category are raffling something, selling something (like
fruit, etc. Suggestions included Hoss program where 10% of meal sales on a
particular night go to the group or Applebe’s program of a pancake breakfast
with members serving the meal. Melissa led discussion about our service activities
and who is chairing which event. She also requested that persons who have done
the various events complete a one page report for the sake of helping others
know how and what to do. We are confirmed to do Gazebo Night again this summer.
Board discussion needs to occur as to distributing candy at the Halloween
Parade. At the beginning of the program, the Editor played a song written and
sung by a Canadian entitled A Tribute to Rotary. The composer and singer is
Steve Stairs, a former Rotarian from Canada who now resides in Arizona in the winter.
Members enjoyed hearing the song, with some commenting that it is clear Steve
should still be a Rotarian.