We were welcomed today by Greeter Lew Tyler. President Suzie Lisio called the meeting to order. Lou Anna Dickerson led us in the pledge and Carl Hoffman gave an inspirational invocation. We had one visiting Rotarian and one guest. Larry Valente led us in the welcome song, filling in for an absent Jack Mitchell.
President Suzie thanked John Hawkins for providing the wonderful piano music while we dined. She also thanked the set-up crew Paul Donick, Dan Malloy, Gary Saks, Vern Cook and today's scribe, Sandie Dewane. Larry Valente and Kathleen Smith were also thanked for organizing the "Rave On" TGIX last Saturday night. Larry was still rocking from the performance!
Frances Blair thanked everyone for donating canned and non-perishable foods for the Scouting for Food project. For those who have not yet donated, there is one more opportunity to bring items to next week's meeting.
President Suzie announced that the next TGIX is set for April 1st, with dinner at Chin's Restaurant, followed by dessert and China slide show at the home of Barb and Charley Crew.
John O'Neill reminded everyone that our Golf Tournament is just five weeks away. He asked for everyone's help in recruiting golfers and sponsors. To date we have $2,400 in confirmed sponsors. Major League Baseball MVP David Justice has agreed to be our Honorary Chair and will be playing in the tournament. President Suzie thanked everyone on the Golf Committee for the great job they are doing.
Mark Kersey
John then returned to the podium as Fine Master and jumped right in with fining a few people and then got tons of Happy Bucks from a lot of people. Bill Angus, just back from the PETS training was all pumped up and donated a total of $100 for Rotary's 100th anniversary. Great energy, Bill!
Shirley Napierala inducted Mark Kersey into the club today. Marty Judge is Mark's sponsor and mentor. Welcome and congratulations, Mark!
Mira Bozanich spoke about RYLA and how exciting and rewarding it is to work with the students. Mira is looking for another volunteer to help her when the group meets in Idlywild in April.
President Suzie announced that our club has received Rotary International's Presidential Citation with Distinction! She thanked all of the club members for the role we had in making this happen.
Carol Corey introduced today's guest speaker, Marshall Lubin, who spoke about his experiences on the high seas in the 1960's when he was a teen. His talk and book are entitled "From Boys to Men - An Adventure in Paradise".