Today was the first "in-person only" meeting in more than a year! I think all attendees would agree that it was delightful seeing old and new Rotary friends' faces once again! Pres. Rob hosted today's meeting at Cafe Spiga. He was joined by 12 other members "live". Hopefully, this number will grow as more of us feel comfortable with attending in-person meetings. We also welcomed 6 guests, including Port Jeff's Middle School Most Motivated Student of the Month, 7th grader Gianna Viviano, her mom & dad (Mike & Teresa Viviano), and PJ School District representatives Dr. Bob Neidig, Sean Leister, and Gianna's social studies teacher, Phil Gianussa. Today was also an Open Cupboard Collection Day! Thank you donors for your generosity, and Dennis and his helper, Bill, for delivering the goods to their destination!
Debbie, a member of the Hope Children's Fund Gala Committee, reminded us about the upcoming fundraising event that will take place on July 24th at East Wind and of the fact that our club is buying a table. Once the table is filled up, an effort will be made to accommodate other of our club members who wish to attend. Rocky Point Rotary and other clubs will also be well-represented at the Gala. (Yvette explained to the guests what Hope Children's Fund does- raising money for an orphanage that currently cares for around 90 youngsters in Meru, Kenya). See the full info below under News & Announcements.
There will be a Zoom meeting at 7 PM this evening regarding the Mt. Sinai Sailing Association's Regatta in September benefitting the American Cancer Society. Perhaps our club can participate. You are invited to attend this meeting. Contact Rob for the Zoom address. (Meanwhile, Rob will send out the info to all members via email.)
Mike S. reminded us that our Golf Outing will take place throughout the Village on 9/12. He will be holding a Zoom meeting for the Golf Committee and other interested members TONIGHT at 7 PM. Contact Rob or Mike to attend.
Rebecca noted that Village Elections will take place next Tuesday (6/15) at the Village Center. Meanwhile, candidates for Mayor and Trustees will take part in a debate TONIGHT at the Village Center, 6-8 PM. ( You can obtain information about the election and candidate choices on line.)
Rebecca also invites you to the installation of the 1st Beach Basket Station and Cleanup at Centennial Beach (next door to Harborfront Park and the Village Center) at 10 AM this Saturday.
Dennis introduced the Viviano family and invited PJ Middle School Principal Dr. Bob Neidig to introduce us to this month's Most Motivated Student, Gianna. Bob proudly explained the reasons for her selection for our award: aside from maintaining a very high GPA, Gianna has demonstrated pride in her school, a positive spirit, and compassion towards others. Her teachers' comments include that she is incredibly dedicated to her studies, has an admirable work ethic, puts her best foot forward every day, never misses an opportunity to learn something new or help a friend, is bright, kind, and always brings so much joy and happiness into the classroom. (Her love for Marvel movies is well known and is said to rival that of her social studies teacher, Mr. Giannusa.) A true role model for her peers, Gianna is very inquisitive, thoughtful, and engaged. A talented writer, she recently had an entry of hers selected to be published in the high school's literary magazine. Despite the difficult school year, Gianna not only possesses a unique excitement and enthusiasm for learning, but she is a voracious reader, and she shares her opinions respectfully and passionately. She was the star of the Middle School's recent Drama Production, "Junie B. Jones", playing Junie, a feisty, funny, six-year-old whose outspoken honesty gets her into trouble at school and home. Memorably, Junie says "A little glitter can turn the whole day around." Though a stretch for her to play a part like this, Dr. Neidig thinks it demonstrates how far she will go to entertain all at the school. The Principal closed his remarks by calling Gianna "the glitter making the days, especially the ones this year, better! "
Jen reminded us to sell our RAFFLE TICKETS and turn in the $ and ticket stubs.
Mike S. reported that Nancy Dermody, an acquaintance of his, donated $1,000 for The Open Cupboard. Rob will send her a Thank You.
Pat announced that the Mt.Sinai HS Scholarship winner, Gabriella Acquafredda, will receive her award on Scholarship Night, Thursday, 6/17.
Rebecca was today's rather effective Sergeant. She began with questions about Heat & Summer Trivia, most of which stumped many of us- ie., Why was there no summer in 1816? Answer: results of a massive volcano eruption in a far off land (check Google for specifics). Since Rob's birthday is Friday, he chose to be serenaded by Mike S. and and Sean. Sean's birthday is is Sunday. He asked to be serenaded by Rob & Mike.
The performances were awesome! This was followed by an impressive collection of Happy/Sad dollars. Good job, Sgt. Rebecca! And a good time was had by all!
********************Happy Birthday, Mike & Sean!************************************************
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Service Above Self
Mt. Sinai, NY 11766
United States of America