Today, Bob Huttemeyer filled in for Rob, hosting today's meeting, which was a hybrid: 3 of our members attended in person at 12:15 PM inside Cafe Spiga, while 6 attended via Zoom. Our guest speaker, Ira Dunne, had to cancel due to other obligations and will reschedule a visit in the new year.
(Rob sent out via email the list of upcoming club meeting dates through 4/20/21- all to begin at 12:15 PM. If you haven't received this email, kindly let him know at your earliest convenience. You will be able to download and import the iCalendar files to your computer's calendar system in order to more easily Zoom weekly.)
Rebecca reported on the Village's Community Garden Committee Project, which is in its organizing/planning phase. The garden will be located on available Village parkland, with a focus on upper-Port. Rebecca reminded us that community gardens are proven to elevate the sense of place for residents and visitors, and draw support for the local business community. This project aims to strengthen the community, attract multi-generational educational planning, and provide recreational opportunity as well as space for residents to grow their own local, organic produce. Interested in becoming a committee member? You should: have an interest in and/or experience relating to gardening (vegetable or otherwise), community outreach, nutrition, food security, and/or the Port Jeff Community; be able to attend 2-3 online meetings per month (approx. 1 hour each) with occasional on-site meetings; expect independent tasks/research/outreach between meetings- approx. 2 hours per week; and commit to at least 1 year to a position on this committee. Send a resume and/or letter of interest telling about yourself in the context of this project to trustee-Kassay@portjeff.com .
Jen reminded us that at this time of year we need to be especially mindful of not overloading our electrical circuits. Other suggestions: be careful with space heaters, and make sure your smoke detectors are working.
Deb and Sal shared that through both of their libraries (Port Jeff and Comsewogue), lots of people are taking advantage of programs involving making ginger bread houses and holiday cookies. Both libraries have provided boxes for the collection of food, warm clothing, and toys for the less fortunate members of our communities. Also, residents can seek information on such needs as heating assistance.
Deb did a great job as Sergeant today, and we learned a lot.
Be reminded that during the Sergeant's Report, fines and donations will be noted each week, and bills will be sent at the end of the month to members who participated in the Report. Checks can be sent to Nancy, our Treasurer, % Port Jeff Rotary, P.O.Box 461, Port Jefferson, NY 11777.
Dennis noted that Camp Pa-Qua-Tuck is planning for next summer to be a daytime program (like a day camp). There will be no need for the hiring of European camp counselors. It is expected that most kids will come from Suffolk County. Also, he announced that our club is donating $1,000, which will be matched by the camp's anonymous donor.
*******HAPPY CHANUKAH! MERRY CHRISTMAS! HAPPY NEW YEAR!*******
NOTES & ANNOUNCEMENTS:
NEXT WEEK,12/22: NO MEETING!
NEXT MEETING: TUESDAY, JANUARY 5, 2021.
You are invited to attend the next Executive Board Meeting -on Friday, December 18th, at 8 AM via Zoom.
We ended 2020 bringing some cheer to 99 disadvantaged kids from our local area- clients of The Open Cupboard- via our Annual Holiday Gifts Program. Thank you, members, for your hearty and thoughtful participation in this successful, heart-warming activity.
Thank you, again, members who have contributed more than $11,475 in cash, gift cards, and goods to the Open Cupboard over the past pandemic-affected months. Looking forward to your continued generosity in 2021.
Reminder: The Greater Port Jeff Chamber is hosting a "No Touch Santa Event" in Chandler Square on 12/19. (Unfortunately, the horse & carriage rides have been totally booked.)
Alyssa Pecorino, the Executive Director of Camp Pa-Qua-Tuck, has announced that a generous donor awarded the camp a $50,000 matching grant which will cover all donations thru 12/31. If you haven't yet done so, you might consider making a donation to the camp by visiting https://camppaquatuck.com/donate/.
Rebecca invited us to get acquainted with HometownHopePortJefferson.org. Hometown Hope provides resources and support in times of need to all residents of PJ Village by promoting a movement of spreading kindness. It "strives to uplift through wellness, resilience, and compassionate understanding in our community." Among services/goods it will provide: Thanksgiving Meal Boxes; a Holiday Gift Program; home deliveries, and the like for those suffering illness,loss,etc., as well as help for healthcare practitioners during the pandemic. During the holidays, you can sponsor a family.
Want to volunteer? Contact hometownhopepj@gmail.com .
FYI: Sinceour club is a member of the Chamber of Commerce, we can go to that office for free masks and thermometers.
***If you have ideas or items to be discussed at our next meeting, let Rob know. And if you'd like to join one of the club's special committees, let him know this, as well. The more, the merrier!***
*** Watch for Rob's invitation to our next meeting and plan to join us!***
***The following is a list of donation requests from The Open Cupboard (in order of need)***:
Bread-
Jelly-
Juice-
Canned Fruit-
#6 Diapers-
Deodorant-
Shampoo-
1-2# Bags of Rice-
Black Beans-
***Kindly select the item that you wish to contribute and bring it to the Collection Day Meeting. Once a new list of donors and their matching donations is completed, it will be noted above.
***Bring contributions to Cafe Spiga on the 2nd Tuesday of the month, or give to another Club member who will be attending.
*** If you would like to be reimbursed, bring receipt(s) to the meeting.
