BULLETIN TEMPLATE (Mar 20, 2019)

News of the Meeting of April 9th

Posted by Yvette Hohler on Apr 09, 2019

Thank you, OPEN CUPBOARD donors, for your continued generosity, and DENNIS for collecting and delivering this month's donations to their destination!

Today, we were pleased to honor our newest Port Jefferson Middle School Most Motivated Student of the Month, 7th grader Liam Thomsen. Liam was accompanied by his parents, Gerald and Julia Thomsen, his Family and Consumer Science teacher Mrs. Nancy Bachety, PJMS Principal Bob Neidig, Dist. Sup't. Paul Casciano, and Ass't. Sup't. for Business Sean Leister. Bob Neidig introduced Liam as an academic standout with a GPA in the high 90's. Liam's quiet, responsible leadership is much appreciated by his teachers, who were delighted to select him for this award. He is described as always hard-working and an excellent role model for his classmates. What's more, Liam is always willing to help them excel, too. An active participant in the classroom, this student is considered to be admirably dedicated to learning, often asking questions to go beyond basic understanding of the subject matter being studied. His teachers universally laud the fact that whether working individually or in a group, Liam constantly contributes positively to discussions. His writings show insight and hint at his inquisitive nature. Liam's interests are varied, he's creative, and he seems to consistently find a way to make new material meaningful and applicable in his life. Because Liam sets a high personal standard for himself and is such a positive role model for his classmates, it's easy to see why he was chosen as this month's Most Motivated Student.

After the award presentation, Sean Leister, in his role as Ass't. Sup't. for Business, gave out a thick packet of printed information (lists, charts, lots of numbers, etc.) and proceeded to make a yeoman effort at explaining the final draft of the 2019-20 School District Budget. (This evening, this same information will be shared with the public at the School District Board of Ed. Meeting. Also, the newly selected Dist. Sup't. will be presented.) To make a long story short, Port Jeff residents may expect a total tax increase of 1.27% if this budget is approved by the voters on May 21st. The main reasons for this increase are the result of expected increases in such things as the costs of mandated medical insurance , liability insurance, utilities, and all transportation, including BOCES. While the final estimated tax levy cap is 1.27%, final state aid figures are still pending. Sean pointed out that while student enrollment is dropping Island-wide, Port Jeff's numbers currently remain flat. There has been a reduction in capital project costs, as many have been or are nearly paid off. In May, Port Jeff residents will have 2 proposals to vote on:

#1. to authorize the General Fund budget to support the educational program for 2019-2020;

#2. to authorize the district to spend $3.6 million from the Capital Reserve for roof replacement on the 3 schools (with no tax impact)-

and from the General Fund Appropriations: $400,000 for the Middle School Office/ Science Classroom Reconfiguration.

Among other guests previously mentioned, we welcomed visits from Pam Guido, a new employee in Michael's office, and Rich Barnes, Tampa, FL resident and Rotarian in transition to our area.

ANNOUNCEMENTS/REMINDERS: ***NEXT TUESDAY, on April 16th, we will again meet at noon at Cafe Spiga, where our visiting speaker will be a representative from the Guide Dog Foundation& America's Vet Dog Program. This will also be a COLLECTION DAY of goods for the WOODHAVEN NURSING HOME. *This month's evening meeting, on 4/30, will take place at Michael's office on Main Street, PJ, from 5:30 to 7 PM. The pot now stands at $91. This amount will grow until we have a new winner. Will it be you? Ya gotta be in it to win it! ***According to our new Club Bylaws, in order to maintain your membership in the club,YOU NEED TO PARTICIPATE IN ANY 2 ROTARY-RELATED ACTIVITIES PER MONTH, ie., meeting attendance, on-line makeups on the RI website, donating to the Open Cupboard and /or Woodhaven Nursing Home, volunteering for a Stuff-A-Van event or at Camp Pa-Qua-Tuck, a Habitat build, attendance at any Committee or Board Meetings, and the like. Please notify Yvette of each make-up at your earliest convenience via a note to hohlerlj@aol.com or the Make-Up Report Sheet, which will be passed around at each regular meeting for members to report when and how they made up previously missed meetings)*** Pat thanked the volunteers (including Al, Bill Curry, Bob H., Kevin, and Larry Hohler) who joined him on Saturday, 4/6, at the Chandler Estate property (North Country Rd. behind the Mt. Sinai Congregational Church). A lot of essential beginning clearing was accomplished on this day. He will let us know when the next group work will be accomplished on this site- our newest club project. Meanwhile he welcomes you to do a walk thru with him to see what has been done and what needs to be done as we transform these 40+ acres into a beautiful public park. Dennis thanked the Camp Pa-Qua-Tuck volunteers who joined him for the Annual Spring Cleanup. Ninety-six people (!) came to the camp to work, including 30 students from PJHS, Young Marines, Boy Scout Troup 1776, and a number of Rocky Point Rotarians. They worked hard, accomplished a lot, and seemed to enjoy themselves, especially appreciating the breakfast and luncheon prepared by Chefs Pat and Kevin. Dennis reported that the camp's Board of Directors was also pleased and thankful for the help; and Jessie, the camp's maintenance person, was delighted with the help in preparing the camp for summer usage. You are invited to attend the 4/26 Exec.Board Meeting at Michael's office, beginning at 7:30AM. ***This year's Rotary District Conference will take place in Saratoga Springs, NY- at the Gideon Putnam Resort- from May 2nd to May 5th. You are invited to register to attend on line. Let Michael know if you're interested in participating. A R/T coach bus will transport interested adults (a few seats remain available at this time). The District Conference Youth Portion is welcoming Interactors. The All District Youth will be presenting on Saturday morning. The youth conference fee is $550 per student. Youth Conference forms are available on the District Website: www.district7255.org. Sharon spoke with Susan Hanson today. She sends her best regards to all. ***Jim and Nancy ask that you check out your personal information that is currently printed on the back page of our Harbor Lights publication. If you have corrections to make or wish to add your Email address, notify Jim or Nancy at your earliest convenience.*** The Port Jeff Sta./Terryville Chamber of Commerce invites YOU to attend its Business 2 Community Trade Show this Thursday, April 11th, from 6-9 PM at The Polish Town Hall (35 Jayne Blvd., Port Jeff Sta.). There'll be light refreshments and a cash bar available. The Easter Bunny will be there, too for Free photos. Come and meet the great local businesses in our area! The 1st 50 attendees will receive a FREE gift. There'll also be raffles and a 50/50. For more info, call the Chamber office at 631-821-1313 or E-mail PJSTChamber@gmail.com The Donations Committee will meet at 8 AM , 4/12, at Panera Bread. For more info or to make requests, contact Archana, Paul, Bob, or Sharon. All are invited to attend. Club members will get to vote on the proposed slate of 2019-20 officers on 4/23. On Saturday, May 4th, Mather Hospital will be hosting its Annual Families Walk For Health 5 K, benefiting the Fortunato Breast Health Center. Registration opens at 8 AM. The walk steps off at 9 AM. Registration fee=$25 (cash, check, credit cards accepted). There'll be light breakfast provided, a Pink Your Pooch contest, a Health and activity area, and a Dessert Truck. Raffles and Music will add to the fun. Nancy invites you to join the PJ Rotary Team with Team Capt.Debbie Engelhardt and participate for your health and enjoyment. For more info, call 631-476-2723. Register at www.familieswalkforhope.org or by mail: Mather Hospital, Public Affairs, 75 North Country Rd., Port Jeff 11777. ***SAVE THIS DATE: Friday, May 10th, when you are invited to join in the celebration of Kevin's retirement- at the East Wind in Wading River. More TBA soon...Will you be attending the 5/16 Gift of Life Gala at Flowerfield, beginning at 6:30 PM? Pat suggests that our members make every effort to fill a table of ten. Cost: $135 p/p (the club will cover half the cost ). Please sign up. Port Jeff Rotary will try to reach a donation goal of $5,000 (private donations most welcome) to sponsor a child this year. Bob H. reminds you that there will be NO MEETING on the last Tuesday in May, 5/28, in honor of the Memorial Day holiday. You are invited to compete against Kenyans on Sunday, 6/2, as a participant in the 15th Annual Kenya/USA Bi-Continental Cross Country 5K Run/Walk. The USA portion of this contest/fundraiser takes place at the Port Jeff Sta. entrance to the beautiful Setauket/Port Jeff Sta. Greenway Trail on Rte. 112 (actually beginning near the western end of the parking lot located between Enterprise Car Rental and the 7-11 on Rte. 112). Registration for the competition will begin at 9 AM. The run/walk begins at 10 AM and is open to folks of all ages and abilities. Suggested donation: $25. (Participants who secure more than $100 in pledges will run/walk for free.) All proceeds go the support of the orphans at the Jerusha Mwiraria Hope Children's Home in Meru, Kenya. T-shirts for the 1st 15 registrants/medals for all finishers. (The Kenyans will run and walk at the same time- 7 time zones away.) For more info, call Larry Hohler at 631-473-1662 or Ed Hyshiver at 631-664-0257. We have a few possible dates for our upcoming HABITAT BUILD: either Friday, 6/21 or 6/28. ***Volunteers are needed. The final date chosen will be the one that attracts the most participants.The participatory cost is $100 p/p, of which our club will pay half. CONTACT JOHN PERKINS about your availability and interest in this great activity. ***Kindly save this date: Monday, June 10th, for the 21st Annual Rocky Point Golf Tournament, to be held at St. Georges Golf & Country Club in East Setauket. Registration & Lunch will take place from 11 AM to 12:45 PM, and the Shotgun Start is at 1 PM. The cost p/p is $300 before April 30th, and $325 p/p after that date. Dinner only: $75. Cocktail Hour with appetizers & hors d'oeuvres will be followed by dinner, including a carving station, and lobster/prime rib dinner. For more info, look at our Club Calendar or contact Larry Kogel (516-380-8035 or email lkogel@optonline.net ). Bill shares a reminder: it's almost **RAFFLE TIME**! If you have something to donate as a raffle prize (ie., a foursome entry to our Winter Golf Outing or a spa weekend), let him know, please.

***Please check out our page on Face Book- and Like Us. ***Photos from our 2018 and 2019 Winter Golf Classics are posted there as are photos of the inductions of our newest members, presentations of honors to special club members, participants at our most recent Camp Pa-Qua-Tuck CleanUp, and other delights.

If you missed today's meeting, kindly inform Yvette about make-ups in a timely fashion.