Today, we honored 2 exceptional students- 7th grader Alexa Ayotte and 8th grader Andrew Patterson. Both youngsters, who were accompanied by their fathers and their science teachers Debra Hagmeyer and Adam Bouchard, were presented with Most Motivated Student of the Month Awards- Alexa for March and Andrew for April. Middle School Principal Bob Neidig introduced each student and explained why they were selected by their teachers for these awards.
Alexa merits the honor for many reasons in addition to the fact that she boasts a GPA in the high 90's. Her social studies teacher values the fact that Alexa, "a hard worker with a very quiet demeanor", always works well with her peers and encourages them with her positive attitude. She influenced her classmates to bring in over $500 for the leukemia/lymphoma society fundraiser. Her math teacher praises her academic prowess, her willingness to help fellow-students, and her place as "a true role model to her peers". Alexa's ELA teacher appreciates the maturity and diligence that she models on a daily basis, while her music teacher admires her skills as an athlete and musician as well as her academic accomplishments. She is a leader on the soccer field. In addition, extremely dedicated to the string bass, Alexa is described as the most advanced player in the Middle School orchestra, and she has represented her school in every county festival offered.
Andrew merits his award as an academic standout, as well ("with the lowest quarter grade being a 97"). His math teacher considers him to be exceptionally gifted, possessing "a unique ability to recognize patterns and use those patterns to formulate his own ideas and conjectures about the concepts" being taught. What's more, working well with others, Andrew "communicates his ideas respectfully and with clarity." His ELA teacher praises his maturity in his appreciation of literature and of the viewpoints around him. She feels inspired by Andrew's "vast array of knowledge and his keen ability to connect our class literary discussions to the world around him." His Latin teacher considers Andrew to be outstanding in her subject, referring to him as "conscientious, hardworking, and brilliant." Captain of his team in the Latin Certamen held at Stony Brook University, Andrew led his team to 1st place. Last year, he received the highest awards on the National Latin Exam. Andrew's social studies teacher finds that he "is incredibly knowledgeable and has a more thorough understanding of history than most 8th graders"; and she especially enjoyed when his group created historical "poems" that, when presented in class, brought much laughter. Meanwhile, Andrew's Earth Science teacher points out that Andrew has been a valued member of the school's Science Olympiad since the 6th grade, at which time he earned medals as well as great respect from his peers. Andrew's wealth of knowledge and interest in science, as well as his ability to persistently meet challenges, are especially admired by his teacher.
We congratulated Alexa and Andrew on their impressive achievements.
This was an OPEN CUPBOARD COLLECTION DAY. Thank you, generous donors, and especially Dennis, who collected and delivered the goods to their destination.
We also welcomed Rocky Point Rotarian Forrest Dunbar as a guest.
ANNOUNCEMENTS/REMINDERS: ***Ournext meeting will take place on Tuesday, April 17, 2018 at Cafe Spiga, at which time we'll welcome as guest speaker Beth Schwartz, Licensed Creative Arts Therapist. This will also be a COLLECTION DAY for Woodhaven Rehab Center. Your donations of stationery, games, magazines, etc. will be most appreciated by the Center's residents. The pot is still growing: $127. Will you win it?Michael would like all club members to participate in at least 2 committees. He passed around the list of existing committees and asked members present to check which ones interest them. He is especially looking for 2 members to represent our club on the District's Gift of Life Committee. The next Executive Board Meeting is this Friday, 4/13, at 7:30 AM, in Michael's office. All members are welcome to attend.TODAY: Library Budget Vote. Debbie reminded us that on Saturday, 4/14, there will be a Cedar Beach Clean-Up. You are invited to participate. RYLA weekend is coming up soon: April 13th-15th in Baiting Hollow. Interested in helping out? Contact Dennis for info. Jennifer invites you, on behalf of the Port Jeff Station/Terryville Chamber of Commerce, to attend the "Business 2 Community" Trade Show on Thursday, April 26th, 6-9 PM, at The Meadow Club. Admission is free. The 1st 50 visitors will receive gift certificates to LI Pour House. For more info, contact Jen at 631-821-1313. John Perkinsis heading up the Habitat Build Committee and is making plans for a summer event. He is asking now for volunteers to participate in a club build to be held in June or July (exact date TBA). Interested? Let John know. Nancy reminded us that the Annual Health & Wellness Fair will take place on 4/28 at PJHS. On May 5th, you are invited to take part in Mather's Annual Walk for Hope. You can walk 5 Miles with people of all ages from the hospital to the end of Cliff Rd. in Belle Terre and back- or not walk but instead donate $25 to the event- and/or volunteer to help out with this popular activity that includes a health fair and many other opportunities for fun and good deeds. Nancy welcomes your interest. Please note that our Annual Camp Pa-Qua-Tuck Spruce-Up has been scheduled for Sunday, May 20th. Weiss Nursery is again donating plants for the occasion. Dennis hopes that this day will see 100 volunteers joyfully participating in this event. He noted that prior to this event some preliminary work has to be done and would welcome volunteers to help out. Contact Dennis to offer your assistance.We still have handsome PJ Rotary golf shirts for sale ($10 each) and invite you to purchase one or more.
Bob is still seeking evening meeting places, 1 per month. Contact him if you can provide a meeting site.
***Please check out our page on Face Book- and Like Us. ***Photos from our Winter Golf Classic are posted there as are photos of the inductions of our newest members.
If you missed today's meeting, kindly inform Yvette about make-ups in a timely fashion.
***The following is a list of donation "assignments" for members' once-a-month donations via the Club to the Open Cupboard: (*If you don't see your name on this list, select an item from it for your donation.)***NOTE: This list will be updated as needed:
Black Beans- Bob H., Pat (& brown rice), Yvette
Baby Wipes- Jim, Tom
Canned Fruit- Dennis
Cereal- Jennifer, Paul, Amanda
Oatmeal- Lisa, Sean
Soap- Kathy, Paul
Canned Chicken- Sharon, Michael B.
Jelly- Debbie, Michael
Shampoo- Saranto, Nancy
Conditioner- Nancy
Toilet Paper- Judi
Diapers- John Perkins
Apple Juice- Bill C.
***Check the list for your name and assigned item. (If you are not listed, you may donate any listed item. Corporate members are encouraged to donate individually. If you would like to be listed with a specific item, contact Debbie and specify your item of choice.)
***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.
...WAYNE SHATTES, whose birthday was April 1st; KEVIN MURRAY, who will celebrate his birthday on April 12th; DICK NOLAN, who has a birthday to celebrate on April 25th; BILL CURRY, who observed his anniversary on April 5th; YVETTE HOHLER, whose anniversary is April 15th; DENNIS BRENNAN, who has an anniversary on April 22nd AND who is celebrating his 17th year in Rotary this month, while DALE KUHN celebrates his 36th year as a Rotarian!
