This was a Collection Day for donations of goodies for the residents of the Woodhaven Center of Care. Thank you, generous donors!
Today, we welcomed and honored our newest Most Motivated Student of the Month, 8th grader Hugo Onghai, who was accompanied by both of his parents and his ELA teacher, Kayleen Everit. PJMS Principal Dr. Bob Neidig introduced this youngster by saying that among other reasons for his selection, Hugo's award was well-deserved due to this student's academic prowess, as he possesses "a tremendously high GPA (in the high 90's) despite the fact that he is taking several high school classes including geometry and algebra II." Bob then shared some of the comments made by the teachers who recommended him for this honor. Hugo's geometry teacher praised especially his dedication to math, the fact that he is always polite and helpful when working with other students in the cooperative learning setting, that he is a positive influence, and he is always producing above and beyond A+ work. His algebra teacher noted that this super student's academic performance "dramatically outshines his older classmates", while his earth science teacher remarked that Hugo, a motivator of his peers who does a great job of explaining concepts, is a valued member of the Science Olympiad Team, where he is becoming a leader through the use of his experience and knowledge. Hugo's social studies teacher considers him to be an important asset to her class as an intense and thorough student with an incredible sense of humor. Hugo is a quiet leader who she suspects will be instrumental in some future discovery. His Latin teacher appreciates his brilliance in her class and referred to the fact that last year he achieved a perfect score on the National Latin Exam, a truly remarkable accomplishment. Hugo's ELA teacher lauded his kindness and humility in addition to his outstanding work ethic, level of maturity, and his integrity which sets him apart from most other students. Bob concluded his own remarks with a quote by professional wrestler and actor Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson, who, when asked about the secret of his success, responded, "Be Humble. Be hungry. And always be the hardest worker in the room." This quote was shared because of the feeling that Hugo already embraces these qualities.
Today was also the occasion for swearing in our newest club member, Jennifer Dzvonar, who was accompanied by her husband, Will. Congrats, Jen, and welcome!
Other guests included Kathy Taveira of BNB Bank, who donated a gold sponsorship ($1,000) for our upcoming Golf Fundraiser, and Jim Karras from the Chamber of Commerce.
ANNOUNCEMENTS/REMINDERS: ***OURNEXT MEETING WILL BE TUESDAY, JANUARY 23, 2018 , 12:15 PM, AT THE SEA BASIN RESTAURANT IN ROCKY POINT. This will be a joint meeting with the Rocky Point Rotary Club. ***The following week, January 30th, we will have an evening wine & cheese social gathering (tentatively) at the home of Judi Betts in lieu of our regular luncheon.(***Bob is asking for a host for our 2/27 evening meeting.) Nancy reminded us that if you haven't yet done so, you need to turn in your Christmas gift purchase receipts to Nancy A.S.A.P. if you want a reimbursement. Plans for our upcoming Winter Golf Outing Fundraiser ( The 1st Ever Putt & Pub Crawl to be held in Port !), scheduled for Saturday, February 10th (rain date Saturday, March 3rd), are coming along well. Area restaurants that will each sponsor a hole (so far) include Barito, Brewology, Burger Bistro, C'est Cheese, Crazy Fish, Port Jeff Brewing Co., Ruvo's, Schaeffer's, and Tommy's. Danford's will serve as our Club House for Registration and the Rewards Reception. Each player fee of $100 includes a round of golf (9 holes) indoors, three free beer/wine/drink tickets and free appetizers, a commemorative event gift, many laughs and much fun! Businesses are invited to be sponsors at a variety of levels (- We need sponsors!); foursomes are encouraged- as is participation in our Best Costume Contest, when the best named/dressed foursome could win $100 and best individual costume will win $50; and there will be a raffle drawing, too. The day's activities will begin at Danford's between 11-11:45 AM. Play begins at noon, including a Hole-In-One contest. At 5 PM, the Awards & Raffles will be announced and celebrated at Danford's. ***The planning committee is asking that each club member obtain a raffle prize of $50 (or more) in value (ie., a gift certificate or basket of cheer), that WE consider forming foursomes for the event or volunteer to help out at the event, and that in the days leading up to it, we hand out 5 event brochures to potential participants, and hang posters throughout the village (and beyond).Let potential sponsors, donors, and participants know that we can accept credit cards. Contactpjrotarygolf@gmail.com if you can volunteer or need more info.The next Golf Committee Meeting will be held this Friday, 1/19, at 8:30 AM in Michael's office, following the 7:30 AM Executive Committee Meeting. All are welcome to both meetings. Michael reported that the Club Ski Trip was most enjoyable and successful. Kevin has offered to plan next year's ski trip. Debbie has drawn up a new list of items needed by The Open Cupboard and asks that you choose a listed item and sign up to bring it on future Collection Days- the 2nd Tuesday of each month. The Hope Children's Fund invites you to its 1st "Passion for Education Gala" supporting the education of the residents of the Jerusha Mwiraria Hope Children's Home (an orphanage founded by the Hohlers) in Meru, Kenya. The Gala, which will be held on Sunday, February 18th, from 6-10 PM at East Wind's Northampton Ballroom in Wading River, will include a Cocktail Hour, Dinner, Entertainment, & a Silent Auction. Tickets are $200 p/p (tax deductible). Discounted overnight accommodations at Eastwind are available. Please RSVP to HCFgala@gmail.com or Hope Children's Fund, P.O.Box 1345, East Northport, NY 11731 or via FaceBook.com/hopechildrensfund.Do you know of a woman who lives and/or works in the Town of Brookhaven who you feel deserves to be recognized as a Woman of The Year at the Town's 32nd Annual Women's Recognition Night in March, 2018? Please visit the Town's web site to learn of the award categories available and for applications required to submit award candidate proposals. Nominations must be received by Brookhaven's Division of Women's Services no later than FRIDAY, JANUARY 19th, 2018. ***Sharon suggested that our Rotary Club nominate a prospective honoree for this occasion. (At least one of our nominees,Vicki Rybak, was named a Woman of the Year in the recent past.)
Jim has a supply of PJ Rotary golf shirts and will part with them for $10 each. Do you own one? If not, why not?
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. ***Kindly share news of our Golf Event on your FB page.
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.)
Betts, Judi: Toilet Paper
Bossert, Ken: Shampoo/Conditioner
Brennan, Dennis: Canned Fruit
Brennan, Sharon: Spaghetti Sauce
Berner, Cynthia: Rice
Curry, Bill: Apple Juice
Dinunzio, Ed: Diapers
Engelhardt, Debbie: Juice Boxes
Gautam, Archana: Baby Wipes
Hanson, Susan: Baby Formula
Hohler, Yvette: Beans
Jaeger, Bill: Canned Vegetables
Janhsen, Karl: Milk (Dry or Boxed)
Jurasits, Erika: Cereal (Hot or Cold)
Kopcienski, Al Cereal (Hot or Cold)
Lund, Amy: Canned Chicken
Murray, Kevin: Tuna
Rhatigan, Jim: Diapers
Sabo, Pat: Beans
Sceiford, Michael: Grape Juice Boxes
Vigliante, Paul: Milk (Dry or Boxed)
***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 the Heritage Diner 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.
...BOB NEIDIG, who will celebrate his birthday on January 30th; SARANTO CALAMAS, whose anniversary was celebrated on January 8th; CHRISTINE AUSTEN and DEB ENGELHARDT, who were selected as Times Beacon Record News Media "Persons of the Year"; DICK NOLAN, who celebrates his 49th year in Rotary; and BILL CURRY, who is celebrating his 25th year as a Rotarian this month!
