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Pres. Rob hosted today's meeting from Cafe Spiga and was joined by 12 other members "live", while 2 of us attended the gathering via Zoom. We also welcomed in-person 8 guests, plus 1 using Zoom. The live guests included Port Jeff's Middle School Most Motivated Student of the Month, 6th grader Thea Mangels, her mom & dad (Mr. & Mrs. Wesley Mangels), a former club president and proud grandfather Ziggy Mangels, and PJ School District representatives Dr. Bob Neidig, Sean Leister, and Thea's English teacher. We also met (virtually) and honored Comsewogue's Most Motivated Student, 9th grader Quintin Bonpietro. Robs invites all members to attend the Executive Board Meeting this Friday, 5/21 , at 8 AM, on Zoom. If you let him know of your interest in attending, Rob will send you the Zoom link. Pat spoke briefly of the County Park Stewardship Program championed by Legislator Kara Hahn. Suffolk has so many public parks that it's hard to keep them up as needed. Citizens are invited to become volunteer Park Stewards, as we (especially Pat and Al) have done with the Chandler Estate Park. The Park Stewards will, among other things, help keep the public walkways clear and clean and will notify the Parks Dept. of problems (like illegal dumping). Last weekend, Pat, Al, and a few other club members participated in another clean up at the Chandler property. This past weekend, Cindy was part of the committee that interviewed 37 high school juniors from all over LI (including Queens and Brooklyn) for 7 minutes each- all applicants for RYLA Leadership roles. Upon completing the interviews, 10 were chosen. She reports that the youngsters selected are truly superior individuals who will certainly ensure successful leadership projects and activities in the coming year. (Meanwhile, we think of PJHS's Mattea Rubeno, who personified RYLA excellence in the past year.) Yvette reminded our members and the guests who were present of the invitation to attend the 7/24 Hope Children's Fund Gala at East Wind. See the full info below under News & Announcements. Rebecca reminded/invited us to participate in this Saturday's (5/22) Community Garden Blitz Build, any time between 10 AM and 6 PM, on Beach St. Refreshments will be available. Students can get community service credit. Sal and Rebecca look forward to seeing you there! Nancy reminds us that the New Rotary Year Begins Soon. Port Jeff Rotary Membership dues are due July 1st. Your RAFFLE TICKETS are still ready for pick up- 25 per bundle (unless you'd like to start with more, in which case, you should let Jen know). Please contact Jen a.s.a.p. in order to obtain yours. The Raffle Drawing will take place on August 3rd. PJMS Principal Dr. Bob Neidig introduced us to our Most Motivated Student of the Month honoree Thea Mangels and explained why she deserves our award. Aside from being an excellent student academically (boasting a GPA in the upper 90's), Thea is to be admired for the work ethic and character that she demonstrates daily. Among the adjectives used by her teachers to describe Thea: polite, kind, happy, organized, hard working, humble, caring, amazing, and a great role model for her peers. Despite the fact that the school year has been full of challenges and changes, Thea has managed to navigate every day with grace, patience, and drive. Passionate about a variety of causes, Thea has been actively involved in Student Council and Yearbook Club. A student leader, she projects a love of learning. Dr. Neidig concluded his remarks by noting that Thea is someone who goes forth "and creates opportunities, not only for herself, but for others as well." She sets a great example for all around her and helps "to promote a positive and respectful school culture." Congratulations, Thea (and Mangels family)!  Next, we were introduced via Zoom to Comsewogue's Most Motivated Student of the Month, 9th grader Quintin Bonpietro. Quintin's teachers selected him for our award because he is so eager to learn. Once he asks questions, he is able and willing to teach the rest of the students who may have been struggling. Quintin is hard working and kind and has endeared himself to his teachers and peers alike- an excellent role model. Rob collected Happy Dollars for a variety of reasons in addition to congratulatory offerings in the name of our 2 student award winners. Among the reasons for donations: Sharon and Michael are looking forward to spending 2 weeks in Aruba at their time share; it was enjoyable seeing so many of our members in person; the 1st Port Jeff Community Garden will be built on Saturday; Cindy's son is home from college; Al will see his grandson for the first time in a year; Jen's kids, Will and Daphne, took 3rd Place in their most recent BMX challenge; Dennis will be honored with S.C.O.P.E.'s Community Service Award; Al's mother-in-Law, Ruth Gracie, is finally being honored by the Suffolk County Athletic Association; and summer is nearing. |
