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Stories
News of the Meeting of November 1st



 
President Michael was joined at Cafe Spiga by 15 members and 5 guests, including Ami Huttemeyer, Warren Sternberg, Mary McCrossen of St. Charles (and Kings Park/Commack Rotary), prospective member Michael Christian, and our speaker, District Governor Sonia Saleh.
 
Following another inspirational poem/prayer read by Sharon, Michael welcomed us and introduced DG Sonia, who asked if we could each introduce ourselves and share what we're appreciative of.  Among the responses: a number of our members were appreciative of the beauty of the season, and, in particular, the glorious leaf colors; Pat was happy to announce that Al, he, and a small group of others were able to accomplish the beginning setup of our kiosk at the entrance to Chandler Estate Park; Al celebrated his 90th birthday well with his huge family; other members enjoyed visits with family members-especially grandchildren; and many cherished the opportunity to be able to meet again with fellow Rotarians, old and new friends.
 
The day's announcements:
 
Bob H. is still working on setting up a joint meeting (early next year) with Rocky Point Rotary.  Our spring Camp Pa-Qua-Tuck Clean Up activity would need a date change if we were to make it a Joint Service Day at Camp Pa-Qua-Tuck. A Cruise to Nowhere, and other collaborative opportunities are also in consideration.
 
 
Yvette invited all attend on Saturday, November 5th, at 6 PM, The Annual Basket Auction at St. Anselm's Center for Worship, 4 Woodville Rd., in Shoreham .  In addition to fantastic baskets, there will be raffles, a 50/50, and more.  The proceeds derived from this event will be split between St. Anselm's and Hope Children's Fund.  For more information- or to help out, call 631-744-7730.
 
Jenn reminds us that we will be participating in our Annual Fall Cleanup at Camp Pa-Qua-Tuck THIS Sunday, November 6th, with breakfast being served at 8 AM.  We'll work (mostly raking- bring your own rake and gloves!) until 12:15 PM, at which time our chefs will have prepared a wonderful lunch on the BBQ.  BRING YOUR FAMILY!  BRING FRIENDS! (Also, remember: Daylight Savings Time ends and we'll be falling back to Eastern Standard Time on the 6th!).  So far, Jenn is expecting around 80 participants of all ages.  She reminds us that students will be given proof of community service hours to bring back to their schools. 
 
Bob noted that our Winter Golf & Pub Crawl will take place on a date in early February or March.  The event committee needs a Chair.  Can YOU serve?  
 
Bob is also seeking hosts for the Spring visit of a group of Italian Rotarians-  5 couples and 2 singles.  Rocky Point Rotary will also welcome some of the Rotary Exchange adult visitors.  The visit of around 5 days duration will take place in early May (May 3rd-13th ?).  The host families will be expected to provide beds & breakfasts, but afterwards, the guests will be participating in a variety of activities that will keep them busy until after dinner.  Bob is also looking for suggestions on what activities/sites the guests should visit in order to get the full Long Island Experience.  Bob and Ami shared some of their Rotary Exchange experiences in Italy (their host owned a vineyard), and Nancy shared a few of hers in Sweden.  Being hosted by Rotarians abroad is certainly special in that the guests often get to see and take part in activities and visits that most tourists- and even natives- never experience.   If you are interested in the hosting or having a unique travel experience, check out the District website for Rotary District Friendship Exchange news. DG Sonia also participated in at least one exchange, hosting and then traveling.  The most common  memories of these exchanges: the hospitality is amazing! For more info, contact Bob and/or Exchange Chair Rose Quaranta.  (The next Exchanges are being planned for Italy and South Africa).
 
Sal was delighted to report that Erika has agreed to be our Youth Exchange Officer.
 
Kevin will soon be sending out the annual list of holiday gift recipients from The Open Cupboard youth clientele and their needs/wants.  The list will include the names of each club member and the youngsters for whom they'll be responsible.  A request will be made that we be able to return to our pre-Covid customary Holiday Gift Wrapping activity, along with the members of Interact, family, and friends- followed by a post-event adult gettogether.  More on this soon.  Meanwhile, be on the lookout for Kevin's shopping list and the instructions for its use.
 
Rebecca invited our club to participate in the Annual Port Jeff Santa Parade on the Sunday after Thanksgiving, November 27th.  Would you like to be part of our group doing this?  We could  carry our banner, wear Rotary gear, and advertise who we are/what we do as part of the Greater Port Jeff community.  If members wish to do this, we should contact Barbara Ransome, Chamber of Commerce Chair, soon.
 
John Perkins, on behalf of St. Charles, invites our members to an informational gathering on November 10th, 6-7PM, to learn about "Acid Reflux: Permanent Solutions"- at the Wisdom Conference Center at St. Charles.  John also invites you to donate much-needed blood now during St. Charles' Blood Drive.
 
President Michael presented Yvette with her 3rd Paul Harris Fellowship pin with the help of DG Sonia.
Today's Sergeant was again President Michael.  Since this is Foundation Month, his questions had to do with The Rotary Foundation, which was established in 1917. Do you remember who founded the Foundation, who its first representatives were, and what its mission is? Many of us gave witty but otherwise incorrect answers to Michael's questions, so lots of dollars were collected.  Among the many more Happy $$$ collected:  Sal was happy that we have a Youth Exchange Officer; one of Dennis' grandsons won a Halloween costume prize- he was dressed as a mushroom (now there's a photo we've got to see!); Al's 90th birthday deserved another round of group singing; and several other club members celebrated their own or family members' birthdays, as well.
 
Pat picked the blue raffle ticket that won him the chance to pick a card from the deck and hope for the Ace of Spades to win the pot.  Alas, he picked the 10 of Diamonds.  So the pot continues to grow (now well over $100 !).  Next meeting, will you win it?  Ya gotta be in it to win it!
 
Michael next invited DG Sonia to speak to us.  She is a member of the JFK International Airport Rotary Club, was President of her club for 2 years, and served as Assistant Governor before taking on her duties as DG, which she will keep until June 30th.  She reminded us that this year's Rotary Theme is Imagine, and that Jennifer Jones is RI President.  Sonia spoke about this past weekend's District Conference held at Woodloch Pines Resort on a lake in Hawley, PA.  She referred to some of the weekend's highlights that included a costume party, a variety of celebrations, and games, and other special activities.  This was the occasion for the presentation of 87 Paul Harris Fellowship Awards - all at one time.  Students from RYLA (Rotary Youth Leadership Academy) and Interact were present and received awards, too.  The students performed enjoyable skits and also played games.  A Rotary Peace Pole was presented and installed at Woodloch, a private resort.  Warren Sternberg, who was a Conference attendee, suggested that perhaps our club should install a Peace Pole at Chandler Estate Park. 
Sonia next spoke of her "visions" (or wants) for our District.  First, she would like to see more clubs partner with each other, sharing activities and events in order to make a larger impact.  May 20, 2023 will be Rotary Service Day. Bermuda, NY, Massachusetts, and one other state will be planning events for this day.  Perhaps a Camp Clean Up can be arranged with several District clubs participating on this day. 
Sonia's 2nd "vision" involves Rotary Direct.  She would like to see many, many District Rotarians sign up for this program, donating $10 per month to increase the power of Rotary to provide services to those in need. 
Her 3rd "vision":  All Rotarians, not just club or District officers, are invited to join in "District Happenings" on the 1st Saturday of each month at the Plainview Holiday Inn.  This is a great opportunity to collaborate and interconnect.  The next gathering will take place on December 3rd, during which there'll be an "Ugly Sweater Contest".  Sonia reminded us that our District has quite a diverse club membership with all kinds of special interests (ie., the Manhasset club's main focus is on Gift of Life). Warren suggests that we send different members each month.
Our District sponsors 44 Interact and 2 Rotaract Clubs. (The Interact Clubs are now completing a recycling bin decoration contest.)  The District has 1,500 members, all of whom are being encouraged to attend the monthly "District Happenings".    42% of District membership is female; 3% is under age 40.  Communication is an issue for our District.  Newsletters are sent out electronically twice a month (you should have received one today).  The 2nd newsletter, sent out on the 15th, is about club events.  We should pay attention to the District Newsletter website, where we'll find forms to fill out for activity participation, listings of events, etc. 
Referring to The Foundation, Sonia reminds us that this is where money is disbursed throughout the world for projects such as Polio Plus and also comes back to the District to fund local and global (international) grants.  27 grants were given to local clubs- including our own (ours is for work at the Chandler Estate Park).  We should donate to the Foundation so that money comes back for our use.  Global grants are given to clubs that partner with ones in another country on shared projects. 
Sonia invites you to attend the Foundation Luncheon at the Stewart Manor Country Club on November 13th.  There'll be a "crazy hat" contest there.
Did you know that our District has a Peace Fellow who attends a Peace College?
November 19th is the date for voting for future District Officers.  A committee will be formed to choose our upcoming leadership. ( By 12/21, names of candidates have to be submitted.)  Would you like to be a representative on the committee or an alternate?
If you have any questions or issues, Sonia invites you to contact her:  sjtsaleh@gmail.com .
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
                                                         
 
 
NEXT WEEK, November 8th:  We meet at Cafe Spiga at 12:15 PM, where we will honor a Most Motivated Student from Port Jeff Middle School.  This is also an OPEN CUPBOARD COLLECTION DAY!
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
                          HERE'S TO A HAPPY, HEALTHY WEEK!
                                                     CHEERS!
 
Remember: If a member would like to send out an email to the membership, use the following email address:  pjrotaryclubmembers@googlegroups.com.
 
Bob Huttemeyer is still seeking volunteers willing to host an evening meeting (5:30 PM-7 PM) at a member's home or place of business.  Contact Bob if you'd like to host an upcoming Rotary evening social gathering.
 
 
Rebecca invites us to get acquainted with HOMETOWNHOPEPORTJEFFERSON.ORG. Hometown Hope provides resources and support in times of need to all residents of the Village by promoting a movement of spreading kindness. It "strives to uplift through wellness, resilience, and compassionate understanding in our community."  Among the services/goods it will provide: meal boxes; home deliveries; and the like for those suffering illness, loss, etc., as well as help for healthcare practitioners during the pandemic. You can also sponsor a family. 
Want to volunteer? Contact hometownhopepj@gmail.com .
 
***If you have ideas or items to be discussed at our next meeting, let Michael B. 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 Michael B's invitation to our next meeting and plan to join us!***                                                   
                                        STAY SAFE AND WELL!

                                                                                                          :)

 

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Your OPEN CUPBOARD Donation List

***NEW LIST BEGINNING Aug, 2022!***

***The following is a list of donation requests from The Open Cupboard :***:

juice boxes-

shampoo-

conditioner-

deodorant-

toothbrushes-

baby wipes-

healthy snacks-

boxed milk-

peanut butter-

jelly-

pancake mix-

syrup-

coffee-

healthy snacks-

diapers sizes 3 and 6-

***Whatever you can spare will be helpful!***

***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.

                  ***Thanks for your community and Club support!***

Quote of the Week

" Only when the last tree has died and the last river has been poisoned and the last fish has been caught will we realize that we can't eat money."

                                - Cree proverb

Thought for the week:
A good pun is its own reword.

  

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