Thank you, Open Cupboard donors! Also, thanks, Dennis, for delivering the goods collected today to their destination.
Today's visiting speaker, Joseph Coniglione, told us why he is so pleased with his school and District, where he has served as Comsewogue HS Principal for the past 12 years. He talked with pride about a number of special programs provided to the very diverse community by the schools, including a new ESL program devoted to acclimatizing new students quickly and effectively so they can function well in community/school life. Joe noted that Comsewogue HS is part of a Consortium that shares projects with other schools, where students work on performance-based activities/experiences, learning where and how to apply what is learned in the classroom to what they're learning in real life. An example: students are taking part in a science project, where they strive to solve real problems like water pollution. A partnership with Stony Brook University is underway. Another project of which the Principal is particularly fond, Compassion Without Borders, is a program that enables students to bring about positive change for the community, for example, the running of a well-used food pantry. Recently, his students delivered 40-50 full turkey dinners to families in need. Joe pointed out that Comsewogue serves a very close-knit, caring community, where there are both affluent as well as financially struggling families. The students know who is in need- they're closely connected to their peers- and they want to help all who need help. The connection to community and service is important to the students. Joe expressed his hope to partner more with Rotary to build on Comsewogue's popular service programs; and he is pleased to expand student learning to activities that go beyond the stress on completing Core Curriculum requirements.
Among other guests present today, Vincent from A-1 Roofing, a family-owned company based in Mt. Sinai, spoke about how his company also tries to give back to the community. They occasionally provide a free new roof to a local family in need, and the public is invited to vote on which of 4 eligible families will get the roof this year. His business also holds a toy drive for Stony Brook Children's Hospital.
Roberta Gerish, Rocky Point Rotary's RYLA liaison, joined us to share news about RYLA and noted that she expects Shoreham Wading River HS to add an Interact Club to its service-learning program in the near future.
Warren Sternberg, our AG, also joined us. Congrats, Warren, on your imminent role as a first time grandfather!
ANNOUNCEMENTS/REMINDERS: There's now over $414 in the pot waiting to be won. YOU could win it. Next opportunity: our 12/20 luncheon at Cafe Spiga.We'll be honoring Michael Murphy, our newest Most Motivated Student of the Month at that meeting and will also welcome as our guest speaker Robert Grable, Principal of Mt. Sinai HS. Archana pointed out that our club's beautifully decorated Christmas tree is quite worthy of a visit at the Village Center. (Thank you, Amy!) It will remain on display through the end of the year. Sharon noted that our full-color 1/2 page ad made for excellent publicity on the inside of page 1 in this week's Port Times Beacon Record and passed around a copy for all to admire. Dennis reminded us of an important upcoming event, the RYLA Fashion Show, to be held on January 5th, 6-10 PM, at Windows on the Lake (235 Lake Shore Rd., Ronkonkoma). In addition to enjoying the food, raffles, dancing, and fun, 3 of our members (Deb, Sharon, & Archana) will be among the models who'll "walk the gangplank". Dennis is now looking for a male model to also represent the club. Contact him if you're interested/available. The cost of attendance for students (age 23 and under) is $50, while the cost per adult is $75. Dennis has proposed that our club consider paying for members who attend, while he will pay for their guests. He would like us to have 2 full tables totaling 10- we already have 8. This year's RYLA theme, by the way is "Life Begins at the End of Your Comfort Zone". Michael announced that the Port Jeff Chamber of Commerce raised $80 for our club to give to The Open Cupboard. This donation came in the form of Stop & Shop Gift Cards worth either $10 or $20 each. Thank you, Chamber!
Check out our Facebook Page, please, and Like it. (Many new photos have been added!)
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:
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.
...DEB ENGELHARDT, who celebrated her birthday on November 2nd; SHARON BRENNAN, who celebrated hers on November 22nd and observed her anniversary on November 25th; SUSAN HANSON, whose anniversary was November 2nd; AMY LUND, who had an anniversary to celebrate on November 10th; and TOM DARRIGAN, who marks his 45th year as a Rotarian!
