Welcome
President Caroline began the meeting leading nine Rotarians in reciting the Pledge of Allegiance and the Four Way Test. We then all sat down to engage in conversation and eat our lunches, many with Gusto!
😀💵💸💰
Once again, champing at the bit, Tony was first up with 5 😀💲s. So happy that Alex, his son and his fiancée Taylor, had taken the
Red Eye from LAX to surprise Cindy on her birthday, May 25th. Thanks, Tony for the healthy contribution to our coffers. President Caroline followed up with a few HDs: happy for her daughter who is moving to NYC to begin an internship as part of her doctoral program; hoping that Lydia, her daughter, and Oliva, Eddie’s daughter, can connect in the Big Apple; and happy to give 5 😀💲s to polio +.
Since Last We Met
No birthdays or anniversaries.
On this day in history: In 1937 the German automaker
Volkswagen was founded to mass-produce a low-priced “people's car”; the company was originally operated by a
Nazi organization.
On this day in history: In 2014 American poet and memoirist
Maya Angelou—whose several volumes of autobiography explore the themes of economic, racial, and sexual oppression—died at age 86.
Actions of the Board President Caroline reported on the following actions of the Board of Directors: a) agreed with the President-Elects that the Changeover Dinner take place at our regularly scheduled meeting on June 25th; and b) approved the budget for 2025-24 submitted by President-Elects Emily, Zach and Tony.
After minor changes have been completed, the 2025-24 Budget will be sent to the membership for review and subsequently will be presented at a June meeting for a vote to approve or disapprove.
To Zoom or Not? That is the question. 🤔
President Caroline reminded us that offering Zoom as an option to attend a meeting was an experiment that was to last until June and then be assessed as to its effectiveness. It was noted that very few members have taken advantage of the service. Tony opined that it was a lot of work for such little use. It was decided to offer Zoom upon request and not on a regular basis.
A Call for Programs
President Caroline requested help in providing speakers for programs at meetings. She noted that it is difficult for one person to shoulder the responsibility. She asked all members to contact someone they know who might provide an interesting and informative program for us. She also suggested contacting business and organizations about hosting us for a “field trip.” Please contact one of our President-Elects (Emily, Tony or Zach) with your suggestions.
A Progress Report
President Caroline reported on the progress of the 2024-2027 Strategic Plan. We have made significant progress in some areas, but we need to work on others--it is a three year plan. She began with a reminder of our mission, vision and values. Then she reported on the accomplishments which include: reviewing the Strategic Plan on a regular basis; setting goals in Rotary Club Central; identifying future club leaders and preparing them for leadership positions; 75% of our club members being involved in hands-on service
, a leadership role or other assigned roles; creating a public image committee; using materials and templates from Rotary’s Brand Center; inviting members of the media to cover the club’s service work; and creating a Community Service Committee. Goals to be achieved include: several actions steps of the goal to become a welcoming and inclusive environment for all those in our community, representing the diversity of our community; attracting members from professions (occupations) in the community that are underrepresented in the club; newer and seasoned members being paired for a mentoring relationship; and continuing to work on having members of the media cover our club’s service projects. Thank you!
President Caroline announced at the conclusion of the meeting that this would be her last Club Assembly. For all of her good work and the many accomplishments that have made us a healthier and more sustainable Club, Rotarians expressed their appreciation with a heartfelt round of applause and a standing ovation. Thank you so much Caroline Earle!