GROTON ROTARY CLUB NOTES

         Meeting of Thursday, August 26, 2010 – Elm Tree Inn

 

MEMBERS ATTENDING:  Jens Christensen, Terry Donlick, Mona Forney, Suzanne Forney, Jean Morey, George Totman, Rose Tucker, Eileen Urda, Joe Urda, Janet Watkins, Gary Wood, and Karen Zirbel

 

GUESTS ATTENDING:  Mona Forney’s guests were:  Brian and JoLynn Forney, Sean Forney, and Matthew Forney.  Suzanne Forney’s guest was Kevin Forney.  Karen Zirbel’s guest was Verena, who is tonight’s speaker. 

 

Club President Terry Donlick opened the meeting at 6:15 p.m. with the Pledge to the Flag.  Terry then provided Grace followed by the educational moment: 

“As members of the Groton Rotary Club, we hve chosen to give of our time and energy to the cause of furthering peach throughout the world through humanitarian projects, Ambasssadorial Scholarships, Group Study Exchanges, and the Youth Exchange Program.  When you give to the Rotary Foundation, you are supporting these programs.  Joining rotary is an important decision!  Encouage others to join, begin now!”

 

Following dinner at 7:10 p.m., Jens Christiansen collected the fines, which totaled $25.00. 

 

Old Business:  Terry announced that Larissa Menezes Dagnoni, Groton’s inbound exchange student from Bolivia, would arrive this Saturday, August 28^th.  Terry will pick Larissa up at 6:00 p.m. at the Syracuse Airport. 

 

Terry then announced that Jens has agreed to be the chairperson for the September 25^th chicken barbeque that our Club will be doing as a fundraiser.  Jens told the group that he would be asking for club members to volunteer to help with the event and will be providing a sign-up sheet so that each member can select the time that he or she wishes to work. 

 

Terry reminded members that we should all encourage those we know to apply for the Group Study Exchange (GSE) team.  We must know young professionals where we work or to whom we are acquainted that are between the ages of 25 and 40.  The GSE District Committee is also looking for Rotarians to apply for GSE Team Leader.

 

Terry announced that the next Club Board meeting would be on September 14^th at her house.  The meeting is scheduled for 6:30 p.m. 

 

Program:  Karen Zirbel introduced Verena as tonight’s speaker.  Verena is from Cologne, Germany and had been an exchange student with an organization other than Rotary.  She is now studying in Germany to become a doctor.  Verena showed pictures of her trip to South America where she traveled to Peru and Bolivia. 

 

Following Verena’s quick powerpoint presentation, Karen presented Verena with a Rotary pen. 

 

Raffle:  Verena selected Janet Watkins’ raffle ticket.  With only five tickets left in the deck of cards, Janet selected the 3 of hearts.  The five of diamonds still remains in the four cards left in this deck.  The winner’s share of the 50/50 raffle is now at $504.00. 

 

Next Meeting:  There will not be a meeting on September 2^nd.  The next meeting will be on September 9^th at The Elm Tree Inn. 

 

The meeting was adjourned at 7:30 p.m. 

 

Club Notes by

Rosemarie Tucker, Club Secretary/Treasurer

 

 

 

GROTON ROTARY CLUB NOTES

Meeting of Thursday, August 19, 2010 – Elm Tree Inn

 

MEMBERS ATTENDING:  Jens Christensen, Dewey Dawson, Terry Donlick, Mona Forney, Jean Morey, Janet Seeley, Wayne Seeley, George Totman, Rose Tucker, Eileen Urda, Joe Urda, and Gary Wood

 

GUESTS ATTENDING:  There was no guest attending through dinnertime.   

 

Club President Terry Donlick opened the meeting at 6:15 p.m. with the Pledge to the Flag.  Terry then provided Grace followed by the educational moment: 

“During the year invite your family, friends, b usinesses and social acquaintances to our Rotary meetings and events.  This is a wonderful opportunity to educate them about all the good things Rotary has to offfer:  friendship, contacts, the opportunity to work on projects in the community, and, of course, the internationality of Rotary.  Don’t be selffish, invite someone to our nesxt Rotary meeting..”

 

Following dinner at 7:00 p.m., Wayne Seeley collected the fines, which totaled $1.00. 

 

Old Business:  Terry announced that Larissa Menezes Dagnoni, Groton’s inbound exchange student from Bolivia, would arrive on August 28^th, this is a day later than announced at the August 12^th meeting.  Terry informed club members that she and Rose Tucker assisted the Dryden Rotary Club on Saturday, August 14^th for the selling of hamburgers, hot sausage, and bottled water during the Dryden Lake Festival.  She announced that Jens Christensen has agreed to be the chairperson of our upcoming chicken barbeque, scheduled for Saturday, September 25^th at the American Legion barbeque pit. 

 

New Business:  Terry said that the District’s Group Study Exchange (GSE) Committee is asking for Rotary members to consider applying for GSE Team Leader for 2011 to Taiwan.  The September 3^rd deadline for applications is fast approaching and the application and more information is on the District 7170 website:  www.rotarydistrict7170.org.  The Committee asks that Rotarians assist in seeking out young professionals between the ages of 20 and 45 who are in the beginnings of their careers.  The application for these team members is September 20^th.  The application for team members, non-Rotarians, is located on the District 7170 website:  www.rotarydistrict7170.org.  If anyone has any questions, contact District GSE Committee Chairperson Terry Donlick. 

 

Program:  Joe Urda introduced tonight’s speaker.  Dr. Michael Fallon is a member of the Lourdes Regional Cancer Center in Binghamton, New York.  His talk, “What is Radiation:  A brief History” explained to us the information going back to 1500 to the current time period.  He explained that ultraviolet rays, such as sunlight, tanning booths, etc. are very harmful to you.  He said his favorite expression is, “No Tan is a Healthy Tan”.  He also told us that the most common cause of lung cancer is Radon, which could be found in your basement.  He told about that Madame Marie Currie, her husband, Pierre Currie, and their daughter, Iréne Currie, were all recipients of the Nobel Prize.  Madame Currie died from cancer because her lab in Paris, France, was so contaminated.  The lab took up a very large city block in Paris and was encased because of the contamination. 

 

Following his 40-minute presentation, Joe Urda presented Dr. Fallon with a Certificate of Appreciation for being a speaker at our Club meeting. 

 

Raffle:  Dr. Fallon drew Terry Donlick’s ticket and Terry then drew the 5 of diamonds.  The winner’s share of the 50/50 raffle is now at $460.00 and there are five cards remaining in the deck. 

 

The meeting was adjourned at 7:50 p.m. 

 

Club Notes by

Rosemarie Tucker, Club Secretary/Treasurer

   

 

 

GROTON ROTARY CLUB NOTES

             Meeting of Thursday, August 12, 2010 – Elm Tree Inn

 

MEMBERS ATTENDING:  Jens Christensen, Terry Donlick, Mona Forney, Jean Morey, Janet Seeley, Wayne Seeley, George Totman, Rose Tucker, Eileen Urda, Joe Urda, and Gary Wood

 

GUESTS ATTENDING:  Guest of Mona Forney:  Kevin P. Forney.   Guests of Eileen Urda:  Paula Moore and Audrey Terry, Speakers 

 

Club President Terry Donlick opened the meeting at 6:15 p.m. with the Pledge to the Flag.  Terry then provided Grace followed by the educational moment: 

“To keep clubs strong, every Rotarian must share the responsibiilty of bringing new people into Rotary.  Even new members can bring guests to meetings or invite them to participate in a service project.  The value of Rotary speaks for itself, and the best way to engage the interest of potential members is by letting them experience fellowship and service firsthand..”

 

Guests were introduced.  Mona Forney introduced her grandson, Kevin Forney.  Eileen Urda introduced her guests, Paula Moore and Audrey Terry. 

 

Following dinner at 7:00 p.m., Joe Urda collected the fines, which totaled $17.00. 

 

Old Business:  Terry announced that Larissa Menezes Dagnoni, from Bolivia would arrive on August 27^th.  She also announced that Colleen Gloster-Gray would follow through with the arrival of Larissa and then would resign as the Club Chair for the Youth Exchange Program (YEP).  Mona Forney and Terry Donlick will co-chair the Club YEP Committee through the remaining Rotary Year.  Terry also announced that Dryden Rotary is looking for assistance from our club for their hamburger and hot sausage booth to be held during Dryden Lake Day on August 14^th.  They are also seeking assistance from Rotary members for the construction of the handicap ramp at the Community Café. 

 

Program:  At 7:10 p.m. Eileen Urda introduced our speakers Paula Moore and Audrey Terry.  Paula is an Assistant Professor of Nursing at Tompkins-Cortland Community College (TC3).  She joined the TC3 faculty in 2008 after working as a clinical adjunct for four years.   Paula has led the Study Abroad Program in Nicaragua for three years.  This is a 6-credit Humanities/Health course that allows students to experience the health care systems of a developing nation.  Working with local leaders, TC3 provides primary health care & education to communities & individual families.  Audrey Terry is involved with the Franziska Racker Centers in Ithaca.  She decided to bring her education to match her working experience and participated in Empire State College, which connected her to the TC3 program and Paula Moore.  Audrey also participated in the Study Abroad Program to Nicaragua and was able to help those with disabilities.  Using a PowerPoint program, the two speakers shared their experiences in Nicaragua with pictures and stories. 

 

Raffle:  With the program completed at 8:05 p.m., the next business on the agenda was the 50/50 raffle.  Members anxiously wait to hear if there will be a winner this week.  The winner’s share of the funds is now up to $437.50.  Guest Kevin Forney drew the raffle ticket of Mona Forney.  She turned her head and randomly selected a card from the deck.  As everyone was now on the edge of their seats to see if she won the money, she slowly turned over the card and displayed the 6 of spades.  The five of clubs is still one of the six remaining cards. 

 

The meeting was adjourned at 8:10 p.m.

 

Joe Urda is responsible for the program on August 19th.  Please try to attend.  See you at The Elm Tree Inn at 6:15 p.m.

 

Club Notes by

Rosemarie Tucker, Club Secretary/Treasurer

 

 

      GROTON ROTARY CLUB NOTES

Meeting of Thursday, August 5, 2010 – Elm Tree Inn

 

      DISTRICT GOVERNOR VISIT

 

MEMBERS ATTENDING:  Terry Donlick, Mona Forney, Suzanne Forney, Frank Heine, Jean Morey, Janet Seeley, Wayne Seeley, George Totman, Rose Tucker, Eileen Urda, Joe Urda, and Gary Wood

 

VISITING ROTARIANS ATTENDING:  District Governor Orville Wright and a member of the Owego Rotary Club. 

 

Club President Terry Donlick opened the meeting at 6:15 p.m. with the Pledge to the Flag.  Terry then provided Grace followed by the educational moment, which was the definition f Rotary as taken from the ABC’s of Rotary. 

“Rotary is an organization of business and professional persons united worldwide who provide humanitarian service, enourage high ethical standards in all vocations, and help build goodwill and peace in the world.”

 

She then introduced District Governor Orville Wright.

 

Following dinner, Gary Wood collected the fines, which totaled $16.00. 

 

Terry announced that the Dryden Rotary Club is looking for assistance from our club for their chicken barbeque to be held on August 14^th.  They need a couple people to help in each of the following time slots:  11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. and 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.  This is for Dryden’s celebration of Dryden Lake Day.  Although there was no indication for the location of the chicken barbeque, Rose said she would help from 11 to 1; Terry will help from 4 to 6 and George Totman said he would help during either of those times.  Dryden will send members of their club to assist with our upcoming chicken barbeque. 

 

Terry then introduced District Governor Orville Wright. 

 

Orv provided a background of his childhood, his time in the Navy, and working for IBM for over 20 years.  He then provided a brief history on Rotary and its traditions.  He shared with us the background on The Rotary Foundation, what it is, what it does and how successful it is.  He explained the structure of Rotary from the International level to the zones, to the Districts, and to the Clubs.  The District 7170, of which the Groton Club belongs, is in Zone #29.  There are 849 Clubs in Zone #29, which includes a portion of New York State, the top half of Pennsylvania, Ohio, Michigan, and part of Canada.  The average number of club members in Zone #29 is 40.  There are 46 clubs in District 7170, which includes 7 counties.  The average number of members within District 7170 is 30.  He explained that the District has 8 Assistant Governor and that Dale Flinn of Ithaca represents our Club.  He said that he wouldn’t go into all the District Committees but would mention three.  Past District Governor David Reynolds of the Sidney Club chairs the District Extension Committee.  This committee focuses on new clubs.  This year they are focusing on a New Generations Club in the Binghamton area.  Past District Governor Lana Rouf of the Binghamton Club chairs the District Public Relations Committee.  You will be hearing more from Lana about public relations for the district.  Orv is involved with the Rotary International Convention Promotion Committee.  This year’s convention will be in New Orleans. 

 

Orv encourages all members of District 7170 to attend this year’s District Conference in Albany.  It is scheduled for April 29 through May 1^st and he hopes to see all the members of the Groton Rotary Club at this conference. 

 

Orv concluded his presentation by telling us about the following goals he has set for 2010 to 2011:

 

1. Increase the District Membership by approximately 50 new members by June 2011.

2. Promote members diversity by striving to have at least 50% of the new members be women.

3. Ensure each Rotary Club submits its Semi-Annual Reports (SARs) on time:  July 1^st and January 1^st.

4. Encourage every club to establish a Retention Committee to avoid needless loss of Rotarians during the Rotary year.

5. Encourage every club to support or create a significant International Project with an emphasis on Micro Credit, since entrepreneurship is the one proven way to fight poverty.  (He added that he is aware that the Groton Club has been during this for the past couple of years by being involved with KIVA.) 

6. Have every Rotary Club strive to increase its contribution level to the Rotary Foundation and encourage 100 percent participation as the goal. 

7. Continue the war on polio by increasing club contributions to PolioPlus.

8. Publicize action-oriented service by district Rotary clubs via an active district public relations campaign. 

 

Orville presented each of us attending with a 2010-2011 theme pin for Building Communities/Building Continents.  He also gave the club a banner for this year’s theme.  Frank hung the banner at The Elm Tree near our other plaques.  He gave Terry five copies of the District Directory to be given to the Board members of the Groton Club’s Board.   Terry gave Orv a Groton Rotary pen. 

 

District Governor Orv selected Frank Heine’s raffle ticket.  The card selected by Frank was the four of clubs.  Since we are looking for the five of clubs, Frank was not a winner.  We continue the increase in the 50/50 amount, which is now $414.00 for a winner with 7 cards remaining in the deck.  The proceeds from this year’s 50/50 raffle will go to PolioPlus and be sent to the Foundation every quarter. 

 

Next week Eileen Urda is responsible for the program on August 12th and I hear she has some very interesting presenters.  Please try to attend.  See you at The Elm Tree Inn at 6:15 p.m.

 

Club Notes by

Rosemarie Tucker, Club Secretary/Treasurer

 

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GROTON ROTARY CLUB NOTES

Meeting of Thursday, July 29, 2010 – Elm Tree Inn

 

       CLUB ASSEMBLY

 

MEMBERS ATTENDING:  Jens Christiansen, Terry Donlick, Mona Forney, Frank Heine, Janet Seeley, Wayne Seeley, George Totman, Rose Tucker, Joe Urda, Janet Watkins, and Gary Wood

 

VISITING ROTARIANS ATTENDING:  From the Wakefield, Rhode Island Rotary Club:  David Kring and Pam Kring

 

GUESTS ATTENDING: Sandy Kring and Warren Kring

 

Club President Terry Donlick opened the meeting at 6:15 p.m. with the Pledge to the Flag.  Terry then provided Grace followed by the educational moment by having the group recite the Rotary Four-Way Test: 

Of the things we think, say or do

1.      Is it the TRUTH?

2.      Is it FAIR to all concerned?

3.      Will it build GOODWILL and BETTER FRIENDSHIPS?

4.      Will it be BENEFICIAL to all concerned?

 

Sandy Kring, a former member of the Groton Rotary Club, introduced her two sons, Warren and David, and David’s wife, Pam. 

 

Following dinner, Janet Seeley collected the fines, which totaled $19.00. 

 

Terry read a letter from member Dewey Dawson, which states that he is resigning from the position of President-Elect for the Groton Rotary Club but he would like to continue as a member and as the person responsible for the Road Clean Up Program.  Terry asked Jens Christiansen, who is currently the President-Elect Nominee to move up to the President-Elect position.  Jens said that he would take a few days to think about it and would let Terry know his decision. 

 

Since tonight’s meeting is the Club Assembly, Terry reported on the upcoming fundraisers: 

 

September (date to be selected) a Chicken Barbeque at the American Legion’s barbeque pit. 

October 16^th a spaghetti dinner at the American Legion, chaired by Mona Forney.

November 14^th a Pancake breakfast at the Cortland Applebee’s, chaired by Rose Tucker

February 12^th a bake sale at the Groton Bank, chaired by Rose Tucker

February (date to be selected) a Chili Dinner at the American Legion

May would be our annual Geranium Sale, chair to be announced

May would also be the Corn Ducky Derby, chair Joe Urda

May would possibly be a fundraiser with Doug’s Fish Fry, chair is Jean Morey and more information will be provided later. 

Sales of Dewey Neald’s 2011 Waterfall Calendars – the Board has not yet determined to what project the proceeds will go

Boxes will be put in local business (American Legion, Brittany Station, Early Settler, Groton Hobby Store, and others) for collecting money to support Rotary International’s Eradicate Polio campaign.

 

Janet Watkins offered a bit of spaghetti dinner fundraising history saying that the profits are very small for one dinner and it is not until about the 3^rd or 4^th dinner that the club sees some profit.  Terry thanked Janet for sharing the information and reported that although we would like to raise money with the spaghetti and chili dinners, the Board thought this would also be a means to make the community aware of the Groton Rotary Club.  The more visible we can become, the better for us in recruiting new members and having the community work with us on projects as well as support us in our fundraising.  A comment was made that we are always asking the community for money.  A response was that we are always expecting us, the members of the club, to support everything from our own pockets and since we do take on projects for our community, there is nothing wrong with asking them to support us too. 

 

Rose Tucker provided a secretary and treasurer’s report. (A written copy of the report will be kept with the Secretary/Treasurer’s notebook.) 

 

Terry reported that Jean Morey is chairing the Committee for Community Service.  In her absence, Terry announced that some of the community service projects Jean is planning are: 

 

Fall and Winter - Collecting winter coats to be given to youngsters of Groton Elementary School

December - Decorating the Groton Nursing Home

December – Christmas baskets for those living at Center Village Court

There may be a project in conjunction with Groton’s Main Street

We are looking for ideas for a McLean project.  It was suggested that Jean or Terry contact Joe Graham, who is chair of the McLean’s Community Council. 

Other projects will be announced as we have more details. 

 

As Chair of the Club’s Foundation Committee, Mona reported that she would bring a ‘counting jar’ to the meetings to collect change from club members for the Annual Programs Fund (APF).  Those who contribute will have the amount he or she donates credited to his or her name.  The club’s APF goal for this year is $252.00.  The Club’s Polio Plus campaign goal for this year is $2,000.00.  Members can go on-line at the RI Foundation and make their own donation or bring the money to Mona and she will note your contribution and send it in to the Foundation.

 

As Chair of the Club’s Public Relations Committee, Rose reported that she would continue to put articles in the newspapers about our club.  She stated that Lana Rouf, who is the District Public Relations Committee Chair, has asked Rose to assist her (Lana) with PR to cover the Groton, Dryden, Trumansburg, two Cortland, and three Ithaca Clubs. 

 

Terry said that Colleen Gloster-Gray is the Club’s Chair for the Youth Exchange Program.  We have one inbound student from Bolivia, expected to arrive in the middle of August.  The student’s name is Larrissa. 

 

Terry is the Chair of the Club’s Membership Committee and she would like to encourage each member to bring a guest to a club meeting and to encourage new members.  She circulated a copy of the classifications and said that copies are available online at www.rotary.org.   Janet Watkins suggested that we get copies of “Rotary Basics”, which costs $.75 each to be included in the new member’s packet as we have done in the past. 

 

Terry reported that Ken Thompson is Chair of the Club’s Administration Committee.  Ken is away until the end of August but he has sent her a tentative program schedule.  Terry said she would look it over and get back to Ken so that he can finalize it.  Terry announced that next week’s program would be with District Governor Orville Wright and Assistant Governor Dale Flinn.  On August 12^th, Joe Urda will be responsible for a program and Eileen Urda is responsible for the program on August 19^th. 

 

Sandy Kring selected the raffle ticket of Warren Kring.  The card selected by Warren was not the five of clubs.  The winner’s share of the 50/50 raffle is now $387.00 and there are 8 cards remaining in the deck.  We wonder, will go to the very last card before there is a winner?

 

Don’t forget:  District Governor’s visit next week (August 5^th) at The Elm Tree Inn.  Assistant Governor Dale Flinn will also be attending. 

 

Club Notes by

Rosemarie Tucker, Club Secretary/Treasurer

 

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GROTON ROTARY CLUB NOTES

Meeting of Thursday, July 22, 2010 – Elm Tree Inn

 

MEMBERS ATTENDING:  Dewey Dawson, Terry Donlick, Suzanne Forney, Frank Heine, Janet Seeley, Wayne Seeley, George Totman, Rose Tucker, and Joe Urda

 

Guests Attending:  Brian Buttner of the Dryden Rotary Club

 

Club President Terry Donlick opened the meeting at 6:15 p.m. with Joe Urda leading the Pledge to the Flag.  Terry then provided Grace followed by the educational moment: 

 

“When prospective members ask about Rotary, what do you say?  Every Rotarian should be comfortable explaining in 10 seconds or less what it means to be a Rotarian.  In these difficult times prospective members need to know that their time and money is ‘swell spent’ by joining Rotary.”

By Mark Kriebel

Past District 7170 Governor (2006-2007)

Member of the Endwell Rotary Club

 

Following dinner, Terry reminded those attending that Club Assembly would be held next week, July 29^th.  We hope all members will attend. 

 

Wayne Seeley collected the fines, which totaled $19.00. 

 

Terry read a thank you card that was given to her last week by Mona Forney. The card was from Stephanie Senter in appreciation of the award she received at this year’s high school graduation awards ceremony.  Senter received the Will Forney Scholarship. 

 

Dewey Dawson was responsible for tonight’s program.  He introduced Dryden Rotary Club member Brian Buttner as the speaker. 

 

Brian spoke about his experiences with planning and heading up the chicken barbeque fundraisers that Dryden has been doing for the last three years.  They hold four each year from June through October.  They charge $5.00 per half, which is a reasonable price.  He explained that the crew starting the charcoal usually begins about 6:00am putting the chicken on about 7:30am.  The chicken is usually ready about 10:30am and they are finished by about 1:00 or 1:30pm.  Brian suggested that one club member be the person to head up the fundraiser taking charge of all that is needed to be done, including getting the food permit from the Tompkins County Health Department, buying the chicken, ingredients for the sauce, etc. 

 

Brian suggested that we should advertise in the local shopper and Groton Independent newspaper and put up posters in local businesses, post office, senior citizen building, etc.  Those posters should go up no earlier than one week before the barbeque date. 

 

Brian had prepared a folder, which included many suggestions.  Terry Donlick has the folder.  He provided the recipe for the sauce.  He said that they usually do 300 chickens, which brings them a profit of about $700.00. 

 

Following Brian’s talk, Terry presented him with a certificate of appreciation and a Rotary pen. 

 

Joe Urda selected the raffle ticket of Rose Tucker.  Rose had Brian Buttner shuffle and hold the 10 cards.  She drew the 7 of hearts.  The 5 of clubs is still among the remaining 9 cards.  The winner’s share of the 50/50 raffle is now at $367.50.

 

Don’t forget:  Club Assembly next week (July 29^th) at The Elm Tree Inn. 

 

Club Notes by

Rosemarie Tucker, Club Secretary/Treasurer

 

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GROTON ROTARY CLUB NOTES

Meeting of Thursday, July 15, 2010 – Elm Tree Inn

 

MEMBERS ATTENDING:  Terry Donlick, Mona Forney, Suzanne Forney, Jean Morey, Janet Seeley, Wayne Seeley, George Totman, Rose Tucker, Eileen Urda, Joe Urda, and Gary Wood

 

Guests Attending:  Glenn Morey, Senator James Seward, Bill Sunkenberg, Lee Shurtleff and Dryden Rotary Club Members:  Brian Buttner and Tracy Kurtz

 

Club President Terry Donlick opened the meeting at 6:15 p.m. with the Pledge to the Flag.  Terry then provided the educational moment: 

 

“Hear the Other Side”

 

Mona Forney provided Grace.

 

Terry asked members to introduce their guests.  George Totman introduced Senator James Seward of the 51^st NYS Senatorial District and Bill Sunkenberg, who traveled to the meeting with Senator Seward.  Jean Morey introduced Glenn Morey, her husband, and Lee Shurtleff.  Terry introduced Dryden Rotary Club members Brian Buttner and Tracy Kurtz, Club President. 

 

Following dinner, Terry distributed the agenda and asked Gary Wood to collect the fines, which totaled $26.00.  Terry announced that Dewey Dawson is in charge of the program for July 22nd Club Assembly will be held on July 29th. 

 

George Totman, who was responsible for tonight’s program, introduced Senator James L. Seward as our speaker.  Seward expressed his gratitude for being invited to attend the meeting of the Groton Rotary Club and how much he enjoys his visits to this area.  He believes Groton to be a very neighborly community and spoke a little of his involvement with the community:  upgrading Main Street sidewalks and the street, village sewer system upgrade, attending the ribbon-cutting opening of Plastisol.  He also expressed his previous meetings and conversations with Phil Shurtleff who was the representative for Groton the County Legislature.  Seward said that he has been in the Senate for 24 years and his district represents seven counties, which includes 35 school districts and many villages and towns, with a total of 300,000 constituents.  He then went on to explain state issues one of which trying to pass a state budget, which was due April 1^st.  He explained that 20% of the state revenue comes from Wall Street in Manhattan and we know the troubles from a few years ago that have caused so much financial problems with the state.  He said he is unhappy with the increases proposed for spending and increase in taxes that the state is trying to pass.  He would prefer to cut state spending and not increase taxes.  He told that the state spends $1 billion in Medicaid a year.  He would like to reduce the number of Assistant Commissioners in NYS agencies, which could save 50% of the expenditures.  He believes that growth of real jobs is in small businesses like Groton’s businesses.  He explained that he has been frustrated with the lack of checks and balances in the senate because of it being controlled by one party. 

 

Following questions and answers, George Totman presented Senator Seward with a Certificate of Appreciation for being tonight’s speaker.  Rose Tucker presented him with a copy of her book published in November 2009, Images of America: Groton.  She had signed it with a special message to Senator Seward.  Terry presented him with a copy of the book published in June 2009 by the Municipal Historians of Tompkins County, Tompkins County New York:  Images of Work and Play.  Senator Seward thanked everyone saying he would find a special place for the framed certificate and he enjoys books like these on the local history of communities in New York State, especially those communities in the 51^st District. 

 

Senator Seward drew the ticket of Janet Watkins for the 50/50 raffle.  In Janet’s absence, Eileen Urda, who had purchased tickets for Janet, drew the 8 of spades.  There are now 10 cards left in this deck and the winner’s share of the raffle is $350.50.  Hope to see all Groton Club members at our next meeting on July 22^nd. 

 

Club Notes by

Rosemarie Tucker, Club Secretary/Treasurer

 

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GROTON ROTARY CLUB NOTES

Meeting of Thursday, July 8, 2010 – Elm Tree Inn

 

MEMBERS ATTENDING:  Jens Christiansen, Dewey Dawson, Terry Donlick, Frank Heine, Janet Seeley, Wayne Seeley, George Totman, Rose Tucker, and Gary Wood

 

Club President Terry Donlick opened the meeting at 6:15 p.m. with the Pledge to the Flag.  Terry then provided Grace, followed by the educational moment, which was a quote by Martin Luther King, Jr.

 

“You don’t have to see the whole staircase, just take the first step.”

 

Rose Tucker had invited two guests from the Dryden Rotary Club:  President Tracy Kurtz and Past-President Evan Kurtz were introduced to club members.  It is always nice to have members of other Rotary Clubs visit our Club. We introduced ourselves to Evan and Tracy. 

 

Following dinner, Terry distributed the agenda for tonight’s meeting.  As part of the agenda, the following comments and/or presentations were from Club Members:

 

§  Frank said he found the members’ nametags.  Some of the members attending tonight had a nametag.  Frank announced that the Board of Directors agreed to start wearing nametags at our meetings.  We will look into the cost to purchase them.  Frank said he also found some items to go to the Club Archives, which he gave to Rose Tucker, Club Historian.  He found more than one gavel, and banners from visiting clubs or inbound exchange students.  He will check with Janet Watkins to see if she already has these banners.  Those she doesn’t have will be added to the collection that is displayed by hanging them in the windows.  .  If Janet has these banners already, then they will go to the Club Historian for the Club Archives.  It was noted that we want our collection of banners displayed on August 5^th when District Governor Orville Wright and Assistant Governor Dale Flinn attend our Club meeting.

 

§  On behalf of this year’s Board of Directors and the members of the Groton Rotary Club, Rose Tucker presented the President pin to Terry Donlick. 

 

Club Member, Jens Christiansen, said that he would be presenting tonight’s program, which is about a possible fundraiser.  The Cazenovia Rotary Club has compiled a Rotary phone book, and people can choose to include their cell phone numbers.  The money raised by the Cazenovia Club was thousands of dollars.  Jens explained the advantages and disadvantages of telephone books including how many of them are left along the roadway near mailboxes, etc.  He said that Verizon might be eliminating publishing a phone book.  Jens said that he would contact the Rotary Club and meet with them and/or the woman involved with the project from their club.  We will hear more about this possible fundraiser at a future meeting. 

 

Gary Wood collected the fines, which totaled $14.00.  Dewey Dawson’s ticket was drawn for the 50/50 raffle.  With the deck becoming smaller, Dewey wished for the 5 of clubs, but selected the Queen of Clubs.  The 50/50 raffle is up to $327.50 for the winner with only 11 cards left in the deck.  Hope to see all Groton Club members at our next meeting on July 15^th at the Elm Tree Inn.  George Totman’s guest speaker will be New York State Senator James L. Seward of the 51^st Senate District.

 

Club Notes by

Rosemarie Tucker, Club Secretary/Treasurer

 

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GROTON ROTARY CLUB NOTES

Meeting of Thursday, July 1, 2010 – Elm Tree Inn

 

MEMBERS ATTENDING:  Terry Donlick, Frank Heine, Jean Morey, Janet Seeley, Wayne Seeley, Ken Thompson, George Totman, Rosemarie Tucker, and Janet Watkins

 

Club President Terry Donlick opened the meeting at 6:15 p.m. with the Pledge to the Flag.  Grace was provided by Ken Thompson.

 

While waiting for dinner, Club President Terry told about attending the District Pass-the-Gavel in Owego.  She said the Rose Tucker also went to this and they rode with Dryden Club members Evan and Tracy Kurtz.  Donlick and Tucker also attended the Dryden Club’s Pass-the-Gavel at the VFW building in Dryden.  Evan Kurtz, as outgoing Club President passed the gavel and presented Tracy with her President’s Pin.  Tracy then presented Evan with his Past President Pin.  District Governor (DG) Orville Wright will be visiting the Groton Rotary Club on Thursday, August 5^th.  It is important that all members of the Groton Club be in attendance at the August 5^th meeting.    Terry announced that DG Orv has asked her to be the District’s Chairperson for the Group Study Exchange (GSE) Committee and she accepted that responsibility

 

Those attending tonight’s meeting agreed that our Club’s Pass-the-Gavel was nice.  It was also mentioned that we are all very pleased that Mona Forney was recognized as a Paul Harris Fellow at our Pass-the-Gavel.  Mona is a very deserving person and does so much for Rotary and our Club.  Congratulations, Mona!

 

Since dinner was being served, Terry said that she would like to use tonight’s meeting to talk about ideas for the 2010-2011 Rotary Year. 

 

Following dinner, Terry distributed an agenda for tonight’s meeting.  She read some quotes of Rotary International (RI) President Ray Klinginsmith and talked about his ideas for this year’s RI theme, “Building Communities Building Continents”.  President Klinginsmith has expressed and idea of ‘Cowboy Logic’ with making Rotary Clubs ‘bigger, better, and bolder’. 

 

Terry announced that DG Orv has announced that the District’s Committee Co-Chairs for Interact will be Bob Ross (Cortland Rotary Club) and Rita Wright (Cortland Breakfast Rotary Club).  Terry hopes that Bob and Rita, along with her and Colleen Gray, will meet with Groton High School Principal Barbara Case to discuss the possibility of an Interact Club in Groton.  Jean Morey has also expressed an interest in this.  Janet Watkins said that she has been working on this for the past year or so and hoped to have the Interact (9-12 graders) as well as a  group in the middle school, and one in the elementary school. 

 

This year’s inbound Youth Exchange Student for Groton is from Bolivia and is expected to arrive in mid-August.  Colleen Gray is the Chairperson of the Groton Club’s Youth Exchange Program and we hope to hear more about this at next week’s meeting.  Colleen has found two host families and Janet Watkins has found three host families. 

 

The Board of Directors and Committee Chairs for 2010 to 2011 have been meeting since April to discuss projects and fundraising.  We will share these ideas at the July 29^th Club Assembly.  We discussed the importance of attending Rotary Leadership Institute seminars, the District Assembly, and the District Conference.  It is also important that the President-Elect attend the March President-Elect Seminars (PETS).  Jean Morey expressed being pleased with what she learned about Rotary at the March 2010 Rotary Leadership Institute. 

 

Plans are to include the community in our fundraising efforts for Polio Plus with jars in businesses.  The Groton Club will continue with KIVA with Joe Urda responsible for that project.  Thanks, Joe for doing such a great job with this project.

 

Ken Thompson collected the fines, which totaled $9.00.  George Totman drew Frank Heine’s ticket for the 50/50 raffle.  Frank, hoping for the 5 of Clubs, drew the 6 of Clubs.  You were so close, Frank.  As of now the 50/50 raffle is up to $318.00 for the winner.  There are only 12 cards left in the deck for the 50/50 raffle.  Hope to see all Groton Club members at our next meeting. 

 

Club Notes by

Rosemarie Tucker, Club Secretary/Treasurer

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The Groton Rotary Club hosted the GSE Team from District 1030 - The United Kingdom.  Members of the GSE Teams, Dryden Rotary and Ithaca Rotary spent an evening of competetive bowling.  Dryden took the trophy home.

Visit their BLOG here.

The GSE Team to Northern England is back home.

Read their Blog.

Click here for the news article.   

CORAfrica Water Well Project in Nigeria

Thanks to members of the Groton Rotary Club, the Groton Community and the Endicott Rotary Club's $2000 contribution, Pres. Joe Urda is shown presenting a $3000 check to Carolann Darling, representing CORAfrica.  With this check, we met our $5,000 goal.

Check the Community Service link above for more information

Debra Hubbard becomes Groton Rotary's newest member.

Janet Seeley is made a Paul Harris Fellow

by her husband Wayne Seeley. 

March 4th, 2010

Hi,

Hope you all enjoyed this glorious day! So nice to see the sunshine!

We had a very nice meeting Thursday and Terry did a great job presiding over it getting in some practice for her term as President. Terry went over the agenda for the visiting GSE (Group Study Exchange) team from England who will be here in May. It was quite an agenda so I will just mention the highlights.

Thursday May 6 5:45-8pm at The Elm Tree Inn: The team will present their program to the Groton and Dryden Rotary Clubs along with others who wish to attend. The cost is $14+/person. Reservations will be needed but plenty of time for that.

Friday May 7^th 6 – 9pm a social night- bowling competition and pizza at the Corona Club in Groton. Cost is $3 a game. Should be a fun night.

Saturday May 8^th Tours, lunch at the Cascade in Moravia or Aurora Inn

                             Dinner at the Dryden Hotel-order off the menu

Sunday May 9^th 2-5pm Country Music Hall of Fame music and dancing

                          6pm Ordeurves at The Benn Conger Inn $16 per person (I may have the time wrong here)

Tuesday May11th: team leaves for England

Rose had the program and introduced Chuck Rankin, Village of Groton Clerk, who spoke on the upcoming 150^th Anniversary of the Incorporation of the Village of Groton. It will kick off June 11 with a ceremony at the Village office.

Events to include: Tours of the village and village facilities

                           Businesses Open House

                           Time Capsule

                           Music and entertainment

                           Commemorative brochure

                           Parade Sat. evening featuring neighborhoods, community clubs, Churches etc.

                           Community picnic Sunday at Sykes Park

We had discussed participating in this event at our last club assembly so will probably hear more about this as we go along. Thanks Rose for a great program!

Club Elections will be held March 18^th for President Elect (2011-2012), Secretary/Treasurer (2010-2011) and 2 directors (2010-2011). If you are interested in any of these positions and wish to be placed on the ballot please let Joe know so we can have a ballot ready for that evening.

Karen Zirbel has the program for next week so hope to see you then.

As Joe would say…..Ciao for now!

Janet

Rotary Notes – Meeting - January 21, 2010

We were happy to have Kevin Forney in attendance as his wife, Suzanne’s, guest.

President Urda Reminded us –

      Dues are due

      DeMond fire benefit fundraiser will be held Saturday, January 23 from 12-4 at the Country Music Park, Cortland, New York

      He read the flyer received from Dryden Rotary that they are holding their 3^rd Annual Murder Mystery Dinner Theater at TC3 on February 20^th from 6:00 to 9:00 PM ( for more info attached is a copy of the flyer)

Janet Watkins announced that the US Mint is issuing its first  “Millard Fillmore” Presidential coins, in Moravia at the school on Thursday, February 18 at 9:30 AM.  The event is Open to the Public.  Light refreshments will be served.

There was a discussion about Mona attending our meetings via SKYPE….looks like it may be tried very soon.

Dewey Dawson was program chair for the evening

Dewey introduced Andrew Bonavia.

Andrew was raised in Groton and still lives in Groton across the street from where he grew up.

He is an Assistant District Attorney in Tompkins County

He graduated from Ithaca College and attended Law School in North Carolina

Prior to becoming an ADA he worked in the Law Office of Thaler and Thaler in Ithaca

Andrew was hired by District Attorney George Dentes

ADA’s are prosecutors of crimes. There are 7 ADA’s and 1 DA in Tompkins County.

They are available all hours of the night in order to expedite the processes of arresting criminals, obtain search warrants and assist the town court justices and police, when called upon

Atty Bonavia spoke about the differences between misdemeanors and felonies

He also discussed the jury system

Andrew said he felt that the news media exacerbates the problems in the small communities by their sensational reporting. 

Every community has problems with drugs and domestic violence.

Societal changes have young kids using drugs he couldn’t have even imagined when he was young (i.e. oxicoten) 

Attorney Bonavia closed with the following thoughts…

On the upside -

Believe in the democratic system

And Respect for the democratic system

This week there will be a Club Assembly to review the Club’s Business that has been brought before the Board of Directors.

Respectfully submitted,

Eileen Urda

Les Graves becomes Paul Harris Fellow

Seated: Eileen Urda PHF, Les Graves PHF, George Totman PHF

Standing: Dr. Wayne Seeley PHF, Terry Donlick PHF, Joseph Urda PHF and Gary Wood PHF 

ROTARY NOTES  –  January 14, 2010

Pres. Joe spoke about the devastating barn fire that the DeMonds suffered.  They lost over 100 animals.  The night of the fire it was around 8 below zero, however, this past few days the weather has turned warmer and much work has been done to clean up and begin the healing.

(PLEASE NOTE)  Since this meeting there has been a benefit organized for Saturday, January 23^rd, from 12-4 PM at the Country Music Park in Cortland.

Joe mentioned, again, that former exchange student from Belgium, Lorranne’ is going to be back for a visit in March for a couple of days (I believe it was around the 18^th)  It will be great to see her.

Colleen Gloster-Gray was Program Chair for the evening

She introduced Ranniesha Butler (& her young son Christopher) and Megan Begert

Both Ranniesha and Megan are involved with NLI – Natural Leaders Initiative

The program will be The Natural Leaders Initiative (NLI)

NLI supports emerging leaders to put their ideas into action, increase skills and confidence and network

Both Ranniesha and Megan are wonderful examples of what this program can do for young adults with initiative

Points derived from their talk–

• NLI supports “everyday” leaders – particularly those from low to moderate income communities.  It was started to support talented people to grow as community leaders.  It was started by GIAC, the Mulicultural Resource center, Tompkins Community action and Cornell Cooperative Extension of Tompkins Co.
• To become a member of the NLI an individual is nominated by someone who feels that he/she may be a natural leader who would benefit from this program

Both speakers expressed that it made them feel special to be nominated because someone was noticing their potential.

• This Leadership Initiative brings individuals together with others who have the same potential and desires to care about their community and their surroundings.
• The individual gets training and support for things they want to accomplish, helping to build their strengths and skills they already have and increase their leadership knowledge and confidence
• The cost to the individual nominee is nothing  All costs are covered by grants and donations…In fact dinner, child care and transportation are provided for the participants.

If any of you have a young adult who you think might benefit from this program, there is more information and a Nomination Form at the following address

http://www.ccetompkins.org/nli/

This week's program presenter is the Hon. Dewey Dawson.

Dewey is presenting Andrew Bonavia, Esq., Tompkins County Assistant District Attorney.  Hope that we have a great turnout.

Respectfully submitted,

Eileen Urda

Meeting of January 7, 2010

We had a nice turnout for last week’s meeting of January 7, 2010

Our new member, Suzanne Forney, was in attendance.

She had great news that her daughter, Hillary, is home for a visit from Iraq

Joe advised that we have been able to re-loan to another in the KIVA program

We had a balance in our account because previous monies lent have been paid back.

An email was received from Lorranne’ that she is going to be back for a visit in March for a couple of days (I believe it was around the 18^th)  It will be great to see her.

Jean Morey was Program Chair for the evening

She introduced Janet Watkins as her speaker for the evening

Janet spoke about the Zone Membership Seminar she Attended October 24^th with PDG Bob Grantham

Points derived from the seminar –

• That most clubs view membership as only bringing in new members.  The Zone Seminar stressed that it doesn’t stop at the induction of the new member.  The key is involvement. At a level that each member is comfortable with so that it is fun and not a job.

• That each club is autonomous and unique and should nurture at the club level

• The emphasis throughout  the Zone Membership was

There is no Rotary Police – Massage the Rules

            Deemphasize perfect attendance but encourage involvement

• Public Relations by promoting Rotary in general and club service projects at the community and club level .  It would help to eliminate the “elitist, old men’s club” and “my grandfather’s club”  which is evident in the minds of the general public.  Promote the club doing service projects rather than the everyday affairs of the club.

Good Questions to clubs –

What do we expect of our new members and what do the new members expect of us

The purpose is to make the clubs more welcoming

Attitude should be to adopt a “can do” or “consider” and maybe try to move out of our comfort zone, both individually and from the Club standpoint

Good Program!

NEXT WEEKS PROGRAM – January 14, 2010

Colleen Gloster-Gray is Program Chair

The program will be The Natural Leaders Initiative (NLI)

NLI supports emerging leaders to put their ideas into action, increase skills and confidence and network

Respectfully submitted,

Eileen Urda

Suzanne Forney

becomes Groton Rotary Club's

newest member. 

She is pinned by her mother-in-law, Ramona Forney of the Groton Rotary Club.