Our last meeting of 2017 featured a Club Assembly where our membership voted on the proposed slate of officers for the 2018-2019 Rotary year. We also heard updates on our Public Image committee from Jason Camuti, from Gary Kelley on Membership, and we saw a preview of the Club's new website which will be launched in January.
The officers and directors for 2018-2019 approved by the membership are:
Immediate Past President
Shelby Marshall
Director (3 yrs)
Kathy Wilfert
President
Betsy Moquin
Director (2 yrs)
Bill Linnane
President Elect
Elliott Rittenberg
Director (1 yr)
Jim Tepper
Vice President
Gary Kelley
Sergeant at Arms
Brad Morse
Secretary
Maureen Ambrosino
Asst. Secretary
Anthony Vaver
Treasurer
Paul Reilly
Asst. Treasurer
Rajani Koduri
Congratulations and thanks to all who have stepped up to help our club make a difference.
RCW Supports Big Brother Big Sisters
Our Giving Chair Betsy Moquin presented Harold Pinkham with a club donation in support of the Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central MA. The funds went to support the BBBS Holiday Party, which was attended by more than 90 "Littles." Several Club members also attended the party to help out as "Bigs." Harold, also a Rotarian, is shown at left with Betsy and President Shelby. The Mission of Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central Mass/Metrowest is to provide children facing adversity with strong and enduring, professionally supported one-to-one relationships that change their lives for the better, forever. Learn more about their mission and how you can help by visiting their website.
Thank You Sue!
Our meetings would not run as smoothly or efficiently without the help of our server at the Chateau, Sue Taft. Week in and week out, Sue takes care of a roomful of Rotarians, often numbering 50 or more, with a smile. Sue not only graciously serves our meals, but she sets up the room for our meetings, including our signage, badges, bells, and flags, and then puts everything away after we've gone. Thank you for all your help, Sue! As we do each year, our members were asked contribute to a holiday gratuity which we presented to Sue at our December 27th meeting. Sue is shown here at left with President Shelby.
Charlotte Spinney provided an update on this year's Free Holiday Store. There has been lots of activity at the Library with gifts coming in, with sizable donations from a number of local businesses. Approximately 120 families and 275 children have benefited from the store this year - an increase over 2016. Each child receives 3 gifts, a hat and scarf, a book and a backpack.
Kudos to Gerry Gross and Gary Kelley for securing a $500 donation from Walmart to support the store. Thank you to Walmart store manager Albin Shkreli for your support!
Join us on Friday, January 26 as we cheer on the Worcester Railers as they take on the Quad City Mallards at what's come to be known as the Chris Bakutis' Birthday Party. The game will be played at the DCU Center in Worcester, and the puck drops at 7:05pm. Tickets are $20, including a hat. Contact Paul McGrath to make your reservation. Payment is due not later than January 17.
The next Rotary Leadership Institute will be held on January 20 at the Boxborough Regency Hotel. The Institute runs from 7:30am to 3:30pm, and is designed to provide both new and experienced Rotarians information to better understand how our Club functions, as well as enhancing leadership skills. Subjects include A Look Outside the Club, Membership Orientation and Activation, Introduction to Leadership, Creating Service Projects and much more. There are three levels offered, along with a graduate course for those who have completed levels I, II and III. Tuition is $85, which will be reimbursed by the Club. For more information on RLI and to register visit http://www.rlinea.org/ or contact our very own Dave Kaiser, the RLI District Chair! Please save your receipt and submit it to Paul Reilly for reimbursement. Please note that you must attend the session in order to be reimbursed. The deadline to register is January 10th. Those who have attended RLI agree that it is one of the best run and most useful programs offered for our members.