Rotateller Rotary Club of Owego, NY
Tuesday, June 26, 2007 Gary Williams, Editor

GUEST:

Kathleen Adler

MUSIC:

Carl and Carolyn led us in: “For He’s a Jolly Good Fellow” for Al. (Al commented on his goals for the year and observed that we do not sing any better at the end of his term than we did in the beginning).

FINES:

Ann (who won by swapping tickets with Orv at the last second)

• All those who did not know of the event in 1959 with President Eisenhower and Queen Elizabeth II. (I remember it from our Weekly Reader).
• Ann also asked those who know the name of the incoming RI president.

CONGRATULATIONS TO HARRY ON HIS HOLE-IN-ONE

Congratulations? To Merl

Maria and Mark had a wonderful time in Alaska

CONGRATULATIONS TO BERNIE AND BOB ON THEIR 50TH ANNIVERSARY. Bernie’s mother (97) and her aunt (92) were able to come and celebrate with them.

Faye and John biked to Harris Hill and back.

Suzanne got on the bus this morning for her around-the-country trip.

Gene Nolis is at RYLA and met Lillian Tillapaugh there

ORIENTATION:

There will be an orientation led by Harry tomorrow evening at the Wright’s house. It will be an enjoyable evening with an opportunity to learn more about Rotary.

GOLF:

There will be captain and crew golf sponsored by the Bainbridge Club on August 23.

Rotary Club of Owego Highlights of board meeting of June 21, 2007

May attendance: 70%; 17 with 100% attendance; total – 57 members.

Some changes in legislation have been received from Rotary International. There will be a synopsis of these changes presented soon.

Preliminary figure for Strawberry Festival around $2800. Sales tax must be paid this year (and for the prior two years).

Support given for:

• “Lights on the River:” Owego village decoration program for winter holidays. Approved $1,000 for lighting product.
• Owego Gymnastics Banner: approved $500 for advertising banner to support scholarship program for children throughout the county.
• Recognition for a project to provide labor to move the temporary wall back at the vacant Front St. lot. Sign up sheets will be posted.

Next meeting Thursday, July 19, 2007 at 7:30 a.m.

Note: 2007-2008 dues are being collected starting now. The amount remains $128. Checks payable to Owego Rotary Club can be given to the secretaries, Orv and Carolyn Wright, anytime.

DICK’S SPORTING GOODS OPEN:

John told of the changes in the new tournament and is looking for many volunteers. It starts on Wednesday, July 11.

LOTTERY TICKETS:

John has also taken over this large responsibility. Please get your tickets so you have them on you to sell when you see prospective investors.

CONGRATULATIONS TO AL ON A VERY SUCCESSFUL YEAR. HE SUMMARIZED THE YEAR AS FOLLOWS:

1. Attendance increased from the low 60% to over 70%, not quite making the goal of 75%
2. We did not quite get to 100% participation in Foundation Annual Giving, but thanks to Annette’s efforts, we achieved the district honor for participation and average giving.
3. With a goal of increasing our net membership, but 1, we increased it by 2, with some excellent new members.
4. Updating the Club’s by-laws is still in process. None of the changes which need to be made are fundamental to the function of the Club.
5. We did get 100% of the members involved in a committee, although it is hard to judge the level of activity.
6. Al participated in all of the Binghamton Area Club conferences which he felt were worthwhile.
7. Our Club participated in all of the District Activities predominantly through the involvement of Matt and Orv. We had significant participation in the leadership training and the District Conference. Orv is the district chair for the fresh water initiative and is an Assistant District Governor for this up-coming year.
8. Through Laura’s leadership and the involvement of many members, the Club has continued and expanded its services to youth. We sponsored three RYLA students this year, supported Waterman camperships, and gave two $1000 scholarships at graduation.

Al recognized the officers and Carole who will be leaving the Board.

John Spencer: Program Committee; Golf Tournament; Raffle (Strawberry Festival and more)

Steve Lounsberry: Scholarship Committee and annual picnic

Merl Lessler: Membership Committee and participant in all projects

Bill Moon: Poinsettia Sale and arranging for rides for the students

Laura Costello: For an outstanding job with the youth and their programs.

Carolyn Galatzan: Paul Harris Awards and Dinner

Annette Schweiger: Rotary Foundation

Jeanette McMullen: Thursday programs

Judy Kip: Communications

Carl Betcher: Songs and Web Page

Rotarians of the Year: Congratulations to John Spencer and Bill Moon.

The mystery package was raffled off and won by Al for $75.

50/50 Al!

Congratulations to Matt!

The Killer Angels

by Michael Schaara

I first read this book 20 years ago. I read it again over the weekend because I will be visiting Gettysburg this fall. The book holds up very well and I would recommend it highly for anyone interested in the Civil War. Linda and I walked around the cemetery on Sunday to see the work that was done restoring the damaged Civil War gravesites. We were surprised to see Richard Stout buried there who was a Congressional Medal of Honor winner in the Civil War. The award was developed during that war. Joshua Lawrence Chamberlain was awarded the medal for his actions during the Battle of Gettysburg. He went on to become the president of Bowdoin College and the Governor of Maine. During his term at the college, the government decided that we needed to be more prepared in case of war than we were in 1861. They started military classes at colleges. Chamberlain pushed this at Bowdoin but was faced with student resistance in 1873 – 1874 (in case you think that the resistance during the 1960’s was unique). Colin was surprised to find out that mandatory ROTC was not eliminated at the University of Alabama until 1976!

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