Rotateller Rotary Club of Owego, NY
Tuesday, July 31, 2007 Gary Williams, Editor

THOUGHT FOR TODAY:

You cannot always have happiness, but you can always give happiness. Anonymous

VISITORS AND GUESTS:

Jillian Strauss, daughter of Fred

BIRTHDAYS: none again this week

FINES:

Orv led a team-building exercise based on this month’s Rotarian Magazine. Do you know:

1. What percentage of Rotarians worldwide are women;
2. What percentage of Rotarians worldwide are over 40 years of age;
3. What percentage of Rotarians worldwide are actively working (not retired);
4. How many clubs existed when the first Rotary convention was held in 1910; and
5. In what city the 2008 Rotary International convention will be held?

(Answers: 1 is 15%; 2 is 89%; 3 is 78%; 4 is 16; and 5 is Los Angeles.)

THERE WERE MANY HAPPY DOLLARS TODAY:

Annette for the success of Hickory Smoked Blues; Al Bingley for his new hybrid vehicle; Fred for his recent Florida vacation; Ed Arrington for his granddaughter’s repeat appearance on the honor roll; Carl for a recent family reunion and the successful move of Tricia from Fredonia to Buffalo; Orv for the success of the 3.5 tennis team, they are off to defend in Syracuse; Ann L. for the removal of the baked mouse from her car; Jillian Strauss for being able to see Suuz one last time; Carolyn W. for the postcard from Suuz’s cross-country trip; Janelle Malia for the start of college “shopping”; Paul whose grandchildren are headed back to college; and Matt for the repaired Rotary bell.

MUSIC:

Carl and Carolyn lead us in “Better Than Ever This Year.” We trust that the rich sentiment overcomes the poor singing.

SUZANNE:

Suuz bid us farewell with a summary of her cross-country trip. It’s possible to see all the highlights of our country in four weeks if one does not sleep. It was hot at the Grand Canyon (100 degrees), hotter in Texas (102 degrees), and hottest in Las Vegas (112 degrees). The heat problem in Las Vegas was solved by the rental of a limousine for sightseeing. There were interesting times including the setting on fire of a hotel room microwave oven. Suzanne leaves us for home on Sunday, August 6. Her flight is at 2:30 p.m. from the Binghamton airport.

PROGRAM: Club Assembly

Matt presented his goals for the year for membership, service projects, foundation giving, leadership development, public relations, youth, and joint service club meetings.

Discussion took place on four topics:

1. What do you believe to be the 3 most important strengths of the Owego Rotary Club? We are well funded, have high energy members, have a great youth program, and support the Rotary Foundation.
2. What do you believe to be the 3 biggest weaknesses of the Owego Rotary Club? We need to increase member participation in activities with the youth exchange students and we need to improve weekly attendance.
3. What do you believe are the 3 most important changes that should be made to the club? To be more active with other clubs, to have more family events, to recognize perfect attendance, to investigate tax-exempt status, and to obtain matching grants for projects.
4. What do you believe are the 3 most important aspects of the club that should not be changed? Judy has no notes for this one. Matt will put out another summary shortly.

50/50:

Ann Lowdermilk, who switched tickets at the last minute with Orv to win again.

NEXT WEEK:

Lindsay Adler talking about fashion photography. Rumor has it that she is going to digitally enhance her father before our very eyes. Don't miss it.

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