March 29, 2016 Newsletter

Opening Ceremonies: President Ashley Johnson called the meeting to order. The invocation

was given by Larry Barnes and we said the Pledge of Allegiance. The greeter was Scott Kimball

and Newsletter notes were taken by Tracy Shaffer. St. at Arms was Cindy Shoppe assisted by Chris Coleman.

Guests: Dom’s mother, Irv’s wife Ellen, Lincoln’s wife Debra, Chris Coleman’s daughter Emily, Jane’s guest and prospective member Heidi, Cindy’s husband John, Laura’s husband Gene and daughter Allegra.

Make-Ups Reported: Those working at Everybody Eats! during our March service month will get make ups.

Door Prizes: Door prize winners included Dave Wheaton, John Shoppe and Nancy Mayo.

50/50: Everybody Eats! (EE) A Free Community Meal was announced again as this quarter’s charity for 50/50 and Happy Dollars. Dom won the 50/50 and donated the winnings back to

the cause.

Happy Dollars: Many people gave happy dollars for EE and used the time for

thoughts, thank you’s, notices and good wishes. Happy Dollar donations included contributions given by Laurie, Scott, Jim, Tracy, Chris, David and Nancy. Congratulations from several members went to David Wells for being named Citizen of the Year by the Ellsworth Area Chamber of Commerce.

Rotary Business:

Ashley reminded Rotarians that the Rotary Auction would be held on May 13. The auction will be held at the Big Cat’s Event Center in Trenton. Rotarians should now have their business contact list and information to contact area businesses for donations. If you have questions, please contact Carl.

Ashley announced again that our March service program is volunteering on Monday’s at

Everybody Eats! She thanked the volunteer Rotarians who participated this month.

She also thanked the Rotarians who have brought in food or check donations for the Hancock County Food Drive. Our drive concludes with this evening’s meeting.

It was noted that next week, we will be voting on changing our meeting location to Betty’s Hilltop. Please be at the meeting or send in your vote prior to meeting by contacting Ashley or Charlene.

Ashley presented the Wheelchair team members with certificates of recognition for their completed mission trip. Project chair David Wells noted that upcoming coverage of the trip should be in The Ellsworth American shortly.

Program: Club Assembly

Rotarians had an opportunity to hear from various officers and chairs regarding club and

committee updates. Highlights are noted below:

Secretary Report:

Lincoln noted for Charlene that we currently have 57 members and have approximately 63% attendance at our weekly meetings January – March, 2016. 12 Rotarians have 90% or higher attendance to date.

Treasurer Report:

It was noted that Lincoln and Cindy have been managing bill payment and deposits while Dan is out. Also, the club received a $2500 sponsorship check from the Bar Harbor Bank and Trust for this year’s auction. They will be our major sponsor this year.

Vocational Chair:

Ashley (Carl is away on vacation this week) reminded club members that the final HCTC Student of the Month recognition evening will be on April 26 on the HCTC campus. We will be recognizing students from the culinary arts and automotive programs. The 55^th Ellsworth High School Honors Banquet will be held on May 17 at China Hill. Four $500 scholarships will be awarded as well as the Kaufman 4 Way Test Scholarship.

Directory of Club Service:

A meeting schedule was circulated depicting guest speakers and events through December, 2016. A speaker for June 21 is needed. Please contact Jack or another committee member if you have suggestions.

Director of Community Service:

It was noted that the Indian Point Clean Up Project is slated for May 7^. The SPCA grant to help fund and work on their building addition is in progress as well.

Director of International Service:

Cheryl congratulated the Belize Wheelchair Project team members again for their service. She noted that the committee is working to define their 2017 project and more details will be forthcoming. She noted that the Belize team will be presenting a project recap with the Bar Harbor club participants to that club and to the Noontime Rotary in upcoming weeks.

Cheryl also noted that efforts to start an Interact Club are continuing with a possible teaming relationship with the Ellsworth Public Library.

Director of Membership Service:

We have had a good year with 4 new members joining to date and we are looking for more

prospective members. If you are interested in chairing Membership Service next year, please let Carl know.

Director of Community Support:

Jane noted that the committee meets the first Tuesday of each month at 5:15 PM. They look at funding requests monthly from area organizations and have about $3000 remaining to disburse

to applicants.

Director of Rotary Foundation:

Larry noted that we have met our funding goal this year of raising $6000. He also provided an update on the eradication of polio, the foundation’s signature project.

Director of Publicity:

Ashley and Lincoln shared several accomplishments to further extend our message to the community. These included publishing a recent article in The Ellsworth Area Chamber of

Commerce newsletter, growing our presence on Facebook and managing our website with current information and weekly meeting updates.

District Update – Looking Forward:

Lincoln discussed that as upcoming Governor Elect, he will be accountable for the President Elect Training (PET) next year. As he considers his future Governorship, he is planning to go to Haiti in the future to identify a district service project that he can spearhead. Also, the 2018 District Conference will be at the Mount Washington Hotel during the first week in May.

Ashley thanked the chairpersons and spokespersons present for their updates and the meeting was adjourned at 7 PM.

Respectfully Submitted,

Tracy Shaffer