The Bulletin -- July 1, 2009 (#997)

Program: Club Assembly—President Bonnie Black

President Bonnie Black speaks with Cathy Forget following the Club Assembly Meeting

The Future Is In Your Hands President Bonnie reminded everyone of the new vision set by Rotary International for all clubs. “The Future of Rotary is in Your Hands” emphasizes the role each member plays in securing a successful future for clubs around the world.

Rotary Goals
Sustaining or Increasing Membership Last year was one of the best for increasing membership and it is Bonnie’s hope that this trend continues. She will keep Past Pres. Steve Frederick’s “get out of fines for a year” policy for those introducing new members.

Implement Successful Projects These should meet local and international needs. This will be a renewed focus.

Support the Rotary Foundation Through program participation and financial contributions we will reinvigorate our focus on the Foundation. Sonia Long and Past Pres. Steve Frederick will collaborate on this effort. They will pass along information on planned giving and how to become a Rotary Benefactor.

Develop Leaders Leadership should extend beyond our local club whenever possible. It is our goal to cultivate leaders who can participate on district and international levels. A few members are taking that step, but more are needed.

Leadership Plan Rotary International would like clubs to become more effective by restructuring administration and operation. The club’s strategic plan implemented last year has put us on the right track. We want to develop long range goals, convene regular club assemblies once per quarter (the next Club Assembly will be 09/02), involve club members in activities and fellowship opportunities, maintain open lines of communication (transparency), ensure continuity in club leadership, and provide regular and consistent training (look for “Committee Moments” in the future). All of these endeavors are to help us reach the four avenues of service: Vocational, Club, International, Community.

The Five New Standing Committees are Administration, Public Relations, Membership, Service Projects and Foundation. For each one there are subcommittees run by committee chairs. However, members need only know the five chairs of the Standing Committees to be able to bring new ideas or direct questions. It streamlines the process and provides easy access to information.

Past Presidents Committee The wisdom of those Presidents who have lead the club in the past is invaluable. Bonnie would like to see a committee made up of past presidents convene occasionally to brainstorm ideas that will help the club achieve its goals.

In Summary Our club plan helps us define our leadership roles, keep our avenues of service focused and will guide us to be successful in everything we do for Rotary. Bonnie’s hope is that everyone will take a look at the new committee structure, decide where you would like to serve and email Bonnie with questions/ideas. The future of Rotary is truly in your hands, so please find ways to maximize your service this year.

This Week:

• President Bonnie noted the start of a new year means that as of today everyone has 100% attendance. Visit the website (www.plattsburghrotary.org) for a list of nine ways you can do a make up and maintain your perfect attendance.
• Dues are Due! Rotary International is expecting a check before the end of the month. Please help us meet this deadline.
• Keith Tyo notified members of a very easy way to make money for the club. Anyone who can make it to the FLW Event at the Field House on Saturday (6/4) or Sunday (6/5) need only drop a ticket in a bucket placed at the information booth. For each ticket dropped (one per person) the club earns a dollar. It’s an easy way to help out.
• Stan Ransom accepted a check for $250 from the club on behalf of the Public Library in support of the quadracentennial events.
• Bethany Drollette accepted a check for $500 for the Girl Scouts which will help 6 children attend summer camps.
• Elle Berger is looking for Food Shelf volunteers for the upcoming year. Service requires coming a little early to one meeting a year to help collect money. See Elle.

Visiting Rotarians: Charlie Lewis, Naples Florida

Guests: Tim Ahers (Alan Booth)

Fines: Bruce Fry was shown in four Press-Republican articles. Ironically he spun the wheel (once) for $4.

Bonnie’s Bucks:

• Rod Giltz had a dollar to thank God for the weather. He places no faith these days in the paper or television.
• Anne Hansen thanked the club for helping SUNY meet their fundraising goals.
• Alan Booth asked if the club believed in serendipity. He was sitting with Past Pres. Tim Ahres who began the Club Song and Past Pres. Chuck Paepke who did away with it.

50/50 : The pot is worth $1075 and Anne Hansen drew the seven of spades.

Another Candle Burning For: Heidi Clute (7/6); Bob Donlan (7/9)

Make-Ups: Rotary Orientation: Wallace Westfeldt and Roger VanGuilder (6/19); Ithaca Sunrise Club Sonia Long 6/11); Chestertown Rotary Club: Roger VanGuilder(6/2)

BOB PARKS (CENTER) WELCOMES NEW MEMBER BOB KIDWELL, GENERAL MANAGER AT THE GROUND ROUND (left). HIS SPONSOR, BOB SMITH STANDS TO THE RIGHT.

Upcoming Programs: Go to Membership Duties List