I first want to thank you all for supporting the MacMillan family over the last few days. Most especially, the Rotarian Honor Guard at the funeral services on Monday. The passing of Doug was a huge loss for our community and Rotary family. Your solidarity illustrated to the world what being a Rotarian means. Thank you again.
On a fellowship note, we have a lot going on between meeting the requirements to apply for a global grant in the 2016-2017 Rotary year and the fast approaching joint meeting with the West Springfield Club on March 12th, 2016. For a club to apply for a Rotary Grant, each Club must have two active club members participate in a webinar. On Tuesday evening, Dene and Anita Kimball opened their home to celebrate the 111th Birthday of Rotary and allow for us all to watch the webinar together. The Global Grant engages a Club in the host country of the project. In our case,Maryanne Herron has been building a relationship with a Club in Phnom Penh. We can apply for matching grants at both the District level and from The Rotary Foundation. If you have an interest in participating of the grant writing piece of the project please contact Lamont Clemons or myself.
We have over 25 Rotarians and guests signed up for the St Patrick’s Day event on March 12th, 2016 at the Storrowtown Tavern with the Rotary Club of West Springfield. The lunch will begin at noon and the cost is $12. Remember to wear your green!
The last fellowship item where I am in need of help is regarding Bill Massida. Bill is being honored as a fifty year Rotarian. Bill has remained an active member of the Wells, Maine Rotary. Over the next few weeks, I would appreciate any thoughts or memories of Bill to share with the Wells, Maine Rotary. I will get a 50th Anniversary Card for members to sign to accompany thoughts or memories of Bill. I will send the card following the March, 4th Meeting.
Anthony D. Gulluni, Hampden District Attorneywill address the Springfield Rotary Club's luncheon meeting this Friday, February 26th. District Attorney Anthony D. Gulluni took office as Hampden District Attorney in January 2015. He is a life-long Springfield resident who grew up in a close-knit family committed to public service. He has followed the example set for him by his family throughout his professional career as an Assistant District Attorney and through his work at the City of Springfield Law Department and the Salvation Army.
District Attorney Gulluni has taken quick strides in achieving his vision of promoting public safety through the swift and aggressive prosecution of violent offenders as well as investing significantly in crime prevention through community outreach. The Hampden District Attorney’s office partners with many agencies such Roca, the YWCA, and the City of Springfield Department of Health and Human Services and initiates its own programs to engage youth, prevent crime, and help people overcome addiction and avoid substance abuse.
As of today the Springfield Rotary average attendance is 35%. As disappointing as it may seem, this number is a misleading indicator of the efforts our members have contributed to the mission of ‘Service Above Self’. To better recognize your efforts, here are some of the ways attendance will be counted moving forward:
Regular weekly meetings (as always)
Committee Meetings (Operations, Executive Board, Steering or Service Project Committees)
Approved Club Service Project participation (such as Feeding the Homeless)
Visiting other Rotaries, within 14 days before or after missing a regular meeting. Most Rotaries have make up slips to turn into your local Club Secretary.
During any meetings related to Rotary, have someone keep a record of members in attendance. As Club Secretary, I will record that, improving our average attendance record.
You can also submit attendance records backdated from July 2015. Please ensure your committee name is listed, along with a date of the meeting.
With one week to go, the bidding for a custom-designed walking stick made by Springfield Rotarian Dene Kimball has reached $150. Bidding closes next week at our lunch meeting on Friday, February 26th, 2016, with all funds to benefit the Club's Service Fund. Dene's hand-crafted walking sticks are very personal, highlighting the family name, accomplishments and characteristics of the recipient.
At this date 26 members of our Club have made reservations to attend this year's joint St. Patrick's Rotary Lunch, a joint meeting with our friends in the West Springfield Club. It will once again be held at the Storrowton Carriage House, but this year takes place Tuesday March 15, 2016 AT NOON (a time change from last year's evening version). The St. Patrick's themed buffet lunch is just $12.00. This is a joint Rotary Club Meeting and will take the place of our regular Friday noon meeting for that week. Want to come? RSVP to President Jack BEFORE March 1, 2016 or online to: stella_kalamarakis@comcast.net.
