Announcements:

 

Jocelyn Reiter Ellison brought cookies for all to celebrate her 28 years as a Rotarian.

 

President Kate announced that we have a new Rotary International President, Francesco Arezzo from Italy.  He replaced the President-Elect who had to step down.

 

Program:

 

President Kate introduced our Club Assembly, where we were encouraged to sign up for a committee.  She also gave a brief outline of the club’s goals for the year 2025-26.  Included in this year’s goals are increasing club membership to 40 members and raising $50,000 to finance our various contributions locally, regionally, and internationally.  We also heard from a number of committee chairs who gave brief explanations of their plans for this year’s activities. Kate also reminded us that chairs do not do all the work themselves – they need committee members to assist in carrying out the various activities that are planned.  She reminded everyone that all club members need to participate in the various committees.  Members who do not sign up for a committee by August 15 will be assigned to one.  We may consider combining committees once the sign-up period is over and we know what staffing level each committee has.

 

There was some discussion of what type of activities committee members would be expected to do.  As an example, Rémy Pairault described how public relations activities could include posting information on Facebook, or on the club’s website.

 

Going forward, club monthly meetings and regular activities will follow this format: the first Monday meeting will be in person; the second Monday will be a social event; the third Monday will be a committee-centered or volunteer event.  The goal is to make Rotary interesting and enjoyable for everyone with good attendance.  Part of this involves doing more volunteering and social events – we want a culture of fun and of giving.

 

We briefly discussed other club meeting venues, such as St John’s Church and Moss Bay Hall.

 

Dave Aubry announced that Jocelyn Reiter Ellison had suggested we bring in secure, non- perishable food items each week, and David or Anna Aubry would undertake to deliver them to St. John’s Food Pantry in front of the church office.  More details on items wanted will be out later.

Rick Ostrander reported that not all members have paid their dues, and again presented the budget draft prepared for 2025-2026. Several board members objected to the level of detail in the budget, requesting that committee chairs be allocated lump sums and have the authority to spend it as they see fit, but with board approval. Another request is that expected member donations not be included in the budget, and the $2,000 allocated to the community service chair be included. Budget approval was postponed to August.