Toward the end of the meeting, we returned to collecting coins for Alzheimer's research. Susy, Bob, and Ken had all been involved in getting the blue buckets back to Gaithersburg.
Also, we held a 50-50 raffle. Bob R's number came up again, but the tricky Jokers alluded him. Perhaps they are waiting until the pot grows a bit.
Next, the happy dollars. Ken started by saying that a friend of his, widowed for nearly 40 years, had just gotten remarried. Hooray for her! Sol stated that he was a Marshall last week for an 'adaptive" golf tournament at the Woodmont Country Club. Apparently, "adaptive" includes numerous conditions that give a golfer a handicap.
Margaret paid to urge us to attend the Zoom meeting next week, when the speaker will delve into mental health. Then, Sara contributed for being late and for being helped by a delivery truck driver when her car's low tire light was on. He stayed to be sure it was off. Let's hope it stays that way.
Janet kicked in $5 for her cruise to Croatia and other countries, Denise for the new Board of Directors, and Stu for the meeting.
And then we stood for the Four Way Test, and the closing bell rang loudly. Ken managed to remove his hearing aid in the nick of time.
On July 15th, we pledged allegiance to a full-size American flag--no more tiny ones for us. Then, President Priscilla circulated a list of committees so we could sign up for them. We celebrated July birthdays for no fewer than seven members: Ruby, Ken, Diana, Frankie, Dale, Eric, and Susy, serenading them with the traditional birthday song and our very efficient alternate (just 9 words).
Then, President Priscilla related points from the recent board of directors meeting. She explained the vice president's job, summarized other jobs in the club, and said Kumba had attended the zone membership seminar. She also mentioned that clubs in our district installed 300 new members last year, significantly more than the number who resigned, and added that she wanted the committees to work well this year. Also, the club will reward Dan D. for his many years of service as Treasurer.
Then, Priscilla summarized our budget for the new Rotary year. It predicts a small surplus. Janet commented that the Board had discussed increasing revenue for the club and that any ideas of possible sources would nr welcome. Priscilla added that, in this Rotary year, we would have monthly board meetings and quarterly club assemblies. Then, the discussion turned to our charer night celebration--when, where, what type, and who would be in charge of it. Ideas are wanted and decisions are pending.
Finally, at the installation of our District Governor on July 13th, our President said clubs were urged to tell their stories to the public. Also, clubs should cooperate more with each other, as we are starting to do with the Rockville Rotary.
Turning to club activities, Priscilla said our shredding event would take place on October 25th at 8:30 a.m. Then, there was talk of which day would be best for our Peace Day breakfast at our recently installed peace pole. Sol suggested that it would be an excellent "media event." Next, members were urged to attend at least part of the District Conference October 3-5. Our club plans to contribute $250 to its cost.
For "Glenda's Project" this year, we might give us diapers instead of toys. For Christmas, toys are traditional, but, for many families, the need for diapers is greater. Also, the Muddy Branch Alliance has contacted our club about working together. That organization mainly does environmental projects. A member will speak to us in the near future.
Then, Bob R. said he would like to see a discussion of how Rotary can deal with the important changes that are occurring in our country and the world. Prescilla replied that, in the international convention, there were many examples of what we are doing. Sonia suggested we invite the public to such discussions and said that young people were eager to be involved in current events. What's more, if we invite them to fora, they will learn about Rotary.
Dan D. said that a great strength of our club was the diversity of our members and suggested a series of five-minute talks, by members, on events in specific countries. Sonia added outside speakers to the idea. In the meanwhile, we were passing around a patch that represents a district Gold Award for environmental work. It was presented to us during the meeting on Sunday to inaugurate the new District Governor. Priscilla added that she would like for us to earn awards this year in other areas of Rotary activity.