Newburyport Rotary - Newburyport Clipper

Russ Johnson led the opening song today, August 31, "God Bless America." Bob Kirsner gave the invocation. Following lunch - grilled mahi or pasta with tomato sauce - John Budzyna led us in singing "Edelweiss." Great job John. Geri said we should make sure Ted gets fed first so he is available to play the piano.

Guests and Visiting Rotarians

Chip Nutter read the guest book today. In attendance were Bill Zechel from Nashua, Nancy Gorda from Portsmouth, Millie Rich from Melrose, Hy derBogosian from Haverhill, and Carl Grey from Keiver Willard.

Happy Dollars

Bruce Bear just returned from Florida where he was checking his property for damage from Hurricane Charlie. He said, "Seeing is believing", because the ravage caused by this storm is just incredible. Russ Johnson paid a dollar because it was twenty five years ago today he retired from the Coast Guard, and shortly thereafter, joined Rotary under the sponsorship of Bruce Bear. Bill Zechel paid a dollar to tell us one of his jokes. Sheila Johnson was happy that she rode her motorcycle to Prince Edward Island and back for a total of 1500 miles.

New Membership Proposals

The second reading of proposed new members was on the web page, and the third reading was today. Liz Jutrus of Appliance Warehouse, Wendy Smith of Something Sweet and Carl Grey of Keiver Willard. George Cashman will arrange a fireside chat for these new members soon.

Finance Committee

It was the idea of George Cashman to form a Finance Committee, so he will be recruiting people soon.

Presentation

Keith Congdon spoke to us about the dedication of Moseley Pines Park last weekend. As you remember, our Rotary Club donated $5000 dollars to the project.

Rotary Foundation

Liz Cullen spoke about the Foundation, explaining where our money goes. It is a charitable foundation funded and administered by Rotary. The Permanent Fund spends the interest only, and the Annual Fund is on a three - year cycle spending 50% on District projects and 50% on world projects, one of which is PolioPlus. If you wish to become a Paul Harris Fellow, see Liz. She has formed groups for a five - year commitment at $200 per year. Every year one person wins the $1000 Fellowship.

Badge Fines

Geri said she forgot her badge today, so hers was the first fine to be collected. The fine is $2 if you forget to wear a badge (any badge).

Picture Fines

President Geri had pictures of Ted, Liz, Scott Eaton (two pictures), the Kirsners, the Congdons, and Kate.

100th Year Anniversary

Sue Christ spoke about an idea she had for celebrating the 100th year of Rotary on February 23, 2005. It is a Wednesday night, and we have a fundraising /social dinner with 8 - 10 people per table and each table would be served by a different restaurant. The event would be open to the public with further details to follow.

Raffle

$20 was won by Scott Eaton