Past president Tim Ridge filled in for president Ben Shelton who was conspicuously absent, and made the following announcements:
1. The district training session is slated for September 8 in Mount Pleasant. Tim encouraged attendance and promised a learning experience.
2. John Farrenkopf reminded all of tonight's program committee meeting. Riley's (south) at 5:30. John promised a good time will accompany important committee business.
3. Membership chair John Carroll is also hosting a committee meeting. Same time and place as above.
4. Cory Malphrus thanked the 9 members who helped clean the high school parking lot this past weekend; just in time for the new semester.
5. Ivan Bennett announced that he has 400 "complements of VanLandingham Rotary" labels ready to affix inside dictionaries for fifth graders. Ivan can use your help.
Following the announcements was none other than sergeant-at-arms Chuck Wiseman who introduced visiting Rotarians Richard Rorschach (Kilgore, TX) and Ken Nykiel (Schaumburg, IL); collected Happy Dollar$; and, back by popular demand, rounded up four (somewhat) willing participants for Rotary Karaoke. Neil Diamond's Sweet Caroline never sounded so good, so good, so good.
From left: Chuck Wiseman, Sonny Huntley, Tim Ridge, Neil Castellane, Julie Camp
Today's program featured membership chair John Carroll who made a graphic pitch for new-member recruitment. In his presentation, John urged all to visit Rotary International's website where you will find good membership-related resources. He played a short video to demonstrate the quality of these resources. You will also find links to many social media outlets for RI.
The thrust of the membership committee will be be to recruit 7 new members this Rotary year, which will bring our total to 70. We currently have several gals in our club (12.8%) and hope to recruit several more. In addition to recruiting efforts John emphasized the importance of improving member engagement and maintaining member satisfaction. You can improve your engagement and satisfaction by attending the informal committee meeting/social gathering tonight at Riley's at 5:30. Feel free to bring your significant other or invite a friend (prospective member?)
Editor's note: Bulletin Editor Nancy Riedel was away on important District 7770 business and will also be away next week.