Announcements:
Mark your calendar-
*October Social - October 30 at the Smoke House from 5:00 to 7:00
*Saturday November 23 - Oyster Roast at Otto Ferrene's Residence - watch for sign up sheet
*Tuesday November 26 - Holiday basket delivery/social to follow at Sundown Saloon in Port Royal Plaza
*December 6 - VLR Christmas Party at Dolphin Head, more info to follow
*Monday December 23 - Holiday basket delivery
The club donated $1,000 t the District Hurricane disaster relief efforts
AG Dan Ciuffreda presented the club with a check for $2500. This is district grant money which we will use to fund our Holiday basket program. Foundation money coming back to the district to the club.
Previous Meetings:
October 22, the club met at Volunteers in Medicine.
October 15 - Official District Governor Visit.
District Governor Mary Gasque visited, representing Rotary International and bringing news and updates from the district.
District Governor Mary Gasque visited, representing Rotary International and bringing news and updates from the district.
Mary, mother to a "boatload of cats" as well as two human children, began by telling a story of how RI President Stephanie Urchick, while on a water mission, came up with this year's theme - "the Magic of Rotary". She also wants all clubs to be irresistable. - "where everyone knows your name.". Rotary is your third way of life.
Mary talked about the three things that make up the "triangle of awesomness"- The Foundation, Membership, Public Image.
There is a new initiative - against human trafficking - if you see something, say something.
Membership: Every club is struggling with membership. Her main message here was do not bring anyone into Rotary unless they have been fully vetted. Don't over look senior citizens. Do not bring anyone in unless they understand the commitment.
Foundation: Every three years money that has been donated to the Foundation comes back to the district. This year there are two ambassadorial scholars, one of which is from Bluffton. We are #3 in the Zone for polio giving. Last year at this time there were 8 cases of polio, this year there are 50 - in Afghanistan and Pakistan. DG Mary also spoke of many grants that have been made possible by The Rotary Foundation, like Goats for Ghana.
She voiced appreciation for what Hilton Head Island Rotarians are doing for the WNC hurricane Helene damaged area. Shelter Box has been invited to help.
Dan Ciuffreda is our contact for the district
January there will be a Major Donor luncheon
District Conference will be in Columbia May 16 & 17 at the Marriott. There will be some new and exciting things - such as a talent show and there wont be a House of Friendship - but will be a Business area.
You can keep track of what is happening in the District by visiting Rotary7770.org or logging into dacDB and checking the the calendar.