Meeting of June 20th
After reviewing the details of the upcoming major events (District Conference, changeover gathering, Strawberry Festival), we were introduced to our guest speaker, Caitlin Morrison.
This Dover High School graduate who is currently studying at the University of Rhode Island recounted her journey through Rotary. As a high schooler she was a leader in her Interact club, she had the privilege of attending RYLA as a sophomore entering junior year and it totally changed her life, she has since been a staff member of RYLA, and then she graduated and moved on to URI where she is studying cell and molecular biology. Her assessment of Rotary is that whatever Rotary does has a ripple effect on change in the world, and Rotary's best attribute is that it has an impact on so many things and people. As the motto goes, "Be the Change", and she sees that on a daily basis with her involvement in Rotary. She decided she would help to bring about change one person at a time. She is involved in the community service organization at school, and when brainstorming with Phil Giordano of our Youth Services branch of the district, they decided to start a virtual Rotary club for college students and young professionals who ordinarily would not be able to attend Rotary meetings. It is called the New Voices Club and is a model for others to replicate. They meet on-line, they produce weekly newsletters, they perform service with Rotary and other groups, they have chats, and periodically may plan a meeting for face-to-face time, but this is not a high priority. Service is. They were chartered this month and their first club project was the clean-up at Camp Hines for the next RYLA session. Rotary International totally encourages them to do this and looks forward to their success. Caitlin plans to continue to reach out to Interact, Rotaract and RYLA alumni with this great opportunity to continue what they have begun when involved with Rotary. And if a Rotary club has a project that needs help, "Who ya gonna call? New Voices!" FYI, Caitlin is president-elect.
Next week will be club assembly, but we have some important matters to discuss about the upcoming year, so please attend.
Speaking of which...
WHAT A LOVELY PARTY HOSTED BY THE HARMONS ON SUNDAY! The changeover social was a delight thanks to the serene setting, great company, food provided by so many, and President Richard and now-President Jeremy, respectively, who recognized club members with certificates and President Richard with a world-famous Tilley hat in appreciation for his fine presidency. THANK YOU TO ALL!
Don't forget your commitments to the Strawberry Festival lobster rolls fundraiser.
FYI, no meeting on July 4th week.