Marty- Happy for the good news I will share about the wine tasting
Gary grandson finished first year of college
Sheila- Happy
John - Happy
Charlie - grandson successful year at UCONN
Jan P - I’ll be happy if I can read these notes I am taking
Ed - Marty’s good work
Nancy- Jan T and Sheila B good work at Commodities Exchange
Joan W. - Professionalism of Marty and Gail
Alan - Happy to be back
Roseann - Twin grandchildren graduated from HS and got into colleges of choice
Bill O - granddaughters home from Ireland Safely
____ Jan’s dog came through surgery
JanT. What did she say I can’t read it
Presidents Report, Program, Announcements, etc.
President’s Report: Nancy presented the results of the member satisfaction survey. 22 members responded to the survey. This was an idea Jan P and Nancy learned about at PETS (President Elect Training) She described the results as very good but there are a few things to work on. (The survey presentation may be found here.)
Discussion by club members ensued.
What is the meaning of some of this?
A member pointed out that about half the members responded.
Another member pointed out that the most extreme concerns came from one or two entries. Percentages were between 10 and 19 percent. The general consensus was that the results are very good but we have some work to do.
Nancy recommended modifying use of our meeting time for small committees to get together once a month during a regular meeting to work together and get to know each other.
It was also suggested that we do our best to sit in different areas of the meeting room so we can know each other in more casual conversation.
There was also a sense that the questions about transparency may be associated with financial information which can be presented to the Club on a monthly basis in the future.
Greeters at the door will help welcome all, especially new members.
Monthly phone calls to new members by various Board members was suggested.
Training on use of website and district level sites for all to be able to access additional information.
Grants: Nancy thanked Roseann and Cheryl for their work on the grant. The grant money will be received and the grant given to our chosen recipient, a camp for children who are living with severe burns. This is the first grant for this grant committee. Roseann reported that we received the full amount. Nancy asked for photo opportunity awareness.
Applause followed this presentation!
Jan P presented the Foundation Budget and a longitudinal look at the last three years by month. This work was compiled by Kathy C and Jan thanked her for that work. The Foundation balance continues to be invested and is currently doing well. All members in attendance received paper copies of the current status and the status for the last three years by month.
Members asked for monthly updates and a presentation twice a year from the Rotary Foundation financial advisor, Bill Tate, of Essex Financial. Jan said she would look into that once she has dates that are available for the club to hear from him. A member reminded the group that legacy donations have had a positive impact on our bottom line.
Joan W. presented Public Relations work -
Joan traveled areas of Westbrook on foot handing out flyers and making them aware of the upcoming social in Westbrook.
She shared a nearly final draft of the new Rotary flier that she and John A are developing.
She also shared multiple publications that she is examining as potential resources to advertise.
She reported that a Thank you for the Wine Tasting went out in this week’s Harbor News and one will go out soon for the Shredding Day.
The budget for this work is $2500 in FY 25.
Applause followed this presentation!
Marty presented the final numbers for the Wine Tasting. This was our most successful year ever. The final net profit is $39,927. This is an increase of approximately 13,000 over last year.
Announcements:
Alan announced that we are meeting for the Memorial Day Parad at 9:00 a.m. in the Stop and Shop parking lot on Monday, May 26.
Jan P announced that she was passing around the summer concert sign-up.
Nancy reminded everyone about May Mental Health month and handed out calendars to all who needed a copy.
Alan reminded the club that we will host Leah O’Connor at our next meeting on May 22 at noon at the VFW.
