Morrisville Rotary Club

Present: Jim Mahoney, Ted Lambert, Tim Sargent, Jason McArthur, Patti Coultas, Sharon Menard, Gary Nolan, Roy and Marcia Marble, Mary Metcalf, Phil Chiaravalle, Phil Grant, Becky Gonyea, Deanna Wood, and Mark Cattelona (arrived late)

Tim collected $14 in happy dollars.

Jim asked for an update from a member who attended the Stowe Rotary Joint Meeting. Dr. Phil said that Marcia, Marc, Tim, Rudy and he went. They talked about joint ventures such as Octoberfest, and joining together to paint the Out and About Building. No decisions were made. It was a good meeting.

Jim invited Becky to talk about the “Climb for Kids” Family Center Fundraiser. Becky said that it is a hike up Elmore Mountain, June 5th. It will be run similar to other walk-a-thons, where the participant raises money for their hike. There will be food, prizes, and entertainment. She brought posters for members to distribute and also fundraising kits.

Jim said that the next story hour at the Centennial Library in Morrisville will be Thursday at 10:30 and he hopes some members can attend. Marcia and Deanna both said they planned to attend.

The District Conference is scheduled for June 11th and 12th at the Dean Center at UVM. He hopes some members can attend, that it is a good way to learn more about Rotary. Marcia made the motion for the Club to pay for registration fees, Gary seconded it. The vote was unanimously approved.

Tim’s agenda today is for us to decide if we should move to the Tegu Building (Morrisville Town Office Conference Room). Jim asked if there was anyone who opposed the move, asking them to offer their opinion. No one spoke up. Tim then made the motion to move, Roy seconded it. The vote was unanimous. There was a brief discussion about food. It was agreed that we do want food there. Tim has a quote from Sweet Crunch. One benefit is that we can tell them it is for 10 people, knowing that sometimes folks bring their own food or don’t eat. At the Stone Grill we have to pay for a minimum of 15 people. This should save us money, as right now we are losing $100 each week between the cost of food and the space rental. The Teague Building will not charge us for the space. Tim said he would notify the Stone Grill management. He reminded us that we would be brown bagging it next week since this is not yet set up. Jim suggested we go ahead with Sweet Crunch. Mary said she would bring a coffee cake. They do have single cup coffee brewers.

The calendar for the next month was discussed. Patti explained she had not been able to find Geoffrey Blume’s contact information to let him know there was a double booking next week. Mary Metcalf had it and Jim said he would contact him to see if he could present another week.

Gary said that he thinks the July 4th event is a better time for us to hold the duck race. He will talk to the fire department and get back to us next week.

Jim turned the discussion to membership. With the change in time and cost, he thinks we should work on 5 members in the next 6 months. Tim reminded everyone he said his goal for the year is 10 members. Jim said we currently have 20 solid members. He also looked up the historical membership and the Morrisville Rotary has never had more than 30-35 members at one time. He said returning to that number is realistic. It was decided to bring in the membership list and for the group to send out postcards to former members inviting them to get re-involved. Mary has postcards.

Tim said he has heard several ideas for change over but has not yet decided. He thought early June might work before the district/international conventions.

Jim reminded members that we still needed to decide how to distribute the James Gregg Fund (approx $1,300). After discussion, Jim made the motion to give the money to the Centennial Library to use for Literacy Programs. Mary seconded it. There was discussion about waiting until June to write the check so that it can count toward Tim’s goals. Deanna will help with distribution so it is counted correctly. The vote was unanimous.

Marcia reminded members that the Montreal Rotary International conference would never be closer and encouraged everyone to attend.

Ticket: the card deck was unavailable. Mary’s ticket was drawn and she will draw a card next week.

Marcia contacted Marci and received a note back which Jim read out loud. She is healing and doing OK and can’t wait to return.

Next Meetings:
• May 11 – Vermont Commissioner of Education
• May 18 – Luigi, Cambridge Youth Exchange Student
• May 25 – Ms. Bernie Quinlan on Haiti Medical Mission
• June 1 – Committee Meeting

Minutes submitted by Patti Coultas.