Reported by Samuel Greer
President Julie Benkoski called the meeting to order at noon. Michele Heyman led the pledges and Michael Portman gave the invocation. Mary Reynolds led us in reciting the “FOUR WAY TEST.” Carl Noble was our Greeter at the top of the stairs and Ray Kang introduced our guests and visitors.
President Julie introduced our newest member, Barbara Beck (with her sponsor Paula Cyr). Welcome, Barbara! She then called our speaker, Past District Governor Rich Kaye, to the podium, and he presented President Julie, Harold Benkoski and Ellen Hunt w ith their PHF +1 pins. Congratulations!
We had another introduction, to a very special guest, Hank Sartin! Hank is the Senior Editor for the Rotarian magazine — this is the monthly magazine that Rotary International distributes to every Rotarian in the world. Hank was in town to interview President Julie and several other members about our Club, and there will be a story on us in one of the future issues of the Rotarian!
President Elect Bill Davies reminded us that the deadline to recommend any of our fellow members, or ourselves, to serve on the Board of Directors or as President is coming up on October 19th. Get those nomination forms turned in ASAP!
Whitney McKain invited us to the Pints for Polio/Mem bership event com ing up on October 18, at the Fairmont Hotel’s Roof Top Patio, from 5:30pm to 7:30pm. Don Grillo also made an announcement reminding us about the wine tasting he and his wife are hosting on Friday, October 26th.
Finally, Jon Yates came up and announced multiple volunteer opportunities at Pecan Spring’s Elementary School’s Fall Festival and Book Fair on October 25th. These kids don’t get the chance to trick-or-treat much so we’re also collecting candy that will be given out at the festival. Please contact Jon if you’re
interested in volunteering, and bring a bag of candy to next week’s meeting for the kids!
We had a few minutes of Fellowship then Past President Ronney Reynolds introduced PDG Rich Kaye to the podium. Rich began his presentation with an informative video highlighting a few of the projects funded by donations made to Rotary International’s Foundation, The Rotary Foundation (TRF). He also reported that, during the past 100 years, The Rotary Foundation has spent more than $3 billion on life-changing, sustainable projects. We, as Rotarians, have made a difference in the lives of millions of people across the globe in areas including: preventing disease, bolstering local economic development, developing clean water supplies, conflict resolution, promotion of education and supporting mothers and children.
President Julie announced that next w eek’s speaker is Austin Police Chief Brian Manley, then she thanked our featured newsletter sponsors Rick Ravel (Karavel Shoes) and Andy Swanson (Centric Commercial). She closed with a “Thought for the Day” from Robin Williams and adjourned at 1:00 p.m.