Pledge, 4-Way Test: President Nancy Morin
Prayer: Joan Winters
Card Game Winner: Bill O
Raffle Winners: John, Charlie R, Todd
Happy Bucks: from Charlie R, Tara, Victoria, Marty, Chip, John, Todd, Pete, Alan, Bill O, Jan P, Joy, Nancy and more for the beautiful day, the new member orientation this morning, upcoming shredding event and the encouraging weather forecast. Rosanne was happy to have attended a 2-person Rotary meeting on the Queen Mary II last week.
Nancy thanked those who attended the new member orientation this morning at 9:30 at Key Bank. Nancy had her projector working, hooked up to the internet and with help from Marty, Jan and Rosanne, showed new members Todd and Victoria, and prospective members Marty and Cami, Rotary resources including our website, the MyRotary.org, DACdb and more.
The main topic for the meeting today was the club budget (not foundation budget). The Board meets monthly to discuss this and other matters. Treasurer Kathy Callinan prepared and distributed the budget proposal on a spreadsheet. Kathy pointed out that a few fundraisers (Arts & Crafts Festival, Macaroni Dinner, Shredding Event), dues ($225) and money collected at meetings (meals, happy bucks) is the only income the club receives and is largely paid to the district with very little left over for club expenses. It was suggested and most concur that another fundraiser is needed if we hope to keep dues at the present level. The total budget is $33,800. The budget is based on past income and expense data but is uncertain. Some reimbursement is received from the foundation for student of the month meals. Printing cost is a function of club activity so will likely increase. Cost cutting was accomplished by going with free Zoom rather than a paid subscription, and incoming president Jan Peruccio is looking at other possible measures to reduce cost. If there is money left over, suggested expenditures include getting our own projector for presentations rather than borrowing a projector that might not work. Software known as Club Runner is budgeted which will increase efficiency and actually realize some savings operationally.
Following the budget discussion, President Nancy proposed joining New London Rotary in a grant based project to supply musical instruments to a school in Ecuador. Some members suggested we try to keep discretionary spending for local needs. The proposal of $1,000 was voted down, Nancy then amended the proposal to $500 which passed. Another request was made by the Food Pantry, $1200 for new equipment.
Jan sent out a survey last week and so far about 50% responded. If you haven't done the survey, please do so at your earliest convenience.
John Aforismo said all systems are go for the Shredding Event Saturday. The weather is expected to be mild and pleasant! This is an important club fundraiser and its very popular because people appreciate the opportunity to safely dispose of their personal and confidential documents.
