Annual District Governor's Meeting, August 26, 2009

(District Governor Mary Schwaiger addressing the CLK Rotary.)

Attending this meeting were 17 members and 7 guests: guests were Bob Sharkey our Assistant District Governor and Anil Jambakar both of the Houghton club; Dave and Linda Grahek and their granddaughter; Keith, and District Governor Mary Schwaiger.

After a spirited Happy Dollars spree and lunch, Mary was reintroduced to speak to the club.

From the Green Bay club, Mary indicated early on that she identified with the Green Bay Packers (and for that your author forgives her) and that she is a dedicated Rotarian through and through.

Her presentation was what every Rotarian needs from time to time: a reminder not only of what we have been accomplishing but of what our goals could and should be if we continue to work hard at what we do best, i.e. helping other less fortunate. After all the theme of Rotary at present is, "The Future of Rotary International is in Your Hands."

Mary reminded everyone that there are 33,000+ Rotary clubs organized into 551 Districts and 34 Zones and that the tremendous accomplishments of RI could only be possible with this exceedingly effective organization. She pointed out that each of the 551 district governors has established district goals for the year and the totality of that effort is indeed overwhelming. For example, District 6220 goals for the year are:

1. A Presidential Citation fo each club.
2. EREY, a donation of $100 from Every Rotarian Every Year.
3. A Polio Plus fund-raiser during the year.
4. 80% member retention for the year.
5. Visioning. This is a "vision" meeting conducted by trained facilitators to help each club create its future in Rotary. In this regard, anyone wishing to be a facilitator, contact the Houghton club through Jim Lowell.
6. Have fun. In short, all work and no play....etc.

Mary reminded us of the 2010 District Conference of which she will be hostess on May 14-16 in Green Bay.

Finally, she pointed out that the little things we do will help to spruce up our image, things such as re-labeling our Rotary Magazine with our message after we've read them and bringing them to the various doctor's offices, etc, through the area.

It was an inspiring presentation done by an inspired presenter.



(Jim presented Mary with a small reminder of her visit to the Calumet-Laurium-Keweenaw area.)

Regular Meeting, August

(Our speaker, Chuck Nelson, listens patiently and thoughtfully to a comment from a member.)

There were 18 members and 4 guests in attendance: Guests included Linda and Dave Grahek and their granddaughter and Sharon Fisher of the Aspirus Keweenaw Fitness and Occupational Therapy Center.

President Jim opened the meeting with a very preliminary report on the Tamburitzans fund-raising program and, though the accounting was not complete, pronounced it a success. By next week we should have a full report. Chairman Dan thanked all members their efforts not only in selling tickets and distributing advertising but for housing the entire troupe.

After a round of happy dollars (with one exceptionally large one in honor of Tom Scanlan's new grandchild) the floor was turned over to Member Chuck Nelson, CEO of Aspirus Keweenaw Hospital. Without fanfare, Chuck conducted a modified "Town Meeting" such as has become popular around the various congressional districts about the national health care proposals pending before Congress. Needless to say, the discussion though short was spirited. From your blogger's point of view, there will be many modifications proposed and discussed before a final product, if any, is voted upon. One can say with absolute assurance that before it is over it will stir up emotions.




(Tom Scanlan adding a salient point to the discussion.)

Business Meeting, August 5, 2009

(Immediate Past President, Kevin Store, proudly receives the Presidential Citation for the 2008-09 for meeting and exceeding the stringent criteria of the award.)


Having been away last week, I am experiencing difficulty getting back into the groove on this blog. But here goes: The meeting was attended by 18 members and 4 guests. I regret to say that I missed the introductions of the guests. I do recall that Dave and Linda Grahek and their granddaughter were present so that accounts for three of them. The fourth will have to remain anonymous.

Before President Jim got into the business agenda, several items were discussed. First, Dan said he had two things: the Tamburitzans and the upcoming Bike race of the same day. Come on now folks, the date is getting too close for comfort and a Herculean effort is needed to sell all 650 seats for the Tamburitzans. You all saw the budget. We need the cash to fulfill budget expectations so don't let the community down. As for housing them, contact Dan if you will provide housing. He tells us that the kids will sleep anywhere including the floor if necessary. For the bike race, he needs traffic control people at dangerous intersections at 10 a.m. and again at about 11 a.m. See Dan for details.

Next we sang heartily for the birthday boys, Dan, George, Chuck, and guest Dave Grahek. Getting all four names into the song proved to be difficult.

On the budget: It was resolved and passed that the EREY (Every Rotarian Every Year) budget be reduced to $1,000 with the stipulation that we will put the other $1,000 back in the budget should the funds materialize. We'll look to the 5X5 contributions to help enormously.

There is a new schedule for meetings of the Board of Directors: the third Tuesday of the month at the Range Bank Main Office of Calumet Avenue.

Finally, a new category of "Provisional Membership" was announced. Definition: Members is good standing (i.e. dues current) may be granted provisional membership for a good and valid reason with no limitation on the duration. "Good and valid" will be determined by the Board of Directors upon receipt of an application. Provisional members continue to be members of the CLK Rotary Ckub and are responsible for International and District dues. The provisional member is not responsible for meal assessments but when he/she attends a meeting the normal meal costs must be paid. Moreover, provisional members are encouraged and challenged to participate in all CLK Rotary events and fund-raising efforts. Check with any board member for additional information.
Let me remind everyone that if you want copies of the Board of Directors minutes or the budget, please contact Jim and he will gladly provide a copy via email. His address is jrlowell@winterhaven.org.


See you next week. Tamburitzans: Sell, sell, sell, house spells success!



(Members engaged in lively discussion after the meeting)