Posted by Lori Orestano-James on Jul 18, 2017
Monti Meeting Happenings
July 18, 2017              6:30pm            Albella’s Restaurant
 
Call to Order
President Barbara Carr called the meeting to order at 6:32pm followed by the Pledge of Allegiance and The Rotary Four Way Test.  She then welcomed all members and introduced guests.
 
 
Guests: Bill James, Vic Desher and Bonnie from Livingston Manor Rotary
 
Montigram Editor Report
 
The Monticello Rotary Club has had a very active past few weeks with much coming up in the next few weeks as well.  We have had our installation of the 2017-18 Officers, our Annual Club BBQ, RYLA, and finally our first official meeting of the year lead by our new President Barbara Carr. 
 
We have a new meeting location.  We will be meeting at Albella’s Restaurant, 50 Jefferson Street, Monticello, New York.  The Dinner Committee (Joe D’Abbraccio, Jacob Lerner, Janet Kaplan and Barbara Carr, researched desires of the members and explored local options.  One of the overwhelming responses was location, location, location.  The Monticello location will provide a more centralized spot for our membership.
 
At the July 18, 2017 meeting, President Barbara Carr shared several upcoming events and flyers (Please see attached).  In addition, she shared information about Region 5 events.  Please see the Club Calendar for further information.)
 
Our guest speaker was our very own, Lori Orestano-James who spoke about the Monticello Central School District Hall of Distinction.  Lori (the HOD Chairperson) shared that the HOD, which is in its 5th year, has inducted a wide array of honorees.  The HOD Committee looks for nominees who the students will view as role models, be motivated by the nominee’s accomplishments, and aspire to emulate.  The nominations are on a rolling basis and the nomination process is open to the public.  Nomination specifications and application can be found at: http://www.monticelloschools.net/alumni/HOD/hod.cfm
 
The HOD Committee is a group of volunteers who facilitate the collection of potential applicants, select the honorees and plan the formal induction ceremony and surrounding events.  They plan class speaking opportunities and school visits.  Fellow Liberty Rotarian and Science Teacher at the Robert J. Kaiser Middle School, Gary Silverman, works with the students on the Virtual Hall of Distinction also found on the district website.  An additional event is a dinner for the honorees and their families.  Funds are raised from local sponsors to cover the costs of this dinner which is held the evening of the Induction Ceremony.    Lori requested that if any individual business, person or Monticello Rotary was interested in sponsoring any or all of the dinner to please contact her directly.  There is a reception immediately following the dinner which is open to the public to meet, greet and congratulate the honorees (Cash bar with hors d’oeuvres sponsored by the school district.  Lori also shared that many of our Monticello Rotary Members have served on this committee (Randy Katz, Marty Miller, and Les Kristt – Former Chairperson). Please feel free to contact Lori directly should you have any questions regarding this great event.
 
Janet Kaplan shared information regarding the Alzheimer’s Walk and raising funds for this worthy cause.  She is seeking out donations for a “Raffle Basket” as well as potentially forming a Rotary Team.  Watch the Montigram (or better yet – come to the meetings) for updates on this event.
 
Committee Reports
 
Monster Run – Les Kristt
Les reported that the race is laid out.  He shared that we have an increase in Race Sponsorships.  There is an increase in outreach through Social Media.  We need volunteers to assist the day of the race.  In addition, we need to help get the runners out for the day of the event.  Registration is available online.
 
Next Committee Meeting – July 25, 2017 at Albella’s Restaurant at 5:30pm
 
Annual Dues – If you have not taken care of payment of your dues, please do so ASAP
 
 
Friendship Friday - Barbara Carr
Barbara reported that the next Friendship Friday is August 4, 2017 at 5:30pm until 7– BHR in Rock Hill.  Members are encouraged to bring guests to learn about Rotary, our club and activities.
 
Annual BBQ – Alex Rey
Alex reported that the turn-out for the event this year was not as expected.  He will explore options on how to solve some of the concerns.  He thanked all those involved and reminded the membership to turn in any outstanding funds on tickets so he can finalize the accounting on the event.
 
Rotary Night at Forestburgh Playhouse – Gary Tugender
Gary shared that tickets are still available for our clubs annual Night at Forestburgh Playhouse meeting.  The show is the ever popular, Bye, Bye, Birdie!  Tickets and dinner are priced at $62 per person.  If you are a season ticket holder or just want to attend for dinner, the cost is $28 per person.  Please be sure to contact Gary as he needs to finalize the count with Forestburgh Playhouse.