July 3, 2014 Meeting of West Bay Rotary

This was Tim Dresser's first meeting as President. He introduced the new officers: Lisa Sojka, President Elect, Peter Berke, Vice President, Steve Dailey, Treasurer and Sandy Cox, Secretary.

Bruce Malone did happy/sad dollars as the new Sargent at Arms and warned people he would be fining people for using their smartphones, because we should all be involved and paying attention at the meetings.

Next week's speaker, Jana Hymes, will be speaking about Maine Pro Musica and Williamsburg Symphonia.

Bruce Malone introduced a change to the bylaws which was voted-upon, and is related to the process for bringing new members into the club.

Lisa Dresser, co chair of membership, explained that the new streamlined process should make sponsoring new members less complicated and more efficient.

Tim Dresser talked about the example of the Duck Derby where Peter Berke created more of a team approach to share the work of events. The Derby netted about $7,500 and was successful because so many members participated, and everyone sold tickets.

Ken Gardiner, who has been handling business sponsorships for most of the club's events, also spoke. He invited members to consider joining committees for individual events to help in the planning of them, while encouraging everyone to be involved at events, too.

Rodney Lynch spoke about Maine Boats Homes & Harbors show August 8, 9 and 10 in Rockland. They still need volunteers for Friday afternoon, Saturday afternoon and Sunday afternoon. There will also be a Shelter Box display, and volunteers would be welcome to help with that as well. See Mark Masterson FMI.

Terry Bregy, chair of the Program Committee, explained how the programs are scheduled for the year. Quarterly club assemblies, monthly classification talks from new members, and encouraged everyone to suggest ideas for good programs that are informative, entertaining, non-commercial, non-political.

Sarah Ruef-Lindquist as chair of Public Relations encouraged participation by submitting requests for press releases on upcoming and past events and helping to report on the meeting through the bulletin.

Mark Masterson spoke about the Community Service committee and has a co-chair, Chum Berry. Plans are underway for helping seniors with home maintenance, Camden lamp posts, and other improvement projects. Generally, meetings are in the morning for an hour or less.

Tim Dresser announced a potential service project of a 40' wheelchair ramp for a family with a wheelchair-bound child. More information is being gathered, so stay tuned about that potential service project.

Jim Potter as chair of the Vocational Service Committee talked about the class that the committee plans and leads, and the scholarships that the committee manages every year.

Deb Hitchings, chair of International Service is a large committee with youth exchange and interact subcommittees. They fund projects internationally that come to the club through members of the club. The areas of focus are peace and conflict resolution, clean water, education, maternal and child health and economic and community development. They meet the 4^th Wednesday at the Bagel Cafe, youth exchange at 7a, International committee at 8a. Heidi Karod spoke about the exchange committee, which has 11 members. The club typically hosts 2 inbound and outbound students each year. This year students are coming from Denmark and Japan. There is also a short-term exchange program that is growing. The committee interviews students and host families. Sunday there will be a picnic from 11a-1p at Laite Beach for returning students and those going outbound this year. Karen Hansen talked about the very active Interact Club that meets during the school year at the high school every Tuesday at 2:15p. Many projects are done in conjunction with the Camden Rotary Club. Interact had 65 students participating this past year.

Jane Lafleur is chair of the Foundation committee for the club. She explained the difference between the Rotary Foundation of Rotary International and the West Bay Rotary Foundation, which makes grants for community charities and international projects

Barbara Heard announced that a Road Rally and Picnic at the Dresser's is being planned for September 13, 2014.

Tim Dresser is soliciting ideas for the President's project this year.