part1

President’s Message:

April seemed to be a very busy month for the Club. The GSE delegation from Nigeria provided a lot of fun and information for those of us who assisted in a half- day of hospitality. It turns out that Nigeria is one of only a handful of countries with only marginally- controlled outbreaks of polio. The country also seems to be struggling with new democracy, and still trying to find it’s center in the world. We all hope the GSE visits will help. The Nigeria Team Leader is very much involved in the Polio Plus effort.

Our guest speakers for April were great. Sorry I missed Al Bedini and the Identity Theft presentation. This stuff is a lot like the potential virus problem with your computer: you think you can beat the odds.

The District Conference was held on the 24th of April, and Fred attended the Annual Meeting of the District. See details below.

At the request of District, the Directors authorized a new Family of Rotary Committee this month. The purpose is to provide help and support to our Club Members and their families during times of difficulty or unusual circumstances. Anyone want to Chair this for the next two months???

Also, I volunteered to Chair the Club’s 2004- 2005 Rotary Centennial Committee. We will have some interesting projects and events, as well as historical info, maybe even a trip to the RI Convention in Chicago.

May and June will see the last of the fund- raising for this administration. We have a nice raffle planned and then that’s it for this Rotary year!!!

Rich

Club Matters

Photos from our legendary hosting of the Annual GSE Team visit , done with our characteristic flair:Networking drives our Service Above Self achievement as we share ongoing dialogue and connect with our International Neighbors.

Sharing his observations and insights from The District Conference,
PP Fred has submitted the following report:

DISTRICT BUSINESS MEETING

At 4 pm on Friday, April 23d, our District 7890 held its annual business meeting at the Prime Hotel and Conference Center in Saratoga Springs NY as part of the annual District Conference. Fred Ley was our representative. Clubs with less than 30 members are authorized one voting delegate selected by the club’s board.

After an introduction by Chair Matt James, District Governor Jeff Tager said the Business meeting this year was largely a rubber stamp, but the business of the District must be completed by voting on required issues.

The Treasurers Report for 2003-2004 by Raymond J Evans showed the District to be in very sound financial condition and health. Income for 2003-2004 was $203,620. There was a surplus of $19,628. The District has an investment portfolio worth about $88,467.95 on day of audit. The most expensive item of the year was the district newsletter at $27,640.

Treasurer Ray pointed out that the district records have been completely computerized for two years and conform to the requirements of Rotary International. The Treasurer’s Report was unanimously accepted.

PDG Ray Chelte reported that no proposed changes to the district by-laws had been received by 31 Jan 2004, so nothing to discuss or vote upon in that category. Greeted by a general sigh of relief.

The Nomination Committee Reported that District Governor for 2006-2007 will be Susan C Atkins of Waterbury Club as no others were nominated. Her title until 1 July 2004 is DG Nominee Designate, then she becomes DG Nominee. At the conference in Spring of 2006 she is elected and becomes DG Elect until taking office on 1 July 2006.

The Election of District Delegate to Zone 31 was the only "real" vote. It was done by secret ballot as there were two nominees as required by RI. The one with the most votes will be the delegate to Zone 31/32 to nominate candidates to be RI Directors. The other will be the Alternate Delegate. Past District Governor Robert NL MacDonald will be the delegate and Past District Governor Carolyn Pierce will be the alternate. Both PDGs are very popular so it must have been a close vote.

That concluded the Business Meeting.


Matt James, Chair of the annual district business conference.	PDG Jim Sheehan, RIPR and PRID Charlie Fogel, Mrs Fogel and Mrs Ruth Sheehan.	DG Jeff Tager

MAY SPEAKERS - Chairman, Paul.

MAY CALENDAR.

04: Business Meeting - Conducted by President Rich

11: Berkshire Medical Center - Presentation by its Senior Management.

18: Hillcrest Educational Centers - Presentations by Gerard E. Burke,
President/CEO and Steve Conroy, Director of Brookside School.

25: Toastmaster - Presentation by William Ryan

On May 11, 18 and 25 the Club's 'Happy Dollar' collection will be replaced by raffle ticket solicitations intended to generate cheers of well-being from our Membership.

ROTARY INTERNATIONAL DISCUSSION MATTERS:

While it seems repetitive, may I again suggest that Club members looking for a must-read of timely RI issues, will find web site rotary@taranto.com (Rotary Discussion List) worth the time.

Currently the Site has generated many transmittals regarding the 2005 Chicago Convention. One enthusiastic contributor suggested that attendance of 100,000 delegates was not unlikely. Room reservations and travel arrangements are being confirmed, some having been completed many months ago.

Rotarians who depend on the News Basket for their daily dose of Rotary news, were pleased to learn that the 'Expanded news section on RI Web site replace[d] News Basket'

@ http://www.rotary.org/. Would the following News Basket Subject be available for Meeting Speaker?

"Foundation alumnus tapped to head UN inquiry. The eminent former Rotary Scholar prepares for his next public service assignment heading an independent corruption investigation of the UN's oil-for-food program in Iraq."

The positive effects of Paul Volker's leadership at the Federal Reserve captured in "Secrets of the Temple" reveal a man of integrity up to the challenge of Iraq. Where Mr. Volker made a huge difference in the Federal Reserve System, it seems to me that the framework for his success promoting International Peace is now in place. An ethical professional who is capable of making sound ethical recommendations, Mr. Volker, I believe, embodies the Rotarian principle of Service Above Self, uniquely qualified to lead this crucial task. - KC