The Rotary Club of Trumbull
Club No. 6755, District 7980, Region 1

President Joe Ruospo called the meeting to order and led the Pledge of Allegiance to the flag. Jack Quinlan said the invocation. Dale Seymour and Jim Lang led us in singing “You Are My Sunshine”.

  Attendance:  34 members of 57 attended. Joseph Allen, Marjorie Anctil, Ray Baldwin, Jr., Greg Bivona, Jayne Bolton, Dan Calloway II, Bev Cambras, Barry Diamond, Don Emond, Joan Farley, Lynn Fontana, Tom Galla, Len Germano, Tom Heaney, Bernie Helfrich, Thelma Hoyt, Phil Lane, Jim Lang, Gene Leone, John Makar, John McBride, Ian McMillan, Preston Merritt,  Ted Merritt, Frank Metrusky, Jack Quinlan, Michael Redgate,  Joe Ruospo, Ray Rzasa, Dale Seymour, Rose Marie Spatafore, Paul Squillace, Dick Stein, George Voynick.

  Guests:  Kevin Murray, a guest of Gene Leone, at his third meeting. Dawn Dalrymple, a guest of Ron Lesko, attending her second meeting. Dr. John Flores, attending his third meeting. Allyson Gombar, our student of the month, accompanied by her mother Donna and her grandmother Marge Kafara. Sister Caroline, Principle of St. Therese School. Susanna Livora-Lye, one of our Interact advisors, with Interact members Sandy and Lauren.

  Announcements: Michael Redgate announced that volunteers are needed to present Rotary Club awards at the Trumbull Middle Schools. The dates are as follows:

1.     St. Catherine      June 23^rd at 2PM

2.     Madison        June 5^th at 8PM

3.     Christian Heritage      June 6^th

4.     St. Theresa      June 7^th

5.     Hillcrest          June 12^th at 2:30PM

6.     Tashua       June 15^th

7.     Jane Ryan          June 18^th

8.     Middlebrook      June 19^th

9.     Daniels Farm      June 21

10. Booth Hill       ?

Jim Lang announced that on May 30^th at 7:30AM at the Holiday Inn in Bridgeport, the Bridgeport Sunrise Club will have a memorial service for Marilyn Gordon, the late wife of Abe Gordon. All Rotarians are welcome.         

Happy/sad Dollars:  Phil Lane gave 2 happy dollars. One for an academically challenged student who will graduate from Fairfield U. on Sunday May 20^th. The other to pray for good weather for the ceremony. Rose Marie Spatafore gave a sad dollar for her friends who lost their jobs as a result of the tragic Latex Foam Products fire. Len Germano gave two happy dollars for Lynn Fontana who arranged for the donation of ten cartons of books, and for Jim Lang who picked up and stored the books. Please look for old books at your home and donate them to our club for transfer to people in need. Frank Metrusky gave three “meat loaf” dollars. One was for the Trumbull Marriott who supplied a toaster and extension cord, but no electric outlet to use for the toaster. Another was for the Trumbull’s own Chamber of Commerce Ribbon-Cutting Ceremony at Salon Aliette Monjeux. The third was for Bernie Helfrich’s affirmative vote for new school financing. Jim Lang gave a happy dollar because Frank Metrusky explained to him why his bagel wouldn’t toast. Ray Rzasa gave three happy dollars because the THS softball team had a 9-2 record, his daughter made the Dean’s List at Fairfield U., and his son was admitted to the Naval Academy--- so his son doesn’t have to become a “military grunt”. Ray Baldwin immediately gave a happy dollar for all the Marine Corps grunts. Jack Quinlan gave a happy dollar for his son-in-law, who has become the Commanding Officer at Fort Leonard Wood. Tom Galla gave a happy dollar for his daughter Nikki who graduated from Sacred Heart University with a Masters degree in Elementary Education. Jayne Bolton gave a happy dollar for her nephew who graduated from the Coast Guard Academy. Dale Seymour gave a happy dollar for his daughter Catherine who graduated from Sacred Heart University. Thelma Hoyt gave a happy dollar for her nephew who graduated from the Hoboken School for electric fan repair. Barry Diamond gave a happy dollar because he recently represented Trumbull at an area conference. Thelma Hoyt gave a happy dollar because she passed the Trumbull Rotary newsletter job to Dale Seymour. She is now the co-editor of The Beacon. Thelma also announced that the Guilford Club is having a LobsterFest on June 23^rd. Dick Stein gave a happy dollar for his hunting-vacation in Alaska. He also announced that his daughter and his five grandchildren will be spending the summer with him.  

Birthdays and Anniversaries:  Not announced this week.

Recognition: Our two interact student guests explained that their club had a successful year. There was monthly recognition of one student and one teacher for “Random Acts of Kindness”. In addition, the club sold pizza at Winterfest, helped at Haunted Happenings and adopted a cat and a dog from the Trumbull shelter. Our club matched all of their fund raising efforts.

            Bernie Helfrich told three jokes, had the club sing “Happy Birthday” to him, then introduced Sister Caroline, Principal of St. Theresa’s School. Sister Caroline introduced Allyson Gombar, our Student of the Month.

Program: Phil Lane gave a short synopsis of our economic picture. Among other things Phil said that we are now experiencing a “Sanguine Outlook”, with a normal growth rate of 2 to 3%. The last interest rate cut was not needed because the effects will not be felt until next year, and consumers keep spending, rather than saving. Phil predicts an economic slowdown, but not a recession, and advises to invest in Treasury Bonds.

Raffle: George Voynick and Jim Lang drew for $172.00, with no winner selected.

                        UCOMING PROGRAMS AND EVENTS

            May 25            President Joe Ruospo

            June 1              Regular Meeting

            June 8              Miss Connecticut

            June 15            Great River Golf Course (Guests of member Gene Leone)

            June 22            Installation Dinner at Tashua Knolls

            July 1              District Governor Installation at Wallingford

 (Date Correction)

Respectfully Submitted,

Dale J. Seymour