The Rotary Club of Trumbull

Club No. 6755, District 7980, Region 1

President-elect Mike Redgate called the meeting to order and led the Pledge of Allegiance to the flag. Jack Quinlan said the invocation. The club sang “Happy Birthday” to Dana Lonergan and Jim Baum.

Attendance:  39 of 75 members attended. Ray Baldwin, Jim Bardon, Jim Baum, Jackie Carlino, Sy Davidson, Bill Dunn, Lynn Fontana, Tom Galla, Len Germano, Tom Heaney, Ed Hedrick, Thelma Hoyt, Steve Jakab, Phil Lane, Jim Lang, Ron Lesko, Dana Lonergan, Steve Lupien, John Makar, John McBride, Joe McBride, Ted Merritt, Preston Merritt, Frank Metrusky, Bob Patragnelli, Jack Quinlan, Mike Rappa, Michael Redgate, Tim Rivers, John Rosati, Joe Ruospo, Ray Rzasa, Dale Seymour, Rose Marie Spatafore, Paul Squillace, Dick Stein, Steve Taylor, Bob Tolomeo, George Voynick.

Guests:  Jay Cotlin, a guest of John McBride

Happy Dollars:

Ted Merritt – 1 – to announce that the Fairfield Club provided posters for us to distribute to help promote “Follies 2002”, a musical show by area high school students. Many Trumbull students will participate in the production to be held from June 7-9 at Ludlowe School.

Dale Seymour – 5 – In honor of all of our veterans, including many in our club.

Frank Metrusky – 2 – in support of Dale’s veteran’s dollar and for being alive to enjoy Memorial Day.

Phil Lane – 2 – for great weather at the Fairfield U. Commencement, and a fine speech by the Valedictorian.

Bill Dunn – 2 – to announce that two sponsors have been obtained for the Sunset Run race.

Rose Marie Spatafore – 5 – she was at the Southern Connecticut State University commencement to see her daughter get her Master’s Degree and observed our own Doreen Boutote receive her sixth year teaching certificate.

Jim Lang – 50 cents – because his son received a Masters Degree from Fairfield University, but was not at the commencement to receive it.

Ed Hedrick – 1 – because his daughter graduated from Vassar College.

Bob Patragnelli – 1 – because his grandson had his tonsils removed.

Jim Baum – 1 – for the beautiful rendition of “Happy Birthday”.

Mike Rappa – 1 – for the great speech by Jim Lang at the District Assembly.

Tom Galla – 2 – because he is going to Myrtle Beach, South Carolina with 48 friends to play golf.

John Rosati – 1 to announce that a raffle will now be part of our Bike Rally on June 9^th and that our event was well publicized at a large bike rally in Norwalk.

Preston Merritt – 1 – to celebrate Doreen Boutote’s sixth year degree.

Announcements:

Michael Redgate announced that invitations have been mailed for our Chapter Officers Induction Dinner at Vazzy’s on June 7. Cocktails begin at 7:00PM with Dinner at 7:30PM. The cost of $40.00 includes appetizer, dinner, desert and open bar. Send in your reservations now. ***There will be no morning meeting on June 7. ***

Ted Merritt announced that the Bill Gates Foundation has given one million dollars to support Rotary International programs. In addition, the foundation will match all dollars raised for Polio Plus.

Bill Dunn announced that the Sunset Run is scheduled for July 26, 2002 at 6:30PM at Twin Brooks Park. Our goal is 150 runners for the 3.1-mile race. There will be sponsorship opportunities available at 50, 100, 200 and 500 dollars. Two sponsors have provided $700.00 so far. Marty Schiavone, a dedicated runner and teacher at Trumbull High, will coordinate managing the event. Committee members are welcome to become involved. The event will require 20 volunteers on the day of the race. The purpose of this fund-raiser is for the purchase of automatic defibrillators for the town. Children are encouraged to participate. The entry fee is ten dollars for students, and twelve dollars for adults.

Jim Lang announced that there would be a family picnic at Old Mine Park on July 13 from 3PM to 7PM at a cost of only five dollars per person. The event will celebrate the past term of office for John Annick and the new term for Jim.

Ray Baldwin announced that there would be a dedication of the Veterans Memorial Bridge at Twin Brooks Park on Saturday at 11:00PM.

Rose Marie Spatafore thanked everyone who attended the District Conference at Albany. She also announced that 186 people have signed up for next year’s conference at the Villa Roma. More prizes will be drawn for people who register early.

Program:

Joe Ruospo and Mike Rappa presented an informational program about Rotary, which included a quiz. Prizes were awarded for the correct answers. Some of the questions, answers and winners area as follows:

1.      When and in what city was Rotary formed? 1905 in Chicago – Jack Quinlan

2.      Who is the founder of Rotary and what is the significance of the Rotary wheel? Paul Harris, and the meetings rotated from place to place – Paul Squillace

3.      How many members and clubs are there? 2900 clubs and 1.6 million members – Jim Lang

4.      What was the first Rotary service project? Comfort stations in the streets of Chicago

5.      When were women invited to join Rotary and who was the first female President of the Trumbull Club? 1987 and Jayne Bolton

6.      How many clubs and members are in our District, 7980? 63 clubs and 2,890 members

7.      What was the theme of President Rich King? Mankind is our Business

8.      What was the focus of District Governor John Annick? Literacy

9.      Who was the first President of Trumbull Rotary and is what year? Van Hattersly, a real estate agent with Curtis and Crandon in 1967.

10.  What Town of Trumbull event did our club decide to adopt in 1995? Winterfest

11.  Which organization received a van donated by our club? The Thomas Merton House

 Joe and Mike reminded everyone that we grew by 14 members last year. There are no longer any residency or work rules regarding membership, and job classifications are now more open. Jim Lang said his job is easier because he is a member of the “Top Club in the District”.

Raffle:  Ted Merritt and Jackie Carlino drew for $587.00, but no winning card was selected. 

                        UCOMING PROGRAMS AND EVENTS

May 31            Trumbull High School Interact students who traveled to Wisconsin.

June 7              Installation Dinner at Vazzy’s.           No Morning Meeting!!!

June 9              Bike Rally at Madison Middle School

June 14            Lt. Robert Tolomeo, CSP. Communications from the 9/11 attack

June 21            Ann Henry

Respectfully Submitted,

Dale J. Seymour