ROTARY YEAR IN REVIEW (2011-2012)

President Dan wanted to thank the Board for their assistance and input, the committee chairs for the guidance they provided to the various committees and the members for their involvement in one form or another throughout the year.  The following are some of the things we accomplished:

·       We inducted 26 new members which is critical to the long term vitality of the Club.

·       Rotary Shines raised $31,347.62 so we were able to award $13,173.81 to the Peruvian Mobile Medical Unit, $13,173.81 to Even Start Family Literacy and $5,000 to PolioPlus. The event was held on a Friday night at the OuterEdge.

·       Through a joint effort between the Community Service Committee and the Rotary Ambassadors we had 8 members participate in the Good Garden Works program at St. Joseph’s Food Pantry.

·       We held the first Rotary on the Road in which members toured five different organizations / companies in place of our regular meeting.  Over 100 members attended the meetings and very positive feedback was received.

·       The Program Committee provided outstanding programs all year and the second theme series “You and Your Brain” was very successful.

·       The Appleton Rotary Foundation distributed $71,892.40.

·       Last October, Roy Valitchka led a Group Study Exchange team to Japan.

·       We hosted a terrific Rotary Youth Exchange student, Ella Proll.

·       Our Club sponsored 6 high school students to the Rotary Youth Leadership Conference.

·       SAMP sent one shipment to Jamaica with commitments from the District Governors for continued District support going forward for at least the next 3 years.

·       We honored 10 students who managed to overcome a number of obstacles in their lives with Bright Future Awards.  In addition, Ken Johnston’s memorial provided five $800 scholarships to the students who are planning on continuing their education.

·       Ten outstanding seniors and juniors were recognized. 

·       Two $5,000 scholarships were given to high school seniors from the Scholarship Committee.

·       We added 2 new Paul Harris Fellows.

·       Tonya Julien competed for the Ambassadorial Scholarship at the District level.

·       Items were collected for LEAVEN at the Holiday Celebration.

·       The decision was made to start the meetings 15 minutes earlier.

·       Several Happy Hours were held.

·       Several Fellowship Groups were formed and a number of gatherings were held.

·       Finally, the Club has been fiscally responsible and we will end the year with a surplus.

This has been a rewarding and humbling experience.  The amount of talent, commitment and dedication among the membership has been very heartwarming.  Thanks to Kathy for all she has done this past year.  She is the glue that holds the Club together.