Club Assembly
Welcome
President Caroline welcomed fourteen Rotarians and Rotarian alumnus Joe Shadroui who joined her in reciting the Pledge of Allegiance and the Four Way Test.
Since Last We Met
Birthday: Jeremy Stephens September 24
On this day in history: In 1929 American journalist
Barbara Walters, who was especially known for her highly effective technique in television interviews of world-renowned figures and was the first U.S. female co-anchor of a network evening news program, was born.
A Rotary Moment
Nicole reported that the 2024 Interact Awards are available. They are intended to show how members of Interact are taking action across the globe and in the community. The goal is to “create an Interact promotion that raises awareness about Interact and shares what being an Interactor means to you and your Interact club.” Rotary International is accepting videos, photos and essays as part of the Interact Awards. Perhaps the Spaulding Interact Club would consider doing a video of its Tree Plenish Project. Nicole will make the club aware of the opportunity.
Treasurer’s Report
Patrick reported that for the Operational Account: income for August was $662; expenses were $1,089 ($400
was for district dues); and there was a balance in the account of $23,296.
Ted reported that for the Foundation Account: income for August was $1,978; expenses were $3,566; and a balance of somewhere in the neighborhood of $50,000 (a more precise amount will be forthcoming in a financial report for 2023-24 from Salvador & Babic).
Committee Reports
Tony reported that Angelina and Louisa Tripp, District Foundation Chair, are doing a Zoom call to be aired at the evening meeting on Wednesday. He also reported that he and President Caroline attended an online membership meeting and came away with many good ideas.
Eddie reported that the Granite City Garden Club will be donating plants for the “Reynolds” gardens. A work session will be held on Monday, October 14th and volunteers will be welcomed.
Nicole outlined the dates for the Community Grants Program: letter is sent out including to all media--Jan. 3rd; application due--Feb. 7; and decisions made by Feb. 21.
Patrick reported that he, Tony and Ted at had a meeting on the Breakfast and that the major outcome was that aprons and not t-shirts will be the major brand identifier for the Breakfast.
Earle’s Pearls
President Caroline reminded us of several events occurring in October:
October 2--Evening meeting at Rinker’s
October 23--Crave for Kay service project
October 24--World Polio event
October 30--Willhem Lange
She also announced “Beans for Barre.” Each week members will deposit 1 bean in the jar for each hour of service performed that week (Retroactive from July 1, 2024). Reaching 1000 by June 30, 2025 will indicate that we have reached the service goal set for the year 2024-2025.
Happy Days Are Here Again
First up, Tony with a Happy Dollar as he announced that his daughter and her husband, Alayna and Colby Martel, the nurse and the forester,
are having a baby,
Eddie was next with a Happy Dollar for Sandy’s aunt, Carmen Beck, who recently celebrated her 90th birthday; and another for his recent meeting with a colleague, a serious collector of socks, wearing his Rotary themed socks.
Emily offered a Happy Dollar in celebration of her daughter Lena’s soccer team win and a “Sad” Dollar because Riley misses coming to our meetings.
Tell Me About Your Club Experience
President Caroline asked us to reflect on our club experiences--both positive and “things” in need of 
improvement. Here are the highlights of that discussion: Like the new energy and ideas and the focus on committees.
The bowling Rotary After Dark event could be more structured to encourage more interaction.
Need to do a better job to increase “outside” perception of what Rotary does. It’s in the strategic plan and will be worked on this year (2024-25).
Need to “toot our horn” more often. Pie for Brunch would be an event where we could do that.
Younger professionals have demanding jobs and can’t afford the cost of being a Rotarian. We are working on establishing a companion club and/or Community Corps which has no dues are possibilities for membership.
Securing Speakers
President Caroline suggested a change in the format of our meetings: one speaker per month, club assembly, a service project and a social event. Some members spoke in favor of having speakers, often giving them connections to “sister” organizations. President Caroline said that she has taken the responsibility of obtaining the speakers and that the president shouldn’t be doing that. During the discussion which ensued, the suggestion was made that a member assume the duty of securing a speaker for a period of two months. Tony stepped up to take December and January and Nicole took February and March.
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