November 8, 2024    

 

 

 

Announcements: Mark Abramson announced a blood drive next Thursday in the University’s gymnasium and on Friday at the Women’s Club. 
Peter Falley said that Karen Beckenbach donated $30 for the polio benefit concert which she was unable to attend. Peter reminded everyone of how busy that week was with the
community concert on Thursday, the hospital foundation event on Friday,nd the polio concert on Saturday, and that may have led to low attendance for the polio concert. Only eight Rotarians attended. Karen suggested that next year we may want to be co-sponsored by the Community Concert Association since they have the ability to get the word out better than we do. We might also be able to use the Fine Arts Theater for our event since they have a contract with the University that allows them to use the theater for whatever concerts they put on. Details would have to be worked out fairly early since their schedule is usually set in February.
Mark Richard felt we should explore this idea since we can get sponsors; we just have low attendance.
The other announcement Peter had was to remind everyone that November is Rotary Foundation month. The good news is that so far about one-third of our members have contributed to the Rotary Foundation Annual Fund this Rotary Year. That's already a bit more than last year. On the other hand two-thirds of our club has not yet given to the Annual Fund, and this is something we need to work on. We are supposed to average about $100 apiece; however some members give substantially more. Everyone should contribute at least $25, the minimum to satisfy “the every Rotarian, every year requirement (EREY).” He hopes people will step up and do this. Contributions can be made online on our website or on the Rotary.org website, by giving Peter a check made out to The Rotary Foundation, or by asking Maggie Callaway to add an appropriate amount for The Rotary Foundation Annual Fund to your quarterly bill.
Art gave a report on the polio concert results. We raised $840 in ticket sales, $2400 from our sponsors so our gross was $3210. Expenses are $250 for the audio/visual personnel, $300 for
the dancers, so we will be just a little under $3000. Our contribution will be matched by the the Gates Foundation Its contribution will go directly to The Rotary Foundation.
Art said he had some  car window Rotary decals if anyone wanted to do a little advertising for Rotary. He also said there is an appeal from the Roswell Rotary Club to help with their flood damage. Mark Richard made a motion to approve $1000 to be sent; Peter seconded the motion, and the motion was approved.
Our sergeant-at-arms, Dorothy Moore, has retired leaving this position vacant. Duties include getting out the name badges and greeting guests.
Art announced next week’s speaker will be Redge Meierhenry talking about the senior village concept. 

Program: Art introduced Jeff Goin from the Lotus Center who said he would  use meditation to help us to get through this week. Mark Richard added to the introduction saying Jeff first came to Silver to participate in the Tour of the Gila in the 1990s. Now he’s been here over 15 years. He established the Single Socks store and has also created the Lotus Center. He is a magnanimous entrepreneur. Through Single Socks, he has contributed over half a million dollars to food programs in Grant County. Jeff thanked Mark for the introduction and said that for Single Socks and the Lotus Center, he has had a lot of help. He acknowledged Kathleen Whatley, as co-founder of Single Socks. He then began his presentation by saying that he seems to be encountering anxious people wherever he goes in almost epidemic proportions. So rather than talk about the Lotus Center, he thought he would lead a meditation that might lead to some relaxation for those experiencing some anxiety around the election. His mission in life is to make meditation accessible to everyone. He then led us through a meditation experience

 

After a question and answer period, Art said there would be a brief board huddle following the meeting. Tom Bates thanked Single Socks for all they do for the community, and Mark Richard
thanked Maggie Callaway and Peter Falley for their help with the polio concert and the members of Rotary who were sponsors. The meeting was adjourned.