President Dave along with John Nash, took the opportunity of the meeting to eschew a program and have a discussion about the future direction of our club.  It is intended that there will be more such meetings.

 

                The discussion was lively but only accomplished agreement that meetings should end at 1:15 rather than 1:30.

 

                Most of the discussion centered around how often we should meet with an eye towards increasing attendance.  This summer we have taken every other week off and it has resulted in confusion.  There appeared to be a consensus that participation strengthens the club; but some think that fewer meetings will increase participation.  Less of a time commitment will make one more dedicated.

 

                The reality is the more you skip – the more you skip.  Five days at the gym is the goal.  You start skipping a day a week.  The chances of you going only three time the next week is greater than you going five.

 

                Rotary is a commitment to service.  It is true, that the Hierarchy of Rotary is placing less emphasis on attendance than it used to.  Yet it was that emphasis that was one of the things that differentiated Rotary from other service clubs and has made it the gold standard.

 

                We have a lot of new members.  We are generating those from a diverse group such that they do not know and are not known by the other members.  Meeting facilitates the meeting possibilities and the forming of the relationship necessary for a team.  There are at least four automatic non meetings each summer, Memorial Day weekend, 4^th of July, Coast Guard and Labor Day.

 

                This reporter thinks we have a great club, very successful, and a meeting venue which is unbeatable.  We should keep meeting as traditionally scheduled and strengthen our commitment to service – above self.