President Melissa Correia passed the gavel to incoming President Mitch Ruffalo on June 30, 2022.
Words of Inspiration
Jean Bendix gave us words of inspiration from Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., as sung by James Taylor (video)
Visiting Rotarians and Guests
Sara Visingard
Guests
Joe Ruffalo
Katie Pullen
Health and Wellness
Adam O. saw Helmuth and Hannelora and Helmuth at the Post Office and said they are doing well and hope to see us at Rotary soon.
Financial Report
Treasurer Kevin Mooney reviewed the 2021-2022 financial reports with the club.
Recent Birthdays
Sandy Devolder, Frank All, Trudy Hicks and Rich VanLaeken
Happy Moments
- Dave Johnson was happy that the ARC Tournament raised a lot of money.
- Luie Rivera thought that Mitch Ruffalo should pay happy dollars for Luie bringing Joe to the meeting.
- Adam O hoped that Mitch will run club into the ground so that it will be easy for Adam to shine during his year as president!
- Mike Muscolino remembered having Mitch in his class and that he still owes him homework assignments! (But all is forgiven now…)
- Josh McCrossen was happy to celebrate his 10th wedding anniversary at Letchworth Park with his wife.
- Holly Kreuser was happy that she could get a freezer very quickly from Mitch, Bob Bendix and her son Ryan at Ruffalo’s Appliance.
Rotarian Biography – Mitch Ruffalo
President Melissa read Mitch’s biography. She also did a little digging and found this: Did you know that Mitch was an avid fur trapper in his teenage years?
Club Changeover
President Melissa began the changeover by describing her decision to accept the nomination to become club president in three years. “Three years ago, it seemed the timing would be perfect.” It all seemed doable. But last Thanksgiving, the wheels began to fell apart, with the ill health of her parents, especially her mother. Melissa gave thanks to the entire club for the support she received over the past year. She specifically thanked the Board and Committee Chairs. Also, Melissa gave thanks to: the Nominating Committee, Zoom Masters, Sergeant at Arms Karen Quartaro, Secretary Jeff Patchen, Queen of Hearts volunteers, Service Above Self Committee, the setup and cleanup crews for meetings, Scott Healy stepping in to be Foundation Chair, Bowl-a-thon Committee, Holly Kreuser organizing a social gathering, Kevin Mooney as Treasurer, and Alicia Vazquez for her support at the library and the club.
Melissa acknowledged and remembered the Salute to the School program, Habitat for Humanity build, Valladolid water project in Mexico, Global Grant with Sullyman in Turkey, the canal and highway clean-up project, Downtown Beautification Day, Lucina Hallagan bringing the Christmas Carol to Newark, Norma updating the brochure and policy manual, introducing Words of Inspiration, no head table and social events for inclusivity, Membership new individual and corporate members, five new Paul Harris Fellows and seven multiple PHF recognitions.
Melissa then passed the gavel to Mitch.
Mitch the presented the traditional Past President plaque, pin and name badge to Melissa.
Mitch recognized new 2022-2025 board members: Lynn Mooney, Sharon Sanangelo and Alicia Vazquez
Mitch also recognized Adam Olschewske as President Elect and Jim Weiler as President Nominee for 2022-2023.
Mitch talked said that the upcoming year will not be perfect, but he plans to give everything he has as club president and looks forward to the upcoming year’s challenges to include the Family Festival. He promised to bring some of his homemade wine to future meetings!
Let’s work to things done!
