Marc opened the meeting with a Pledge of Allegiance.

Art opened the meeting by recapping the Life Preserver Program which was discussed at the Service Committee meeting.

Robert Recholtz expanded on the Life Preserver Program discussion by mentioning perhaps the event could be opened up to other organizations to participate, such as Game Wardens, Dept of Inland Fisheries, US Coast Guard, etc. etc. making it more of an educational event.

It was then discussed that perhaps the life preservers would be handed out for FREE to those who attend the event AND participate in multiple educational programs at the event.  Different events could be scheduled in such a way as to go from event to event throughout the day at various times in order for attendees to “earn” their free life preserver.

Several other ideas were brought up around the table, relating to a location, food, marketing, group participants, signage, among others.

The group agreed to continue the discussion about this event next week, and begin to put together a synopsis or proposal for Art to take to the Service Committee.

Marc Perry then very briefly recapped the Wednesday lunch meeting with the group noting the presentation by Soibhan Ryan of the “Business of Reading” program in which local Rotarians and other business professionals speak to elementary students about the importance of reading and how it benefits them in their careers today.  Those Rotarians who have participated in this program who attended Wednesday’s lunch, shared their experiences with the program, stating it was very rewarding and encouraged others to participate.  Anyone needing more information on this event can contact Amanda Dyer at 288-4467 ext 1013 or adyer@mdirss.org.

The next meeting will be August 12^th.   As always, it was a friendly and productive meeting and all club members, guests and visiting Rotarians are encouraged to attend.