President Chris opened the meeting at 12:05 and Ruth Shaffer led us in the Pledge and Prayer.
ATTENDANCE: 33 people tuned in including 7 students of the month and Robert Kalinoski, prospective member.
ANNOUNCEMENTS:
Chris Helt- we need volunteers to pack meal bags for Ruth’s Harvest Thurs Dec 3, 6:00 - 7:30pm at St Matthews Church. Please contact Alicia Bowman.
Chris Helt - please share any Suggestions for programs to Ellie Rebert, Tammy Miller, or Ken Wenger.
Christy Lucas - gave Happy Dollars for Ralph, Craig, Kathi, and other Rotarians for supporting Roots for Boots Turkey Trot 5k run event on Thursday Nov 26 at 9:00am.
STUDENTS OF THE MONTH - DECEMBER: The students introduced themselves to the Club.
PROGRAM: Greg Staub, District Update
Greg is the District Governor Elect and will become District Governor on July 1, 2021. Here are some things he shared:
- District Safety Committee - developed safety protocols related to covid to provide guidance to Clubs. There is also a video available produced by the Hershey Med Center.
- District Club Grants - there is $ that comes back to the District from RI after 3 yrs..Clubs can apply for a matching Grant for local projects up to $2500. Many Clubs do not apply for this $$. In order to encourage Clubs to use this money, the District is now making smaller($500-$1000) non-matching grants available for local projects.
- The District initiated a new Committee to enhance communication within the District. It has a strong focus on technology. They are looking for volunteers with tech skills to be on the committee.
- RI added a 7th area of focus which is the environment. They are hoping to attract those individuals concerned about the environment to join Rotary in this effort.
- The 72+ program and Polio + program are encouraging members to contribute $ to these charities and thus take advantage of the tax benefits it brings.
What happens after we are out from under the Covid threat and restrictions?
- some companies have eliminated the benefit of Rotary membership to their employees as a cost - saving measure. Will these companies allow employees to return? How do we encourage this?
- engagement - Meeting virtually is not as enticing or strong as meeting in-person. Will members continue in Rotary or decide to leave? Will former members come back once restrictions are lifted? How do we address this?
- a possible silver lining to covid is the research that has gone into developing a vaccine - Messenger RNA technology. This technology may have benefits in treating other diseases.
NEXT WEEK'S PROGRAM: PAM GAY, YORK COUNTY CORONER- OVERDOSE & SUICIDE STATISTICS AND HOW THEY HAVE BEEN IMPACTED BY COVID