December Updates

For details on upcoming meeting schedules, speakers, activities, and events, please visit our club website at https://middletownrirotary.org/.

Reminder: In January we start a three month trial meeting on the 2nd, 4th and 5th Wednesday of each month (when there is a 5th one).  The upcoming dates are:  Jan 10, Jan 24, Jan 31, Feb 14, Feb 28, Mar 13 & Mar 27.

A detailed new schedule for January to activities will be released by January 3rd and will be on our website.  Stay Tuned!

New Members

We have held a new member orientation with Sean Napolitano from A1 Roofing and have another orientation coming up with Kate Upham from Bank Newport soon.   We expect they will be joining our club in the near future.  When you have a chance to meet them, please introduce yourself and make them feel at home in our club.  We have an additional potential member who will be joining us at one of our upcoming meetings. 

December Service Activities

Our Community Coat Drive wrapped up on December 6th.  Although this was the first coat drive we have done, it exceeded all our expectations. 

Our Annual Holiday Party for Lucy's Hearth took place on December 13th at the Wyndham, bringing together Rotary members, Interact Club youth, and our Rotary district leadership for an evening of joy and goodwill.

Annual Report

Our annual meeting took place on December 6th.  Here we present an updated version of the Annual Report.

Club Highlights in 2023:

• The DEI Committee (Chris, Cori & Janice) was established to promote diversity, equity, and inclusion within the club.

• The Membership Guideline Committee (Chris, Phil, Pat & Janice) was formed to enhance the club's new member experience and membership structure.

• Middletown Rotary Club proudly launched its user-friendly website on September 1. Visit our website to explore the new interface and share any suggestions with Janice.

• On September 6, we introduced the Zoom option for most meetings, allowing those unable to attend in person to participate virtually.

• In August, the Middletown/Newport Rotary-sponsored Interact Club had its inaugural meeting for youth aged 12-18 at the YMCA in Middletown, with bi-weekly meetings.

• An ongoing member data update initiative began in November.  For support in updating your member profile, visit this link.

• A warm welcome to Jack Haggis, who is assuming the position of Vice President, continuing in his role providing valuable support to various club operations.

• We also welcome Guy Harris as the Polio Plus Chair, tasked with championing Rotary's commitment to polio eradication and facilitating fundraising for the End Polio Campaign.

Club Achievements in 2023: See Middletown Rotary 2023 Service & Fundraising Activities

Club Expectations for 2024:

• We anticipate completing, voting, and adopting updated Club by-laws by June.

• Expansion of the club’s Friends of Rotary program. Details will be found under "Become a Member" under the “Get Involved” Link on our website.

• Adoption of Membership Guidelines and Speaker Guidelines.

Club Needs in 2024:

• We're seeking dedicated individuals to fill roles for the 2024-2025 club officers, including the crucial positions of President and Sergeant at Arms. Janice K. is available for discussions about these roles. Contact Chris S. or Dick B. if you are interested and willing to serve beginning on July 1 2024.  Training and Support will be provided.

• Additional Opportunities:

  • Social Committee Chair and 1 or 2 members: Help plan one or two social events per year.

  • Rotary Foundation Chair: Educate the club about the foundation's activities and inspire contributions.

Club Plans in 2024 (Tentative):

• Community Service/Fundraising Plan for January through June 2024 (Not Finalized) Some of the following activities will likely be altered:

  • Feb - March: Senior Center Food Drive (Cindy & others)

  • Feb - March: Senior Center Spaghetti Dinner (March?) (Cindy & others)

  • April: Chamber of Commerce Expo (All Club)

  • April/May: MLK Fundraiser (Committee Needed)

  • April/May: Bingo Night Fundraiser (Deb & Others)

  • April/May/June: Friends of Rotary Get-Together (Social Committee)

  • May 18, 2024: Community Day of Service (Service Committee)

  • June: MLK Food Drive (Service Committee)

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Stay updated by visiting us on Facebook: Middletown Rotary Club Facebook Page.