Photo screen shot taken by photographer and Rotarian, Rev. Fred Cartier. Attendees by row from top left to bottom right are: Jennifer Van Voorhis, Rev. Fred Cartier, Bud Weaver, Susan Ezrati, Rob Latimer, DG Tony Marmo, ADG Maureen Gates, Michael Shafer, Hon. Jonah Triebwasser, Michael Shafer, Linda Greenblatt, Greg Bolner, Tim Lynch, P.E., Carl Dowden, Rebecca Kent and Susan Simon. Chris Chale, Esq., was missed in the photo but also attended the meeting.
Our guest speaker was District Governor Tony Marmo. Tony thanked the Red Hook club for our good work. He noted that we are a high functioning club – with an active Facebook page, a webpage and regularly posted newsletter of our club meetings. He asked each member to participate in recruitment of new members. He noted that recruitment is failing with most clubs. The average age range in clubs has increased while membership numbers have declined by 20%. Recruitment tends to draw people in through service to others and club projects. There are many club models – breakfast clubs, lunch clubs, happy hour clubs, once-a-month clubs, even passport clubs—which draw members in for specific projects. Tony noted that it is important to bring in younger members in order to promote club longevity. Clubs need gender balance as well. He urged us to use Rotary’s positive public image and our fundraising activities to bring in new members.