ROTARY CLUB OF URBANA

Board of Directors Meeting

March 7, 2006

The Board of Directors of the Rotary Club of Urbana met at 10:30 AM on Tuesday, March 7, 2006 in the meeting room of the Urbana Country Club.  Those present were:

President Nancy Quisenberry, President Elect Michael Murphy, Vice-President Deborah Rugg, Past President Joe Rank, Secretary Kermit Harden, Directors Vickie Mayes, Deborah Day, Ray Elliott, Loren Bode and Tom Conry. 

Those absent were Treasurer Thomas Brown and Director Diana Williams.

MINUTES:

It was moved by Tom Conry and seconded by Loren Bode that the minutes of the meeting held February 7, 2006 be approved as presented.  Motion carried.

PRESIDENT ELECT’S REPORT:

President Elect Michael Murphy reported on the meeting held by the local clubs’ President Council.  He announced several special events which area clubs were in the process of planning.  He also stated that the Illini After 5 Club was considering making a move from their present meeting place at the Great Impasta.

VICE-PRESIDENT’S REPORT:

Vice-President Deborah Rugg gave a summary of the programs which have been planned for the remainder of the Rotary Year.  While most of the dates have been filled, there is the opportunity for some last minute changes.  She reminded the Board that the meeting scheduled for March 21 will include recognition of recent Paul Harris Fellows.  Spouses are welcome and all Paul Harris Fellows should wear their Paul Harris Medals.

SECRETARY’S REPORT:

Secretary Kermit Harden reported the attendance for the last month was 62% and there are 114 members in the club.  He stated that since the membership committee had approved Maxwell Stowe for membership, he moved that he be accepted as a new member. The motion was seconded by Loren Bode.  Maxwell is being sponsored by Jim Quisenberry.  Motion carried.

DIRECTORS’ REPORTS:

Deborah Day reported the Reach Across American Project was a great success.  A large group of children attended and many Rotarians were present to read to them.  She wanted to give special thanks to Anna Merritt who was responsible for recruiting many volunteers to help with this project.

Vickie Mayes reported that the recruitment for high school students to take part in the upcoming RYLA conference and the Whitewater Conference had begun.  The committee had solicited the help of the high school counselors in the selection.

OLD BUSINESS:

President Quisenberry announced a GSE Team from China would be in the District in May.  The plans for their visit are not complete since the actual dates for the visit have not been definitely determined.

The Awards Committee has been soliciting nominees for a Life-Long Achievement Award and would welcome any suggestions.

Anna Merritt is coordinating the members of the club who will be taking part in the area-wide Boneyard Cleanup which will be held on Saturday, April 22, 2006.

NEW BUSINESS:

The Ways and Means Committee has prepared a report (copy attached to official minutes) which recommends that the following projects be supported from the fund raising activities for this year:

            From the Community Service Fund:
                 -  United Way Success by 6 Ready for Kindergarten Calendar Program ($1000)                                                                                                                         -  Urbana Park District Victory Park Playground ($1500)

            Large Project (2-3 year pledged commitment)
                 -  Urbana Schools—School Library Acquisitions Project ($15,000)

After some discussion, it was moved by Deborah Rugg and seconded by Deborah Day that these projects be approved for the use of the charitable funds raised this year.  Motion carried.

In addition to these recommendations, the Ways and Means Committee is also recommending at the suggestion of President Elect Michael Murphy that the Urbana Rotary donate a children’s book to the Urbana Free Library Children’s Department in honor of our luncheon speakers.  It is estimated the cost of the book would be $15 and there would probably be a need for about 45 purchases each year.  (Estimated cost of $675)  While all the funds for charitable projects have been designated, it is suggested that these funds be taken from the operating funds of the Club.  Since there is no longer a need for a large expenditure for publishing the newsletter, it might be possible to divert some of that expense to this project.  After some discussion, it was moved by Vickie Mayes and seconded by Deborah Day that this proposal be considered when next year’s budget is being developed.  Motion carried.

ADJOURNMENT:

The meeting adjourned at 11:45 AM.  The next meeting will be held on Tuesday, April 4, 2006.

Respectfully submitted: