Posted by Lori Orestano-James on Jul 25, 2017
Monti Meeting Happenings
July 25, 2017              6:30pm            Albella’s Restaurant
 
Call to Order
President Barbara Carr called the meeting to order at 6:30pm followed by the Pledge of Allegiance and The Rotary Four Way Test.  She then welcomed all members and introduced guests.
 
 
Guests: Bejan Kerendian, Lijia Kerendian-Livian
 
Montigram Editor Report
 
We have a lot of great events and activities as we move forward this coming month.  Please be sure to check our calendar so you don't miss out on what is going on!  
 
New Meeting Location
 
We officially moved in to our new meeting location.  We now meet weekly at Albella Family Restaurant, 50 Jefferson Street, Monticello, New York.  The Dinner Committee (Joe D’Abbraccio, Jacob Lerner, Janet Kaplan and Barbara Carr, and Lori Orestano-James) met with Mike, the owner of Albella Family Restaurant) to discuss menu options an club needs.  Mike has some great ideas to help create an inviting atmosphere for our members and visiting guests. 
 
Those who were at the meeting noticed the addition of "Bar Nosh" prior to the official meeting.  This will allow our members and guests to network prior to our meetings while having a "little something" to curb their appetite until serving of dinner.  Speaking of dinner, Mike will provide its club members and guests to entree choices which will rotate each week.  In addition, available every week is the choice of Grilled Salmon with Vegetables, and a Caesar Salad with either Grilled Chicken or Grilled Salmon.  Sign in with one of the wait staff at the bar when you arrive to place your order.  
 
We will be meeting in the "Party Room" which is a private room off the main dining room.  Mike has requested that we park on the left side of the front parking area and/or the left side lot and enter through the secondary door.  Making a right as you come through the door will bring you to our private area without having to walk through the restaurant dining room.  Mike also shared that he will be doing some upgrades to the private room area over the next few months (post summer season) to make the room a better meeting space for all.  
 
Mike and his family have been great supporters of the Monticello Rotary Events always donating gift certificates and sponsoring vents.  We look forward to our continued relationship, great meals and wonderful fellowship!
 
 
President's Reminders
 
At the July 18, 2017 meeting, President Barbara Carr shared several upcoming events and flyers (Please see attached).  In addition, she shared information about Region 5 events.  Please see the Club Calendar for further information.)
 
Guest Speaker
 
Our guest speaker was our very own, Joe D'Abbracchio who spoke about our ClubRunner and Facebook accounts.  Joe demonstrated how to navigate our website to find information, how to post to Facebook and shared our new Google Drive Account for us to share photos and such.  Remember to bookmark our page www.monticellonyrotary.org .  You can  visit our page to keep updated with Monticello Rotary Happenings!  
 
In addition, remember to "Like" us and "Follow" us on our Facebook Page (Rotary Club of Monticello, NY).  This is a great place to post when you attend Rotary Events and to stay current with what we have been doing. 
 
The feedback from the members in attendance was terrific and have requested to have Joe come back and review what was covered.  We all agreed that we will need to wait at least until after August 1st when he has officially opened Catskill Veterinary Services, PLLC!  We will wait Joe and wish you much success! 
 
Member Happenings
 
This is a new section of the Montigram Voice.  As long as we are made aware, we will post news about our members.  
Get Well Wishes: Jim Akins
Congratulations: Marty & Lauren Miller of the birth of their second grandchild. 
 
Committee Reports
 
Monster Run – Les Kristt
Les reported that the race is laid out.  He shared that we have an increase in Race Sponsorships.  There is an increase in outreach through Social Media.  We need volunteers to assist the day of the race.  In addition, we need to help get the runners out for the day of the event.  Registration is available online.
 
As a reminder - we will be holding our usual Pre-Registration on Saturday, August 5, 2017 at the Sign-in Table location (next to Monticello Pizza Hut) from 10AM - 2PM.  Please let Orshii Boldiis know if you can help out on that day!
 
Janet Kaplan is putting together a raffle for this years Monster Run.  There are a number of wonderful items donated already but more is needed.  If you are able to make a donation to the cause, please contact Janet and/or bring the item to the meeting Tuesday night. 
 
Next Committee Meeting – August 1, 2017 at Albella’s Restaurant at 5:30pm
 
Annual Dues: If you have not taken care of payment of your dues, please do so ASAP.
 
 
Friendship Friday - Barbara Carr
Barbara reported that the next Friendship Friday is August 4, 2017 at 5:30pm until 7– BHR in Rock Hill.  Members are encouraged to bring guests to learn about Rotary, our club and activities.
 
Rotary Night at Forestburgh PlayhouseGary Tugender
Gary shared that tickets are still available for our clubs annual Night at Forestburgh Playhouse meeting.  The show is the ever popular, Bye, Bye, Birdie!  Tickets and dinner are priced at $62 per person.  If you are a season ticket holder or just want to attend for dinner, the cost is $28 per person.  Please be sure to contact Gary as he needs to finalize the count with Forestburgh Playhouse.