Last Week's Meeting
Our pre-Thanksgiving weekly meeting tradition continued with “Thanksgiving for the 106 Years of Youngstown Rotary,” a program by the RCY Chaplaincy Committee.
The meeting opened with notes of gratitude to our nation by speaking the Pledge of Allegiance and singing “America the Beautiful.” The Rev. Msgr. William Siffrin asked members to reflect on what they and their families were thankful for, and how the spirit of thanksgiving could soften the polarization that is prevalent in society today. Table reporters, including committee members Dionne Dowdy, Barbara Brothers, Steve Kristan and Mike Latessa, shared many responses. Themes emerged of excitement and appreciation to spend this holiday with loved ones, and reminders of how Rotary work still unites us. Rotarians also are called to be caring and encouraged to be open to opinions of others.
Thanksgiving is a “powerful time of regenerating” within our families, friends and ourselves in terms of gifts we have received, Msgr. Siffin said. In her closing prayer and blessing, the Rev. Gayle Catinella encouraged all to count blessings, especially in terms of relationships.
Chaplaincy Committee members also give spiritual reflections at the beginning of weekly meetings. Thank you to Msgr. Siffrin and Rev. Catinella for coordinating these presentations.
In other business, Don Foley received his Paul Harris Fellow +1 award. Scott Schulick also was recognized for his planned giving to the Rotary Foundation. Happy Bucks were plentiful; all were deposited in a Salvation Army Red Kettle, in recognition of RCY’s support of the annual Red Kettle Drive.
Samantha Turner is seeking members to join John Fahnert on the weekly meeting Setup Committee. Setup begins at 11 a.m. Wednesdays.
