Meeting of December 20, 2007

Next Meeting Time & Place: January 3, 2008 RSCC - Fellowship and Club Assembly Night; Mid-year assessment and Potential Presidential announcement.

Song: Mark Thompson and son

Pledge:  President Marion Keenan

Prayer: Lee Whaley

Head Table:  Suzanne Murray, Captain Cam Henderson, Dave Morgan and President Marion

Guests:  Suzanne Murray of the Eastern Shore Blood Bank and Captain Cam Henderson, Salvation Army.

Announcements: Captain Cam announced that our club had been third in most money raised in 2006 and presented a trophy to Past President AB. He thanked and praised us for our continued efforts.

President Marion acknowledged appreciation for everyone who participated in last weeks Santa event and singing at Parson’s home. There was a look of shear delight on the folk’s faces as the kids helped in handing out presents. Lots of cool pictures by Kathleen McLain of children and our favorite Santa.

New Four Way Test Committee Chair is April Clyde.

Marie Calafiura has eaten $2000 (yes, thousand) worth of chicken for our Rotary club benefit. She requested that we set up a Funding source for the Scout Cabin.

Chris Peek mentioned his son is looking for a community project for his Eagle badge if any member had any ideas.

Two new members have been proposed: Mark Forno and Gary Howell.  Please send any comments to the secretary within 15 days.

Rotarians, as you plan your end-of-year charitable donations, please keep the Rotary Club of Salisbury Foundation, Inc. in mind.  The Foundation supports the operation and upkeep of the RSCC.  The RSCC houses our Boy Scout Troop 176 and has been used several times for local Girl Scout activities this past year.  In addition, our club has made excellent use of the facility for club meetings and activities. We need your financial support to be sure the RSCC is on a sound financial footing, so please give what you can.  Unless Congress passes an extension, the ability of IRA owners age 70 ½ or older to make “qualified charitable distributions” to charitable organization will expire December 31, 2007.  Arranging such a distribution, to The Rotary Club of Salisbury Foundation, Inc., should be commenced as soon as possible to ensure that gifts beat the deadline. To make an IRA contribution to The Rotary Club of Salisbury Foundation, Inc., the members simply need to contact their IRA trustee or custodian and state that they wish to have a distribution check made out to The Rotary Club of Salisbury Foundation, Inc.  They should also notify Steve Capelli of their plans by calling (443) 614-1310 so we may coordinate with their IRA administrator to ensure proper transfer and receipting of the gift.  The rules are fairly simple: Donors must be 70 ½ or older when the gift occurs and own a traditional IRA.  Only the IRA custodian can transfer gift amounts to The Rotary Club of Salisbury Foundation, Inc.  If IRA owners withdraw funds and then contribute them to the foundation separately, amounts withdrawn will be included in the donor’s gross income. No charitable deductions are allowed, but transfers to The Rotary Club of Salisbury Foundation, Inc. count toward the IRA owner’s required annual distribution and therefore can reduce taxable income.  IRA gifts will not impair deductibility of regular charitable contributions.

Main Program: Dave Morgan introduced Suzanne Murray (who needed no introduction to most of us) as the head of the Eastern Shore Blood Bank. She reported on the health benefits to be gained by giving blood regularly (quite significant) and the drop in donations by under-thirty-something’s (also quite significant). She praised the numerous Rotarians who are already members and asked that others consider joining.

50/50 Winners :  Greg Ferrier and Bill Wyatt

       Enjoy Rotary!