NOVEMBER 17, 2016 CLUB MEETING
 
Induction of a new member: Aubrey Johnson, the Superintendent of the New Brunswick Public Schools, was formally inducted as our newest member. Following the brief ceremony, Aubrey commented on the academic goals and vision for the public schools embodied in a strategic plan for 2016-2021 that has been recently adopted.
 
 
Introduction of a guest: The membership welcomed Olatoye Oyelowo who attended the luncheon meeting. He is an army veteran and is currently enrolled in the MBA Program at Rutgers University. We hope he returns to enjoy the fellowship and learn more about Rotary as a prospective candidate for membership.
 
Rags to Runway: The planning for this event is underway led by Tom Park and Pamela Stalcup. There will be a fashion show at the George Street Playhouse on March 2, 2017. Contact Tom if you wish to volunteer and help make this fund-raising event a success.
 
Buffet Luncheon: A buffet luncheon service was introduced on a trial basis for the next few weeks. This service has been developed in response to the request for shortening the length of the luncheon meetings. The benefits of this alternate food service will be evaluated.
 
Holiday Party: Plan to attend our annual holiday party with your significant other; bring a friend who might be interested in learning about Rotary! The party with a reception, enhanced menu and cash bar begins at 5:30 pm on Thursday, December 15 at Panico's.
 
Presidential Citation: A club goal is to be recognizing by Rotary Foundation for a Presidential Citation this Rotary year. To qualify, clubs must meet various criteria in such areas as mandatory service goals, humanitarian service, membership, sponsor a Rotaract and Interact clubs, and support the RI Foundation in at least three levels of giving by clubs and individual members. Sharan will communicate a special message to all members about the opportunity for giving and helping our club to meet the outstanding criteria for achieving a Presidential Citation.
 
Rotaract: The Board made two decisions to support the Rotaract Club at Rutgers University. One was providing an expense allowance of $250 for each member attending the Rotary Youth Leadership Award conference next year. We will support up to three Rotaract members. The second decision was a proposal to host a joint meeting in April 2017 during our regular dinner meeting. We are planning to induct the new Rotaract members and incoming officers for the 2017/2018 year at this occasion and build our fellowship with the University students.
 
Point in Time Survey: As part of an annual national data collection on the homeless in communities, the Middlesex County Office of Human Services conducts a survey to obtain a count on the unsheltered residents and to have a better understanding on the causal factors for homelessness. We will partner with the Office of Human Services by supporting this survey project next year. The Board approved a grant of $100 for purchasing wool caps that will be donated to the participants in the survey.