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The Big Retreat at Port Ludlow
Three major topics were discussed in breakout sessions: Membership, Fellowship, and the 5-Year Plan. All those attending were divided into three groups, with each group rotating to allow partipation in all three breakouts. Following is a summary of the results for the:
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Steve Lingenbrink
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Fellowship Breakout Session
Moderated by Steve Lingenbrink
Fellowship is in charge of special events and social activities. It primarily handles details behind the Anniversary Dinner – held in November to recognize chartering (subsidy of $6000 in current budget); Rotating the Wheels, this year at the Newcastle Country Club (subsidy of $6,000 in current budget); Christmas Breakfast (subsidy of $5,000 in current budget); ROSE – Rotary Outstanding Social Event (Experience), held sporadically throughout the year at small cost to club.
The challenge for the fellowship activities of the Club centers around the subsidy issue, wherein the Club’s Board of Directors has, over the years, provided a financial incentive to members attending special functions, such as the Anniversary Dinner and Rotating the Wheels function. Now, the board is faced with increased costs of Club operations (rising food costs and increased weekly guarantee of 95 plates to Glendale).
Random Responses
- Clarify the issue of dues versus meals. Tax deductible?
- Scooter badge? Raise it.
- Don’t diminish the quality of fellowship functions.
- Breakfast Anniversary proposed. Different venue perhaps?
- Breakfast may prevent spouses being able to attend.
- $50 is the threshold per event. Agreed.
- Peter Powell is new Chairperson of Fellowship in July.
- One big splashy event every five years?
Anniversary
Session attendees saw the November [Anniversary] event as a timing conflict. It was suggested a smaller anniversary celebration could be held annually. Some suggested an Anniversary event every five years. The subsidy could be cut substantially that way. The venue for event could be changed to result in lower charges. It has been suggested the Anniversary Dinner be held in February. This would coincide with Rotary’s birthday (February 23) and a function of this nature was held in the early 90’s. This was an Eastside event and was a much bigger undertaking.
Rotating the Wheels
The Rotating the Wheels dinner has always been a less formal activity and the alternatives were much the same as the Anniversary Dinner.
The group discussed bringing back fireside chats which received some support.
Rotating Wheels – fellowship is the most important issue … spouses and family.
Keep event price less than $50 per member.
Programs
Programs need to be lively. They help bring people to weekly meetings. Consensus is that committee has done a great job this year. More off-site presentations? Limit charities for making presentations.
Balance is the name of the game.
Most slots filled for current year and into first two months of next. Satisfied with quality and variety.
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