The meeting began with the pledge of allegiance by Paul Cassella, and a prayer by James Grossi.  Tim Corwin updated us on the life vest project, which hit a minor snag given the need for use of an easement along the property owned by National Golf Links.  Rosane Cassella spoke about the District initiative for basic literacy and education, and proposed that we bring childrens’ books in good condition to the next couple of meetings for donation.  She also updated us on Southamptonfest, preparing to distribute 100 freshly printed flyers to local businesses.  Paul Cassella confirmed that we have engaged Retroverse as the band.  James reminded us that the Firecracker race is this Sunday, and all hands are needed on deck!  The sign-up list was re-distributed.  Let’s assemble at 6:30am to set up please.  The Boy Scouts will be at water station #4.  Shariee Calderone announced that Southampton Playhouse is inviting business owners to a complimentary screening of Odyssey on September 15 at 7pm at the IMAX theater.

We had a full agenda, starting with a presentation by Peter Topping, Executive Director of Peconic Baykeeper, a not for profit advocate for water quality of Long Island’s waters. This is their 25^th year providing testing and restoration services as well as educational programs.  With headquarters in Hampton Bays and a small staff of 2, Peconic relies on volunteers and seasonal help for much of its clean up work. Peter noted that he was a Rotary student of the month when he was in high school here. We presented Pete with a check for $350 to continue his efforts in the community.

In connection with planning for Southamptonfest kickoff party on Friday, October 2nd, Paul Cassella presented his buy/rent analysis on pole (standard) and inflatable tents, given that the Village is no longer making a tent available to us.  As we are just a month away from this event, the members voted to rent a standard tent this year, and to re-evaluate our options at a later date.  Members voiced their appreciation for Paul’s research.

The meeting adjourned at 1:30 pm.  Next week, September 10, our meeting will be held at the Masonic Lodge on Main Street.

Note that retired Rotarian Marty Gilmartin is very ill.  Kindly keep him in your prayers, and please send a note to him.

Seán Deneny, Co-Vice President, led the meeting as Aleksandra and James were out of town, and Brian is out on leave for three months. There were several important announcements. First, we wished Paul Cassella a very happy birthday. Paul advised that the customized event tent with our logo had arrived.  

Meeting came to order, with the prayer and the pledge.  Tim C, made an announcement about his Mulva Hill hike this Saturday at 9am.  The 8k run is in three weeks, we will be distributing the sign up list again.  If you can still make it , please confirm with Paul.  If your new and would like to step in an help.  You can sign up using the web form.  If anyone would like to see our new 10x20 event tent you can check out the link here.  Tim Corwin was our sargent today.  Started with some bad news about Southampton Town beach stickers.  Why don't contractors like atoms?  Because they make up everything.  There are 1 fatalities related to shark attacks in the USA.  Camp Paquatuck is a camp for special needs kids located in Moriches.  This date in history they started buiding the Berlin Wall 1961, 1889 first pay phone, 2016 Fidel Castro died.  1995 Micky Mantle Died.  We are still looking for programs for the upcoming weeks  

An annual tradition has the about 20 Southampton Rotarians visiting the Fresh Air Home every year.   It's a day of fun and festivities in addition to enjoying a delicious meal of chicken fingers, macaroni and cheese, heroes, waters and sodas, etc from Cromers Market.  The kids enjoy ice cream from the local Mr. Softy.  The kids all had their faces painted and they enjoyed a magic show.  The board appreciates the great attendance that we had at this years event.  Thank you Racheal and Beau Hulse for their efforts on coordinating this amazing event.