Rondequoter

PASTA DINNER UPDATE

Based on sales-to-date, Bob Sheidt is is expecting that will beat our 2022 Pasta Dinner Revenues record, which was also a record in and of itself.  President Dan proposed a $1 winner take all bet to guess the final figure, closest without going over.

Bob reports that we are financially in great shape.  We still have 500 tickets, but more money is being made with less efforts due to our sponsors’ generosity.  Politicians have also contributed during this election year. Selling can continue and there are still opportunities for sponsors to be listed on our web page.  Terri Corrigan-Bastuk brought recognition flyers acknowledging all sponsors along with a blurb about Rotary.  Names did not get on the flyer without the money first being placed in Treasurer Lynn Wozniak’s capable hands.

Bob reminded us that we are all friends, Rotarians, and colleagues, so even if the event gets stressful and chaotic when there is a line of cars, we should still have fun!  Volunteer guidelines were handed out with key tasks outlined.  There are named assignments and others will be “on the fly.”  Saturday morning tasks are “down to a science,” with experienced Rotarians doing the bucket cleaning, pre-cooking and pre-packaging.  Jersey Mike’s eliminates the need to prepare and clean up for the volunteer meals.  Salads will be packaged to the extent of refrigeration capacity.  Bob recalls how last year there was a nationwide shortage of salad mix, which is fortunately not the case now.  This year is also the first time we have been invited to distribute printed sponsor materials to each vehicle.

Let’s all be flexible throughout Sunday so no one is overburdened and everyone is served a hot but not burned meal.  First delivery to the Knights of Columbus is scheduled for 10:45-11 a.m., so food preparation should begin at 9 a.m.  Tents and traffic cones need to be set up starting at 10 a.m.  Traffic started showing up at 11:30 in 2022.   This is a space-intensive activity where volunteers will be mostly standing, so we should take breaks as needed.  The food line is high demand along with dishwashing.  Each function has a team leader so we have enough resources.  Because we are selling meals cash at the door, we will need more change, especially singles due to the $12 price.  A 50-50 raffle will take place with 1 drawing and 1 winner.

We are in the home stretch!

Several contributions were made for Jennie Gugino’s recovery and that of Isaac Elliott’s cousin; Bob Scheidt’s father’s improved health; everyone’s hard work on Trail Project (“Trailblazers”) and Pasta Dinner (everyone get enough rest!); success of Veterans’ Day festivities; Lee Steinfeldt’s return; Terri and Lynn’s leadership; discovery that Tom’s wife Marcia founded the Interact Club at the University of New England in 1989

Dave Shaheen: European cruise where he met Buffalo native Jason Tartick, who was a contestant on the Bachelorette

Tom Kosanke: no more yearly Rotary themes after 2024; it will be Service Above Self all the time

Kenn Van Dieren: late arrival; was discussing Rotary Foundation with the Latino Club

Bob Spatola: grandsons came for dinner in costume on Halloween

BJ Cunningham: Kenn’s haircut

Bob Scheidt: grandson’s 5^th birthday

Elena Barbone: Nashville trip this weekend (sister Stephanie will be helping out at Pasta Dinner)

Lori Martinez: niece’s 12^th birthday today and daughter’s Veteran’s Day birthday

Lou DiPrima: brought chainsaw to Durand Trail and it stopped working. . . discovered it had 10-year-old gas in the tank! Also suggestion for Karaoke social night

Sal Abbassey: $10 from dinner he wasn’t expecting

Lynn Wozniak: Terri corrected all her mistakes on the recognition flyer and only bashed her head on the keyboard twice!

Guest Lorenzo Weaver: family members who served in the Army

Lee Steinfeldt: Lorenzo’s renovation of her basement

Steve Schwock: IOU for conscience fines 😊 and rescheduled out-of-town family photo because it was the same day as the Pasta Dinner

President Dan: Sal’s return from GA and SC