About the meeting program: The bell will be rung at 12:15PM to help the staff with food service timing and a final attendance count. Also, a subtle "two minute warning" reminder before the end of the meeting will be signaled to help the program end promptly at 1:30PM.
Pam Ancheta introduced Barbara Fahey, guest of Tom Tarzwell, and Matt Enright, reporter from South County Independent covering the Admiral's presentation.
Inspired by the latest issue of The Rotarian's cover article "What It's Like...Ordinary Rotarians, Extraordinary Tales" Pam Ancheta suggested that club members consider their own experiences for future ROTARY MINUTES. Club members are encouraged to share an interesting, unusual anecdote about themselves (or fellow Rotarians) without having to take lots of prep time for a full speakers presentation, yet get more coverage than a happy buck mention. Just let Pam know you want a Rotary Minute story to share.
For all the latest details concerning club related meetings or events click on any and all items listed in the Upcoming Events section in the right column. A few items to note:
DEC. 27th: BOARD OF DIRECTOR'S MEETING
DEC. 28th: LAST REGULAR MEETING OF THE YEAR
JAN. 4th: FIRST REGULAR MEETING OF THE YEAR (half-way point for President Pam's term!)
URI/ROTARACT DONATIONS FOR CHILDREN'S FRIEND & YEAR END ACTIVITY WITH ROTARIANS
Many thanks to our club members fro their contribution to Rotaract's Children's Friend fund drive. Our diaper and dollar donations helped to make this activity very successful. The December 11th activity at URI's rock wall facility off of Old North Road in Kingston was attended by Rotarians Bob Horrocks, Glen Zibolis, Jim Buchanan, Beth Leconte and Pam Ancheta and about 20 Rotaracters. A couple of us non-undergrads took a turn at wall scaling. Let's do more of this togetherness with these very admirable student leaders!
CHRISTMAS SOCIAL AT PHIL'S
Thanks so much to Judy Fortier for her work dealing with attendance and the staff at Phil's. You made the event go so smoothly. Thanks to all for indulging in the singing; if you planned on caroling for the season and lent your voice to a song or two at Phil's, you successfully accomplished a Christmas task!
CLUB ASSEMBLY PREPARATIONS FOR LATE JANUARY/EARLY FEBRUARY:
While there was no committee reports for this meeting, President Pam would like to do a review of the budget; standing committees; adhoc committees; proposed initiatives for a club assembly around the end of next month, likely the first meeting of February (8th). Speakers committee be advised that there should be no speaker at that meeting. Confirming a date will be announced soon.
Wakefield Rotary Club Foundation (WRCF) -- End of Year Donation Request
Don't forget that donations to support our club's endowment go to the current WRCF treasurer--at this time it's Steve White.
Beth Leconte updated us all on Marion Humphrey's husband's, Bob's, improved medical condition after heart surgery and is recuperating at home. A card was circulated among those in attendance and Beth kindly offered to mail it out to the Humphreys.
Gene Corl - was happy that meetings are held at Arturo Joes!
Sandy Cutting - had a "times-a-changing" story; she talked about a generational difference when it comes to a long work hours and what now constitutes a long work weeks w
Jim Buchanan - talked about the "Stuff the Truck" event at A&B Family Appliance store on Dec. 9th and that Rotarians have continued to give him items to donate and that he'll continue to take items, especially coats and other clothing until the end of Saturday Dec. 23.
Chief of Naval Operations Distinguished International Fellow, U.S. Naval War College
The Admiral's presentation combined his own experience as a Naval officer with a review of the attack on Pearl Harbor in December 1941 from a Japanese perspective.
ADM Takei joined the Japan Maritime Self Defense Force (JMSDF) in 1979 after graduated the Japan National Defense Academy. He assumed the duties as the 32nd Chief of Maritime Staff, JMSDF in October 2014 and retired from service in December 2016 after a 38 year career as a JMSDF officer.
ADM Takei was a Surface Warfare Officer and specialized in Weapon Systems. In his early career, he served mainly on Guided Missile Destroyers (DDG). He commanded JS Ishikari (DE226) in 1997. He assumed command of Escort Division One in 2001 after several shore assignments.
As a Flag Officer, ADM Takei served as the Deputy Director General of the Administration Department of the Maritime Staff Office (MSO) in 2004, and in 2006 as the first Director General of C4I System Department (J6) of the Joint Staff Office. In 2008, he was the Chief of Staff for the Commandant of the Kure District, and in 2008 the Director General of Operations and Plans Department (N3/N5) of MSO. Admiral Takei commanded the initial stage of HA/DR Operations in response to the Great East Japan Earth Quake in March 2011 as Commandant of the Ominato District of JMSDF. Later, he served as Vice Chief of Maritime Staff of JMSDF and in 2012 he was the Commandant of JMSDF’s Yokosuka District.
ADM Takei has a Master’s Degree in Regional Studies from the University of Tsukuba and is a graduate of the Naval Command College of the U.S. Naval War College, class of 1999.
ADM Takei was awarded the Legion of Merit from the U.S. four times, and is a recipient of the Legión de Honor (Officie) from France and Legion of Merit from Turkey.
ADM Takei is a native of Nagano Prefecture, currently lives in Chiba Prefecture.
