Overcast weather at Goodwin for our Rotary Meeting today. Attendees were Rob, Marc, Bob, Jim, Ceil,George, Dan, Bill, Guy, Sue, Peter, Ray, Jack, Anwar, Angelica and Neal. Iris Vizcarrondo, a corporate member of CT Lead, also attended.

Pre-meeting discussion about today’s visit from District Governor April Beaton and our raffle draw.

Rob rang the bell at 12 Noon and called the meeting to order. He also led the Pledge of Allegiance and Four Way Test. Marc gave the invocation about Rotary being open to all.

Lunch from First & Last was an excellent spread of pizza and penne pasta and bread. Also treated with homemade cookies made by Diana, Anwar’s wife.

Rob led the Trivia game. Sorry but I missed the winners again.

District Governor April Beston spoke about Rotary forming satellite clubs which could be school or profession based or any other groups with mutual interests. Rotary will help members form new clubs with ads, etc. Rob added that Face to Face is still the best approach. DG Beston also announced that the eradication of Polio would be her #1 Priority during her year.

Sue Klock, Polio Plus Challenge Chair, spoke further about the PolioPlus Society reminding us that East Hartford is the founding member of this challenge. To join the society, please pledge $100 per year to qualify. You can pledge on my.rotary.org/donate or donate through the club or district.

After winning the first pull of this week’s raffle for the second week in a row, Peter pulled the winning card and received $1,070 which he will donate to Goodwin College.

Caring thoughts: Ray announced that his wife is recovering well after recent surgery.

 Announcements

• Bob announced Coats for Kids event at Burlington Coat Factory was a great success.
• Sue Klock is preparing for our upcoming Dictionary distribution in EH. She would appreciate some volunteers to assist.
• Our Christmas Party this year will be at the Villa Louisa in Bolton on Friday, December 12 @ 6:30. There will be an open bar, Hors D’oeuvres and buffet dinner as well as entertainment, games, raffle and dancing for $70 per person. See Ceil to reserve your space.
• The District Convention has changed next year to a Family Style Picnic at High Meadow Resort in Granby on June 6.

Next week’s meeting will be at the East Hartford Senior Center. We will be serving at their Veteran’s luncheon.

Rob rang the bell at 1:00 to end our meeting.

Neal Cunningham