Noon – Past President Bob Buettner rang the official Rotary bell and led us in the Pledge of Allegiance, followed by the Four-way Test.

Bob mentioned that due to technical difficulties we would not be offering a Zoom option today.

Anwar provided a thoughtful spring-themed invocation encouraging us to take a lead from the new season by adding new energy to our efforts providing support to our local community and beyond.

While we awaited the arrival of lunch, Bob began the business portion of today’s meeting.

The Golf Committee will meet Thursday, April 10^th at 12:30 PM in Ray Maselek’s office, located at 417 Main Street in East Hartford, a Goodwin University building.

After an update on options for the April 23d Paul Harris Recognition Event by Ceil and Guy, Sue Klock moved that the Board (represented today by Neal, Jim, Anwar, George, Jack, all present, and Ray Maselek by proxy) approve holding the event at the Cottom Hollow Kitchen in Glastonbury, capping the cost per person at $ 70 per person, the club to pay any cost beyond that. Those members of the Board present and voting by proxy approved the motion. Ceil will proceed to confirm this with Cottom Hollow. She also let Treasurer George know that Maneeley’s has agreed to refund the $500 deposit previously paid when the plan was to hold this event at Maneeley’s.

Anwar reported that the volunteers would continue helping sort perishables at Foodshare in Bloomfield the third Monday of the month. The next volunteer day will be April 21.

Lunch arrived. Bob paused the meeting so everyone could partake. Thanks again to Guy for arranging today’s lunch, a garden salad, shrimp scampi with angel-hair pasta and chicken parmesan.

Charlie once again sold raffle tickets during lunch.

At 12:28 Bob resumed the meeting.

Anwar reported that the Guidance Office at East Hartford High School has received the scholarship application forms and has shared them with CIBA. East Catholic High School has also received the applications. Completed applications are due in respective guidance offices on April 23^rd. Rob will post information in various social media accounts he updates. As mentioned previously, the Board’s May meeting will occur on the first Wednesday in May, instead of the 2^nd Wednesday, to make final choices early in May, based on the recommendations of the Scholarship Committee, chaired by Anwar.

Dan and Hope Firestone reported that Saturday’s play was a big success; those present who had attended the show agreed. Thanks to Hope and Dan for organizing this.

Anwar brought to our attention another opportunity to enjoy a show at a local theater where he volunteers, helping to build sets;

FREE ADMISSION for the

Final Dress Rehearsal of

Musical 9-5 Based on the 1980 Movie at

The Little Theatre of Manchester in Cheney Hall

177 Hartford Road, Manchester, CT

Wednesday April 9, 2025, at 7:30 PM

Plenty of parking on the premises.

No tickets or reservations needed.

Bob wound up the meeting by asking Charlie to pick a raffle ticket. Lucky Neal Cunningham’s raffle ticket was chosen, but unfortunately, Neal was not so lucky. He picked the 6 of spades, not the Queen.

Bob rang the bell to close the meeting at 12:28

Submitted by Sue Klock, High Gear editor for the month of April.