Good meeting today. We had 21 Rotarians in attendance. We began with our usual pre-meeting social gathering before Sue called us promptly to order at 12 noon with her bell.
Sue started the meeting by leading us in the Pledge of Allegiance. After that, Anwar gave a beautiful invocation. He talked about peace and tranquility and the many freedoms we are lucky to have as Americans and Rotarians.
From there, Sue went into Caring Moments. Bill mentioned that Debbie Wood had her birthday on Monday and that she had a nice birthday party where she dressed up and her son came over. Guy mentioned that Diedre is facing a family crisis and that we should keep her in our thoughts and prayers.
Next, our new member Jason Primus introduced himself. He shared how fortunate he has been to work and travel in many countries around the world. He also said he is happy to be a new member of Rotary.
Topics of the meeting:
First, Sue mentioned that the board agreed to increase Michelle Zheng’s scholarship from $2000 to $3000 for the upcoming school year. Michelle’s matriculation at Yale was delayed due to Covid. Speaking of scholarship recipients, Connor invited them to our meeting next week.
Next, Marc talked about the District Golf Tournament, which will take place on September 28 starting at 10am in Massachusetts. The cost to enter is $150. Lunch and dinner will be served. Raffle prizes will be given out. Marc asked that each club donate a prize for the raffle. He is on vacation now, but he will be able to receive them starting next week. Some suggestions for prizes include golf balls, tennis lessons, electronic putting screens, and restaurant gift certificates. Please do not wait until the last minute to donate prizes. Marc also said that individual members should donate prizes to our club’s golf tournament, which will take place September 20.
Third, Sue discussed donating money to the club’s charitable foundation. You can contribute by sending a check to our treasurer, Wes Willett, P.O. Box 380035, East Hartford, CT 06138-0035, or you can contribute online using the phone Apps Venmo (@EastHartfordRotary) or CashApp ($EastHartfordRotary). Instructions for using CashApp are on our club’s website, www.easthartfordrotary.org. You will see the drop-down list under “About” at the top of the Homepage. Venmo and CashApp are convenient online ways to donate to the Charitable Fund. However, please do not use online Apps for making donations to the Scholarship Trust. Checks should be mailed to Trustee Bill Saunders at our club’s P.O. Box, above.
After that, Connor told the Rotary members that the city of East Hartford reached its goal of volunteers and donations for the MLK mural. He said he will send the unveiling information to all the Rotary members by the end of the day.
Sue also mentioned that she would like to make a brochure of the club and its activities. She would like someone to take photos for the brochure.
Finally, Anwar reminded us of the Food Share next Monday, August 16, at 12:30pm in Bloomfield. Eight people have signed up so far. New volunteers must register on-line. All volunteers must bring proof of vaccination. Wear comfortable clothes and shoes because we will be standing for 2 hours!
Sue rang the bell to end the meeting at 12:29pm.
Next week’s meeting will focus on this year’s scholarship recipients who will join our Zoom meeting. Connor Martin, Chair of the Scholarship Committee will introduce the students. Thanks to Connor and his committee members for all their time reviewing applications – Ruth Sheehan, Laura Floyd, Peter Klock, and Anwar Hossain.
District Governor Joanne Alfieri’s Weekly message about The Rotary Foundation:
WHAT IS “EVERY ROTARIAN, EVERY YEAR” ALL ABOUT?
This initiative by the Board of Trustees of The Rotary Foundation encourages “every Rotarian, every year” to:
This initiative by the Board of Trustees of The Rotary Foundation encourages “every Rotarian, every year” to:
1. Participate in a Foundation program that is making a difference in the world
2. Contribute to the Foundation’s Annual Fund at a sustainable amount
2. Contribute to the Foundation’s Annual Fund at a sustainable amount
Annually, The Rotary Foundation recognizes clubs in which every member contributes at least US$25 to the Annual Fund with a US$100 per capita during the Rotary year.
Today, around one-third of Rotarians participate in this initiative. In 2020/21, The Rotary Foundation was able to award 1,957 global grants for large scale sustainable projects due to the generosity of these Rotarians. Think about how much more Rotary could accomplish in the world if all 1.2 million worldwide
Today, around one-third of Rotarians participate in this initiative. In 2020/21, The Rotary Foundation was able to award 1,957 global grants for large scale sustainable projects due to the generosity of these Rotarians. Think about how much more Rotary could accomplish in the world if all 1.2 million worldwide
That is all for this week. Enjoy the rest of the week!
Sincerely,
Jason Primus