There were 22 participants at the meeting (21 members, 1 scholarship recipient). Before the meeting started, there was casual conversation. Polio was one of the topics discussed. Doug then asked Ruth, “Who’s in 3rd place?” (Don’t worry, Ruth. The Red Sox will come back strong). The meeting started promptly at 12 noon, with Sue ringing the bell and leading us in the Pledge of Allegiance, followed by Jack giving the invocation. In the invocation, Jack mentioned that the pandemic was a time of isolation for many people, but as Rotary members, we are lucky not only to have our own families but also we are lucky to be members of Rotary, which is like an extended family.Sue then recited the 4-way test:
It is the truth?
Is it fair to all concerned?
Will it bring goodwill and better friendships?
Will it be beneficial to all concerned?
There were no caring moments this week.
Connor acknowledged the scholarship committee (Ruth, Anwar, Peter, and Laura) for their work and proceeded to introduce Michelle Zheng, a 2020 scholarship recipient. Michelle was scheduled to receive her scholarship and begin her freshman year at Yale in 2020, but she deferred the scholarship and enrollment until 2021 because of the pandemic. Despite the pandemic, she kept busy. She was a math tutor as well as a teacher to her siblings during the gap year. She also helped people with their college applications. Her hobbies are tennis and badminton. Michelle, who is from South Windsor, plans to major in computer science. She is also interested in biology and hopes to have a career which combines the two.
ANNOUNCEMENTS
- There will be the kickoff of the painting of the MLK mural this Friday (August 27) from 2:30-5:30. Those interested can volunteer for the project. The starting location will be in front of the East Hartford Town Hall.
- There will be the Make-a-Wish event (Wishes on Wheels) on Sunday, September 19 at Rentschler Field in East Hartford. If you are interested in volunteering, go to https://wishesonwheels.com/events/volunteer-to-help There are some limited time slots available. On-site parking is available. Volunteers will be asked shirt-sizes as Wishes On Wheels expects volunteers to wear their T-shirts.
- For those interested in donating to a “reliable” charity that will help the people in Haiti, please go to https://www.hatianhealthfoundation.org Also, ShelterBox USA is committed to helping those in need in Haiti. That will be a topic of discussion for the board meeting on September 7.
Sue told us that all Rotarians who plan to work with youth will be required to be educated about working with youth and undergo a screening. Sue also mentioned that 60% of Rotary members don’t have an account in Rotary. Her goal is to have people set up an account by September 1. You can make an account by going to www.rotary.org and clicking in My Rotary. You will need an account to be able to educate yourself and be screened for working with youth. Once you set up an account, go to https://my.rotary.org/en/learning-reference/learn-topic/youth-protection to take the required course. If you have any problems with that, please let me know at jasonprimuscau@gmail.com
ONE FINAL ANNOUNCEENT
George mentioned that there will be a meeting tonight about the golf tournament at 6pm on Zoom. Those interested in donating raffle prizes can send them to Marc Glass’s office. Those interested in donating gift certificates can send them to George.
Sue rang the bell at 12:35 to end the meeting.
That is all for now. Stay cool in this hot weather. Have a good week!
Jason Primus