The Ridge greeted us with cold walking in and rain walking out today. With dreadful (crappy is my preferred word) weather like this I tell myself “spring is coming, it can’t last forever”. I hope all of you agree!

The cheerful disposition of our fellow Rotarians soon made life good again – I felt lucky today, the Empress herself granted my request to sit at her table, allowing me to hear of Jack’s latest trip to South America.

Sue Klock gave the invocation and we all gathered in front of the fireplace for our “We’re just this close…”picture

Alex Wisz and Mike Derr led us in our welcoming song, putting a couple of our Board members to work!

Meatloaf with roasted potatoes and vegetables filled our bellies, finishing off with platefuls of cookies.

ImageMarc Glass announced he needs a head count for the March 12th meeting, to help determine how much pizza to order, and he was quickly reminded it’s more for how much beer and wine is needed – we DO know how to have a good time!

Sgt-at-Arms Neal Cunningham was teased once again by his good friends Happy Jack MartinImage & Marc Glass (whom were fined), and collected for various reasons (or no reason), Jack Martin for no reason, Dan Larson who is glad to be back in action, Rev. Ted Mosebach, for Dan’s healthy return, Mary Martin for no reason, or maybe for Jack’s misbehavin’? Alex Wisz tried to pay but found his pockets empty (I’ll have to try that trick for when I go on a date, Alex), Neal paid for the second half of his new car, and Dan Russell paid for his Birthday and for us NOT to sing, (60 again?).

Caring Moments segment informed us of Bob Wood’s recovery.Hip replacement was a success but was temporarily back inImage the hospital for a short stay – same day and floor as Dan Larson, although unbeknownst to each other. Jack saw Bob this morning and said he was walking with his cane & in good spirits. Dan Firestone recommended we sing “Hip Hip Hurray” to Bob when he returns! Pastor Al Turner is still on the mend with a broken leg at Glastonbury Health Care.

President George read a Thank you note from the East Hartford Director of Libraries Susan Hansen, thanking Rotary for the generous donation to the library and for having her as a guest speaker.

A few reminders – there is no meeting at noon on March 12th – it is that evening 5:30-7:30pm at Goodwin College.

Also Mary Martin will get you information on marching in the May 26th Memorial Day Parade. A sign-up sheet was circulated. This is open to church or civic groups as well as private businesses. Could be a great advertising or membership opportunity!

April 25-27 is the District Conference. We will be hosting a hospitality suite in collaboration with Manchester club & possibly other clubs.President George and his better half Peggy are chairing this event. Any and all help is welcomed. The theme this year is international conference, honoring all countries.

April 23rd is our Senior Prom that we always sponsor, Bob Wood chaired this last year, but we need a volunteer to head it up this year – any takers? Please see President George. Sue and Peter Klock are great resources of information for this event.

Raffle was won by no other than our Happy Jack Martin!! Winner winner, chicken dinner!

One early leaver – Mary Martin

Tim Coppage introduced our guest speaker, Monica Cox, a Program Specialist for the STEP UP program with Capital Force Partners.

Monica gave us information about a wonderful program that was started back in 2012 by the General Assembly & Gov. Malloy that gives an incentive to employers to hire unemployed people residing in certain qualifying towns in CT.

The goal of this program is to create long-term employment for those who are currently unemployed living in cities that have a population of 80,000+.

A division of this program was also established for veterans.

Unfortunately, the original STEP UP Program is ending in June, but the Veteran program will continue.

Wage incentives for new hires was up to $20/hr., and can be reimbursed up to $12,000 over a 6 month period.

Month 1 – 100%, month 2 – 75%, month 3 – 75%, month 4- 50%, month 5 – 50%, month 6 – 25%.

This program is not intended for seasonal or temp jobs.

Estimated # of people who have benefitted from this program? About 1600 people have been put back to work! That is fantastic, what a way to help reduce the unemployment rate in CT!

 

That’s all folks! Art will be back in saddle next week. Until next time – stay vertical!

 

Janice