Wow! We haven’t met at the Ridge since way back last year when we held our Annual Meeting on December 11th, 2019. Luckily, about 27 of us were able to remember directions and showed up at the Ridge to enjoy our annual New Year’s Wine and Cheese party. Thanks go to Ceil Collins who faithfully pulls this event together! Today’s weather was rather cool and drab, but the wine made things a little brighter as our Rotarians engaged in lively conversations throughout the room.
Almost on time, President Bob brought us together in the usual manner, a song, the Pledge, and a thoughtful invocation from Bill Saunders offering “Faith, Kindness, Peace and Promise,” as well as a happy and 
fulfilling New Year. Unlike the normal, we weren’t dispatched to the buffet table, as no lunch was to be had! Lunch master Sayre had quickly called Roma’s only to be told – “Didn’t you say February 8th? After brief negotiations, Roma’s indicated that they would deliver in about 20 minutes. One good thing – the grinders were mighty fresh!!!
fulfilling New Year. Unlike the normal, we weren’t dispatched to the buffet table, as no lunch was to be had! Lunch master Sayre had quickly called Roma’s only to be told – “Didn’t you say February 8th? After brief negotiations, Roma’s indicated that they would deliver in about 20 minutes. One good thing – the grinders were mighty fresh!!!Not to be deterred by this inconvenience, President Bob carried on with a list of groups wanting donations – Shelter Box, Rotary Rose Bowl Float, and Hornet Basketball. Some are already budgeted. He then listed several thank you notes – Goodwin University and D’Esopo’s for the Turkey donations, Social Services for the toys and “adopted” families, and a local foodbank.
Marc was asked to explain an R.I. plan to help with relief in the area of the Australian fire disaster. He indicated information could be found at http://rawcs.org.au. Anwar was called upon to inform us about our Food Share Volunteer Program. Next work date February 17 -12:30 to 3. Contact Anwar if interested in joining the team. Finally, Jack Sayre gave a report on the Salvation Army bell ringing project. Over our three Saturdays we raised $1744. Thanks went to all the Rotarians who braved the cold, and to the Interact kids from CIBA who really helped by manning the 2nd kettle.
Pres. Bob briefly outlined a couple of planned activities discussed at last night’s Board meeting. They are looking into a program which offers socks for the homeless, a Saturday soup kitchen, and a continuation of helping to stock the Goodwin food pantry with non-perishable items brought in by members. Laura Floyd is looking into a few small projects to benefit members of the community. The Board is also looking into a Global Grant Project to help construct a kitchen in one of the Inter Community Health facilities. More information to follow.
We couldn’t have a meeting without a Sgt. at Arms shaking down fellow Rotarians. We almost didn’t have such a shakedown, but Jim Watts stepped in for the late arriving Neal Cunningham and had a very successful day anchored by two longstanding wedding anniversaries - 59 years for Bob and Debby Wood, and 58 years for Bill and Bev Saunders.Among the others were donations from Pres. Bob for a great start for 2020, Marc Glass for his Eagles lasting longer than the Patriots, Ned Lynch and Bob Wood for the Patriots still being the champs, Jack Martin for leaving early, Alex Wisz for Ceil’s wine and cheese efforts, Dan Larson for his retirement, birthday, and new Golf Course Bench, and finally, Neal Cunningham for being late. The Raffle winner was Dan Larson’s guest and hopefully a new Rotarian, Ray Masulak. The Flower winner was Peter Klock.
We’re still waiting on lunch, so Anwar introduced our Speaker, Jim Little from the Connecticut Forest and Park Association (CFPA). Jim gave a brief history of this organization which was started in 1895 at a time when Connecticut’s forests were covering only about 25% of our state. Its purpose was to start conserving our forests and to try to connect the people to them by way of trail development. Today, Connecticut is 58-60% forested, and rich with a variety of 825 miles of trails which have been constructed with over 21,000 volunteer hours by Association members. CFPA advocates for funds, works with D.E.E.P. to promote healthy activities utilizing the great forest resources available in this state. Great Program.
Lunch is finally here so off we go to the table!
‘til next week, Bob Wood