Considering the weather outside, many of us were grateful that it was a zoom meeting today. Looking out of my window in Bolton, CT the grounds and tree limbs were completely covered with heavy snow.
Bob Buettner led us with the Pledge followed by the invocation by Alex Wisz. Marc Glass then enlightened us with the origin of the Rotary 4-Way Test.
Yours truly then introduced our guest speakers. Eliza Fawcett and Alex Putterman are two reporters from the Hartford Courant. They have reported extensively on climate change. Their topic was Climate Change within our State of CT. They picked Groton as a test case and did an extensive analysis for their reporting.
Connecticut, like the rest of the world, observed higher than normal temperatures, more frequent storms, and sea rise, the three key ingredients of climate change. Climate prediction models indicate a twenty-inch rise in sea level in Groton and the adjacent shore communities by 2050, only 30 years from now. We saw a graphic representation of how many communities will be under water by then.They also shared the observation of long-time area residents, who within their own lifetimes, have seen the water line gradually coming closer to their homes.
Alex and Eliza shared with us the mitigation strategies that various CT agencies are planning and implementing to lessen the impact on these communities.
This is an issue that we all need to reflect on and do our part.
Moving on to the club business after listening to a somber topic was a bit difficult. But life goes on.
We observed a moment of silence in remembrance of the human sufferings in Ukraine.
ANNOUNCEMENTS:
- East Hartford Mayor’s office is planning a relief effort to help the people in Ukraine. Lions and Rotary Clubs will join hands. More details will be forthcoming.
- Board has approved the cost of twenty-five vests with Rotary logo to be used by volunteers on various community projects. The order will be placed after reviewing the sample tomorrow so that we get these before April 9, which is the Rotary Day of Service.
- Our club will be planting two or three trees in town. Please send your thoughts for locations to Alex.
- In-person meeting next Wednesday will be in the same room as before at Goodwin. Starting April 2022 all in-person meetings will be in Room 311 at Goodwin University. Please contact Guy LaBella no later than noon on Monday if you are planning to have lunch at the meeting next Wednesday.
- Contact Ceil Collins for sign up and payment for the Paul Harris Dinner on Wednesday March 30 at Wethersfield Country Club.
- Contact Marc for the District Conference. The programs are top notch, and the cost of attendance is very reasonable.
- Sue thanked the Golf Committee for their efforts in planning the next tournament at Wethersfield Country Club.
- Vince Crawford needs a volunteer reader to record a chapter of a children’s book for the school program Book Any Day.
- President Elect Alex has successfully completed the President Elect Training requirements.
- P.E. Alex will talk to us in April about his vision for next year.
- Avon Rotary Club will have a joint meeting with a Rotary Club in Ukraine on Friday at 7:30 am.
- https://us02web.zoom.us/j/89835642599?pwd=Nm83NGo3ZCsrMmZpa3JnTFFpck1tQT09
Until next week, your scribe for Not the entire month of March. Stay safe and well.
Anwar Hossain