Somewhat typically with our Zoom meetings, it took a few minutes for everyone to assemble. By 12:15, everyone appeared ready; so, President Bob rang us to order and opened with the pledge.
Bill Saunders’ invocation was well tuned to these days of covid-19 concerns, especially the ways those more fortunate should be empathetic to those more vulnerable. Concluding his words, Bill suggested we all consider ways to reach out to help neighbors despite the challenge of physical distancing.
We were reminded of Neal Cunningham’s 31st Rotary anniversary. That number may be off, since there was a great deal of back-and-forth about the total. Regardless, Neal has been with the club for many years, doing a variety of things which were important for our club and our community, including his long-term commitment to organizing our water station during the Hartford marathon.
Then, we plunged right into the business of the day, focused primarily on the funds collected so far to use for local covid-17 relief projects. Treasurer George Schoen reported that combining the $700 from the district and $1645 contributed by members, we have $2345 available. Of course, members are encouraged to continue to support this fund. (See note at end of this edition of High Gear.)
Last week’s discussion of how best to use these funds continued with no real resolution because we did not have complete reports from the three members who volunteered to dive into this. Alex Wisz was at the meeting and said he is continuing to get information on local food banks. Laura Floyd, looking into best ways to help supermarket workers, and Connor Martin, investigating best ways to help provide internet to students, were not at the meeting so we look forward to reports from them at next week’s meeting.As reported last week, Brian Liss is organizing the town’s effort to place flags on veterans’ graves at Hillside Cemetery. The date will be this Saturday morning, May 23rd ab 8 AM. President Bob indicated this will take just a couple of hours, and he recommended bringing along your own implement to make a hole in the ground into which flags can be placed.
Check your email later this week for information about accessing next week’s Zoom meetings.
The COVID-19 crisis is having a significant impact on our club’s ability to raise funds for the charities that we support. Please consider donating the money you would have spent weekly on lunches to help fund our COVID-19 related activities, such as additional food bank donations. Checks should be made out to EHRC Charitable Fund, include a memo that donation is for COVID-19, and send to George Schoen at 53 Duxbury Lane Glastonbury, CT 06033. Thanks for your support!
Submitted by Sue Klock, taking notes for our May 2020 club meetings