Promptly at 12:15 PM, President Bob rang the bell and led us in the pledge to the flag.
Jim Watts’ invocation encouraged us to be mindful of the many things for which we should be grateful, and to be thankful for the many random acts of kindness being done by ordinary people.
We welcomed special guest, Bob Rodner, the president of the Rotary Club of Manchester. We were also glad to welcome Connor Martin back with us today.
President Bob invited our treasurer, George Schoen, to give us an update on monies available for our Covid-19 relief fund. Combining the $700, our club’s share of Covid-19 relief funds from The Rotary Foundation,
the $1800 we were reimbursed from the district grant for our Coats for Kids project,
and other club funds including voluntary contributions from club members, we have $3000 available right now.
the $1800 we were reimbursed from the district grant for our Coats for Kids project,
and other club funds including voluntary contributions from club members, we have $3000 available right now.
In order to make a good decision on how best to spend these funds, the club heard reports from three folks who volunteered to investigate based on prior discussions.
Though he has yet to formally join our club, Connor Martin volunteered to investigate possible internet needs of our school students. Connor reported that according to our Superintendent of Schools, fewer that 2 % of families are not connected to the internet. Apparently, the bigger problem is cable access. That said, according to Ned, there is funding to ensure every high school student will have a laptop this fall if necessitated by continuing remote learning.
Laura Floyd volunteered to investigate the extent of the need to provide meals for supermarket employees. She estimated there would be about twenty-five employees on any given day and suggested we could provide meals for them for about $125 to $150.
Alex Wisz volunteered to investigate the extent of the need of local food banks. With the help of Jo Ann Dorn, East Hartford’s Director of Social Services, Alex identified five most needy recipients, and indicated that most have experienced at least a 50% increase in demand. He was advised that providing funds would be better than our club’s trying to purchase items.
After much discussion and advice from members present, Board members present indicated it should be the board’s decision.
Larry Hangland, who chairs the Scholarship Committee, reported that there were 11 applicants for the six $2000 scholarships. Committee members are currently studying the applications.
Our guest, Bob Rodner, described how the Manchester club has used a GoFundMe page to raise funds for projects.
April 22nd, we welcomed a Rotarian involved with helping feed children in Uganda. Here copied from the April 22nd High Gear is some information which President Bob wanted to share with you as a reminder that anyone who is interest in helping can visit the GoFundMe page for this effort.
“Our speaker today was Rotarian John Luyime, who Zoomed in from Uganda, where he is the Executive Director (and also a Founder) of the Shield of Faith Community Empowerment Organization. SOFCEO was founded in 2015 to help care for newly orphaned children, as well as children with HIV, in the village of Naminya, Uganda. For the past 5 years the organization has been providing for the daily needs of up to 40 orphaned children in the village. These include meals 3 times a day, proper medical care, a place to sleep, and covering education expenses. SOFCEO became a registered community charity in 2015 and then became an NGO in 2019.
“Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, SOFCEO has been unable to provide the same level of care for the children, as they are running out of financing. They are looking for any help possible. If you would like to know more about SOFCEO, their website is http://www.shieldoffaith-uganda.org/ . If you would like to help, you can donate money at their GoFundMe page : https://www.gofundme.com/f/supporting-the-children-of-sofceo-uganda .”
Caring Moments: Bob mentioned he has been in touch with Jeanne McCarthy. Dick continues to improve but due to scheduling of his physical therapy sessions, he is unable to join our noon 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 relief projects, 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