After nearly nineteen months of zoom meetings, it felt really good to see our fellow Rotarians in person. Dan Larson summed it up nicely when he said “…..more than lunch, which was great, it was really nice to be with like-minded people and enjoy each other’s company…..”
There was nothing virtual or zoomy about this meeting. Yes, there was a real bell which President Sue rang in person. All twenty-two us who were physically present in the room, graciously provided by Goodwin University, stood up for the Pledge. Marc later observed that the Pledge sounded so much better than on zoom.
Connor’s invocation about blessings and love echoed the feelings in the room.
Lunch provided by Roma and arranged by Guy consisted of salad, bread, eggplant parmigiana, meatballs and ziti in herbal sauce.
President Sue restarted the meeting with the news that their dog got lost but then found with the telltale signs of running through some muddy areas. A small price to pay for getting your dog back.
Our two guests were AG Randy Saboski and Guy’s guest, Jessica Olander, President of the Connecticut River Valley Chamber of Commerce.
Caring Moments: Laura has Bronchitis. She asked Wes to provide Laura the attendance list.
ANNOUNCEMENTS:
- At the board meeting last night the board approved $500 for the second Racial Equity Mural in East Hartford. President Sue also encouraged club members to donate small amounts to show grassroots support. The link below is user friendly for donation.
Please note _in the spaces between words above.
- The board has received three nominations for the Paul Harris award this year which will be announced at the Holiday Party on December 15 at Manchester CC.
- President Sue thanked Bob for spearheading several community projects such as Koats for Kids and Trunk & Treat. Upcoming projects are Leaf Raking on November 6 in East Hartford, Veterans BBQ on November 10 at the Senior Center. There will not be a regular club meeting on November 10.
- President Sue thanked Ceil for organizing the Dictionary Project. Distribution will take place after Vince Crawford decides on a date. Trivia: EHRC has donated 6,664 dictionaries to the East Hartford School system.
- November is Rotary Foundation Month.
- Dan Firestone was awarded the Sapphire PH +4 pin for his generous donations to the Rotary Foundation.
- Rob Rosa, our newest member, was inducted into the Club by Marc and AG Saboski. President Sue presented him a gift basket with Rotary paraphernalia.
- President Sue reported that she has received a letter from the person who started the girls school in Afghanistan. Some progress has been made despite the regime change.
- President Sue reported that members of our club have completed the 3-day training program required by IRIS for refugees resettlement. However, due to some miscommunication at IRIS, EHRC will not be taking an active part at this time even though IRIS has already leased two apartments in East Hartford. added further confusion by making us aware that some of the refugees families will be settled directly by IRIS in the Goodwin owned housing units near the campus very shortly. Anwar will seek clarification from IRIS. Please stay tuned.
- Our own Connor Martin was re-elected to the East Hartford Town Council.
- MEMORIAL AND TRIBUTE GIFTS
If you wish to honor or memorialize someone with a contribution to The Rotary Foundation, the best way is to use rotary.org/donate and choose “I would like to make this donation in honor or in memory of someone. The donor making the contribution will receive gift credit and a tax receipt (where applicable). The person they wish to honor, or the person’s family in the case of a memorial, will be notified of the gift. Note: For tax and legal reasons, be sure to list your own name as the donor when sending funds to the Foundation, and not the name of the person you wish to honor. Consider giving Foundation Recognition Points to someone as an alternative if you wish to honor them with recognition. The process is simple, and honorees and family members can be notified by email or by a print-at-home notification.
Now that we will be meeting in person twice a month, President Sue is looking for a volunteer for Sergeant-At-Arms. Send in your applications. The benefits are hard to beat.
Your scribe for the month of November Anwar Hossain