High Gear, October 9, 2013
Out of respect for our District Governor, Michael Barnett, I’m going to start with his talk to our small gathering (ahem).
D.G. Mike hails from Capetown, South Africa. He kindly told us how 35 years ago he left his dry cleaning business to start anew in the USA due to the political unrest in his home country. He settled in South Windsor, began an office cleaning business, and shortly after that joined his local Rotary Club.
He very succinctly outlined the newest changes in the way Rotary International conducts business as a result of a successful pilot program called “Future Vision”. As you read on you will see how these changes interweave with our need to support the Rotary Foundation.
A primary change relates to the way our local money comes back to us after a 3-year interest bearing period during which it is invested by Rotary International. Now 50% of $200k (that would be $100k for us math majors) will be returned for use by Districts to fund their selected project grants or scholarships. Our District alone this year will receive $103,000 to divvy up as the District determines. Grants are individually larger and are limited to a number of rather far-reaching categories such as literacy, maternal and child health, and economic development. Most important is the mandate that projects be “sustainable” meaning that they can survive after the initial year of funding. So, for example, the water project in Guatemala incorporates training on how to replace pipes, how to maintain mechanicals , and teaches basic economics to its users so they can monetarily plan to sustain the project themselves into the future.
Polio Plus (the plus being immunization against measles, mumps, and whooping cough, is a battle not done yet. The Gates Foundation has very generously pledged $35 million for each of the next 5 years and will also (also!) match Rotarians personal contributions so that for every dollar you give the Gate’s folks will contribute $2. How ‘bout that!
Be sure to check out Rotary’s new website for lots more information and save the date for our 2014 District Conference in Portsmouth, N.H., the weekend of April 25-27.
Finally, the annual theme of Rotary “Engage Rotary, Change Lives” was presented in banner and lapel pin form. To be engaged is to be more involved. Be sure to include new members in projects and assignments so they feel useful to our efforts. It has proven to be one of the best ways to retain members.
If you haven’t heard already, Manchester Rotarian Rick Lawrence, leader of the Guatemala Water Project will be receiving a Paul Harris recognition at the Foundation Dinner in November. Sign up to attend and show your support of a great guy and a super project.
Resuming our usual format, the meeting began on this early autumn day with a ring of the bell by President George followed by a nicely done invocation from Hope Firestone. Her words spoke of the “work we seek to do in harmony”. Wonder if our legislators can say the same.
Sicilian chicken with white rice and green beans was served. Best part, as always, was dessert: warm apple crisp drenched in whip cream. Does anybody know why Frank Collins (was it you, Frank?) had distributed orange cracker packages on the tables?
Brian Liss jumped up to give a Foundation moment which was information about the Dinner coming up November 7 at Chez Josef. Let him know if you plan to attend. It’s $42 per person and a chance to be there in person when Rick Lawrence gets recognized. Brian wore two hats, literally, and added a plug for the YMCA’s kickoff of the 2014 Annual Campaign for fundraising. This year’s event will take place at the home of Dan and Betty Russell on November 7 (oh-oh I see a social calendar conflict there). Between the Foundation Dinner and Dan and Betty Russell’s generosity, there is a chance there will be enough Rotarians in attendance to declare a meeting and a makeup. (You absentee types could probably use one, I’m just saying is all).
Enough hinting around. Last week we had only 29 members in attendance. This week it was 31. I like the trend but do you think we can make a better collective effort here? Should be a tsunami of make-up cards coming in next week. Our ranks were swelled by a number of guests and one newly inducted member, namely Mike Costa. Congratulations, Mike, on joining us and thank you for wanting to participate in “Service Above Self”. Sheryl O’Connor has the honor of claiming Mike as her sponsoree.
Guests included: Dennis Weir of the Glastonbury Club (and newly appointed Foundation guru for our Area), Ken Vandersnick and his guest, Carol “S” from Bettendorf, Iowa. Thanks for the flag, Ken. Also present was Marty Fins, Assistant District Governor, in support of District Governor Mike Barnett.
Red Sox Queen Ruthie Sheehan and her Knave, Ned Lynch, led the Welcome Song. Sure are glad every week to have Art Bradbury get us anywhere near the tune. While I’m handing out thank you’s, here is one for Chuck Clarke for jumping in to man the Raffle Bucket. Not only did he handle it with great aplomb but he also managed to steer the winning pot in the direction of Jack Sayre.
Bob “Cochise” Buettner, wearing the armband on his shiny dome to indicate his Sergeant-At-Arms status, gave us the following: Mucho dinero (much money) was collected from Red Sox supporters as a kind of happy dollar flood; Anwar Hossain was just happy; Brian Liss felt chagrined he forgot to wear a tie but who cares when you are about to be a Daddy for the 3rd time?! Get those chocolate cigars ready for an early April birth announcement. Nobody was late, not even Steve Jacoby. Frank Collins became a great grandfather to Emily Grace; John O’Connor paid for having a fun business trip (what happens in Vegas, stays in Vegas, fella). Lucky for him it was Sheryl O’Connor’s birthday and the rolling pin did not come out.
Note the following announcements: Board of Ed Superintendent Nate Quesnel and Alan Bates, a Rotary member transfer, have both been proposed for membership in the best Club ever.
Jim Fallon wants the Scholarship Committee to meet at 11:45 next week; Paul Harris Nominating Committee needs to get their nominations in to Jim Watts before they meet on November 6 at 11 a.m.. The application form is on-line. Ceil Collins is handling fruit sale orders in Peter Klock’s absence.
Neal Cunningham let his Marathon Water Station volunteers know that we are convening at Two Rivers Magnet School off East River Drive (sort of in-between the “Flash Cube Building” and Route 2) this Saturday morning. Get there by 7:15 a.m. so we have plenty of time to set up and not have to deal with road closures. Can you put a couple of rakes or snow shovels in the car that day, please? They are very handy with cleaning up the discarded paper cups.
All done for this week,
Empress of the World (MGM)