We got the much-needed rain the night before but not enough to make up the 11” shortfall we have this year so far. Our social time got off to a good start. Doug got more wind than rain near the CT shore. Our Rotarians living at the Village often dine together where the food apparently is great. Dan Firestone is feeling better but not up to getting on a bike yet. Neal received a 1927 vintage team photo of the Yankees. Fire near Oakland has forced Doug’s son to enjoy a few days in his Florida abode while Anwar’s son took refuge in his in-law’s place 20 miles away. Climate refugees? Not yet.
Pace of Fall season picking up
President Bob and Marc were cohosting the meeting. After the Pledge, Jack Sayer gave an invocation of recognizing God’s blessings and endeavoring to share with and care for others.
ANNOUNCEMENTS:
Rotary in Motion (RIM) will take place on October 3, 2020. Rotary will set up the water station at Wickham Park. Social distancing and other Covid-19 protocols will be observed. Volunteers are needed and welcome. Doug would like to get some pictures of this as well as any future events so that he can add new pictures to our website and High Gear.
Our Club will be able to donate close to $6K to various food banks by participating in Liberty Bank’s T’Giving Fund Drive. The account will be activated on October 9; the bank will issue a check on November 23, and money must be donated by November 25. Other organizations in town will join hands with us to boost the donation even further.
The board has approved $1,000 for the Secret Santa program. This year, $25 gift certificates from Walmart will be given out in lieu of toys.
Koats for Kids will be on Sunday, October 25, 8:00-9:00 AM at the Burlington Coat Factory. Forty-one families have signed up. There is no change in protocol this year.
Marc indicated that the District will set up the fundraising platform Event Groove. There will be no cost to each club to use the platform. The advantage of virtual fund raising is that literally folks from all over the globe can participate.
Marc indicated that through the Ted Rossi Foundation, Rotary’s Million Mask Challenge has been launched. Springfield, MA will host the program on October 2, and CT will host it on October 5. Location of the even TBD. Rotarians are welcome to participate.
George provided an update on the golf tournament. Sixty-nine golfers attended. There will be a net profit to the club of $6,953. The Golf Committee, especially George and Peggy, Women’s Club and all volunteers deserve a huge thanks from all of us.
President Bob has explored several venues for an in-person meeting. Charlie’s in East Hartford has a separate room that can accommodate up to 100, has WiFi access and lunch prices are in the range of $11. Start date TBD. President Bob will send out an email to find out how many people are willing to participate.
Zoom meetings open up possibilities
Anwar outlined the Guest Speaker Schedule for 10/14, 10/21 and 10/28. Sylvia Whitlock, who has been showcased in the October issue of the Rotary magazine, will be our guest on 10/21.
Despite several attempts to launch the video in lieu of a guest speaker, we were not successful. Some of our tech savvy Rotarians will try to launch it next week.
I am passing the baton to Wes who will be your scribe for the next month. See you all next week.
