As intended in the new format, the meeting moved from the pledge and the invocation directly onto the introduction of our speaker. Andra lives in the Charlestown, North Carolina area, but is in a small fishing village in the north of Iceland where she is a Visiting Writer in Residence and working on her newest book.

 

A frequent motivational speaker, Andra’s bio contains the following summary of her presentations:

 

New York Times best-selling author Andra Watkins chose a crazy way to launch her debut novel. She's one of the only living persons to walk the 444-mile Natchez Trace as the pioneers did, and she did it with an unconventional wingman, her 80-year-old father. Her life-changing adventure inspired her New York Times best-selling memoir Not Without My Father, which chronicles their experience. She is also the author of four other successful books. Andra's presentation challenges audiences to evaluate their relationships. She gives attendees, whatever their phase of life, concrete ideas, and strategies to leave inspired to Make a Memory of their own and turn “I wish I had” into “I’m glad I did.”

 

Andra’s presentation was fascinating, and she concluded by exhorting all of us to seize the day and “do the things you want to do.”  Here’s a link for a 4-ebook set, 60% off the cover price:

Use the code Virtual2021 at checkout for the discount.

 

Audio version of Not Without My Father on Audible:

 

 

Another great program produced by Anwar, searching far and wide to bring us unique and interesting presentations in this Zoom period of the club.

From there, we moved into our regular business meeting. We began with our Caring Moments with reports on the positive progress being made by both Ruthie Sheehan and Dick McCarthy.

 

Anwar reported on the Clean Up Project, which was cut from four houses to two, due to the lack of Rotarian volunteers to supervise the teenage workers. The two projects were more work than anticipated since it was clear that the targeted houses had suffered from years of neglect. But much was accomplished, and the kids were eager to continue to the other houses in the future.

 

The Club Installation event is scheduled for June 16^th at Goodwin University at 5 p.m. It has been reduced from a dinner to a gathering and will be outdoors. Join us as we celebrate the two-year tenure of President Bob and the assumption of the reins by Sue Klock.

 

The Raffle income is approaching $11,000 and will be wrapping up in the next two weeks. Not too late for you to do your part if you have yet to do so.

 

George Schoen made the happy announcement that our IRS problem has been successfully resolved and we will not have to pay the $25,000 penalty incurred after all. Well done, George.

 

Anwar reminded us of the Food Share event on Monday April 26^th where five volunteers would be needed. Please contact Anwar ahead of time.

 

And finally, the last of the 500 pairs of socks have now been delivered to the MACC. These socks were donated to us by Bombas, thanks to the efforts of Anwar.

 

We closed with the comment that with the governor scheduled to lift all Covid restrictions as of May 19^th, we will be looking to return to in-person meetings shortly thereafter.

 

That’s it for now.

 

Doug Willett