Today’s meeting opened by President Bob Buettner with the pledge of allegiance, followed by an invocation by Jim Watts reminding us, during this pandemic, as Rotarians and humans, we should continue to do good, be honest and ethical, and wishing peace, joy, and contentment for all mankind.
Fund tax issue resolved
Bob reported on last Thursday’s Board meeting which was focused on some challenges presented by a recent increase in our scholarship trust funds. (Imagine being challenged by having more money!!) IRS requirement was resolved by a decision to give $1000 to Interval House, $1000 to the Salvation Army, and equal amounts of $6000 to scholarship funds at Goodwin University and Manchester Community College, with the recommendation that these funds be used to support East Hartford residents. Atty. Frank Leone will update the wording of the scholarship trust to allow this. We may expect a report at our annual meeting.
High Gear on agenda next week
The meeting continued with reminders of the Ugly Holiday Sweater party, by Zoom, on December 23rd from 7 to 9 PM, and our annual meeting, by Zoom, at our regular meeting time on December 30th.
Next week, Anwar Hossain will be leading a discussion about the need for more High Gear writers. Sue Klock will add some links at the end of this High Gear so, in advance of that December 16th meeting, members can get an understanding of how we might be able to use some software to make this an easier task.
Want new members? You gotta ask people.
So, at that point, Bob turned the meeting over to Anwar to introduce today’s speaker. Topic: How to Grow Membership. David Faraldo is a member of the Rotary Club of Orange Park, Florida, a large traditional club which meets Tuesdays at noon. David told how during his first term as club president in 2004-5, he tackled increasing the size of his club. He was so successful his club was named the best large club in the district. And, as importantly, now there are four clubs, including his original traditional club, in Orange Park Club, and three clubs which offer less traditional meeting options. Perhaps David’s most important point – you will not find new members without asking folks to join. Then, of course, the meetings have to be fun, inspiring and meaningful. David’s message wound up with a good Q&A, exchanging ideas. It was a fun, inspiring and meaningful program. Thanks, again to Anwar who keeps finding these interesting speakers for our Zoom meetings.
So, last, but not least, as I mentioned during the meeting, below are links to three videos on YouTube which show how Otter.Ai works. It might work for our club.
Watch on YouTube (demo of “Otter Live Notes”) for use with Zoom
