“Where’s the cow?” That was one response to the sound of today’s bell rung by a guy who is both going and coming at the same time. President Bob is multi-talented. We had 18 participants at today’s Club Installation Meeting, including guests Sandy Buettner and Chickie Amberg.
Glass Seventh East Hartford District Governor
Jack Sayre offered the invocation with recognition that Rotary welcomes members of all religious persuasions if their hearts are devoted to service to their fellow humans. The pledge was made, and the business of the meeting commenced.
First up was newly minted District Governor Marc Glass, the seventh East Hartford Rotarian to occupy this high office since club inception in 1928. District Governor Marc stands on the shoulders of past governors Ray Miller, Spike Spiegel, George Steward, Frank Collins, Jim Sheehan, and Susan Klock.
Marc commented on the new world of Zoom meetings that Rotary has been forced to adapt to under the Covid-19 crisis. Undeterred by this inconvenience, plans are to push membership this year and to find creative ways to support our Foundation objectives and charitable giving.
Out with the old President, in with the new President - see the difference?
Marc turned the podium over to out-going Club President Bob Buettner who thanked his board for their contributions and support. He mentioned the success of the spring raffle, the fall golf tournament, the scholarships funded and the sound financial condition of the club. All in all, a particularly good year for East Hartford Rotary. Well done, Bob.
In fact, it was so well done, for the first time in Club history, Bob was installed for a second consecutive term as Club President. Our newly minted President then spoke of the continuing Covid challenge and the need to find new ways to do things and vowed to meet the challenge head on. Next, he introduced his 2020-2021 Board of Directors consisting of George Schoen, Treasurer, Wes Willett, Secretary, Bob Wood, Jack Sayre, Anwar Hossain, Neal Cunningham, Dan Firestone, and Laura Floyd.
Treasurer Schoen then made a financial report which included the following. We have $5,861 in our Operating account and $23,843 in our Charitable account. The Covid-19 fund has raised $3,325 to date, expended $2,650, and has a balance of $650.00. All in all, we are good financial shape.
Golf Tournament presents challenges
In other business, the Golf Committee is exploring numerous options for the annual event. The Manchester Country Club has been reserved for Monday, September 21 and “save the date” cards are about to be mailed. The noon meal will more than likely be a box lunch this year and banquet and raffle will probably be cancelled. It is going to be a challenge to draw golfers and sponsors to this critical fund- raising event. No room for any club members to sit on the sidelines for this one.
The discussion then turned to holding outdoor meetings with proper social distancing and lawn chairs while we await the reopening of the Ridge in September. President Bob is looking for feedback on this possibility prior to a Board decision. Email Bob at bobbuettner29@aol.com.
Chickie Amberg addressed the Club about an East Hartford Woman’s Club initiative to build and install three “Little Free Libraries” around East Hartford. The Rotary Club is being asked to help fund and build these boxes and they will be maintained by the Women’s Club. The Board will be considering this request at a future meeting.
