Rotary Club
of East Hartford
  High Gear

Volume73,  Issue 40, April 8, 2020

 

It was a warm and cozy noontime on Wednesday inside my house. I’m not sure what it was like at the Ridge, as it was too cold outside to go up there to find out. I hope everyone was comfortable wherever they were when they Zoomed in to our weekly meeting. (Except that guy in Florida. We are all still paying for the heating oil while he spends his time in his pool.)

 

 

 

Governor Elect Wallows in Muting Power

This week’s Zoom meeting got off to a good start, with 24 attendees, including several guests. No speaker again, but President Bob is working on that so stay tuned. Bill Saunders gave an invocation giving thanks for all of the essential workers that are continuing to provide needed services, especially those who are taking care of people that have contracted Covid-19 and asking that God help us all get through this trying time.

 

District Governor Elect Marc Glass started the Zoom meeting by introducing the guests, and glorying in the power that he had to mute people. If only he was able to exercise that power more gracefully. As the meeting went on he called on people to speak but did not un-mute them at the same time. “Wait, let me un-mute you” was heard often.

 

Other than that, he did a great job organizing the virtual meeting and making sure everyone knew how to get online. We were joined by Area 6 Assistant Governor Randi Sobinski, who apparently had the power to un-mute herself. Marc was quick to assert his authority by muting her again.

 

We were also joined by Annual Giving Officer for Rotary International, Elizabeth Davis, who admitted to being a Cubs fan. Marc immediately muted her for the rest of the meeting after proclaiming that only 2 sports teams were important and they both are from Philadelphia. No objections were heard to this, of course, as everyone was muted, but I saw a lot of mouths moving in the videos! Also joining us were old friend, Brian Liss and his family, and District Governor Nominee Joanne Alfieri.

 

Agnelli Fund reaches $11,000

Announcements included the following planned distributions from the Charitable Account:

·         $500 to each of the 5 local food banks

·         $10,700 to senior center in George Agnelli’s memory, plus another $300 from George Jr

·         $3000 to EHYMCA

·         $1000 to Goodwin University

·         $1000 to Academy of Finance

·         $500 to SW cultural arts

·         $500 to EH Library

·         $1000 to Guatemala Water project

 

Matching Charitable Funds Sought

Also:

·         We have only received 4 applications for scholarships so far this year. We will be contacting the school to try to solicit more interest.

·         We will be talking to the Interact club to see if we can coordinate any projects with them

·         President Bob will be contacting EH Police and Fire departments to see about donations of either Personal Protective Equipment (PPE – Masks and Gloves)

·         We have $4000 available in the budget for additional giving. President Bob suggested that the club use those funds to match donations by members for the Charitable Fund

 

Caring Moments: Debby Wood remains in the Hospital. Let’s keep her and Bob in our thoughts. Also, Dick McCarthy is home now and improving.

 

Doug Willett suggested that we take donations during the online meetings for happy thoughts.

·         Doug started with $1 for Jack, urging him to put his hat back on next week.

·         Sue Klock donated for hearing from Mike Roy who is living in NYC and joining a club there.

·         Bob Buettner donated for a successful virtual meeting

·         Ruth Sheehan gave $1 for a friend coming over to her front yard and singing for her through her window.

·         Anwar Hossain gave for hoping everyone comes through this time

·         Joanne Alfieri shared that there is a food shortage at places like FoodShare and other shelters. Amazon will deliver food also to these places

·         Neal Cunningham celebrated Windsor Locks getting together each evening by ringing bells in their driveways.

 

 

Donations for the Charitable Fund (that will be matched by the club) should be sent to George Schoen, rather than the club’s mailbox. His address is 53 Duxbury Lane, Glastonbury CT 06033. The $ for the happy thoughts should be sent there as well.

 

Until late next week,

 

Wes Willett

 

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