President Alex rang his portable bell at 12:10, leading those in the room in R-O-T-A-R-Y and a recitation of the Four-Way Test. Then Dan Firestone offered these inspirational words:
As we gather here today as members of Rotary, we pray that we are ever mindful of opportunities to render our service to fellow citizens and our community. Keeping in mind always the enduring values of life, exerting our efforts in those areas and on those things upon which future generations can build with confidence. Let us continue to strive to make a better world.
With those words to ponder, the group lined up to enjoy today’s buffet provided by Roma’s – a mixed green salad, cheese pizza, either tuna or meatball grinders, and chicken wraps. Thanks again to Guy LaBella for arranging for today’s lunch.
At 12:35, Alex rang the bell to get everyone’s attention and proceed with today’s club business. He mentioned Jim Watts birthday, May 7th; Jim happily declined having the group sing for him. Another date to celebrate, Neal Cunningham joined our club May 1, 1991.
Caring moments had us all celebrating Dan and Hope Firestone’s grandson, Jacob Avers, graduating summa cum laude from the University of Florida.
We were reminded that the District Installation of incoming club presidents and assistant governors will be a brunch at the Log Cabin in Holyoke, Massachusetts. Marc and Bob will be attending.
Alex reported on actions taken at last night’s Board meeting. First and foremost, Dan Larson and Art Bradbury were made Honorary Members.
Alex also mentioned he has a membership proposal signed by club secretary and by himself, as proposer, so the Board will be acting on that very soon.
The Board approved the project the club will submit for a district grant during the 2023-2024 Rotary year. This will be a Healthy Holiday Basket for Forty Families, similar to this year’s project but carried out in November rather than December.
Connor reported he has received fourteen complete scholarship applications which his committee will be reviewing in early May.
Connor is also busy organizing the town’s pollinator garden projects, called East Hartford Pollinator Pathways, which includes our club’s project at DePietro Park at the corner of Silver Lane and Forbes Street. He provided us with a document describing the effort and including specific things individuals can do in their own backyards in support of this effort.
Maura Callahan, attending today via Zoom, has sent an email to all our club members with a request for those intending to participate in the Memorial Day parade to reply to her email. Please check for her email and reply to her if you intend to join our club members that day.
Alex also mentioned various efforts he has been monitoring including the flag placement on veterans’ graves at Hillside Cemetery, the mobile library, and the town’s celebration of Juneteenth. Stay tuned for more information about all of these.
Against all odds, Sue Klock finally won Alex’s weekly trivia contest
Alex rang the bell to end the meeting at 1:02 PM.
High Gear written this week by Sue Klock
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