It was seasonably cool but a bright sunny day when I arrived at Goodwin U for our hybrid meeting. Today we had fifteen in person, two guests and one Rotarian attending remotely. The Owl seems to be working for this hybrid format.
Dan Larson started the Rotary Song. Jack led us with the Pledge, and President Alex did the 4-Way test reading off the new and graphically enhanced banner that our club acquired recently. our scribe delivered the invocation about tolerance and acceptance of all. Guy Labella announced that lunch consisted of “surf and turf”- no such luck: chicken francaise, cheese pizza, salad and tuna salad grinders without cheese. Even Dan Firestone had something to eat today.
Guy Labella introduced his guest, Dr. Charles McGinnis, who has joined Goodwin U as the Senior Director of Continuing Education. His wife is a Rotarian at the Bridgeport Rotary Club, a past President and a Paul Harris honoree. Dan Firestone introduced his guest, none other than Hope Firestone. Dan is trying to convince her to rejoin our club.
Caring moments include Alex and Bill providing an update on the improvements in Jim Fallon’s recovery at home. Jim would welcome calls. Alex will make Jim aware that he can attend meetings remotely. George indicated that Art is now residing in a long term memory care in Glastonbury. Ceil has paid him a visit. Visitors are welcome.
ANNOUNCEMENTS:
- Golf Committee Meeting today at Goodwin U after the club meeting.
- Membership dues invoice will be sent out in the next two weeks.
- February 13 – Online information meeting for Rotary Day of Service.
- February 15 – District Governor DG Randy Chappell will visit our club.
- February 15 – Virtual PETS 7-8:30 PM for sitting presidents and presidents elect.
- March 9-11 – NE PETS
- April 1 – Post PETS District Training Assembly 8:30-2 pm in LaQuinta in Springfield; club willl pay attendance fee
- April 22 – Multi District Conference, Burlington, MA
- May 20 – Rotary Day of Service
- June 11 – District Installation Brunch, 11-2 PM at The Log Cabin, Holyoke, MA
- Memorial Day Parade and Goodwin’s fund raising event for the Veterans Students Scholarship Program to be held at Dunkin Park on June 24.
For additional information on District Events, please go to the district website.
Sue provided an update on the Rotary Foundation Grant Application. Our club will receive a check for $2,666 for participation in the Holiday Gift Basket program. Our club provided 40 gift baskets and received thank you notes from the recipients. She indicated how part of the donations to Rotary Foundation comes back to the club. This year Grants Seminars will be held on 2/23 and 3/21. Attendance by at least two club members is a prerequisite for applying for the grant next year. She will attend, but she encouraged others to attend to become familiar with the program.
OTHER TASKS:
- President Alex asked us to make corrections to the list of committees. He left a handout at every table.
- Sue requested folks to sign up for invocations. Right now the list has people signed up until April 5.
- Anwar needs HG writers for the months of May and June. If you have not done one HG this Rotary Year, please step forward so that this long tradition can continue.
- All Paul Harris honorees please send your bio and a headshot to George within the next two weeks.
- Rachel Buck from CIBA has reached out to Connor for scholarship applications for this year.
- Maura is coordinating with the Town of East Hartford our club’s participation at the
Our congratulations to Connor Martin for his recent engagement.
Guy provided the correct answer to President Alex’s trivia question. Guy, please send your bank routing and account number so that the prize money can be deposited directly
Your scribe for the month of February- Anwar Hossain
Apologies from your publisher for the late distribution. - Wes
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