Noon - Rob rang the official club bell and led the Pledge of Allegiance and recitation of the Four-Way Test. Sue Klock provided an invocation focused on the opportunities we have as members of Rotary to serve our fellow citizens and the community at large. Rob mentioned our two guests, including the present District Governor, Vin Marinaro, who would be speaking to us after lunch.

Guests were invited to lead as lunch was announced. Guy LaBella described the choices as a green salad, pizza with hamburg, eggplant rolatini and fried calamari. Sue sold raffle tickets while everyone enjoyed the lunch and chatted.

Following lunch, Rob offered a trivia quiz focused on spring, The quiz included questions about the planet closest to Earth during spring, a fruit traditionally associated with spring festivals, and a gardening tool to turn soil.

Rob invited Bob Buettner, co-chair of this year’s golf tournament to update us on the committee’s progress. There are many opportunities for club members to help in this major fundraiser, including encouraging local businesses to provide gift certificates (suggesting $50 as a good amount to aim for) and also to get items for the live auction. The tournament is just two months away so we all need to hustle.

Also mentioned were the club’s participation in this year’s Memorial Day parade. Everyone is invited. Please let President Rob know if you can be there.

The club continues to help at Foodshare warehouse in Bloomfield midday on the third Monday of the month. Let Anwar know if you plan to help.

Then, Rob invited DG Vin Marinaro to take the floor. Vin began by expressing his admiration for our club, its long history and also the many district leaders who have been or currently are members of this club. He promoted the District Conference, which will be held in Pittsfield. Anyone wishing to go can register by signing up on the District Website (https://rotarydistrict7890.org). That is also the place to register for this year’s District Installation, to be held in the evening on June 13^th.

Vin explained his passions, including his longtime involvement with youth programs in the District, his current concern about growing membership in the District, as well as the importance to all of us of the Rotary Foundation of Rotary International. He was especially concerned about how others may have the wrong impression of Rotary and explained how we all can help change any negative impressions. And his advice for growing membership is to be open to others ideas, empathetic generally and to actively embrace DEI (Diversity, Equity and Inclusion). He elaborated on the need to transcend political issues, welcoming individuals of all types. He encouraged members to follow their conscience and practice the Four-Way Test, while also acknowledging the challenges posed by political and social issues.

Peter Klock won the raffle, meaning it had the opportunity to find the Ace of Spades in the small number of cards remaining in the deck. Unfortunately, he picked the 5 of clubs.

Rob reminded everyone that there will be no noon meeting on April 23^rd since we will be honoring our Paul Harris recipients during that evening. Then he rang the bell.. Submitted by Sue Klock, scribe for the month of April.