President Bob rang the bell promptly at 12:15 and we all sang the Rotary song. After the Pledge of Allegiance Dan Larson discovered that he had lost his notes for the Invocation, but he did a wonderful job improvising.  We then all collected our box lunches and spread out to the tables to hold our Fireside Chat discussions.

The format of the Fireside Chats was the same as usual, the only difference being they were held at a regular meeting and not at peoples’ houses at night. Each table had a facilitator to keep the discussion focused on the questions, and a scribe to take things down. Notes will be compiled by Jack Martin and presented at a future meeting. People seemed to be happy with the new format. After some time, President Bob called the meeting back to order to conclude our regular business.

Announcements

·   Laura Floyd will be replacing Ned Lynch on the Board of Directors next year. Thanks Ned for many years you helped to lead the club.

·    Still looking for a couple more Elves to do Secret Santa shopping. We have 17 kids to buy for this year. An envelope will be going around at the next couple meetings for donations.

·    There was some question of whether we could use the money from Liberty Bank for nonfood items. It was confirmed that the funds need to be spent on food.

·   Bell Ringing spots are all full Jack Sayre will be contacting people the day before their turn to remind them. Still waiting to hear if kids from the High School will be joining or not

·   Marc Glass and a couple other Rotarians will be helping to set up elite runners at the Manchester Road Race on Thanksgiving morning. If you would like to join them please let Marc know.

Sgt. At Arms Report

·         President Bob donated for successful Fireside Chats

·         Marc Glass for Eagles in first place, although there was some discussion whether this was valid or not

·         Larry Hangland

·         Anwar Hossain just because

·         Peter Klock’s twin grandchildren had their first birthday in Paris

·         Ned Lynch for warmer weather

·         Dan Russell is happy that his youngest son is fixing his computer issues for him

·         Bill Saunders gave in memory of Jean Roland

·         George Schoen paid for an Anniversary

·         Lowell Waldo paid for a birthday

·         Wes Willett paid hoping for some Fall weather

·         Alex Wisz paid for an Anniversary

·         Bob Wood donated for tonight’s UCONN Game

·         Ruth Sheehan was glad to be here

Upcoming Dates

·         The District Governor will be a guest at our meeting next week, Nov 20^th

·         Nov 27^th we are having Wine and Cheese before the meeting

·         Nov 28^th, Thanksgiving, is the Manchester Road Race.

·         Bell Ringing will take place on Dec 7th, 14th and 21^st

·         Holiday Party is scheduled for Dec 18^th

Until next week - Wes