The group was modest in size today, but all the really cool people were there. Anwar Hossain led us off with a thoughtful invocation celebrating the strength Rotary gains from its diversity and the need we have to grow this trait in our world. Our two guests were Rachel Buck, advisor extraordinaire of the International Baccalaureate’s Interact Club, and Bob Duggan from the Glastonbury Club and an obvious spy trying to uncover our plans for the upcoming softball game. Mo Moshovos and Alex Wisz mangled the Welcome Song.
After a rather pedestrian buffet of chicken piccata, rice, veggies and salad,
we were treated to a Foundation Minute from
Dan Firestone who extolled Rotary’s Global Grants Projects which combine local and international partners to accomplish shared humanitarian goals.
This was followed by the deeply disturbing initial appearance of the Ninja Sergeant at Arms. It is bad enough that
Jay Stewart takes great
delight in strong arming one and all for the slightest transgressions, but now we find her in an even more intimidating persona as she goes about her duties.
No complaints on the results which found Art Bradbury ponying up for his 47th Rotary anniversary; Dan Larson coughing it up for his brother’s birthday and a combination of sales, buys and renovations to various residences; Larry Frazier caught without a Rotary pin; Doug Willett contributing for one son’s wedding and a second son’s visit from California with his bride and their beautiful 10 month old daughter; Yvette Roming celebrating her mother’s imminent retirement; Alex Wicz sweating out his daughter’s graduation from Boot Camp in South Carolina; Kevin Kickery anticipating the birth of a second grand child; and both Susan Hansen and Peter Klock paying for photos in the local press.
Lots of announcements today, to wit:
-
Next Monday, July 27, is our annual combined meeting with Glastonbury Rotary at the Elks Club in South Glastonbury beginning with the softball debacle at 5:30 p.m. RoastBeef dinner to follow. No noon meeting next Wednesday.
-
August 3rd is the District Golf Tournament at Twin Hills in Agawam. See Bill Saunders if you want to play.
-
August 19th is the District Governor’s Visit. Please make every effort to be there and be sure to give extra attention to your attire and personal hygiene that day.
-
Board of Directors Meeting on July 30th. Usual time, usual place.
-
Golf Committee meeting on Wednesday, August 5, at 11:30 at the Ridge. Tournament forms are available and major sponsors are in place – P&W, Rosebud LLC, United Bank and 3D Asset Management. Need lots of Hole Sponsors and Raffle gifts.
-
If you still owe your dues for the six month term, pay them ASAP. Deadbeats will either be published in a future High Gear or the Ninja will be knocking on your door – to be decided.
-
Frank Collins announced that Nigeria will celebrate 1 year free from Polio on Friday and that there has been a 70% reduction in Polio in Pakistan this year. We are “this” close.
-
Chuck Clarke informed us that the Coats For Kids event will be on October 4th and that we will be able to provide up to 125 worthy kids with cold weather protection.
-
Peter Klock is working to fund a school in Afghanistan with a fund raising goal of $150,000. $50,000 has been raised with a crowd funding website and he is looking to East Hartford Rotarians who are interested and able to increase this amount. Non-spam emails to follow.
-
Susan Hansen relayed that new name badges can be ordered for any who need to update their badge info. See her is this is you.
I warned you there were a lot of announcements.
With those out of the way,
President Marc recognized two of our members for their generosity and support of the Foundation with the presentation of enhanced Paul Harris pins. Susan Hansen is now a Paul Harris +1, and Bill Saunders is now a Paul Harris +3. Congratulations and thanks for the example set.
Following this, two time Past President
Mary Martin had the pleasure of presenting Rachel Buck with the Rotary Presidential Citation recognizing
the IB’s Interact Club for its outstanding contributions to Rotary and the community this year. Only four clubs in the District were awarded the Citation this year and Rachel spoke briefly of the many activities her 35 Interactors carried out during the school year. Good stuff and we are fortunate have Rachel at the helm.
Dan Russell won the raffle today.
With no speaker in sight, we adjourned to the golf course at this point. See you in Glastonbury next Monday.
