Another week, another zoom meeting for us. We are doing our best to maintain the comraderies and fellowship in this new environment. While socializing before the bell, we learned that most of our over 75 folks are getting vaccinated. Some have already received two shots and other are scheduled to. Ceil has a new iPad. She will need some assistance to set it up. Jack Sayers found a dead battery in his car. The dome light was inadvertently left on for a week. We acknowledged our guest speaker, and then it was time for President Bob to ring the bell.
Invocations, Birthdays, Anniversaries
After the Pledge, Dan Firestone gave an invocation calling for unity, justice, peace, security, and civility to prevail over our society, in our country and among our leaders.
Ruth’s grandson has tested positive after attending a funeral service. He is under quarantine.
President Bob provided the following announcement on anniversaries and birthdays:
Feb. Rotary Anniversaries
Loren Andreo-1983
Dick McCarthy-2003
Feb. Birthdays
Chuck Clarke-Feb. 24
Sue Klock-Feb. 13
Dick McCarthy-Feb. 18
Dan Russell-Feb. 18
Ray Maselek-Feb. 6
Raffle is underway
DG Marc provided an update on the Raffle. Topping the list of tickets bought was Bill Saunders $450, followed by Wes $350 and following closely DG Marc $325. Raffle tickets can also be bought through Wes by sending him a check. He will enter the information online for those who are unable to do this.
Wes will also assist folks who want to pay fines and Happy Dollars.
Masks were donated to the first responders in town. The remaining masks will be donated to either the Social Service Clinic who provide vaccinations to low income EH residents OR to Senior Center. TBD
President Bob indicated that he attended a webinar sponsored by Interval House, to which we donate every year. Takeaways from the webinar included facts and figures such as between March - Dec. 25% increase in domestic violence in Hartford area,7500 bed nights, up from 6000 for March -December. Due to COVID-19 restrictions, shelters are at full capacity, and now 52 families are in hotels that include 42 children. Check-in calls are up 83%.
Incoming calls for assistance are up 27%. Gift cards are needed in any amount from Walmart, Stop & Shop. Big-Y and Shop Rite.
Town health chief shares vaccine info
Our guest speaker, Laurence Burnsed, is the new Director of Health and Social Services in East Hartford. Among the many positions he held during his distinguished career is that before accepting the position in East Hartford, he served as the epidemiologist for 18 years at the Oklahoma Department of Health. His slide presentation encompassed a broad range of issues surrounding vaccination initiatives for Civid-19. There are various platforms for booking appointments online. Appointment by phone has become easier after the State hired 50 new employees and extended the hours. The East Hartford Senior Center is also assisting people to make appointments. Vaccinations have also been given at some congregate and senior housing in East Hartford.
Many of you will remember Dr. Bowtie Ted Jenkin’s presentation on diversity and equity. As your program chair, I would like to inform you of another event on Monday February 22, at 4:00-5:00 pm sponsored by Connecticut Council for Inter-religious Understanding (CCIU) on a similar topic. Dr. Joshi is a thought leader and a scholar whose writings, speeches and course work focus on promoting cultural and religious pluralism. Registration is free. You can register for this event on CCIU website https://ccfiu.org/
