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8th Annual Vines of March!

March 9th, 2019

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The Rotarian Magazine - Current Edition

Rotary Club of West Hartford
PO Box 270252
West Hartford, CT 06127-0252

President

Oscar M. Santo Domingo

President Elect

Treasurer

Secretary

Rotary Foundation

Immediate Past President

Youth Services

Youth Services

Member at Large

Sergeant-at-Arms

2018 6th Grade Writing Project

2018 Dictionary Prep

2018 Vines of March

2015 INSTALLATION DINNER

Memorial Day 2015 PARADE

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Welcome to the Rotary Club of West Hartford!

Service Above Self

We meet Mondays at 12:15 PM
The Pond House

1555 Asylum Ave.
West Hartford, CT 06117
United States of America

District Site

Bulletins

Venue Map

Jan 7th Meeting Notes

West Hartford Rotary Club

January 7, 2019 Luncheon Meeting

1. Attendance was great. The year ahead is looking good. Sheila Diamond and Dennis received a check for $1,500 for the Senior Job Bank. Ann Leabman reminded us of the Blood Donor Day on January 22, 2019. Don’t forget to make an appointment before you go at either on line at redcrossblood.org or call 1-800-733-2767

2. Tony Rodriguez reminded us why donating to the Rotary Foundation is important to the community. Ten countries who need help in education, health and water supply have been the beneficiaries of grants. The Foundation is a very important part of our organization that has contributed to the welfare of the disadvantaged people who live in economically poor countries.

3. Our speaker was Matt Hart, the present Town Manager. His focus was that the Town is trying to more efficiently use our resources. One way is to share services and the other is for our taxpayers to step up and suggest ways to trim expenses. According to him there are many projects that are in the works that may help to lower our property taxes. For example, the parcel of land Saint Joseph Convent occupied on the corner of Prospect Avenue and Park Road has just received approval for a large addition that will increase our property tax base.

Rotarian / Mayor of West Hartford Shari Cantor, Rotarian Mary Silverberg, and guest speaker Town Manager Matt Hart

Rotarian Kyle Egress receives a Paul Harris Award from Club President Oscar Santo Domingo

Blood Drive - Jan 22nd

2019 Rotary Foundation Status

As of 1/7/2018, 13 members have contributed to the annual fund, and 21 have donated to Polio Plus.

Dec 17th Meeting

Rotary Club of West Hartford

Holiday News and Events

Last December 17,2018, we ended the year with a holiday celebration at the Pond House. Club members, their wives and friends and a contingent from Hartford enjoyed a holiday party at the Monday lunch. The Pond House served a delicious buffet, and the Hall High School Madrigal Singers entertained with a blend of traditional and contemporary songs. The pond house was decorated for the holidays, members and guests in festive regalia were in a giving spirit. Happy dollars flowed. Kudos to everyone who helped make this such a successful occasion.

Announcements

1. Start your donation to the Polio Eradication Campaign of 2019 with a contribution of $38.

2. Don’t forget the Rotary Foundation. This major source of funds provides aid for education, health, and water projects all over the world.

3. The Hartford Courant Community section of last week's edition carried a large article about the Rotary and the Children’s Museum of West Hartford. The article detailed plans for a new Learning Lab at the museum which will be sponsored by our Club. See attached links for more information.

Happy New Year to All!

Dec 10th Meeting Minutes

West Hartford Rotary Club Meeting

Lunch

December 10, 2018 Proceedings

The following donations were requested and approved by the board.
- Johnny’s Jog - $1,200
- ARAVA Institute - $500
- Marinduque North (dialysis machine) - $2,000
Blood donation project will be held at Town Hall in January in honor of Hap Leabman.The decision to hold it every year as suggested by Bruce Stanger, will be decided after this event
The treasurer commented that the Club is in good financial status or the year 2018.
We will donate to the Noah Webster House for our Dictionary Project. (we will still hand out dictionaries...)
The sign-up sheet for our December 17^th holiday meeting was passed out. At present 43 Rotarians and their guest are planning to attend. Another 10 guests from the Hartford Rotary Club will also be attending.

Rotarians Dave Gerrold, Bob Kor, and Tom Wood enjoying the meeting!

Guest speaker Doreen Tarascio, Dir. of Communications from The Bridge Family Center

From a couple of weeks ago - Rotarian Kove Schwartz receiving a Paul Harris award from Club President Oscar Santo Domingo

2018 Jazz Brunch

This year’s Rotary Club of West Hartford Jazz Brunch honored the memory of Hap Leabman, former Rotary Assistant District Governor and Jazz Brunch Chairman.

Rotary Club of West Hartford Raises more than $7,000

During 16^th Annual Jazz Brunch

More than 200 jazz aficionados helped Rotary Club of West Hartford raise $7,088.00 during its 16^th Annual Jazz Brunch on November 4 at The Hartford Club.

Event proceeds will support West Hartford’s Gifts of Music program and other local charities.

The brunch, which honored the memory of Rotarian, former Assistant District Governor and 2011-2017 Jazz Brunch Chairman Hap Leabman, featured The Chris Flory and Harry Allen Quartet, including guitarist Chris Flory, Saxophonist Harry Allen, Bassist Neal Miner and drummer Tom Melito.

Our profound thanks to the attendees, Rotarians and volunteers who generously supported this annual event! A special thanks to committee members Jim Kilian, Ann Leabman and Tony Rodriguez; and to volunteers Jill Leabman, Erica Leabman, Gifts of Music director Haig Shahverdian, Peter Kovalevich, Lisa Brown, Kyle Egress and Bennett Forrest, Booker DeVaughn, Oscar Santo Domingo, Eileen Rau, Jenny Smith. A big shout out to our sponsors: West Hartford Mayor Sheri Cantor (music students’ master class sponsor); The Ellen Jean Goldfarb Memorial Charitable Trust (student table sponsor), Delamar Hotel (lodging for the artists) and Flemings Steak House (dinner for the artists).

Sunday Jazz Brunch at The Hartford Club, sponsored by the Rotary Club of West Hartford, is now in its 16^th season. This highly popular event has been successful in raising funds for many local charitable organizations. Past artists have included Jimmy Cobb, Don Friedman, Delfeayo Marsalis, Renee Rosnes, Javon Jackson and Jimmy Heath. Each year, this day brings the best jazz artists New York and Boston have to offer to more than 200 jazz enthusiasts in the elegant setting of the Hartford Club. All expenses, including payments to the musicians, equipment rental, promotional costs and the cost of the brunch itself, are financed solely by ticket sales.

The Chris Flory and Harry Allen Quartet, including (left to right) Guitarist Chris Flory, Saxophonist Harry Allen, Bassist Neal Miner and drummer Tom Melito perform to a sold-out crowd at The Hartford Club November 4.

Guitarist Chris Flory performs in front of a photo honoring the memory of Hap Leabman, former Rotary Assistant District Governor and Jazz Brunch Chairman.

Left to right: Saxophonist Harry Allen, Jazz Brunch Co-Chair Jim Kilian, Guitarist Chris Flory, Jazz Brunch Co-Chair Tony Rodriguez, Bassist Neal Miner, Drummer Tom Melito.

Dec 3rd Meeting Minutes

West Hartford Rotary Club Meeting

December 3, 2018 Proceedings

1. Eileen Rau again reminded us that our polio eradication program is still in progress in four countries where polio is still found. She also mentioned that donations are still needed. Make your donation to Polio –Plus for $38.00.

2. Ann Leabman came out with blood donation posters honoring Hap. This drive will be sponsored by the West Hartford Rotary as part of our Community Projects and will keep our name out there in the Town.

3. Robin attended the meeting to volunteer- help in organizing the auction materials for the Vines of March.

4. Breaking News: The District approved funding for dialysis machines for our sister club in Marinduque, Philippines. They are intended for the Provincial Hospital. This project is a combined effort by sister clubs and other US based rotary clubs.

5. The December 17 noon meeting will be used to celebrate the coming holidays. Bring your friends, significant others, and kids to enjoy lunch and listen to the Hall High School Madrigal singers. A sign-up sheet will be at our next meeting. We need a head count so we can inform the Pond House. Some members of the Hartford Rotary are also planning to attend.

Robin, Club President Oscar Santo Domingo, guest speaker Beth Bye, and Rotarian Mary Silverberg

Vines of March - March 9 2019!

Nov 26th Meeting Notes

West Hartford Rotary Club Meeting

November 26 Proceedings

1. Susan Oslander requested a day of fun with the Hanoc children. We need volunteers and a time and date. Eileen will find out when this is to happen.

2. We discussed the outreach program (aka the Food Pantry). The board seems to feel that we have too much on our plates with the Vines of March looming. David Mangs has asked for a donation and volunteers to make it a one-day affair. Hopefully the Rotaract will extend their hands. According to Greg Friedland there might be only 5 students who are interested in joining Rotaract.

3. Jeff Brevin gave the Club some information about what is happening at the American School for the Deaf. Bruce Stanger gave an update about his yearly bike trip to Israel.

4. Ken Flourde talked about his involvement with the opioid Crisis and would like to talk more about the subject for a future meeting.

5. Steve Nimz of New Britain Rotary was at the meeting to sell holiday wreaths. This is their seasonal fund-raising project.

6. Vines of March has started planning for the big event. Kyle led the meeting after summarizing what are needed to make this event successful. The ticket price was raised to $75 per person. However, anyone buying his or her ticket before February 8 can get it for $70,

7. The Rotary Board propose to make the Dec.17 meeting our Holiday party since next coming year we will be occupied with the planning of the Vines of March.Watch for more update for this event. Sign up for the party It will be fun, good food and relaxing.

Club President Oscar Santo Domingo, Rotarian Mary Silverberg, and guest speaker Susan Oslander

Nov 19th Meeting Notes

West Hartford Rotary Club

November 19 Meeting

Twenty Rotarians were present to hear speaker Duanne Martin, the Town Engineer. He distributed a street map which showed the progress in repairing our streets. He discussed the plans for prioritizing the repairs as well as the sequence, MDC’s role in the repair, and the difference between asphalt and granite curbing. Rotarians had questions about the streets near their houses.
. Steve Leone, the former Wine Cellar owner was present to discuss the Wine Cellar’s role in the March 9, 2019 Vines of March set up and system for placing orders.
Paul Harris award pin was given Kove Schwartz for his time and effort spent in furthering the goals of Rotary.
Tony Rodriguez announced that the Jazz Brunch had a net of $7,200. His efforts were given a resounding applause.
Our efforts to eradicate polio remains a main objective for the Rotary Foundation. We still have a way to go in keeping the world healthy, safe and educated. Please donate.
Rotary Means Business has a meeting in Avon coming up. Check your email for particulars.

Rotarian Mary Silverberg, guest speaker Duane Martin, and club President Oscar Santo Domingo

Nov 12th Meeting

Rotary Club President Oscar Santo Domingo (center) presents a check for $6000 to Mike Werle and Joe Defeo of the West Hartford Children's Museum for the set up of the Rotary Learning Lab for Young Children.

Club Assembly Meeting - November 12 Proceedings

1. Honoring our veterans: Ed Cape Harvey Davidson and Dave Gerol were honored. Both Ed and Harry recounted their experiences during their time as soldiers.

2. Eileen Rau passed around polio virus dolls that she had from another club meeting

3. We presented our donation to the Children’s Museum for $ 6,000 to start the development of a Learning Lab for children 3 years old and up. As Mike Werle said, the room will symbolize Rotary’s essential goal. Our Rotary Emblem will be part of the room. The Children’s Museum director is in talks with the Town Official regarding the possibility of relocating the building

4. Our visitors, Ellen and Jeff Shaw were introduced. Mile Werle and Joe Defeo were also recognized.

5. Tony Rodriguez was happy about the attendance for the Jazz brunch, but let the management know about its shortfall in the kitchen and table management.

6. The Vines of March as announced by the co-chairman Kyle Egress. Tom Wood will assist Kyle for this fund-raising event.

7. Joe Stafford met a group that builds wood furniture. He will invite them to address our meeting to give us some pointers as to saving or replacing the Rotary benches in Town.

8. A Rotary party is in the works, but after the festivities. Eileen will help organize it.

9. The Berlin Rotary Club will be at our meeting on November 19 to take orders for their Christmas wreath sale.

October 29th Meeting

West Hartford Rotarians decked out for Halloween

President Oscar Santo Domingo presents the Paul Harris fellowship award to Betty Kiely

LUNCHEON MEETING, October 29, 2018

1. Our meeting was visited by three witches, Mr. Incredible, and a lobster woman. All enjoyed the candies placed at the tables. Thanks are owed to Dave, Eileen ,Elizabeth, Ana and Mary for their show of Halloween spirit.

2. The Turkey Drive is rolling. Fern has collected our contributions and the Club has donated $1,600 for the Drive. This donation will be given to The Town That Cares.

3. Rotarians applauded the efforts of Tony and Ann for the successful turnout expected at the Hartford Club Jazz Brunch. The results have been so good that we have had to close the ticket sales.

4. Eileen reminds us not to forget that many children are still affected by polio. Keep the donations coming.

5. Dave Mangs reported on efforts to stop the epidemic of drug addiction and the recruitment of young people to join Rotary.

6. Betty and her daughter Kate were honored at the presentation of a Paul Harris +5 pin which Bob earned for the time and effort he spent in promoting Rotary.

7. A Blood Drive is getting set up for January. Ann Leabman mentioned that it needs 1,000 feet of space. The Town Hall, the American School for the Deaf and Saint Joseph University were mentioned as possible sites.

Latest Update: Ann has booked the Town Hall Auditorium on Jan.22,2019 from 12:30 to 5:00 pm Our Club will be the sponsor for this Blood drive.

October 22nd Meeting Minutes

LUNCHEON MEETING, October 22, 2018

1. Peter Lamothe from Jackson Labs was our guest speaker. Jackson Labs is a non-profit organization located on the UCONN Dempsey campus that focuses on mammalian genetics research. Their research at present is on developing medications tailored for each patient’s genetic makeup. According to Peter, they have around 10,000 mice used for testing. They use mice because they have the closest DNA to human being. Jackson Lab’s main office is in Bar Harbor Maine. Their focus is on basic research which they share with other labs in the hope that it will help them in their own particular research.

2. The ticket sales for the Jazz Brunch are excellent. As of Oct. 24, we have sold and received payment for 230 tickets. A sudden influx of buyers is coming in and now we are afraid the we will go over the capacity of the Hartford Club’s dining room. Tony suggests that our web site should announce that the ticket sale is closed (it was closed).

3. The 30th anniversary of our World Polio Eradication Drive was held on October 24. We still have not achieved our goal of world-wide elimination. Don’t forget to donate to the Fund. In addition to polio that we have known, there is a new virus that resembles polio that is infecting children much is the same way that polio did.