WEST HARTFORD ROTARY SPOTLIGHT

(See more news on www.westhartfordrotary.org)

MINUTES FOR THE MEETING OF

May 5th, 2014 - 12:15 PM

The Pondhouse Cafe

Present: 27 Great Rotarians; 2 visiting Rotarians, and 1 guest.

Bob Kiley gave the invocation and led the Pledge of Allegiance.

Club Presidents opening remarks during the unusual ‘chicken’ meal:

1.Hap presented Eileen Rau with a new pin for recruiting a new member.  If you have recruited new members in the recent past, contact Donna.

2.Kyle Egress reminded everyone that only 47 days remain until Lobster Fest, and encouraged all to sell tickets!    Please contact Kyle if you need tickets, and sponsorships are also needed! 

3.Donna noted that Celebrate West Hartford is coming up quickly (only 32 days from today) and passed a volunteer list around.  There are several additional challenges this year that the team is working.

4.Cindy Lang discussed the ‘NICView’ project that is being worked with four other clubs.  Don, Eileen, and Cindy attended the launch is on 4/29 at Farmington Gardens.  There is a fund raising golf tournament planned for June 9^th and golfers are needed.  Sponsorships for tee signs and GPS links are also available.

5.Eileen Rau reported that the Annual Fund drive is up to $6507 – achieving the club target, though with a gap to the $10,000 target.

6.Don Chandler discussed the planned river cruise.  Oscar Santo Domingo coordinated the event and it will happen on Jul 20^th – noon at the Charter Oak Landing.  A minimum of 20 are needed.

7.The Farmington Rotary Club will be celebrating its 40th Anniversary on 6/12/14 at Farmington Gardens with a dinner event.  All are invited to attend this celebration, and there will likely be no meeting that week due to proximity to Celebrate West Hartford.

8.Hap noted that the Pond House is celebrating its 15 year anniversary and is offering us their services for a fund raising event.   They will provide the food and staff for a fixed charge and all proceeds will go to the club.  The date is TBD, but the initial thought is October.

Sergeant at Arms Todd Bower reports 27 Rotarians are present, with two visiting Rotarians, Hank and Ernestina Shay from Livermore, CA.  One guest was present:  Speaker Bob Greismer.

Happy dollars were collected. The pot is up to $77 but no one drew the winning card.  

Bob Greismer was guest speaker and discussed the challenges faced by the Science Center of CT and its future.  Through hard work, they have paid off debts and actually turned a profit, and have managed to extend their lease with KO through June 2017.  They are busy searching for a new facility and plan to remain in West Hartford.

The meeting was adjourned at 1:35, with Hap leading the 4-way test.  The next meeting is May 12th, 2014 at Pondhouse Cafe. 

Respectfully submitted,

Chad Licht, scribe