Stories
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Parkinson's Walk May 6th |
Save The Dates!!!!! |
Jennifer Schwartzman
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Paul Harris Award to Chris Bozak |
PETS!
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BAH!BAH!
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Post PETS and Tri-District Conference |
Vines 2023 was a Home Run! |
Daniel Howell and the Four Bees |
Foundation Moment - Global Grants
As you know, the Rotary Foundation is an integral part of everything we do as Rotary members. This Week: WHAT MAKES A GLOBAL GRANT APPLICATION SUCCESSFUL? |
West Hartford Rotary Provides Seed Money for Reward Fund
WH Rotary is the first group to aid the WH Police Department in setting up a reward account that could lead to the arrest of a hit and run driver |
Well Wishes For Uganda - Rotarian Carolyn Malon Gives us a Tour of Nkozi
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Welcome Don Ricardo Miller - Our Newest Member! |
Haig |
Our 2023 Meeting Schedule |
Alyssa Hawn was Our Speaker on December 5th |
WHAT IS A ROTARY FOUNDATION SUSTAINING MEMBER? |
Reading Partners |
District Governor Randy Chappel was our Guest |
$26.50 |
Coming UpComing Up
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Happy Dollar Food Drive Hits it Out of the Park!!
Thanksgiving Recipe: Our Rotary Happy Dollars + Liberty Bank Match = Assistance for those in Need
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Children's Museum Update |
Webster's Bitch |
New Member Jim Markette |
Rock 'N Rotary |
We're Number One! |
The Pendulum is Alive!
The Rotary Branded Pendulum, Formerly Located at The Children's Museum has Found a New Home
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Our Halloween Meetings are Always a Blast
Most of our club members haven't grown up and still insist on wearing their Halloween best.
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Mary Smealie to Exhibit at the Noah Webster House on Nov. 17th |
Events Coming up... |
If Every Member Did Like Oscar... |
Our Speakers from South Park Inn |
At Our Meeting of October 24th |
Halloween Meeting Next Week! |
PeoplesBank Donates to WH Rotary! |
Happy Dollars Are Going to Thanksgiving Food |
New Member - Joel Smith |
Thank You Westfield Bank! |
The Rotary Pendulum Will Be Resurrected! (But I don't know where) |
Sergeant(at-arms) Pepper Promoted our Event |
Tavern Night October 6th
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Booker DeVaughn earns his Paul Harris Fellowship +3 |
Town Manager Rick Ledwith was our Guest
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No Meeting on Monday, October 10thThere will be no meeting on October 10th because of Columbus Day. Or next meeting will be October 17th where we will discuss Rock 'n Rotary Beatlemania!
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Town Manger Rick Ledwith was our Guest Speaker on October 3rd |
Polio Plus - End Polio Now! |
Winners of the Raffle! |
Beatlemania! |
Rotary Club of West Hartford welcomes new member! Rotary Club President Kyle Egress welcomed Rotarian Diane Barber to the Rotary Club of West Hartford during a Club Assembly on Monday, October 18th. Diane transferred to the West Hartford Club from the Stamford CT Club due to a recent move. During the Club Assembly, 18 Rotarians lunched and discussed current club business including: the Rotary Foundation and Polio Eradication efforts, our efforts to transition to Hybrid meetings, and our upcoming Jazz Brunch fundraiser.
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Rotary Foundation Video |
Say, my anniversary date is wrong!Have you wondered why The Spotlight lists an incorrect date for your club anniversary or other date? It simply pulls from your profile (automatically). If you need to update it: Log into ClubRunner Click on 'member area' on top right of page You should see a menu that includes 'edit my profile' - click that. You can edit data on all of the tabs (Personal and Rotary tabs are the most common). Note that you have to hit the 'EDIT' button, and then save If you can't get into ClubRunner, please drop Chad Licht a line and I will update you.
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2019 Rotary Foundation StatusAs of 4/26/2018, 12 members have contributed to the annual fund, and 21 have donated to Polio Plus. |
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 16th Annual Jazz Brunch More than 200 jazz aficionados helped Rotary Club of West Hartford raise $7,088.00 during its 16th 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 16th 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.  |
Vines of March - March 9 2019!.jpg) |
October 22nd Meeting MinutesLUNCHEON 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.  Guest Speaker Peter Lamonthe with speaker coordinator Mary Silverberg .jpg) A friendly reminder to come to the meeting on the 29th in your best Halloween attire! |
Rotary Club donates to Gifts of Music Rotarian Tony Rodriguez and Ann Leabman present Haig Shahverdian a check for $4,400 to the Gifts of Music from proceeds from the Jazz Brunch at their Autumn Benefit Concert held Saturday, October 20, 2018 at the Ellen Jeanne Goldfarb Memorial Auditorium at the Intensive Education Academy in West Hartford.
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October 15th Meeting Guest Speaker Mark McGovern Luncheon Meeting, October 22, 2018 1. Our speaker was Mark McGovern, Town of West Hartford. He talked about the ongoing projects that are taking place around town such as: a. the Trout Brook exit from I- 84. This will handle a larger volume of traffic. b. IDEANOMICS has purchased the UCONN site. They are applying for zone changes to the area to accommodate their plans for the area. c. The recent sewage problem on Linnard and other streets was mentioned, and the MDC is currently repairing the damage. 2. Eileen Rau gave us an update on the celebrations planned for the 30-year anniversary of the Rotary’s campaign to eradicate polio. Please continue to donate to the Polio Plus fund. We are almost in reach of our goal to eradicating polio 3. Turkey Legs are coming. From today’s meeting until Thanksgiving, our Happy Dollars will go to the Liberty Bank as donations to this fund |
Oct 1st Minutes and UpdatesREMINDERS OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 2018 1. WORLD POLIO DAY – On October 24, 2018 we will celebrate the 30th anniversary for the eradication of polio campaign. Different countries will have announcements, parades and various media events. Let our members celebrate by donating to our Eradicate Polio Fund. 2. On November 4, our president-elect and membership chair will meet at Chuck's Steak House, 2199 Silas Deane Highway, Rocky Hill to discuss the recruitment of new members and retention of existing members with other clubs. 3. On November 1, there will be a Foundation Dinner honoring the unsung heroes who have devoted much of their time to helping others and who truly embody “service above self”. It will be held at CHEZ JOSEPH at 176 Shoemaker Lane, Agawam MA from 5:30 to 9: pm. Cost is $55 per person. 4. On November 10, John Smeallie and Andy Lerner will represent our club at the RLI leadership Training session at the Holiday Inn, Springfield South, Bright Meadow Boulevard in Enfield, CT, 06082. 5. Tavern night was held last October 4. 10 Rotarians enjoyed the ambience of the new Rockledge Grill. Thanks to Kyle for organizing this event. 6. It is again time for our Thanksgiving Turkey Drive. Our club has opened an account at Liberty Bank to deposit our donations. We are awaiting the donations to pour in.  Guest speaker at Oct 1st meeting Janice Hamilton Crawford |
Sept 24th Meeting MinutesMinutes Luncheon Meeting, August 24 1. Our speaker was the Town of West Hartford Police Chief. He reported that the Town Safety Committee gave the Town a good report. The biggest problem seems to be complaints of indiscriminate urination from over-indulgers. He emphasized that the department needs to recruit more qualified people interested in becoming West Hartford Police officers. Members threw a lot of interesting questions at the Chief. He was very informative. 2. A great round of applause greeted Ann Leabman when she received the Club Honorary Membership. She emphasized the importance of the Jazz Brunch to Hap. 3. The Tavern night was postponed to October 4 at the Rockledge Grill from 5 to 7 pm  Guest speaker: West Hartford Police Chief Vernon Riddick, Jr  Club President Oscar Santo Domingo and Rotarian Eileen Rau flank guest of honor Ann Leabman
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Meeting Minutes - September 17, 2018Rotary Club of West Hartford Lunch Meeting Minutes Date: September 17, 2018 Upcoming Events:
Requests:
Information:
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Board Minutes - August 24thRotary Club of West Hartford Board Meeting Minutes Date: August 24, 2018 Attendance: Eileen Rau, Tom Wood, Matt Cuddy, Bennett Forest, Oscar Santo Domingo Approvals 1. Board approved budget for 2018-2019. 2. Board accepted the Marinduque North Rotary Club of the Philippines as a sister club for the purpose of join projects. Discussed was the possibility of a water project. This is still in the preliminary stage. 3. Approved a donation of $3,600 to the Children’s Museum of West Hartford. This is in addition to a District Grant the has been approved for $2,400. Upcoming Events 1. Due to the efforts of Dave Mangs, Ashley Daley of UHart, Greg and Bennett, our Club was able to recruit 53 Rotaractors from the University of Hartford. A meeting will be organized to welcome these new members. A Board of Directors and committee chairs will be selected at that meeting. Please watch for that meeting and plan to attend and greet all of them. 2. Ann Leabman will be honored on September 17 meeting as an Honorary Member due to the time and effort she has spent in the service of Rotary. |
Meeting Minutes - August 20thRotary Club of West Hartford Minutes Date: August 20, 2018 Attendance: about 30 Members Bob Kiely Eileen Rau suggested that the Club donate to the Rotary Fund in memory of Bob Kiely.He was formerly the chairman of the Rotary Foundation. Rotary Means Business Farmington, Canton and Avon Rotary Clubs held a combined Rotary Means Business meeting last August 15.David Mangs emphasized the need for this meeting so that different business people from the Clubs and their friends are invited.The more exposure our club gets will hopefully mean more members and more business. Tavern Night Don’t forget TAVERN NIGHT, September 27. Jazz Brunch We signed a contract with The Hartford Club for the Jazz Brunch.Contracts with two performers were also signed.The next move is to sell tickets.We have to sell at least 250 tickets.You can go online to buy tickets on the Rotary Club of West Hartford web site to buy tickets. Children’s Museum Rick Liftig and I met with the Director of the West Hartford Children’s Museum.He gave us the history of their financial status and said that at present they are in the black.They do not depend on Town or State funds for their operations.We hope to invite the prospective buyers of the site to one of our meetings and to express our interest in having part of the site reserved for the new Children’s Museum so that West Hartford can continue to have this educational treasure in our Town.Our donations to the Rotary Lab will be transferable when the Museum moves to its new location.  Foundation Chair Eileen Rau presents Rotarian Ed Cape with his Paul Harris +2 |
Meeting Minutes - August 13thRotary Club of West Hartford Minutes Date: August 13, 2018 Attendance: about 30 Members
 Rotarians Mary Silverberg and Shari Cantor with guest speaker Rebecca Rose |
Meeting Minutes - August 6thRotary Club of West Hartford Minutes Date:August 5, 2018 Attendance: 10 Members
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Announcements - August 6thRotary Club of West Hartford Announcements
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July 9th Meeting Guest speaker Amy Watkins, Program Coordinator, Watch for Me CT, with Rotarian Mary Silverberg. Watch for ME CT is a comprehensive program, run by the Connecticut Department of Transportation (CTDOT) in partnership with Connecticut Children’s Injury Prevention Center, aimed at reducing the number of pedestrians and bicyclists hit and injured in crashes with vehicles. Each year, about 1,500 pedestrians and 550 bicyclists are hit by cars on Connecticut roadways. .JPG) Rotarian Membership Coordinator Bennett Forrest with new member Gerard Honig
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2019 Board Members The 2019 Rotary Club of West Hartford Board took their new roles in a ceremony at Pond House Cafe last week.
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Dictionary Project West Hartford Rotarians, with special guest Noah Webster, present dictionaries to 3rd grade students at Charter Oak school. The Rotary club presented dictionaries to 3rd graders at every West Hartford school this spring, an annual tradition.
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Robin Kruger our newest Paul Harris Fellow Rotarians John Smeallie and Club President Donna Griffen (right) present Robin Kruger (center) with a Paul Harris award in honor of her significant support to the Rotary Club of West Hartford, most notably our annual Vines of March fundraiser.
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June 18th Meeting.JPG) Rotarian and speaker chair Mary Silverberg with guest speaker Conrad Sienkiewicz, Volunteer Manager from Connecticut Community for Addiction Recovery (CCAR)
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2018 Memorial Day Parade  |
May 21st Meeting Robin Krueger (c) receives the Paul Harris award from Rotarian John Smeallie (l) and Club President Donna Griffen (r)
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West Hartford Rotarians HonoredTwo West Hartford Rotarians were honored at the Multi-District Conference on May 20th. First, District Governor Dave Mangs was recognized for his service as District Governor  Second, past District Governor Eileen Rau was awarded the Service Above Self Award, the highest award given by Rotary International. The Service Above Self Award is Rotary International's highest honor for individual Rotarians. This award recognizes up to 150 Rotarians annually (out of over 1.2 million Rotarians worldwide!) who have who demonstrated their commitment to helping others by volunteering their time and talents with exemplary humanitarian service, in any form and at any level, with an emphasis on personal volunteer efforts and active involvement in helping others through Rotary.  |
May 14th Meeting Rotarian Rick Lawrence discusses the Guatemala water and sanitation project. .jpg) |
May 7th Events.jpg) Club President Donna Griffen and Membership Chair Bennett Forrest welcome new member Lisa Brown (center)
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April 30th Events Jason Jakubowski, CEO of Foodshare, speaks at the April 30th meeting. Founded in 1982, Foodshare is the regional food bank serving Connecticut’s Hartford and Tolland counties, where 127,000 people struggle with hunger. Foodshare is a member of the national organization Feeding America, along with more than 200 other food banks nationally. In partnership with the food industry, donors, community leaders and volunteers, Foodshare works to maximize access to nutritious food and other resources that support food security. And, because hunger is bigger than food, Foodshare collaborates with anti-hunger organizations, policy makers, and the broader community to build effective solutions to end hunger.  Later that evening, Rotarians enjoyed our annual night with the children from the Hillcrest Avenue Neighborhood Outreach Center (HANOC) at The New Children's Museum. The group joined the children and HANOC team for a show featuring the night sky in the Planetarium and then enjoyed a healthy snack and a museum tour.
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April 23rd Meeting Guest speaker Sara Salomons from Journey Home CT, a non-profit organization that leads the effort to end chronic homelessness in the greater Hartford area. .jpg) |
April 9th Meeting |
April 2nd Meeting Kevin Farmer, executive director of ITNCentralCT, speaks. ITNCentralCT provides a community-based, and community supported, economically viable and consumer-oriented, quality transportation service for seniors .  Guest speakers from Reach out and Read |
Rotary 6th Grade Writing Project Rotarian Tony Rodriguez opens the event The Rotary Club of West Hartford held a luncheon to celebrate the Rotary Writing Project with the West Hartford Middle Schools on March 29th.
A total of 32 students represented their schools to celebrate their accomplishment. Eight of the students read their piece as part of the program. The students writing focused on the Rotary theme "Making a Difference".  |
Mar 19th Meeting.jpg) Guest speakers from the Fern Street Food Pantry. The pantry is the newest program launched by The Fern Street Community Kitchen, which is operated by the Universalist Church of West Hartford with support from Foodshare, local merchants, and hundreds of local volunteers. On the third Saturday each month,they distribute non-perishables, fresh produce, frozen meats, and eggs to qualified recipients and to date they have distributed over 3.5 tons of food.
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Vines of March Pictures  .jpeg) There are more pictures in the PHOTO ALBUM link on the left side of the website
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Rotary Foundation StatusAs of 6/22/2018, 34 of 51 members have contributed to the annual fund. |
Feb 26th Meeting.jpg) Rotarian Bennett Forrest with new member Robert LaPerla
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Feb 5th Meeting Guest speakers from the Rotary Club of Springfield discussed their Cambodia clean water project.
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Rotary 6th Grade Writing Project Rotarian Tony Rodriguez discusses the 6th Grade writing project at King Phillips Middle School; he also visited Sedgewick and Bristow.
A total of 32 students will represent their schools at an upcoming luncheon to celebrate their accomplishment. Eight of the students will read their piece as part of the program. The students writing will focus on the Rotary theme "Making a Difference". The luncheon to celebrate the Rotary Writing Project with the West Hartford Middle Schools is scheduled for March 29th at 11:45 (new date and time!) at the University of St. Josephs, McGovern Hall, West Hartford, CT.  |
Jan 22nd Meeting.jpg) Club President Donna Griffen presents the Paul Harris Fellowship to Rotarian Kurt Roggendorf
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Jan 8th MeetingThe Club started the new year with a focus on the upcoming Vines of March event. Steve Leon from Wine Cellars 4 was the guest speaker to kick off event planning.  Steve Leon of Wine Cellars 4, guest speaker  Rotarian Christine Looby receives the Paul Harris Award from Club President Donna Griffen.
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Dec 18th Meeting - Hall Madrigals Click on picture to watch video
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November 27th Meeting.jpg) Club President Donna Griffen with new Rotarians Greg Friedline and Andy Learner, along with Membership Chair Bennett Forrest
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November 20th Meeting Guest speaker Peter Ross of Mark Twain with Rotarian Mary Silverberg .JPG) Representatives of the West Hartford Rotary Club and Liberty Bank presenting collected and matching funds to the West Hartford Town that Cares for our local food bank.
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DG Mangs on TV!Our own David Mangs - currently District Governor of District 7890 - was recently on a TV Spot produced by Channel 5 in West Hartford, Ct. "ROTARY MAKING A DIFFERENCE" with special guest Shirley-Pat Chamberlain. (click TV Spot or the picture to start the YouTube video). He didn't sing... .png) |
November 6th Meeting Guest speaker Paul Martel, founder and Director of FIBUSPAM. The foundation and its clinic are located high in the Andes in Riobamba, Ecuador. They were founded in 2007 by Paul R. Martel of Simsbury, Connecticut. The clinic serves the people of Chimborazo Province and wider Ecuador by providing free and low-cost care in general medicine, general surgery, dentistry, ophthalmology, lab services, as well as providing medicines. The clinic has its own patient care floor with two operating rooms, a recovery room and six patient beds. FIBUSPAM organizes mobile caravans that bring care to remote, outlying communities to people who little or no access to doctors. FIBUSPAM also hosts foreign surgical teams who provide free surgical care for the needy in Ecuador. Lastly, FIBUSPAM organizes social service projects to support the poor including assisting with the travel logistics of children who must travel to the U.S. for more urgent and complex surgery.
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October 30th Meeting A picture from the October 30th meeting .jpg) |
October 23rd MeetingTwenty six Rotarians and guests met at the Pond House Cafe on Monday the 23rd for a regular meeting. Guests included 3 Rotarians from the Midland, TX club, guest speaker Rico Dence and his guest Wendy Pollak, and Maxine Fisher from Fern Street Community Kitchen. Key notes:
Maxine Fisher from Fern Street Community Kitchen discussed their effort. They feed ~ 300 people per week, as well as running a backpack program in local schools so kids have food on weekends. They are hosting a breakfast event on Saturday 11 Nov at 9am at the Universalist Church.  Guest speaker Rico Dence discussed the organization 'Up Cancer' he founded to support youth with cancer. He emphasized the need for bone marrow donors - link here. Note that they prefer donors between 18 and 44; those 45-60 need to pay a $100 fee to join the registry, and those 61 and older are not eligible.  |
October 2nd Meeting Guest Speaker Christopher Popilowski of Wheeler Foster Care with President Donna Griffin
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September 25th Meeting.jpg) Club President Donna Griffen, new member Kurt Roggendorf, and Club Membership Chair Bennett Forrest at the Sept 25th meeting
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September 18th MeetingUpcoming events: District Foundation Dinner - 2 Nov - Chez Josef in Agawam. Click HERE to register. West Hartford Rotary - 15th Annual Jazz Brunch - Nov 5th (see club site for tickets) Rotary Leadership Institute - Nov 11th (see district web site for registration)  John Hoyt receives the Paul Harris Fellowship |
Sept 11th Meeting Speaker Dan Hinks from New Horizons. Dan is also son of Polly Hinks, a long time member of WH Rotary Club.  Guest speaker Joe Maher, executive director of New Horizons
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August 14th Meeting ) Guest speaker Andrea Giudice from NEAT Equipment Restoration Center demonstrates medical equipment to the club. The NEAT Equipment Restoration Center(ERC) accepts, repairs, sanitizes and resells gently used donated pieces of durable medical and adaptive equipment at less than half of new.
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July 24th Meeting Guest speaker Kevin Farmer from iTNCentralCT, along with Rotarian Mary Silverberg who volunteers for iTN.
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July 31st Meeting.PNG) Guest speaker Stacey Violante Cote from Center for Children's Advocacy and Club President Donna Griffen in front of CCA's mobile law office.
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July 10th Meeting Club President Donna Griffen flanked by guest speakers Jennifer Matos & Amy Boulton from Noah Webster House
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Recent pictures Immediate Past President Robert Kor passed the gavel to new President Donna Griffen  Steve Leon from Wine Cellars 4 receives an honorary Paul Harris Award. Steve has been a key supporter of our annual Vines of March event.
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New Board Members for 2017-2018 The 2017-2018 Board Members for the Rotary Club of West Hartford, including new District Governor / West Hartford Club Member David Mangs, new Club President Donna Griffen, and Immediate Past President Robert Kor.
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June 19th Meeting |
Celebrate West Hartford Pictures.JPG) .JPG) .JPG) |
June 5th Meeting Guest speaker Jim MacPherson. He was the host of “The Car Doctor” on WTIC-AM for 27 years. He also has written AAA auto reviews and Auto Guide books.
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May 22nd Meeting Rotarian Chad Licht receives his first Paul Harris Fellowship from Club President Robert Kor and Foundation Chair Eileen Rau
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May 15th Meeting Pictures.JPG) President Robert Kor with new member Mark Walker and Rotarian Tony Rodriguez.  Guest speakers included Bonnie Meyers, Director of Programs and Services from the Brain Injury Alliance of CT. .jpg) |
May 8th MeetingGuest speaker Alan Hurst, a Rotary Peace Fellow. |
April 24th Meeting Rotarian Dave Lemkuil receives his first Paul Harris Fellowship from Club President Robert Kor and Foundation Chair Eileen Rau
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April 17th Meeting |
April 10th MeetingIt was a busy April 10th - some of the action is captured in pictures. The club presented a check for $7500 to the Johnathan's Dream Fund, which will support the construction of Jonathan’s Dream Reimagined, a revolutionary new inclusive playground. .JPG) Our guest speaker from India presented Club President Robert Kor with gifts  District Governor Frank Wargo was also in attendance |
Vines of March Pictures |
March 7th Meeting.JPG) Guest Speaker Janet Bailey from Aurora Foundation, which was formed to serve as a catalyst for change in the lives of women and girls in Greater Hartford, with the intended effect of unlocking the potential of their families and surrounding communities.
Vines of March is less than two weeks away. Johnny's Jog, which is supported by the club, is coming up on the 19th.
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Feb 13th Meeting.jpg) Guest speaker Joseph Dakers, Tax Assessor, Town of West Hartford
 Rotarian / West Hartford Mayor Shari Cantor receives her Paul Harris +8 from Foundation Chair Eileen Rau and Club President Robert Kor
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DG-E Mangs meets Rotary Int'l President Elect West Hartford Rotarian and District Governor-Elect Dave Mangs meets RI President-Elect Ian Riseley
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Rotary Club Book Drive.jpg) Bob Rau, Bennett Forrest, Harry Davidson, Alana Blum, Eileen Rau, some young helpers, and 1000+ donated books
On Thursday, February 2 West Hartford Rotarians Eileen Rau, Bob Rau, Fernando Vidal, Bennett Forrest, and Harry Davidson, along with the staff of the Children's Reading Partners Alana Blum and Stacey Jennings, sorted over 1000 books donated for the 2016 Greater Hartford Book Drive. All the new books will be distributed to children who participate in the reading mentor program at the end of the year, while used books will be handed out directly to elementary schools around greater Hartford for use in their schools.
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January 30th Meeting President Robert Kor attaches a Rotary Club pin to new member Matt Cuddy |
Jan 23rd Meeting Rotarian Oscar Santo Domingo receives the Paul Harris Award (4th) from Foundation Director Eileen Rau
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President Robert Kor, Eileen Rau and Paul Harris awardee Oscar Santo Domingo
Also a reminder that Bennett Forrest will be hosting a book sorting event at his home this Thursday, Feb 2nd, from 6:30 to 8pm. There are over 1500 books to sort, so help would be appreciated!
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Jan 9th MeetingThe first meeting of 2017 was held on Jan 9th. Elona Vaisnys of Citizens' Election Program was guest speaker. The club also noted its 65th anniversary on January 14th.
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December 5th Meeting Guest speaker Courtney Bourns from Mediators Beyond Borders International discussed the role of his organization. |
November 28th Meeting.jpg) Karen Connal, Head of School of the Trinity Academy, was guest speaker. Trinity Academy is an independent tuition-free elementary school serving students and their families in the Hartford area. Their purpose is to educate in a nurturing and inclusive community with a focus on academics, the arts, literacy and critical thinking.
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Rotary Club donation to The Town That CaresThe Rotary Club of West Hartford proudly delivered a check in the amount of $3852.31 to The Town That Cares. This represented the proceeds earned from our 2016 Liberty Bank Thanksgiving Food Drive. Kudos to event chair Fernando Vidal and to all who donated happy dollars and other gifts to make the holidays just a little brighter for people in our community who are in need.
 From L to R - President Robert Kor, Suzanne Oslander from The Town That Cares, Food Drive Chair Fernando Vidal, Rotarian Christine Looby, and Past President Kyle Egress |
Nov 14th MeetingHighlights from the 14 November meeting:
1) Board meeting at 11am on Monday
2) Eileen Rau discussed Polio Plus campaign. For our target, it is requested that all Rotarians donate $26.50 to the Polio Plus fund.
3) Hap reported on the highly successful Jazz Brunch.
4) Vines of March - Saturday March 25th -we need to start planning now!
5) Guest speakers Clayton Jason and Brenda Watson from Operation Fuel discussed their program. 77,000 people received a total of $3.2M in energy support last year, including 86 in West Hartford. A portion of the funds comes from the 'add a dollar' on your energy bill.
.jpg) Operation Fuel guest speakers Clayton Jason and Brenda Watson
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Nov 7th MeetingMartha Church, Director of the West Hartford Library, was guest speaker at the club meeting on Monday, November 7th.
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October 31st MeetingMonday's club meeting was highlighted by colorful costumes.
 Bepsie Perry of Hello! West Hartford was the guest speaker, and discussed the efforts of the group to be a town-wide initiative to build bridges between community members. Over 80 languages are represented in West Hartford Schools, and nearly 20% of WHPS students live in a home where English is not the primary language.  |
Jazz Brunch!The 11th Jazz Brunch was held on Sunday November 6th at the Hartford Club. The sold out event featured musical entertainment by LAND of the GIANTS, featuring Delfeayo Marsalis on trombone, Javon Jackson on saxophone, Cyrus Chestnut on piano, Jimmy Cobb on drums, and David Williams on bass. Proceeds from the event will be donated to “The Gifts of Music" program ( www.giftsofmusic.us) and other Rotary Charities.
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Pictures from October 24th Past District Governor and Foundation Chair Eileen Rau discusses World Polio Day, October 24th. World Polio Day was established by Rotary International over a decade ago to commemorate the birth of Jonas Salk, who led the first team to develop a vaccine against poliomyelitis.  Zachary Gross, Senior Program Manager from Simply Smiles, discusses the efforts of his organization. Simply Smiles is a non-profit organization which provides bright futures for impoverished children, their families, and their communities.
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West Hartford Rotary-Liberty Bank Food Drive On Tuesday, 25 November, a check in the amount of $2915 was presented to the Town that Cares representative Suzanne Oslander at the West Hartford Town Hall.
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November Birthdays and AnniversariesMember Birthdays
Name Date
Looby, Christine Nov 07
Licht, Chad Nov 15
Lang, Cynthia Nov 30
Anniversaries
Name Spouse Name Date Years
Kiely, Robert J. Elizabeth Nov 03 1951 63 years
Liftig D.M.D., Rick Kathy Nov 25 1983 31 years
Date Joined Rotary
Name Years Date
Lang, Cynthia 8 years Nov 01 2006
List, Karen 5 years Nov 09 2009
Chase, Mary 1 Year Nov 20 2013
Egress, Kyle 5 years Nov 30 2009
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WH Rotary Presents Check to "Gifts of Music"On Saturday October 25, 2014, prior president Hap Leabman presented a $2,500 check to Haig Shahverdian for “Gifts of Music”. The funds were raised at the club's annual Jazz Brunch event. Gifts of Music joins the resources of West Hartford Public Schools, the Community Division of the Hartt School of Music, private donors, and Hartford Foundation for Public Giving; partners qualified students with professional musicians from the Community Division of Hartt School for weekly instrumental lessons; collects and recycles used instruments; supports supervised after-school practice sessions for an additional population of students. The check presentation was made at the annual Gifts if Music Benefit Concert, which was attended by over 200 Gift of Music friends and supporters.
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Pictures from October 20th meeting Guest speaker / CT Attorney General George Jepsen  Ferd promoting the Liberty Bank Thanksgiving Food Drive |
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Quote of the Week - Who Said It?
We could never learn to be brave and patient, if there were only joy in the world.
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Thought for the Week - Who Said It?
An optimist is the human personification of spring.
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Quote of the Week - Who Said It?
We could never learn to be brave and patient, if there were only joy in the world.
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Thought for the Week - Who Said It?
An optimist is the human personification of spring.
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Mark Your Calendars!
Here you can post little tidbits of information, reminders, or anything else!
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Meeting Minutes - 29 SeptemberWEST HARTFORD ROTARY SPOTLIGHT (See more news on www.westhartfordrotary.org) MINUTES FOR THE MEETING OFSeptember 29th, 2014 - 12:15 PMThe Pondhouse Cafe Present: 28 Rotarians and 1 guest. Mary Silverberg gave the invocation ‘a birthday with a purpose’ and then led the club in the Pledge of Allegiance. Opening remarks: 1.Eileen Rau discussed the Rotary Foundation – this week was about Sustaining members. 2.– noted a Steve Crane video and recommended that all view it: end Polio now 3.Larry Goodman – introduced himself and gave a brief bio 4.President Cindy – discussed the University of St Joseph / Grace Academy STEM project – they have raised $700 already, and need $300 more 5.Fernando Vidal –noted that the Liberty Bank food drive has started and that the board voted to donate $500 as well as all Happy Dollar donations 6.Prior President Hap Leabman – discussed the event on 6 October. All tickets will benefit the club, as Pond House is covering the meals. Tickets are $20 or $25 at the door. 7.– gave a recap of the Kinetic Sculpture Race, and noted that Cindy ran the Amber Alert booth and was able to sign up approximately 10 children despite significant technical difficulties. Sergeant at Arms John Smeallie reports 28 Rotarians are present. One guest was present: Kara Sundlun, guest speaker. Happy dollars were collected. The pot is up to $51 and nobody won this week. Kara Sundlun from WFSB was the guest speaker and talked of about her career, her two most memorable days as a broadcaster, and her upcoming book. The meeting was adjourned at 1:45, with Dave Lemkuil leading the 4-way test. The next meeting is October 20th, 2014 at Pondhouse Cafe. Respectfully submitted, Chad Licht, scribe
Guest speaker Kara Sundlun from WFSB
Kara Sundlun with Rotarian Dave Lemkuil, speaker coordinator and Packer fan! |
Rotary Foundation Minute for the week of 3 OctoberWHAT IS A ROTARY FOUNDATION SUSTAINING MEMBER? A Rotary Foundation Sustaining Member is an individual who personally contributes $100 or more each Rotary year to the Annual Fund. These contributions also count toward Paul Harris Fellow, Multiple Paul Harris Fellow, Paul Harris Society, Major Donor, and club recognition. After donating $100.00 per year for 10 Rotary years, he/she becomes a Paul Harris Fellow. We have 23 Rotary Foundation Sustaining Members in our Club. Won't you become a Sustaining Member? |
Rotary Foundation Minute for the weekHelp us reach our goal. Rotarians are generous people. They give to many good, charitable causes in their communities but in many instances do not support their own charity: The Rotary Foundation. This Rotary year, I would like to see every Rotary club make a contribution to our Rotary Foundation. Remember that the good we do in the world is limited only by the contributions we receive. And when we give to our Foundation, we are not sending cash to Evanston – we are helping a blind man to see, a polio victim to walk, a child to grow to adulthood healthily, a student to become better educated, and a family to have food to eat. The slogan Every Rotarian, Every Year means exactly that. Every Rotarian should make a contribution to our Foundation every year. Make it a priority this year to impress on your club the importance of every club supporting our Foundation in some way. As I said at the outset, Rotarians are generous people. I am sure you will translate that generosity into giving to our Rotary Foundation. It is up to each and every one of us to do so. John Kenny Trustee Chair 2014-15 Thank you!
District Governor 2012-2013 Peace Through Service District 7890 Assistant Rotary Coordinator Zone 32 |
Pictures from Kinetic Sculpture Event - 21 September
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The Rotary Foundation Awards $33,000 Global Grant for the American School for the DeafThe Rotary Foundation Awards $33,000 Global Grant for the American School for the Deaf
Recently, the Club received word that our Global Grant application to provide a Visual Media Studio for the American School for the Deaf, in West Hartford, was approved. Our Club partnered with the Rotary Club of St. Thomas, U.S.V.I., and both our respective Districts, 7890 and 7020, to fund this Grant. The Rotary Foundation matched club and district contributions to bring the total grant amount to $33,000. The grant provides for the studio equipment and wiring, as well as curriculum materials and professional development of staff. Visual learning is a key component of teaching hearing impaired students, and this studio will open new avenues of education to them. It will also provide training that students can use when they later enter the work force. Work will begin soon, and Club members interested in working on the project should contact Cindy Lang or Don Chandler. All of the funds came from contributions of Rotarians, and this shows how our donations can ultimately enable projects right here at home. |
2014 Foundation Dinner - 6 NovemberThe 2014 Foundation dinner is fast approaching. DG Mike and Foundation Chair Sue invite to come to this annual tribute to The Rotary Foundation. Click this link to the flyer for more information and a link to register online:
You may also find this information on the District Website.
We look forward to seeing you there!
DG Mike Roy
Foundation Chair Sue Atkins
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Meeting Minutes - 15 SeptemberWEST HARTFORD ROTARY SPOTLIGHT (See more news on www.westhartfordrotary.org) MINUTES FOR THE MEETING OFSeptember 15th, 2014 - 12:15 PMThe Pondhouse Cafe Present: 28 Great Rotarians and 1 guest. David Gerrol gave the invocation and led the Pledge of Allegiance. Club President’s opening remarks: 1.Eileen Rau discussed the Rotary Foundation and focused on the two types of grants, District and Global. 2.- discussed the Rotary Leadership Institute coming up on November 8th in Chicopee, MA. 3.Don Chandler reported that we received the Global Grant for $33K for the Video Media studio at ASD. He noted the power of grants, as we leveraged a WH Rotary donation of $4K up to the $33K value. 4.Past President Hap – We are co-sponsors with the Farmington Club of the Kinetic Sculpture event to be held at Winding Trails on 21 Sept. 5.– discussed the upcoming Light Up West Hartford Rotary event on October 6th. Money is needed by the 29th – either bring a check or pay on line. 6.Bennett Forrest - discussed the West Hartford Rotary book drive and gave a live demonstration of a donation. Sergeant at Arms John Smeallie reports 28 Rotarians are present. One guest was present: guest speaker Pauline Weissman. He noted that we will be videotaping the meeting on the 22nd of September. Happy dollars were collected. The pot was up to $233, and David Mangs picked the winning card! Congratulations Dave! Guest speaker Pauline Weissman, a nutritionist, gave an interesting presentation on healthy eating and offered up several simple suggestions for improving your diet. The meeting was adjourned at 1:30, with Oscar Santo Domingo leading the 4-way test. The next meeting is September 22nd, 2014 at Pondhouse Cafe. Respectfully submitted, Chad Licht, scribe |
Pictures from the week
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Pictures from the last few weeks
The Rotary golf tournament |
Save the Date - 8 Nov 2014 - RLI!THE ROTARY LEADERSHIP INSTITUTE
( RLI )
IT’S COMING!
The Rotary Leadership Institute is a powerful tool to grow member leadership strengths and build member retention.
Attendees learn
-how to lead in a service organization
-how to create effective committees
-how to work with volunteers
AND come back to their clubs motivated, energized and inspired
AND they share that enthusiasm with other members.
SIGN UP NOW!
This fall, District 7890 will host an RLI session:
SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 8, 2014
The Mass Mutual Training & Conference Center
350 Memorial Dr., Chicopee, MA
You accepted the invitation to become a Rotarian for a reason. You stay a Rotarian also for a reason. Spending a day at an RLI session will add many more reasons for you to be a Rotarian. Remember, “Those who serve the best profit the most.”
For more information and to register, visit www.rlinea.org or contact Eileen Rau PDG at ebrau@comcast.net/860-521-0526
Many clubs will cover their members’ RLI fee.
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Rotary Foundation Minute for the week WHAT IS THE ROTARY FOUNDATION’S ANNUAL FUND?The Rotary Foundation is funded in two different ways: the Annual Fund and the Endowment Fund. The primary source of unrestricted support for the programs of The Rotary Foundation, the Annual Fund supports programs in more than 200 geographical regions. From digging clean water wells for villages in Africa to reaching basic literacy skills to children in Latin America, during any given moment in a day, thousands of Rotarians volunteer their time and expertise to ensure that all contributions given to the Annual Fund are spent wisely on quality Rotary projects. In the 2012-13 Rotary year, US$115 million was donated to The Rotary Foundation’s Annual Fund (Making History in Rotarian generosity). The Annual Fund is comprised of donations from Rotarians, friends of Rotary, corporations, workplace giving vehicles and can be matched by corporate matching gifts to leverage your donation. There is even a place on the rotary website that allows you to see if your company has a charitable matching program…check it out at: www.rotary.org
WON’T YOU SUPPORT THE ANNUAL FUND WITH AT LEAST $10 A MONTH OR $120 THIS YEAR? |
Meeting Minutes - 11 AugustWEST HARTFORD ROTARY SPOTLIGHT (See more news on www.westhartfordrotary.org) MINUTES FOR THE MEETING OFAugust 11th, 2014 - 12:15 PMThe Pondhouse Cafe Present: 24 Great Rotarians and 2 guests. Club President’s opening remarks: 1.Eileen Rau discussed the Rotary Foundation – this week was about the two types of grants. 2.Dana Gordon – presented Harry Davidson with the honorary ‘pink ball’ for a “notable” performance on the golf course during last week’s event. 3.Harry Davidson – gave a ‘brief’ recap of the golf event a week prior. 4.Kyle Brewer – discussed the most recent ‘A Hand Up’ event. Due to the short notice, only Kyle and some friends were able to attend the successful event. 5.President Cindy also noted that the bench project will be starting soon, and that she will be submitting a survey to the club shortly. 6.Prior President Hap Leabman – discussed the event on 6 October. All tickets will benefit the club, as Pond House is covering the meals. Treasurer Todd Bower reports 24 Rotarians are present. Two guests were present: Alana Blum, guest speaker; and Ria Van Hoof, spouse of Dana Gordon. Happy dollars were collected. The pot is up to $180 and nobody won this week. Alana Blum gave a presentation on the Hartford Jewish Coalition for Literacy’s efforts in the Greater Hartford area. Eileen discussed her rewarding experience volunteering with the group. The meeting was adjourned at 1:23, with Oscar leading the 4-way test. The next meeting is August 18th, 2014 at Pondhouse Cafe. Respectfully submitted, Chad Licht, scribe |
Rotary Foundation Minute for the weekWHAT IS THE GOAL OF ROTARY FOUNDATION GRANTS? “Doing good in the world.” This is achieved via two programs categories of The Rotary Foundation. District Grants– allow up to 25% of funding given three years ago through Annual Fund –SHARE to do projects that fall within the mission. Almost any type of project can be done and local clubs work with their districts to figure out what projects and activities are nearest and dearest to their hearts. Global Grants- fund sustainable and measurable scholarships, humanitarian grants and vocational training teams in the Rotary Foundation’s six areas of focus. Our club participated in a District Grant last year that helped fund the dictionary project. This year we are working on a Global Grant with the American School for the Deaf as the beneficiary. Thank you for your support of the Rotary Foundation.
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September Birthdays and AnniversariesBirthdays Kove Schwartz Sep 01 Edward Cape Sep 11 Bruce Stanger Sep 11 Michael Howard Sep 12 Harry Davidson Sep 18 Kelly Kennedy Sep 25 Mary Silverberg Sep 29 Dr. Robert Claflin Sep 30 Wedding Anniversaries Dana Gordon (Ria) Sep 01 (23 yrs) Bennett Forrest (Debra) Sep 03 (9 yrs) David Gerrol (Lisa) Sep 08 (3 yrs) Robert Kor (Emily) Sep 09 (22 yrs) Kelly Kennedy (Bobby) Sep 18 (10 yrs) Club Anniversaries Kove Schwartz Sep 13, 2010 - 4 years Susan Chandler Sep 28, 2013 - 1 year
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Rotary Foundation Minute for the weekHOW DID THE ROTARY FOUNDATION GET STARTED? The Rotary Foundation was created in 1917 by Rotary International’s sixth president, Arch C. Klumph, as an endowment fund for Rotary “to do good in the world.” It has grown from an initial contribution in 1917 of $26.50 from the Rotary Club of Kansas City, Missouri to more than 2.663 billion dollars in total contributions. The Rotary Foundation made its first grant of $500.00 to the International Society for Crippled Children in 1930, and to this day, it continues to “do good in the world” in the name of Rotary.
THANK YOU FOR SUPPORTING THE ROTARY FOUNDATION AND ITS WORK. |
Meeting Minutes - 4 AugustWEST HARTFORD ROTARY SPOTLIGHT (See more news on www.westhartfordrotary.org) MINUTES FOR THE MEETING OFAugust 4, 2014- 12:15 PM The Pondhouse Cafe Present: 15 Great Rotarians; 1 visiting Rotarians and 1 guest. Bob Kiely gave the invocation with thoughts of servicemen and women, particularly in light of the upcoming August 6 anniversary of the atomic bombing of Hiroshima. He led the recitation of the Pledge of Allegiance. During lunch, Cindy began the meeting with announcements, starting with:
2.Our club will participate in an Elizabeth Park Clean-up Volunteer Endeavor on August 23 from 9:00 a.m. until noon. Please sign up. 3.We are still working on the bench project and Cindy will report back with progress. 4.Reminder: we are collaborative partners with the Farmington Club on the Kinetic Sculpture event to be held at Winding Trails September 21. There are volunteer opportunities – see Hap if you are interested! 5.Hap is also the contact for the October 6 Rotary Showcase at Pond House Café in West Hartford; it’s shaping up beautifully! Sergeant-at-Arms John Smeallie reports 15 Rotarians, one visiting Rotarian and one guest are present. Guests and visitors are: speaker and Rotarian Dave Johnston as well as guest Gary Valenti. Anniversaries this week include wedding anniversaries for Kyle and Brittney Egress and Dave and Gail Mangs; Elizabeth Horyn marks her seventh anniversary as a Rotarian. Happy dollars were collected from Susan Chandler, Hap Leabman, Cindy Lang, Dave Mangs, Dave Johnston, Oscar Santo Domingo and Todd Bower. The 50/50 raffle is up to $170, with no winner today. We are looking for the Jack of Clubs. David Johnston, director of the Center for Higher Education Retention Excellence (CHERE), shared his organization’s mission to improve policies and practices that lead to higher college retention, graduation and employment for underrepresented, first-generation, and otherwise challenged students. CHERE is a program of the Hartford Consortium for Higher Education, providing a forum for educators to discuss critical issues, conduct applied research and publish results, and advocate on behalf of at-risk students. David discussed the importance for students of connecting with a significant adult, visualizing a purpose for their educations, and “seamless counseling” on everything from finances to paperwork to roommate conflicts as factors in retention. The meeting was adjourned at 1:35 p.m., with Oscar leading the 4-way test. The next meeting is August 11, 2014 at the Pond House Café. Respectfully submitted, Christine M. Looby Scribe |
Meeting Minutes - 21 JulyWEST HARTFORD ROTARY SPOTLIGHT (See more news on www.westhartfordrotary.org) MINUTES FOR THE MEETING OFJuly 21st, 2014 - 12:15 PMThe Pondhouse Cafe Present: 29 Great Rotarians and 3 guests. Polly Hincks gave the invocation and led the Pledge of Allegiance.
Club President’s opening remarks: 1.Eileen Rau discussed the Rotary Foundation and noted that we will be hearing more about it in the weeks to come. 2.Past President Hap Leabman – presented a pin to President Cindy for her efforts in recruiting a new member. Said new member, John Smealie, pinned Cindy. 3.President Cindy – passed around the new ‘Light up Rotary’ lapel pins 4.– discussed an upcoming service project at Elizabeth Park – in August TBD 5.– formally removed Kyle Brewer’s new member ribbon in recognition of his efforts to the club, including leading the ‘A Hand Up’ service project. 6.Harry Davidson – discussed the district golf outing, to be held on August 4th. 7.Kyle Egress – gave a summary of Lobsterfest, noting that we received $8200 in sponsorships and made a profit of ~$10,000. He reminded all that attendance is key to profitability, as there are significant fixed cost to cover. Cindy noted that we will do more promotion for LF 2015. 8.Don Chandler discussed an upcoming fellowship survey. If you have ideas for events, let Don know! Sergeant at Arms John Smealie reports 29 Rotarians are present. Three guests were present: John Foxx, a candidate for Connecticut State Senate District 7 and guest of David Gerrol; Dave Walker, a candidate for Lt. Governor, and Capt. Lawrence Goodman of the Salvation Army. There was no guest speaker this week and a club assembly was held instead. Hap presented three main topics:
The meeting was adjourned at 1:30, with Cindy leading the 4-way test. The next meeting is July 28th, 2014 at Pondhouse Cafe. Respectfully submitted, Chad Licht, scribe
John pinning President Cindy with the new recruiting pin |
Rotary Foundation Minute for the weekHere's the Rotary Foundation Minute for this week: WHAT IS THE ROTARY FOUNDATION? The Rotary Foundation is the charitable arm of Rotary. It is a non-profit that is supported solely by voluntary contributions from Rotarians and friends of The Rotary Foundation who share its vision of a better world. Its sole mission is to support the efforts of Rotarians through Rotary’s mission, and the achievement of world understanding and peace through local, national and international humanitarian and educational programs in your back yard and around the globe. THANK YOU FOR SUPPORTING THE ROTARY FOUNDATION AND ITS WORK. Thanks, Eileen |
Rotary FoundationOVER THE NEXT YEAR, I WILL COME TO YOU WITH A SHORT WEEKLY MESSAGE ABOUT THE ROTARY FOUNDATION, ITS PROGRAMS AND THE NEED FOR YOUR SUPPORT. TODAY I HAVE A QUOTE FROM PAULO COSTA, PAST PRESIDENT OF ROTARY INTERNATIONAL, 1990-1991. “Rotary International’s masterpiece is The Rotary Foundation. It transforms our dreams into splendid realities . . . it is the most generous expression of Rotarian generosity - a generosity that not only brings benefits but also brings help and cooperation to solve the problems that affect mankind. The Rotary Foundation achieves the best that mankind can possibly achieve.”
THANK YOU FOR YOUR SUPPORT OF THE ROTARY FOUNDATION AND ITS WORK. |
Meeting Minutes - 16 JuneWEST HARTFORD ROTARY SPOTLIGHT (See more news on www.westhartfordrotary.org) MINUTES FOR THE MEETING OFJune 16th, 2014 - 12:15 PMThe Pondhouse Cafe Present: 29 Great Rotarians and 1 guests. Mary Silverberg gave the invocation and led the Pledge of Allegiance. Club President’s opening remarks: 1.Hap noted that billings are behind and that we are working to catch up. After the next billing, we will switch to a system based on Club Runner, so the appearance of the bills will change. 2.– noted that we are instituting a New Member Orientation program as well as a mentoring program. It is intended primarily – but not exclusively - for members with less than two years in the club. 3.– stated that we will be conducting a survey of club members in the near future 4.– discussed an initiative to increase our communications, especially external, to ‘get the Rotary message out.’ He intends to lead this effort personally. 5.– talked about our October event at Pond House. They are sponsoring the event and providing food and a cash bar – tickets will be ~ $20 and Pond House will help sell them. 6.– reviewed several thank you letters; from West Hartford Community TV, Conard HS for a Safe Grad donation, and both Conard and Hall scholarship recipients. 7.- displayed a large cardboard check which he presented to Park Road Playhouse. 8.Donna Griffin – thanked all for the support for Celebrate West Hartford, and announced that we netted $4918 this year, helped by ASD buying back unused meat. 9.Eileen Rau – reminded all that time is running out for the 2014 Foundation giving period – it expires at the end of June. 10.– Discussed ‘Zones’. Our club is in district 7890 and is one of 20 districts in Zone 32, and includes New England, Bermuda, and Quebec. Zones have several coordinators with several assistants in a variety of functional areas (Foundation, End Polio Now, Public Image, Rotary Coordinator, and Endowment / Major Gift Advisor). Zones have several training events and Eileen, and Don and Susan Chandler will be participating in the fall. 11.Cindy Lang – announced that the NICU golf tournament raised $12K, and that there will be a fall fundraiser. 12.Kyle Egress – noted that Lobster fest is less than a week away and pushed us to sell tickets and / or sponsorships. 13.– The order for steak and lobster will be placed on June 16th, so he will need a good handle on ticket sales by then. 14.– Help is needed with the event – Friday setup, Saturday at the event, and Sunday cleanup. Contact Kyle if you can help! Sergeant at Arms Todd Bower reports 29 Rotarians are present. One guests was present: Eric Powers, a guest of Don. Happy dollars were collected. The pot is up to $128 but no one drew the winning card. The meeting was adjourned at 1:30, with Hap leading the 4-way test. The next meeting is July 7th, 2014 at Pondhouse Cafe. Respectfully submitted, Chad Licht, scribe |
Pictures from last two weeks
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Installation Dinner - 30 JuneOur annual Installation Dinner will take place at the Pond House on Monday, June 30 from 6:15-9 pm. You are invited along with your spouse, significant other or friend. This will be a fun evening of Rotary fellowship and celebration! The cost is $38 for guests and Rotarians under the "rule of 85". If you get billed for lunch, you will pay $25 as this serves as a lunch credit. Please bring a check for your dinner and your guest(s).
To make your reservation, please click on this link http://bit.ly/1nvYjG7 or go to our club website. |
NICU Web Camera updates
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Pictures from Rock Cats Game - 13 June
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Meeting Minutes - 2 JuneWEST HARTFORD ROTARY SPOTLIGHT (See more news on www.westhartfordrotary.org) MINUTES FOR THE MEETING OFJune 2nd, 2014 - 12:15 PMThe Pondhouse Cafe Present: 29 Great Rotarians and 5 guests. Bob Stafford gave the invocation and led the Pledge of Allegiance. Club President's opening remarks: 1.DG Mike Barnett presented our club with TWO awards; the Rotary Club Central Award, and the Presidential Citation with Distinction. 2.Eileen Rau - reported that the Annual Fund drive is up to $7057 – short of the $10,000 target. All donations for this year are due by 30 June! 3.– thanked those who marched in the Memorial Day parade. 4.– two golfers are needed to complete a foursome for the NICU golf tournament on 9 June 5.Kyle Egress – noted that Lobster fest is only1 days away and pushed us to sell tickets and / or sponsorships. He noted that we have $7000 in fixed expenses, so the more tickets we sell, the more we benefit. 6.– The order for steak and lobster will be placed on June 16th, so he will need a good handle on tickets by then 7.– Help is needed with the event – Friday setup, Saturday at the event, and Sunday cleanup. 8.Donna Griffen – discussed Celebrate West Hartford and noted we need help, especially Sat lunch and Sunday pm. 9.President Hap – we are in need of storage space for club materials – we are losing our space at ASD. We need approximately one garage bay of space. 10.Mecheal Hamilton from the Farmington Club discussed the upcoming Dinner (Thursday June 12th) at the Farmington Gardens for the 40th anniversary of the Farmington Club. Sergeant at Arms Todd Bower reports 29 Rotarians are present. Five guests were present: Speaker Jolly Lux; Mecheal Hamilton and Steve Wasely from the Farmington club; Todd Moore, incoming WHPS Superintendant and guest of Dr. List; and DG Mike Barnett. Happy dollars were collected. The pot is up to $118 but no one drew the winning card. Jolly Lux was guest speaker and she discussed her Guiding Light Orphanage in Uganda and played a video highlighting the work of the organization. The Guiding Light Orphanage, Inc. is a non-profit organization dedicated to providing support to HIV/AIDS orphans and critically vulnerable children in rural Uganda in the District of Masindi. These children will receive free, basic health care, quality education, and the knowledge and skills to promote self-sustainability with the goal of breaking the vicious cycle of chronic hunger and poverty. The meeting was adjourned at 1:45, with Hap leading the 4-way test. The next meeting is June 16th, 2014 at Pondhouse Cafe. Respectfully submitted, Chad Licht |
Meeting Minutes - 19 MayWEST HARTFORD ROTARY SPOTLIGHT (See more news on www.westhartfordrotary.org) MINUTES FOR THE MEETING OFMay 19th, 2014 - 12:15 PMThe Pondhouse Cafe Present: 31 Great Rotarians and 3 guests. Cindy Lang gave the invocation and led the Pledge of Allegiance. Club Presidents opening remarks: 1.Eileen Rau: Presented Kyle Egress with the Paul Harris Fellowship. 2.- reported that the Annual Fund drive is up to $6887 – short of the $10,000 target. All donations for this year are due by 30 June! 3.- Memorial Day parade - gathering point information to follow via e-mail. No sign up – just show up! Wear Rotary shirt with khaki-ish pants / shorts / skirt etc. 4.Kyle Egress – the newest Paul Harris Fellow noted that Lobster fest is only 33 days away and pushed us to sell tickets and / or sponsorships. We only have two more meetings before the event. 5.Donna – discussed Celebrate West Hartford and noted we need help, especially Sat lunch and Sunday pm. 6.President Hap – we are in need of storage space for club materials – we are losing our space at ASD. We need approximately one garage bay of space. 7.Cindy Lang – reviewed recent Rotary press articles 8.– Noted that the NICU web golf tournament is the 9th of June 9.- Discussed the recent District Meeting. John Smeallie discussed a session that he attended on social media, and how clubs are using more videos – suggested that we create a YouTube channel. 10.Oscar Santo-Domingo discussed the Cruise on 20 July – sign up now! Sergeant at Arms Todd Bower reports 31 Rotarians are present. Three guests were present: Speaker Mayor Joe LaRosa; Mark Pappalardo, a guest of Cindy, and Sarah Bourdeau, a guest of Kyle. Happy dollars were collected. The pot is up to $103 but no one drew the winning card. Ed Peltier won the drawing for a CD from ‘Simply Swing’. Joe LaRosa was guest speaker and he discussed ‘Simply Swing’, a 10-piece Swing orchestra. They are paired up with Farmington Savings Bank and will play a series of free concerts around Hartford throughout the summer and early fall. http://www.simplyswingmusic.com/ The meeting was adjourned at 1:40, with Oscar leading the 4-way test. The next meeting is June 2nd, 2014 at Pondhouse Cafe. |
NICU Web Camera - Golf Outing 9 June |
First Dictionary Events - 20 and 22 MayNoah Webster and a team of Rotarians was on hand at Braeburn Elementary on Tuesday the 20th to hand out dictionaries to 3rd graders.
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NICU Web Camera - NBC Channel 30 StoryPlease check out this youtube link: Webcams in NICU: http://youtu.be/zj9MtdY4eD4 This originally aired on NBC Channel 30 on May 9. |
Rotary Club of Farmington Annual Dinner / 40th Anniversary - June 12
Thursday, June 12, 2014 Rotary Club of Farmington Annual Dinner and 40th Anniversary Celebration Farmington Gardens 999 Farmington Ave Farmington CT
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District 7890 End Polio Now Night at the Rock Cats - 13 June!District 7890 End Polio Now Night at the
Rock Cats!
Friday June 13, 2014
Gates Open 5:05 PM
Picnic Starts 5:30- 7:15 PM
Game Starts 6:35 PM
Deadline: June 1st, Register on line!
Last year we had record crowd of 270 Rotarians, family, friends and Polio survivors attend District 7890’s End Polio Now Night at the Rock Cats. Let's see if we can top our own record this year to support End Polio Now Night! With every ticket sold, District 7890 will donate $4.00 towards the End Polio Now campaign!
This year registration is on line at the District Web site: www.rotarydistrict7890.org Click on events, click on End Polio Now Night. We also have End Polio Now Tee shirts for only $10, that can also be purchased on line. It will be great to march in the parade wearing our Rotary End Polio Now shirts! Don't forget to bring your club banners. W e will have a Rotary table in front of the stadium to pick up tickets on the night of the game. The deadline for purchasing tickets and tee shirts is May 25. You will have the option to purchase a reserved game ticket and a picnic ticket for $22 or just a game ticket for $12. The $22 ticket is an all you can eat meal and by far the best value. Kids 7 and under are free and will receive a Rock Cats baseball. Each club will designate someone to throw out the first pitch. And of course, following the game there will be a fantastic pyrotechnic show for all to enjoy!
You can also use the form below to order by mail:
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Speaker Pictures - 12 May Meeting
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Meeting Minutes - 5 MayWEST HARTFORD ROTARY SPOTLIGHT (See more news on www.westhartfordrotary.org) MINUTES FOR THE MEETING OFMay 5th, 2014 - 12:15 PMThe 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 9th 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 20th – 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
 Eileen Rau receiving the recruiting pin from President Hap  Speaker Bob Greismer from the Children's Museum of West Hartford
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April 28th Speaker - Ron Garcia
Ron Garcia, teacher at Kingswood Oxford spoke about the student service project trip to Paraguay |
NICU web camera kickoff lunch at Farmington Gardens on 4/29/14By: Bill Neagus, Farmington Rotary Club
from "The Tunxis Tattler"
Farmington President-elect Mecheal Hamilton, who is steering the web camera project, said she originally got the idea after hearing Roy Balfour of the Shrewsbury, Mass., Rotary Club talk at the Rotary President-Elect Training Session (PETS) recently. Roy gave a presentation at PETS about how the Rotary Clubs of Central Massachusetts were able to fundraise and purchase cameras for the NICU at the University of Massachusetts (UMass) Memorial Health Center in Worcester, Mass.
Energized by the idea, she talked with her fellow president-elects from Central Connecticut (Area Nine) about replicating the Massachusetts success at the UConn Health Center. The other president-elects shared Mecheal’s enthusiasm, launching the first area-wide project in recent years. The other president-elects in addition to Mecheal are:
Roy Balfour gave us a similar presentation at the April 29 luncheon as he did at PETS. He explained the project, called NicView, fits perfectly with Rotary’s purpose of public service. While web cameras can be purchased much less expensively, Roy said that the cameras cost $2,000 each because of the special needs of the hospital related to mounting and connecting the equipment.
With the help of 13 Rotary clubs in Massachusetts, plus an organization called the EvvGirl Foundation, all 49 incubators at the UMass Memorial NICU are equipped with the special web cameras, allowing family and friends of sick babies to watch the infants as they sleep, eat, and be awake. Roy noted that there is an average of 3,000 logins per month, some from as far away as servicemen serving in Afghanistan.
“New families have a link with their infants even when the family is at home or at work,” said Roy.
During the first four months of the NicView project UMass Memorial, six cameras were installed and 60 families were able to keep close watch over their infants.
The EvvGirl Foundation was founded in memory of Evan Bard, a student at Curry College who was killed in a car crash a year ago. Her father, Todd Bard, said the foundation is dedicated to the NicView project because of his daughter’s passion for and love of children. He explained the foundation works to get corporate sponsorship for the web cameras, to move the completion of the project forward.
“We want to put web cameras in every NICU in New England,” said Todd, who added that eventually the foundation wants to expand the project so that families of cancer patients can use web cameras too.
Dr. Victor C. Herson, chief of service and medical director of the UConn NICU, said it’s true that the NICU has a large budget, but if he were to ask the hospital administration for $100,000 - $200,000 to purchase web cameras for the 40 incubators at the UConn NICU and the 32 incubators at the Connecticut Children’s NICU, he would likely be turned down. He explained the priority is for life-saving equipment, which is also extremely expensive.
Nevertheless, Dr. Herson said, bringing comfort to the families of sick babies by connecting them to their children via the Internet is still extremely valuable and worthwhile.
In fact, Roy talked about a Massachusetts mother who just last week brought her baby to a Rotary meeting to thank the Rotarians for donating the camera that allowed her to bond with her infant.
Roy elaborated that the video display on each web camera will list the individual Rotary Club and corporate sponsor that purchased the camera. As a result, he said, the membership of the Worcester Rotary Club alone jumped from 42 members before it began the project to 110 members today. He added that on every display there is also a “donate” button that allows contributions to continue for maintenance and eventual replacement of the cameras.
“Thank you for identifying this as a goal,” said Dr. Herson.
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Dictionary Project - Sunday May 11thA group of Rotarians met in the cosy basement of Sedgwick Cleaners on Sunday morning to put book plates in dictionaries. The team was led by former President Dana Gordon and was he was joined by Rotarians Don Chandler, President Hap, Chad Licht, Booker DeVaughn Jr, and his wife Elena. The team made short work of the stack of dictionaries and Dana will soon be announcing the dates for deliveries to West Hartford 3rd graders.
The assembly line - Dana, Don, Booker, Elena, and President Hap
Dana and the results of the morning's labor |
A Hand Up - Fundraiser Friday 9 MayAt the A Hand Up fund raiser at the Hooker Brewery, President Hap presented a donation from the 2013-2014 Service Chest of $500 to Michael Fishman, President of A Hand Up. Last week Rotarians Kyle Brewer and Chad Licht volunteered their time and energy to A Hand Up to deliver furniture to a single mother and her daughter in their new apartment in Bristol.
President Hap presents a check to A Hand Up president Michael Fishman |
2014 Rotary Sunday Brunch Cruise - 20 July
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NIC View ProjectRotarians, please RSVP to Micheal Hamilton by clicking the link in this invitation/announcement. The lunch meal is "beef" and there is a vegetarian option. If you have any questions or difficulties, please let me know. Cindy Lang, 860-794-4490 or cynthialang@sbcglobal.net. Many thanks for your support. Area 9 President-elects and club members You are invited to attend
NicView Webcam Project Launch Meeting
Tuesday April 29, 2014 Noon-2pm
Hosted by: Rotary Club of Farmington Farmington Gardens, 999 Farmington Ave, Farmington CT
The launch will be conducted as regular Rotary club meeting with lunch ($15/person) and eligible as a make-up. Your RSVP is greatly appreciated.
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July Birthdays and AnniversariesBirthdays Rick Liftig Jul 04 Peter Kovalevich Jul 15 Elizabeth Basil Jul 19 Joseph Bednarz Jul 22 Todd Bower Jul 23 Wedding Anniversaries Michael Howard (Cindy) Jul 14 James Ruel (Abiah) Jul 22 Club Anniversaries Hap Leabman Jul 1, 2007 - 7 years Don Chandler Jul 2, 2012 - 2 years Forrest Bennett Jul 2, 2012 - 2 years |
Meeting Minutes - 21 AprilWEST HARTFORD ROTARY SPOTLIGHT (See more news on www.westhartfordrotary.org) MINUTES FOR THE MEETING OFApril 21st, 2014 - 12:15 PMThe Pondhouse Cafe Present: 27 Great Rotarians; 1 visiting Rotarian, and 3 guests. Booker Washington gave the invocation and led the Pledge of Allegiance. Club Presidents opening remarks: 1. Hap discussed the District Assembly on May 12th which is an evening event. Guest speaker will be Ed Futa. Hap encouraged attendance, noting that there are several key sessions. 2. Cindy Lang discussed the ‘NICView’ project that is being worked with four other clubs. This project places webcams in NICU bassinets, allowing parents and other family and friends to view babies in the NICU via a password-protected website. A launch is planned on 4/29 at Farmington Gardens from noon to 2pm. 3. Eileen Rau reported that the Annual Fund drive is up to $6407 – 98% of the club target, though with a gap to the $10,000 target. 4. The Farmington Rotary Club will be celebrating its 40th Anniversary on 6/12/14 at Farmington Gardens. All are invited to attend this celebration. West Hartford Rotary Club sponsored the Farmington Club. 5. Don Chandler discussed the status of his grant application for the AV facility at ASD. He received comments back, but only one page. He is working to answer them. 6. Kyle Egress reminded everyone that only 61 days remain until Lobster Fest, and encouraged all to sell tickets! Help is also needed with brochures. 7. DG Eileen presented Joe Stafford with his Paul Harris Fellowship (+1). Sergeant at Arms Todd Bower reports 27 Rotarians are present, with one visiting Rotarian, Eric Powers from the Enfield Club. Three guests were present: Speaker Mayor Scott Slifka; Dawn Hardin, a guest of Cindy, and Theresia Oberst, a guest of Shari Cantor. Happy dollars were collected. The pot is up to $57 but no one drew the winning card. Mayor Scott Slifka was guest speaker and his talk focused on the historic levels of development going on in town at this time. A new boutique hotel across from the police station and a 200+ luxury apartment complex on Steele Road are two of the current developments under consideration. The meeting was adjourned at 1:40, with Hap leading the 4-way test. The next meeting is April 28th, 2014 at Pondhouse Cafe. Respectfully submitted, Chad Licht, scribe |
Meeting Minutes - 14 AprilWEST HARTFORD ROTARY SPOTLIGHT (See more news on www.westhartfordrotary.org) MINUTES FOR THE MEETING OFApril 14th, 2014 - 12:15 PMThe Pondhouse Cafe Present: 22 Great Rotarians; 1 visiting Rotarian, and no guests. Bob Kiley gave the invocation and led the Pledge of Allegiance. Club Presidents opening remarks: 1. President Hap reviewed today’s agenda. Presenters for this Club Assembly were Eileen Rau and Don Chandler. 2. Hap announced the District Assembly date: May 12th which is an evening event. Guest speaker will be Ed Futa. 3. The Farmington Rotary Club will be celebrating its 40th Anniversary on 6/12/14. All are invited to attend this celebration. West Hartford Rotary Club sponsored the Farmington Club. Sergeant at Arms Todd Bower reports 22 Rotarians are present, with one visiting Rotarian, Jolly Lux from the Avon Club. Happy dollars were collected. Cindy Lang and Kyle Brewer got a chance at the winning $45 but unfortunately did not draw the lucky card. Eileen Rau discussed Rotary’s Strategic Plan and plans for future growth and success. Our core values of service, fellowship, diversity, integrity and leadership came from a Focus Group when the Strategic Plan was developed. She also discussed our need to keep membership alive and members engaged. Worldwide membership remains stagnant at 1.2m despite the fact that we install new members every day. Eileen also discussed the Rotary Foundation. A video was shown of the impact The Foundation had on the school system in New Orleans after Hurricane Katrina and vocational training for women in India that highlighted their path to financial independence and a hope of ending poverty. These were only two of hundreds of projects supported by the Foundation. Dave Mangs was presented with his 6th Paul Harris by PDD Eileen. Dave also presented a $250 check for Polio Plus. Don Chandler did a presentation on how to log onto and navigate through Rotary.org. He also distributed a “cheat sheet” of step by step instructions on how to get onto the website. Kyle Brewer asked for 4 volunteers for the May 4th “A Hand Up” project. He is estimating that this will be a 2-hour project for either picking up furniture or a move-in. The meeting was adjourned at 1:35, with Hap leading the 4-way test. The next meeting is April 21st, 2014 at Pondhouse Cafe. Respectfully submitted, Susan Chandler, scribe |
Meeting Minutes - 7 AprilWEST HARTFORD ROTARY SPOTLIGHT (See more news on www.westhartfordrotary.org)
MINUTES FOR THE MEETING OFApril 7th, 2014 - 12:15 PMThe Pondhouse Cafe Present: 22 Great Rotarians; 0 visiting Rotarians and 1 guest. Club Presidents opening remarks: 1. The District Conference coming up at the end of April – attendance is encouraged! 2. Discussed the successful Jazz Brunch on April 6th. 3. The Farmington Rotary Club 40th Birthday will be on June 12th at Farmington Gardens 4. The meeting on the 14th will be a club assembly. Don Chandler will be demonstrating web sites. 5. Eileen Rau discussed the Annual campaign – you can give online or bring a check. Note we are tracking the progress in the weekly bulletin. 6. Kyle Egress talked up Lobster Fest 2014 – it will be June 21st on the ASD campus. A band has been located, and he encouraged us to push attendance, so start reaching out to friends, family, and coworkers to sell tickets! Sergeant at Arms Todd Bower reports 22 Rotarians are present, with no visiting Rotarians and one guest, John Smeallie. Dr. Robert Claflin is celebrating 30 years as a Rotarian. The scheduled speaker had to cancel. John Smeallie was inducted as a new member of the club – welcome John! The meeting was adjourned at 1:30, with Hap leading the 4-way test. The next meeting is April 14th, 2014 at Pondhouse Cafe. Respectfully submitted,
Kyle Brewer, scribe |
A Hand Up - first event completed on May 4th |
Meeting Minutes - 31 MarchMINUTES FOR THE MEETING OFMarch 31st, 2014 - 12:15 PM The Pondhouse Cafe Present: 27 Great Rotarians; 0 visiting Rotarians and 3 guests. On a slippery, snowy March 31st, Cindy gave the invocation with thoughts of “the meaning of the Four Way Test”, followed by the Pledge of Allegiance. Due to the needs of the guest speakers, the meeting was held in reverse (and finished at 1:20…), but the notes will be presented in ‘normal’ order: Club President's opening remarks: 1. Kyle Brewer discussed his contact with the organization ‘A Hand Up’, which provides furnishings for recently homeless who are placed into empty apartments. He discussed the possibility of making this a service project, with quarterly events requiring 4-5 people envisioned – the volunteers would be moving furnishings into one or two apartments. There may also be drives for furnishings. 2. The District Conference coming up at the end of April – attendance is encouraged! 3. Passed around a thank you card from HANOC 4. Noted that West Hartford Press is celebrating volunteers in April and Dana Gordon was one of the volunteers featured. He also noted that Dana will be leading the Dictionary Project again this year. 5. Discussed the upcoming Jazz Brunch on April 6th – see him if you are interested in attending. There are still a few seats left. 6. The meeting on the 14th will be a club assembly. 7. Eileen Rau discussed the Annual campaign – you can give online or bring a check. Note we are tracking the progress in the weekly bulletin. 8. Don Chandler discussed the upcoming District Conference (25-27 April in Portsmouth, NH) – registration is required by 1 April. He also noted that we are sharing a hospitality suite with clubs from Manchester and East Hartford. 9. Don also announced that he was one signature away from finalizing a new project to set up a new audio/visual studio at ASD. Our club will donate $4K and he secured a $33K grant. Don thanks Ed Pelletier and the staff at ASD for helping significantly with the application. 10. Kyle Egress talked up Lobster Fest 2014 – it will be June 21st on the ASD campus. A band has been located, and he encouraged us to push attendance, noting that Glastonbury’s event is a significant draw. He also noted that our profit is driven by attendance. 11. Kyle also passed out order sheets from Vines of March should anyone be interested. He encouraged all to support Steve Leon and Wines Cellars 4, since his support makes the Vines event possible. Sergeant at Arms Todd Bower reports 27 Rotarians are present, with no visiting Rotarians and three guests: the two guest speakers Brendan Fox and Liam Sweeney from MDC and one guest of Cindy, John Smeallie. There were two anniversaries – the Chandlers, and Eileen Rau. Coincidentally (???), both Don and Eileen had the winning tickets for the weekly drawing, though neither won. The 50/50 raffle is up to $32 with no winner today. Brendan Fox and Liam Sweeney from MDC were the guest speakers and gave a presentation on the MDC, the Clean Wateron teh y from MDC were the guest speakers and Project, and your water bill. Briefly, the MDC has three reservoirs with 42 BILLION gallons of water, plus various other facilities, and they supply nearly 50 million gallons of drinking water and process over 100 million gallons of waste each day (more during wet weather). Due to various issues, they are spending over $2.1B over the next two decades to increase waste water processing capacity and split the storm sewers from the sanitary sewers in Hartford. Members of the MDC pay three items on their bill – a water usage charge (currently $2.53 per 100 cubic feet of water), a customer charge of ~$40, and a special sewer charge to cover the $2.1B upgrade – currently $2.90 per CCF of water used but projected to increase to $4.50 to service the bonds for the project (this charge will end in 20 years or so when the project is completed). Non-members pay an additional fee to cover costs associated with supplying them, but a recent proposed increase has led them to have the state consider a bill (332) which would make the surcharge illegal. (thus, allowing them to get service without paying for infrastructure or any risk…) The meeting was adjourned at 1:20, with Hap leading the 4-way test. The next meeting is April 7th, 2014 at Pondhouse Cafe. Respectfully submitted, Chad Licht, scribe |
April Birthdays and AnniversariesBirthdays Jonathan Harris Apr 12 Mark Roming Apr 19 David Gerrol Apr 23 Joe Stafford Apr 25 Kyle Egress Apr 26
Anniversaries Greg Mogel Apr 19, 2010 Chad Licht Apr 22, 2013 |
Meeting Minutes - 24 MarchMINUTES FOR THE MEETING OFMarch 24th, 2014 - 12:15 PM The Pondhouse Cafe Present: 32 Great Rotarians; 0 visiting Rotarians, and 3 guests. Bruce Stanger gave the invocation with thoughts of “Leaning In”, followed by the Pledge of Allegiance. During lunch, Hap began the meeting with announcements, starting with: 1. Finally removed the red ‘new member’ ribbon from Chad Licht’s name badge 2. Noted that West Hartford Press will be celebrating volunteers in April and that we should look for someone we know in an upcoming article. (hint – a former club President…) 3. Discussed the upcoming Jazz Brunch on April 6th – see him if you are interested in attending. We still need 10-15 people to attend. 4. Pointed out highlights in the April The Rotarian magazine including: polio survivor and Paralympian Dennis Ogbe; an article on ‘smart’ bandages, and an article on Howard Buffett and his quest to end world hunger by 2046. 5. Eileen Rau discussed the Annual campaign – you can give online or bring a check. Note we will be tracking the progress in the weekly bulletin. 6. Don Chandler discussed the upcoming District Conference (25-27 April in Portsmouth, NH) – registration is required by 1 April. He also noted that we are sharing a hospitality suite with clubs from Manchester and East Hartford. 7. Kyle Egress talked up Lobster Fest 2014 – it will be June 21st on the ASD campus. He noted that it is appreciated that this year our big three events are in close proximity, but June was a better fit for Lobster Fest and that next year we will spread them out. ALSO, we are looking for a band that is willing to play for meals instead of cash. Sergeant at Arms Todd Bower reports 32 Rotarians are present, with no visiting Rotarians and three guests: guest speaker Gustave "Gus" Keach-Longo of CRT and two guests of Cindy; Susan Lederman and John Smeallie of Pizzaz. There was one birthday (Oscar Santo-Domingo) and several anniversaries. Happy dollars were collected. Don announced that Eileen is the newest member of RLI! The 50/50 raffle is up to $20 with no winner today. We are looking for Jack of clubs. Gus Keach-Longo from Community Renewal Team (CRT) was the guest speaker and gave a presentation on Veterans Landing – a planned innovative assisting living community for veterans. It is the first in the nation – a partnership between the state (subsidizes the housing) and the VA (subsidizes the care and services). It will be constructed on the VA campus in Newington, open in spring of 2016, and will feature 103 private apartments. The meeting was adjourned at 1:40, with Oscar Santo-Domingo leading the 4-way test. The next meeting is March 31, 2014 at Pondhouse Cafe. Respectfully submitted, Chad Licht, scribe |
The Words and Wisdom of Paul Harris
What is Rotary? What is it all about? Rotarians of many countries arise to make answer, but no two answers are alike. Is there no common accord? Yes, there is one; it is like the rumble of a great organ, the roar of a distant sea breaking on the beach. Beneath Rotary's many and varied activities, there is the unchanging undertone of goodwill, goodwill, goodwill. On this anniversary, my hope is for the continued advancement of goodwill between men and nations. I have no higher hope, nor do I know of one. Message on Rotary's 39th Birthday |
Annual Program Fund - Final Status
The final status of the Annual Program Fund Campaign. |
Less than a week to Lobster Fest 2014 - June 21st |
Vines of March PicturesSome pictures from last weekend's Vines of March.
The crowd enjoying the evening
Vines Chairman Bob Kor at the mic
Honorary Chairpersons and Celebrity Auctioneers Kara Sundlun and Dennis House
Wine Supplier Steve Leon of Wine Cellars 4
Enjoying Donna Griffen's chocolate fountain!
President Hap speaks |
Jazz Brunch - Sunday April 6thThe Jazz Brunch at the Hartford Club was held on Sunday April 6th.
Click on the image below to get the full size pdf of the flyer.
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Scribe Notes - March 3rdMINUTES FOR THE MEETING OFMarch 3rd, 2014 - 12:15 PM The Pondhouse Cafe Present: 32 Great Rotarians; 0 visiting Rotarians and 2 guests. Bruce Stanger gave the invocation with thoughts of “Leaning In”, followed by the Pledge of Allegiance. During lunch, Hap began the meeting with announcements, starting with: 1. Due to the Vines of March, there will be no meeting next Monday (10th) 2. Discussed the upcoming 6th Grade writing project. The Monday 17 March meeting is also cancelled and we will meet on Tuesday for the writing project at St. Joseph’s College instead. 3. Mary Silberberg discussed the play ‘Higgins in Harlem’ on Thursday the 20th. Checks are due by the 13th, and if you wish to attend and have not paid, please make arrangements with Mary as we will not be meeting before then. 4. Robert Kor discussed Vines of March – it is on Saturday March 8th 5. Hap noted that Birch Burghardt sent a card and enclosed was a donation to the Polio Plus campaign for $100 in the name of Polly. 6. Hap discussed the upcoming Jazz Brunch on April 6th – see him if you are interested in attending. Sergeant at Arms Todd Bower reports 32 Rotarians are present, with no visiting Rotarians and two guests: guest speaker Fred Stula and Michael Fryer. There were several birthdays. Happy dollars were collected. Ed Cape noted that he arrived in the United States 61 years ago. The 50/50 raffle is up to $9 with no winner today. We are looking for Jack of clubs. Fred Stula from HARC was the guest speaker. He discussed some of the programs offered by HARC, and pointed out that in 2013 over 2200 people (including family members) received services from HARC. It was noted that Rotary Club of West Hartford has a 15 year relationship with HARC. The meeting was adjourned at 1:30, with Oscar Santo Domingo leading the 4-way test. The next meeting is March 24th, 2014 at Pondhouse Cafe. Respectfully submitted, Chad Licht, scribe |
February 24th Meeting - Guest SpeakerOur guest speaker this week was Mr. Todd Dumais, West Hartford Town Planner.
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Rotary International celebrates 109th anniversary
On Feb. 23, 1905, Rotary was founded in Chicago by Paul Harris. Today there are more than 1.2 million men and women in 33,000 clubs in more than 200 countries throughout the world united by the Rotary motto, “Service Above Self.”
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February 3rd Meeting - Guest SpeakerOur speaker was Gino Caro, owner of Fast Lane Sports Performance. Gino is a coach helping young athletes improve their performance. Over the last few years, he’s additionally focused on sports leadership and sports parenting. In the performance area he specializes in customized speed, agility and conditioning programs for individual, group and team training for all sports. For more information, visit his website at http://fastlanesports.wix.com/1  |
Scribe Notes - Feb 3MINUTES FOR THE MEETING OFFeb. 3, 2014 - 12:15 PM Present: 28 Great Rotarians; 1 visiting Rotarians and 1 guests. Booker DeVaughn gave the followed by the Pledge of Allegiance. During lunch, [Hap] began the meeting with announcements, starting with: 1. PDG Eileen reminded us that Feb. is Rotary’s birthday month – 109 years old. She also reminded us that we need to continue to contribute to PolioPlus and the Annual Fund. Giving online is fine – you and our Club get credit. 2. Eileen presented Shari Cantor with a new Paul Harris pin, representing Paul Harris Fellowship + 4. Congrats Shari.
3. Bob reported on Vines – coming up quickly. We need to sell tickets. You can now purchase online 4. Oscar announced PolioPlus is at $1789. 5. Christine asked for volunteers for the Hanoc party at Children’s Museum, next Monday, Feb. 10 6. Hap reminded us about the Jazz Brunch, April 6 7. Oscar updated us on the water project in the Philippines. Ironically, our project was so successful, the local government is now interested in providing water to the schools. Len Albert from the Plainville Club was a Rotarian visitor. The 50/50 raffle is up to $62 and we did not have a winner today. Our speaker was Gino Caro, owner of Fast Lane Sports Performance. Gino is a coach helping young athletes improve their performance. The meeting was adjourned at 1:30, with the 4-way test. The next meeting is Feb. 10 at Pondhouse Cafe. Respectfully submitted, Don Chandler, scribe
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Rotary Writing Project - Tuesday the 18thFor years, Rotarian Tony has organized a writing project in the West Hartford 6th grade classes. A note from Tony follows: Dear Fellow Members, This year our Club is celebrating our 20th year of our Writing Project with the Middle Schools in West Hartford. The project since its inception is our Club interest in providing the 6th graders in our middle schools with an opportunity to express themselves through the medium of writing. This year the kids are writing on last year Rotary Theme…”Peace Through Service". Past year’s results have been incredible and we’re looking forward to this year. This year’s celebration will take place March 18th at 12 noon at the University of St. Josephs cafeteria in West Hartford. As in previous years, I need to provide the caterer with a count by March 4th. So, if you are planning on attending and have not signed up yet please call me at 860-573-0440 or email me at tonyr@danielpenn.com. Your attendance and support at this event is much appreciated it. Rotarily, Tony Rodriguez
Below, Tony and Pres. Hap visit the 6th graders at the Kings Philips Middle School, where Tony describes Rotary to them.
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January 27th Meeting - Kate HolzmanKate Holzman was the guest speaker. She was an Ambassadorial Scholar sponsored by the West Hartford Rotary Club, and spoke to us regarding the "Read to a Child" program
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HANOC Kids at the Children's Museum - Feb. 10This year, the party for the children from HANOC was held on Feb. 10 at the Children's Museum. Christine Looby was the chair for this successful event.
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Bruce's Invocation at our Jan. 20 meetingBruce gave a very inspiring invocation at last weeks meeting. He's kindly provided it to "Spotlight".
—1994 book by Collins and Porras, Built to Last: Successful Habits of Visionary Companies
"A true Big Hairy Audacious Goal (BHAG) is clear and compelling, serves as a unifying focal point of effort, and acts as a clear catalyst for team spirit. "
You Know a very famous BHAG that my mom heard at the Lincoln Memorial on 28th of August 1963 and which I know called many people to action, including my mom: I have a dream that one day this nation will rise up and live out the true meaning of its creed: "We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal." that each of us find the serenity to accept the things we cannot change;
that each of us have the courage to change the things we can;
and that each of us have the wisdom to know the difference.
that when defining what we can change that we not be afraid to fail, that we embrace at least one big harry audacious goal and that we tell all around us who can help us achieve it what our BHAG is.
Martin Luther Kings dream that all men be considered equal
Rotary's fight to eliminate Polio from our planet
or
the Arava Institute's goal of promoting peace in one small piece of the Middle East
I pray that each of us find many BHAG's to fight for in our life time.
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Scribe Notes - Jan. 13
MINUTES FOR THE MEETING OF
January 13, 2014 - 12:15 PM The Pondhouse Cafe Bruce Stanger gave the invocation talking about setting big goals followed by the Pledge of Allegiance. During lunch, Hap began the meeting with announcements, starting with: • No meeting January 20, 2014 due to observance of MLK holiday • Gave an update on the January 19 end polio now event • Eileen spoke on the Rotary Foundation and passed around a sign up sheet for donations • January 14 2014 is the 62nd anniversary of the WH Rotary’s inception • Hap recapped some people who have thanked our group for some of our donations, including a $100 donation on behalf of Polly Hincks, American School for Deaf, Wheeler clinic, Shelter Box, Town That Cares, etc • Bob Korr and Kyle Egress with an update on the Vines of March, TICKETS ARE AVAILABLE FOR PURCHASE!! Sargeant at Arms, Todd Bower reports 24 Rotarians, ____ visiting Rotarians and 4 guests are present. Guests and visitors are: Ron Mancuso (guest of Hap), Kelvin Young, Todd Desmond (Hartford Rotary) Anniversaries and birthdays: Tony Rodriguez Happy dollars were collected by Mark Tamacio: Sue Chandler officially a member of the club, White Elephant event, The 50/50 raffle is up to $40, with no winner today. We are looking for 3 of spades. Dave Lemkuil introduced Darren Drum of Advocacy Unlimited. Darren spoke about: Ways that their group advocates for their patients including protesting for a local family whose daughter has been held. Darren then told his personal story about his issues of obsessive compulsive disorder and how he overcame his illness through treatment. He battled gambling and alcohol addiction before going to rehab in FLA. His group established a wellness center that opened two months ago in Hartford The meeting was adjourned at 1:30, with Dave Lemkuil leading the 4-way test. The next meeting is January 27, 2014 (NO MEETING 1/20) at Pondhouse Cafe. Respectfully submitted, Bennett Forrest |
End Polio Now Bus Trip and Tailgate Party - Jan. 19Quite a few Rotarians from our District attended the End Polio Now fund raiser last Sunday at the Springfield Armor basketball game. Members of our Club started the day with a wintry tailgate part in the ASD parking lot, with awesome BBQ from Flaggstead Smokehouse. We had a great bus trip to and from the game, although lightly attended. Here's DG Mike, PDG Eileen, PDG Prasad and members of the Agawam Club (who had the record for most members attending) center court at half time:
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Zone Photo ContestROTARY - Zone 24-32 Photo Contest
2014 is starting across Zones 24-32 with a little fun - the first ever Zone 24-32 photo contest. RI Director Bryn Styles has endorsed an Avenues of Service - Zone Photo Contest. The prizes are simple, boasting rights as the best Rotary photographer in the zone, a certificate and the winning photos in each of the Avenues of Service posted on this website and hopefully district websites. Winners will be announced in mid- April. So get out your SLR, point and shoot or phone camera and click away. The most important rule of the contest is “have fun”.
What can you do? Share this email with your club members and clubs across your district. Send this message to Rotaract or Interact Clubs in your district. The Zone 24-32 RPICs (Rotary Public Image Coordinators) will be the contest judges.
Good luck and looking forward to seeing your photos, |
National Immunization DayRotary Polio Immunization Trip to India Announced - February 14-25, 2014
Dear Rotarian,
The purpose of this correspondence is to announce our trip to India to participate in the February, 2014 polio National Immunization Days (NID). Attached is a document that provides specific information about the trip, including a means of registering for the program.
Please feel free to share this information with the Rotarians and clubs in your District as soon as possible as we have a limited amount of space and expect this trip to be filled within the next week or two.
Since January 2011, there has been only ONE new confirmed case of polio in India. In 2012, India was removed from the list of polio endemic countries. We are getting remarkably close to eradicating polio globally. Therefore, this might be one of the last opportunities we will have to organize a trip to India to participate in polio NID activities. This trip offers you and the Rotarians in your club and District an extraordinary opportunity to have an experience of a life time.
The following summarizes the key trip information:
Our program will travel to Delhi, India, where we will participate in the polio NID activities and attend the Polio Conclave. This trip also includes travel to Agra to visit the Taj Mahal, and Jaipur to visit the famous Rotary Jaipur Limb factory, and enjoy this extraordinary city.
Date of Departure: Date of Return:
Per Person Cost, based on double occupancy: $2,299. This price does not include international, roundtrip airfare or Indian visa fees. However, it does include hotels, transfers, the Polio Conclave and other Rotary events, participation in the NID activities, most meals, sightseeing, English speaking guide and other items as stated in the attached document.
Air Reservations: Participants are free to secure their own air reservations using their frequent flyer mileage, or individual purchase. Howard Tours will be happy to help you purchase airline tickets, which can be requested on the trip application.
Visas: All U.S. citizens will need to secure an Indian visa. We will give our members specific information about how to secure the visa when we send the confirmation documents. It is important that our tour do not attempt to secure the Indian visa before receiving our information.
Travel Vaccines: We recommend that all participants visit the Centers for Disease Control Web site: http://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel/
This group will be limited to approximately 35 people, and confirmation in the program will be on a first come, first served basis. To join us, please complete and sign the application on page five of the attached document. Please make sure to include the requested credit card authorization for the cost of the program. Over the last two years, , this program sold out in less than two weeks.. We expect the same response this year. If you are planning to join us, we suggest immediate action.
We look forward to having you or Rotarians from your District join us. Best regards for a happy new year,
Brad
Bradford R. Howard Rotary International Director, Zones 25-26, 2015-2017 Governor, District 5170, 2002-2003 Bhoward@HowardTours.net |
Dec. 16 MeetingOur speaker was Francesco Barone, a classical guitarist. He performs as a soloist and with the group Metro Duo. He is also a teacher at the Hartt School in West Hartford. If you missed the meeting, or want to hear him again, here's a YouTube clip of his performance at our meeting:
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Scribe Notes - Dec. 16, 2013
MINUTES FOR THE MEETING OF
December 16, 2013 - 12:15 PM Kyle Egress gave the invocation with thoughts of Peace, followed by the Pledge of Allegiance. During lunch, Hap began the meeting with announcements, starting with: 1. Discussed the planned basketball game trip on 19 Jan and different options for transportation(busses). Happy dollars were collected. Bruce Stanger reported that he has a new grandson. Mary Silverberg reported that ITN received a $2500 donation from a foundation at Wesleyan. Prasad Menon talked about the new cook tops installed at ‘Internal House’ which resulted from Rotary Club donations. The 50/50 raffle is up to $23 with no winner today. We are looking for King of clubs.Francesco Barone, a classical guitarist from West Hartford, was the guest speaker. He briefly spoke about his career and his community outreach activities via the Hartt School, and then played a selection The meeting was adjourned at 1:30, with Bennett Forrest leading the 4-way test. The next meeting is January 6th, 2014 at Pondhouse Cafe. Respectfully submitted, Chad Licht, scribe |
March Birthdays and AnniversariesBirthdays: Mar 2 Eileen Rau Mar 5 Neil Atlas Mar 6 Annie Keith Mar 10 Oscar Santo Domingo Mar 24 Hermann Cortes-Barrios Rotary Anniversary: David Lemkuil 18 years Mar 1, 1996
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Liberty Bank Thanksgiving Dinner DriveCongrats to our Club! We raised $2,636 for the Liberty Bank Thanksgiving Dinner Drive. That's almost 50% more than last year!
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Interval HouseIn a joint project, Rotary Clubs of Avon-Canton, Farmington, Simsbury-Granby and West Hartford donated $2,700 to Interval House in Hartford, to replace their broken cook-tops. A check presentation was made on Dec. 5 by Simsbury-Granby Rotarian Prasad Menon to the the Executive Director, Cecile Enrico.
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United Airlines Charity MilesThanks to all who voted! Rotary came in a close second to Shriners Hospital. Wounded Warrior project was a distant third. See all results here. |
Jim Goodrich ObituaryWe sadly note the passing of Club Member Jim Goodrich on Nov. 22. Below is the obituary that appeared in the Dec. 2 Courant. The memorial service will be held this Sat., Dec. 14, at 4 p.m., at the Asylum Hill Congregational Church. James ("Jim") Coates Goodridge, a beloved father, brother, grandfather, uncle and father-in-law, died on Nov. 22, 2013, after a courageous battle with cancer. He passed away at his home in West Hartford with his three children by his side. He was predeceased by his adored wife of 45 years, Louise ("Lucy") Lloyd Goodridge. Born on Sept. 7, 1941, in Detroit, Mr. Goodridge was raised with his four siblings in Pittsburgh, Penn., and attended Brentwood High School. He graduated from Trinity College in Hartford in 1963 with a degree in history and enlisted in the United States Navy. He saw combat in the Vietnam War and was honorably discharged. He became a certified financial analyst with an M.B.A. from Columbia Business School, and worked throughout his long career at Connecticut General, Synfuels Corporation and United Technologies Corporation. From the late 1990s to September of this year, he ran his own financial advisory firm, the Goodridge Investment Consulting Company. Mr. Goodridge had deep roots in Hartford, notably as an active member of the Asylum Hill Congregational Church and the Rotary Club. He also served on the boards of Cedar Hill Cemetery and Foundation, the Trinity Club of Hartford and the 1892 Club. He was also a director for the Hartford Tennis Club and for The Piseco Company in Speculator, N.Y. He loved to travel, see and learn new things, and be outdoors with his wife and his family. In addition to working and relaxing at the family beach house in Westport Point, Mass., he enjoyed camping, hiking and kayaking at state and national parks. He hiked to the bottom of the Grand Canyon, and then back up, twice. In 2011, he hiked Mt. Washington in New Hampshire. He is survived by his three children, Christopher, Timothy and Elisabeth; daughters-in-law Tracy and Jena; son-in-law Ben; grandchildren Jonathan, Emily, Zachary, Marshall and Samuel; three brothers, William, George and Ed; one sister, Elizabeth Westgard; three sisters-in-law Sheryl, Jane and Betsy Rushong, two brother-in-law James Westgard and Ben Rushong; and many nephews and nieces. His strength, kindness and generosity will be missed by all. A memorial service will be held at the Asylum Hill Congregational Church on Saturday, Dec.14, 2013, at 4 p.m. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that memorial contributions be made to the Westport River Watershed Alliance, www.westportwatershed.org. |
Dec. 2 Club Meeting - Ashley WashburnOur speaker was Ashley Washburn, founder and director of Asante Sana, an organization building schools in Tanzania. For more details of her presentation, please see Joyce's Scribe Notes below. Asante Sana's website is: www.asantesanaforeducation.com
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Scribe Notes - Dec. 2, 2013
MINUTES FOR THE MEETING OF
December 2, 2013 - 12:15 PM The Pondhouse Cafe Shari Cantor gave the invocation [with thoughts of Thanksgiving and how thankful we are to have what we get to enjoy today and during the holidays followed by the Pledge of Allegiance. During lunch, [Hap] began the meeting with announcements, starting with: 1. Eileen, the Foundation Chair, has stickers for people that donate to the foundation 2. Oscar talked about the Polio Plus Campaign on how we collected $1,300.00 and still need $200.00 more to reach our goal of $1,500.00. 3. Donna spoke about the End Polio Now Day at the Springfield Armor on January 19th and how we are planning to take a bus to go together and possibly meet at the Uconn parking lot in West Hartford. 4. Hap spoke about how we raised $3,000.00 for the Philippines and Rob Kor wrote the check to Shelter Box. 5. The next Board Meeting will be on December 12th 5:30pm at Bartaco 6. Steve Nims from the New Britain Rotary Club and Donna are selling the holiday wreaths to raise money at $20 each. 7. Hap shared information on Jim Goodridge’s memorial services which will be held on Saturday, December 14th 4pm at Asylum Hill Congregational Church Sargeant at Arms, Todd Bower reports 29 Rotarians, 1 visiting Rotarians and 1 guest are present. Happy dollars were collected. Dave Lemkuil was happy for his and his wife Susan’s 19th wedding anniversary. Many happy dollars were collected for Thanksgiving Polly was happy that she has the best Thanksgiving this year Kyle was happy for UConn football winning streak Shari was happy she and her family ran in the Manchester Marathon again this year The 50/50 raffle is up to $115, looking for the King of Clubs and Don Chandler won today!!! The speaker was Ashley Washburn, who is a member of the Board of Trustees at Kingswood Oxford and the Board of Trustees for the Covenant Prep school in Hartford. She has lived and traveled to Bagamoyo, Tanzania which is in Africa. Bagamoyo was the original capital of German East Africa and was one of the most important trading ports along the East African coast. Ashley spoke about how it is living in Bagamoyo and shared many pictures on her personal experiences while living there. One of the pictures showed how there are many roadside markets that go on for miles and miles as the people of Bagamoyo learn to copy what one does. Hence, a market is started by a person and then others continue it on and on for miles. One of the responsibilities for women is to transport a full bucket of water and different items on top of their heads and we got to see this impressive job in her pictures. Ashley also spoke about the Maasai tribe and how she saw the myth was true that lions are really afraid of the Massai men. She spoke about how the school system is built for failure and if a child ends up making it to college level, the government chooses what one will study in college as students do not have a choice. This is why Ashley is not only helping on health issues and poverty, but also education system through Asante Sana for Education, in which she is the Chair. “Asante Sana” is the Swahili translation of “Thank you very much.” She has already built a school and working on another school together with her team. Her first school opened July 15th this year and will serve 300-400 children. She is already working on her next school in Bagamoyo. Her website is www.asantesanaforeducation.com and her contact info is asantesana4education@gmail.com The meeting was adjourned at 1:30, with Dave Lemkuil leading the 4-way test. The next meeting is Monday, December 9th at Pondhouse Cafe. Respectfully submitted,Joyce Aparicio, Scribe |
Club Holiday Fellowship - Jan. 25The annual Club Holiday Fellowship was held at Cindy's studio Saturday night. This year, an added twist was a White Elephant sale, with proceeds going 50-50 to Polio Plus and the Annual Programs Fund. We raised over $300, and had a great time in the process. Food was pot luck with some amazing dishes (thank you Marianne for the lumpia!!! One of my favorite dishes I haven't had in decades.) Our very capable and entertaining emcee / auctioneer was none other than Pat "Kyle" Sajak, assisted by two lovely Vanna's: Vanna Mary and Vanna Joyce. Don't miss this event next year!! Thanks to Cindy for providing the venue (and the photos, as usual!) and to Cindy and Susan for all the hard prep work.
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Nov. 25 Speaker - Linda KellyOur speaker on Nov. 25 was Linda Kelly, President of the Hartford Foundation for Public Giving. She described the work of the Foundation and its focus on education in the Greater Hartford area. The Foundation is in the top twenty community foundations in the country. More information about HFPG can be found at their website: http://www.hfpg.org
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Scribe Notes - Nov. 25
MINUTES FOR THE MEETING OF
November 25, 2013- 12:15 PM The Pond House Café Christine Looby gave the invocation with thoughts of Jim Goodridge and condolences to his family followed by the Pledge of Allegiance. During lunch, Hap Leabman began the meeting with announcements, starting with: 1. Eileen Rau, who reminded Rotarians of the impending end of the calendar year. To have a gift to the Rotary Foundation count toward this Fiscal Year, Rotarians should make their gifts as soon as possible. Eileen provided many good examples of how the Foundation helps people in need, and offered her assistance to anyone who has questions about making a gift. 2. Kyle Egress, who thanked Rotarians for their generous donations to “Happy Dollars” and other initiatives benefitting the Liberty Bank Thanksgiving Drive. In 2012, the Club raised $1800 for this program; in 2013, that figure jumped to $2100. Kyle thanked everyone who extended this drive to their own offices. He also thanked Ed Peltier and the American School for the Deaf for last Wednesday’s wine & cheese reception and tour of the new Gallaudet Center. 3. Oscar Santo Domingo requested more donations for End Polio Now. The Club’s fundraising goal is $1500; $1300 has been collected to date. 4. Hap gave a reminder about the January 19 basketball game for End Polio Now; Don Chandler is working on securing bus transportation for the Club. 5. Donna Griffen asked those new Rotarians who have not yet received their round name badges to contact her at their earliest convenience. 6. Hap announced that money from the Club has been sent to Philippines Relief Efforts through AmeriCares and Shelter Box. 7. Bennett Forrest contacted Salvation Army Greater Hartford and has asked all Rotarians who would like to assist with delivering meals to needy families in the region on Christmas morning to contact him. The commitment begins early and is slated to end by 11:00 a.m. 8. Cindy Lang announced that the Club Holiday Fellowship event will take place from 6:00 p.m. until 9:00 p.m. on January 25 at CR Lang Studio in West Hartford. Appetizers and desserts will be served pot-luck style, and donations are welcome for a white elephant drawing. More details and a sign-up sheet to come! Sargeant at Arms Todd Bower reports 31 Rotarians and four guests are present. Guests and visitors are: Speaker Linda Kelly, president of Hartford Foundation for Public Giving and her colleague, Michelle Mays; Elaine DeVaughn, guest of Booker DeVaughn; and Gail Stafford, guest of Joe Stafford. Cindy Lang is having a birthday in the coming week. Rick and Kathy Liftig will celebrate their wedding anniversary. Kyle Egress is marking four years as a Rotarian 11/25. Happy dollars were collected; many in memory of Jim Goodridge and in thanks for the great event at ASD hosted by Ed Peltier. The 50/50 raffle is up to $103.00, with no winner today. We continue to look for the King of Clubs. Linda Kelly illustrated the dovetailing missions of Rotary and Hartford Foundation for Public Giving. “Like you, we lift up the community and improve quality of life,” she said, “especially through early childhood education and K-12.” She described the Foundation’s strategic plan, titled Accelerate Success, and itemized many of its partnerships with other organizations striving to meet basic human needs. The foundation has more than 1000 funds and in 2012 distributed $28 million. One of the nation’s 20 largest community foundations, HFPG’s motto is “Here to Help. Here to Stay.” The meeting was adjourned at 1:30, with Hap leading the 4-way test. The next meeting is December 2 at 12:15 p.m. at the Pond House Café. Respectfully submitted, Christine M. Looby, Scribe |
Scribe Notes - Nov. 18
MINUTES FOR THE MEETING OF
November 18, 2013 - 12:15 PM The Pondhouse Cafe Present: 35 Great Rotarians; 0 visiting Rotarians and 0 guests. Mary Silverberg gave the invocation with thoughts of Thanksgiving and being appreciate for what we have, followed by the Pledge of Allegiance. During lunch, Hap began the meeting with announcements, starting with: 1. Welcomed Mary Chase back to West Harford Rotary. Mary is returning after a ~3 year absence from the club. 2. The Board voted to donate $2000 to Typhoon Haiyan relief, split between ShelterBox and AmeriCares. 3. Kyle Egress made the following announcements: 4. Reminded all of the Open House at ASD on Wed evening, 20 November, 5-7. 5. This is the last week for collections for the WH Food Bank. 6. Oscar Santo Domingo reminded all about the Polio Plus campaign – he is still collecting donations. The club thermometer was displayed – we are still short of our goal. Sergeant at Arms Todd Bower reports 35 Rotarians are present, with no visiting Rotarians and no guests. There were no Anniversaries or birthdays to report. Happy dollars were collected. Mary Silverberg discussed her recent appearance before the West Hartford Town Council, where she discussed ITN and received a $25K grant. Ed Peltier noted two grandchildren baptized over the weekend. Donna Griffen passed around a signup sheet for holiday wreaths being sold by the New Britain / New Berlin Rotary Club - $20 ea. Hap reported that he had a great time at the Keith Urban concert. The 50/50 raffle is up to $91 with no winner today. We are looking for King of clubs. The remainder of the meeting was a Club Assembly. Don Chandler led a live demonstration of the club website. The meeting was adjourned at 1:30, with Harry Davidson leading the 4-way test. The next meeting is November 25, 2013 at Pondhouse Cafe. Respectfully submitted, Chad Licht, scribe |
Reception at American School of the Deaf
Quite a few of our Club members attended the reception and tour of the new Gallaudet-Clerc Education Center at America School for the Deaf. Ed Peltier, Club Member and Executive Director of ASD, was our host and tour guide. It is an amazing facility, with a lot of technology in place to help deaf students learn. Some of the statistics that Ed provided are: 135 students, 90 who live on the campus; age range of 3 to 21; the old building, twice the square footage, took 10,000 gallons of oil every week during the winter to heat it! Thanks Ed for the very nice evening and information about ASD.
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Scribe Notes - Nov. 11 Meeting
MINUTES FOR THE MEETING OF
November 11, 2013 - 12:15 PM The Pondhouse Cafe Bob Keily opened the meeting with an invocation and a moment of silence to observe veteran’s day Hap started the meeting recognizing the club’s veterans in Honor of Veteran’s day. All of our members who are veterans spoke briefly about their time in service. It was very inspiring. Other announcements: • Considering options for donating relief funds to Philippines. • Foundation dinner recap • 1/19 End Polio Event – check email from Eileen for details • Kyle with an update on Liberty Bank food bank project $1300+ has been collected so far • Mary talked about plans for a get together for a play in March (3/20, 3/21 or 3/22) • Donation thank yous Sargeant at Arms, Todd Bower reports _31__ Rotarians, 2___ visiting Rotarians and 1 guest (Jason from Farmington club) are present. Anniversaries and birthdays: No anniversaries or birthdays Happy dollars were collected. The 50/50 raffle is up to $77 and we are looking for King of clubs. There was NO winner today. Booker introduced today’s speaker Matt Washower (sp?) Matt spoke of his book “History of CT and the Civil War” • CT sent 55,000 to the war • CT fields 29 field regiments • Gov William Buckingham served throughout the war • 1863 Election was pivotal to CT’s support of the union The meeting was adjourned at 1:30, with Hap leading the 4-way test. The next meeting is November 18, 2013 at Pondhouse Cafe. Respectfully submitted, Bennett Forrest, scribe |
PolioPlus Update |
November 4 Meeting - Scribe notes
MINUTES FOR THE MEETING OF NOVEMBER 4, 2013- 12:15 p.m.
The Pond House Café Present: 30 Rotarians, 6 guests Kove Schwartz delivered the invocation, followed by the Pledge of Allegiance.
During lunch, Hap began the meeting with announcements, starting with: |
Senior Job BankThe Board of our Club has decided to support the West Hartford Senior Job Bank with a donation of $1,000. On Nov. 6, President Hap presented the check to Bob Cave, a Board member of the Job Bank.
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Foundation DinnerThe annual District Foundation Dinner was held Nov. 7, and was a great success. Over 200 Rotarians and guests from around the District attended. Our guest speaker was Nilofer Haider, Education Coordinator for Catholic Charities Refugee Services. Our Club was recognized for contributing over $2,000 to Polio Plus in Rotary year 2012-13.
We also were Number Two in the District for contributions to The Rotary Foundation Annual Programs Fund.
Clubs had an opportunity to display information about Foundation projects they have undertaken. Thanks to Pres. Elect Cindy for putting the posters and information books together to highlight our Philippines Water Project and our St. Thomas Career Center Computer Project. (Photos for this spotlight are also courtesy Cindy Lang.)
Our Club was well represented at the dinner with 14 members and spouses attending.
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Liberty Bank Food Drive
Our Club is participating in the Liberty Bank Thanksgiving Food Drive again this year, under the direction of Kyle Egress. As before, the Bank will match 25% of the amount of money contributed by our Club and our members. The Board decided to "seed" this effort with $500, as well as all Happy Dollars from Oct. 1 through Nov. 23. In addition to donating through Happy Dollars, members can contribute at any Liberty branch, and indicate you want the money to go to the West Hartford Rotary account. Last year we donated $2,170.98 to the West Hartford Food Pantry. Key dates are: * Nov. 23 - last date to make donation at a Branch
Presentation of check to Food Pantry for Thanksgiving 2012 |
Oct. 28 Scribe Notes
MINUTES FOR THE MEETING OF
28 October, 2013 - 12:15 PM The Pondhouse Cafe Present: _31__ Great Rotarians; _0__ visiting Rotarians and _0__ guests. Bennett Forrest gave the invocation “The Big Why - People don't buy what you do; they buy why you do it. And what you do simply proves what you believe” followed by the Pledge of Allegiance. During lunch, Hap began the meeting with announcements: 1. Hap discussed his attendance at ‘The Gifts of Music’ event, and that he presented a check for $2360 on behalf of the West Hartford Rotary. Hap also won tickets to see Keith Urban at Mohegan Sun. 2. Reminders about:a. Foundation Dinner on 7 November b. Rotary Leadership Institute this coming weekend 2 November. Don Chandler will be facilitating one of the sessions. c. Rotary Scholars – two $5000 scholarships. Relatives of Rotarians are not eligible, however. 3. Ed Pelletier discussed an upcoming open house at the new ASD facility 20 November 5 – 7pm. 4. Kyle Egress (older Kyle) reminder that the Club will participate in the Liberty Bank Food Drive again this year. The bank will match up to 25 % of contributions from our Club and members. The Board decided to seed this with $500 plus all Happy Dollars from Oct. 1. through Thanksgiving. Last year, we made a contribution of $2,170.90 to the food bank. 5. Eileen discussed “End Polio Now Day” at the Springfield Armor (NBA minor league team) on January 19th at 3pm – tickets are $10 each and half of the proceeds will go to the Polio Plus campaign. Sargeant at Arms Todd reports 31 Rotarians in attendance, with no visiting Rotarians and no guests. |
Oct. 21 Scribe NotesMINUTES FOR THE MEETING OF Kove gave the invocation with t |
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