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Russell Hampton
National Awards Services Inc.
ClubRunner
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Arnie Goldman
Speakers
Jun 22, 2018
Jun 29, 2018
Real Estate Agents Recycle
Jul 06, 2018
Jul 13, 2018
Signers of Declaration of Independence
Jul 20, 2018
Creative Arts and Having Fun
Jul 27, 2018
Rushford Drug Treatment-Substance Use and Treatment Options
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EarlyRiser Presentations
GLO Fall 2017 Mission Trip
Eastern Europe Trip to Vienna and Prague Presentation
Avon Village Center Project Presentation
Club Information
Rotary of Avon-Canton - Founded 1973
Avon-Canton
Service above Self
We meet Fridays at 7:30 AM
Avon Old Farms Hotel
279 Avon Mountain Rd.
Avon, CT  06001
United States
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April 6, 2018
"Africa Education Partnership / Grace International School"
 
[Rotarians---Remember, no meeting this coming Firday, March 30th.....instead join the "Lonely Rotarians Society at LaSalle Market, Collinsville, 7:30 AM.....]
 
Sergeant-at-Arms Report
March 23, 2018
 
Members Present: 37
 
Make-Ups: None  
Guests:  Connie Thamm (Rotarian), Rachel Galligan (grant recipient), Eleni Degraw (prospectivce member), Sean Blacker (inductee), Bruce Stanger (speaker)
 
Fines: None  
Happy Dollars: $ 13.00  
Raffle Winner: Alicia Canning
 
Birthdays None today.
Happy Dollars
 
Bob Cave was happy to report he recently attended the Simsbury symphony that Bill Barnes frequently praises. The concert he attended accompanied a silent movie and he found the experience to be great. Bob also had good and bad stock market news. The bad was the recent stock market downturn and the good was that a team of students from Canton Middle School won a recent stock pick contest.
 
Bill Barnes acknowledged the presence of Rotarian Connie Thamm, former member and current member of the Hyannis (Massachusetts) Rotary. Bill also praised the Simsbury Symphony's recent production which accompanied a Buster Keaton silent film. He also noted his wife's recent and brief hospitalization and her subsequent return home with a new pacemaker. Finally Bill noted that as a retired preacher, he is among an esteemed group of recycled and recycle-able preachers that are often asked to serve on "off" Sundays, but that he was recently asked to lead services at Avon Congregational Church on both Palm and Easter Sundays, which he considers a great honor.
 
Rollie Sterrett announced his impending departure for his annual bone-fishing trip to the Bahamas. During this trip he will fish in the waters around the Bahamas and he makes no bones about it.
 
Connie Thamm was pleased to be in Avon among his friends and looks forward to seeing the product of Rollie's upcoming trip, even if there is freezer burn on those results. Connie also acknowledged Bill Barnes, with whose wife he shares the distinction of having an artificial pacemaker installed.
 
Jolly Lux was happy to report she had, had the chance to speak at Sue Budde's church, the West Avon Congregational Church. She and Kurt, along with President Bonner were thrilled to receive a donation of $250.00 from the congregation for the Guiding Lights Orphan Foundation, which Jolly and Kurt lead. They were further overjoyed to then learn that the congregation intends to donate that amount quarterly. To quote Jolly, "We were so moved for their support of our mission to save human lives in Africa, and Uganda, my home country." Jolly also noted how her connection to Rotary has led to $20,000.00 additional support for GLO from the Cigna Foundation, which Gary Miller helped facilitate. Jolly thanked all among Rotary for the connections that have led to this support.
 
Don Bonner had a note from Nancy Nation indicating her relief and thankfulness in learning that her biopsies were benign. Nancy thanked all of us for our prayers and sent her love to all. She and Craig plan to stay in Florida until May.
 
Gary Miller will miss next week's meeting as he will be in Louisiana visiting his family.
 
Member Induction
 
Don Bonner initiated the induction ceremony for Sean Blacker as a "Honorary Rotarian." A previous recipient of the Rotary Paul Harris Award, Sean has been a part of the bedrock of the club for a very long time. A former US Air Force Medic stationed in Wiesbaden, Germany, Sean's service included treatment of the former Iran hostages, as well as survivors of the Beirut barracks bombing. A proud veteran, Sean is a graduate of Canton High School and Goodwin Technical College, and enjoys NASCAR and darts competition. In a recent darts tournament he donated the proceeds to our Community Service Fund, demonstrating his service-above-self life outlook. Tongue-in-cheek, Don also pointed out that Sean "rehabilitates birds", noting that he repaired the metal eagle at the tip of our flagpole. Following the induction ceremony, Sean had this to say: "Every week I do the Rotary breakfast, and every week someone asks me how long have you "done" Rotary?, as if it is an ordinary duty or one I endured. The truth is, I want to do Rotary. I started assisting with Rotary meetings in 1988, back when we were located in a downstairs room, one much smaller than the one we occupy today. In my life I've been fortunate to have had many accolades: from the Air Force, from my job here at the hotel and from my church. Today's acknowledgement from all of you is one of the best Ive received. I thank every member here."
 
 
General Announcements
 
Phil Worley announced the next Pub Night will be Tuesday, April 3, at the Saybrook Fish House. between 5:00 - 7:00 p.m. It's a chance to visit with other members in a relaxed setting - usually with some snacks provided by the restaurant. Come and bring a friend or your spouse. What could be better than getting a makeup for having a good time!?!
 
 
Calendar of Upcoming Events
 
Friday, March 30: Lonely Rotarians Society to meet at LaSalle Market in Collinsville, 7:30 AM.
 
Friday, May 18: Joint Rotary - FAVARH Yard Goats Game Event. See Paul Mikkelson for details.
 
Friday, June 8: 2018 President's Installation Dinner at Farmington Woods Club House. President-Elect Michael Mezheritskiy and a new slate of Officers and Directors will be installed for the 2018-2019 Rotary Year. Don Bonner, Heather Pantano & Colleen Grasso will receive Paul Harris Fellowships for club service. Tickets will be $45 each.
 
 
Awards and Community Service Grants
 
Gary Roman introduced Rachel Galligan, who represents the Canton Substance-Free Graduation Party organizing committee. Ms. Galligan received $250.00 fromt he Rotary Club of Avon-Canton in support of the 2018 Canton Substance-Free Graduation Party, to be held at Farmington Farms. At the event, 110 graduating seniors will enjoy a DJ, a magician, a hypnotist, swimming, carnival games and great food, including breakfast. Ms Galligan thanked the members saying: "When I moved here I soon appreciate the overwhelming sense of community in this area." Larry Sullivan reminded attendees that many years ago, he and Brenda were part of a group of six that founded the Canton Substance-Free Graduation Party. The first one was held at the firehouse on Canton Springs Road and was a much smaller event. He is proud of how it has continued and grown.
 
Presentation
Bruce Stanger
Cycling for Peace, Partnership & the Environment
 
 
Paul Mikkelson introduced his close friend and cycling partner Bruce Stanger. Bruce is a past president of the West Hartford Rotary and an attorney in practice for over 40 years. He specializes, according to Paul, in suing other attorneys. (ED NOTE: He must be very popular around the Bar association!) Mr. Stanger is a member of the Board of Trustees of the Friends of the Arava Institute, an environmental think tank with a focus on the Middle East and its unique geographic, climatological and political circumstances. Bruce also has three grandchildren.
 
According to its website: "the Arava Institute for Environmental Studies is a leading environmental studies and research program in the Middle East. It houses academic programs in partnership with Ben Gurion University, research centers, and international cooperation initiatives focusing on a range of environmental concerns and challenges.

With a student body comprised of Jordanians, Palestinians, Israelis, and students from around the world, the Arava Institute offers students an exceptional opportunity to learn from leading professionals while forming friendships and developing skills that enable them to lead the region and the world in solving today’s most pressing environmental challenges. Here, the idea that nature knows no political borders is more than a belief. It is a fact, a curriculum, and a way of life."

Bruce opened his talk by taking note of the cycling jersey he wore, which celebrated a cycling event known as "The Israel Ride", a ride he has participated in 12 times in the last 14 years, and in which he will again participate in October of this year. The ride is multifaceted and helps support the Arava Institute. He noted the ride is an awe inspiring experience which was started by American's who emigrated to Israel in a religious act known to Jews as "aliyah".  [Aliyah is the immigration of Jews from the diaspora to the Land of Israel (Eretz Israel in Hebrew). Also defined as "the act of going up"—that is, towards Jerusalem—"making Aliyah" by moving to the Land of Israel is one of the most basic tenets of Zionism. - Wikipedia].

The idea behind the institute was join Arabs and Israeli's together in common purpose for the good of all. The reality is that Israeli Arabs and Jews mostly live separate lives, in separate towns and schools, and interact minimally except in commerce. Arava intends to help bridge that divide.

 
The Arava Institute is made up of five constituent environmental research and development centers. Their researchers work cooperatively with students, scientists and communities throughout the Middle East to address regional issues with cross-border solutions. These centers are:
 
a. Arava Center for Sustainable Development
 
b. Center for Hyper-Arid Socio-Ecology
 
c. Center for Renewable Energy & Energy Conservation
 
d. Center for Sustainable Agriculture
 
e. Center for Transboundary Water Management
 
Bruce shared several vignettes of what has been accomplished through and by Arava, which included:
 
The "PELs" program, an acronym for "Peace & Environmental Leadership", is a group of Institute graduates who came together to solve a problem. They worked together to gain access to the information needed to determine the flow of water in the Jordan river, information that was otherwise difficult to obtain. The group of students was made up of 1/3 Arabs from various locations, 1/3 Israeli Jews and 1/3 Americans.
 
Arava students developed a camel dung-based methane generator for Bedouin societies, which can be distributed to households for production of methane for heat and for cooking. For Palestinians, Arava students developed a gray water management system which reclaims sewage for use as irrigation water in agriculture, though the water is not potable for human use.
 
Changing topics, Bruce went on the describe the "Israel Ride" in more detail, noting the ride also supports "Hazon", an organization that supports sustainable food programs and health. The bike ride includes 4 groups within it which are designed to allow four distinct experiences. The first type,  which Bruce described as "kick-a_s" , is listed in the brochure as "Chalutzim" and includes a 70 mile-per-day ride with extra hills and distances. A 100 mile day is included in it. The second type, "Tzsofim" is 55 mile-per-day , from hotel to hotel, and includes some lectures. It is intentionally less demanding. The third type, Shomrim, includes 30 mile-per-day of riding in a mix of cycling and touring, and is further relaxed in tone.  Finally, the fourth "ride", Chaverim,  includes no cycling at all, but is a touring option for guests and spouses who want to attend the overall event, but not ride.

To date, the ride has raised hundreds of thousands of dollars in support of Arava and Hazon. The minimum amount necessary to raise for participation is $3800.00 and Bruce is proud that the West Hartford Rotary has helped support his participation many times. He notes that other than raising the pledged funds, there are no expenses for riders beyond airfare, as hotel and food are covered by the event organizers.
 
In response to questions Bruce indicated he keeps a bicycle in storage in Israel, though many non-Israeli riders travel back and forth with their bicycles. Asked whether issues beyond the environmental are discussed he explained a program known as "Track 2", in which 100 representatives of various government entities gather to talk about regional environment issues, though often, he says, "peace sneaks in." Finally, he described a program known as "Red-Dead" in which water is allowed to flow from the Red Sea to the Dead Sea, and in so doing turns turbines that produce electric energy and others that assist in desalination of seawater. This latter program is operated jointly by Israel and Jordan. In Israel at least, 30% of potable water is derived from desalination. Asked about Rotary's presence in the Middle East, he noted there are 2 or 3 Rotary clubs in Jerusalem, of 5 total in Israel. There is also 1 Club in Ramallah,  a city located on the west bank of the Jordan River.
Mail Bag
 
A letter from Gifts for Canton signed by both Rebecca Stevenson and Jill Brandon thanked the membership for its gift of $1000.00 towards Gifts for Canton's 2017 Holiday Collection Drive.
 
A letter from Focus on Canton thanked the membership for its recent support of their organization.
 
Photo Credits 
Photographs courtesy of Phil Worley unless otherwise indicated.
 
Editors Notes
Submission Deadline: Members are kindly encouraged to submit all materials for each week's Early Riser as early as possible. Please note that some editions may be published and distributed as early as the Saturday following our meetings, and during those weeks further contributions to the Early Riser will be included in the subsequent week's edition.
“The Four-Way Test of the things we think, say or do”:

1. Is it the TRUTH?
2. Is it FAIR to all Concerned?
3. Will it build GOODWILL and BETTER FRIENDSHIPS?
4. Will it be BENEFICIAL to all concerned?