Birthdays
Greg Demanche (8/05) has been a member for 19 years. He came in disguise this morning rather than his usual sartorial suit and trench coat. Greg said he's a better person for being a member of this club.
President Chris Lamadrid revealed it was her birthday as well during Mike Sherber's membership ceremony.
Happy Dollars
Sue Budde was very happy to report that she survived the zip-line ride from the top of Foxwoods on her birthday and also felt amazingly well after having two wisdom teeth removed. We agree that she didn't have the usual chunky chipmunk look often exhibited afterwards.
Phil Ferrari is heading to Switzerland to meet friends from Florida and join them on a Rhine River cruise. The water level of the river is quite low, so their cruise may be adjusted slightly. He was advised to go with the flow.
Peter Vignati and Suzanne had a great day as their son, Andrew's, wedding at a farm in Whatley, MA. They also had a great trip to Hamburg, Germany, to celebrate the birthday of Suzanne's mother. While there that took a boat tour of the harbor in Hamburg passing by a huge yacht that reportedly belonged on of Putin's oligarchs and currently impounded.
Cherie Morris just had the best four days spent at Camp No Limits in Wales, Maine. The camp is one of nine camps around the country for older kids with missing limbs. She said she never laughed so hard and was continually amazed at how comfortable the campers and staff were with each other seeming to show no limits with their abilities.
Greg Demanche attended a performance of the new show Anne of Green Gables currently as the Goodspeed Opera House in East Haddam. He highly recommended the show.
Arnie Goldman had gratitude for eight lovely days in downtown Philadelphia at the American Veterinarian Medical Association of which he has been the Treasurer for a number of years. He is now running for a position on their Board. Arnie also passed along greetings from Craig Nation whom he saw that Anthology in Simsbury while paying a visit to Phil Worley.
Gary Miller was back from an 18-day trip to England. They arrived on the hottest day ever recorded in the UK -- 104 F. The express train from track 9 ¾ at Kings Cross Station to York took all day due to the high heats effect on the railroad tracks, power outages and labor issues. The rest of the trip was fabulous. His daughter, Betsy, did an amazing job driving the transit van they rented to get to their old home in Somerset. The van was about one and a half times wider than typical country hedgerow lined lanes. Gary had a small 1972 Mini which fit much better.
President Chris Lamadrid was so pleased with the outpouring of kindness and affection that followed her announcement that she needed to find a kidney donor. She hopes that by sharing her search a donor will be found soon.
Announcements
Phil Ferrari reminded us all that the good we are able to do in the community has a lot to do with the money we raise. This year we gave 27K in local support and another 20K to support international projects. We need everyone to pitch in. We are short on auction items and need items for the goodie bag that we hand out to golfers. The tournament is less than 6 weeks away.
Joanne Santiago reminded everyone about contributions to The Rotary Foundation. Donations can be made by check to the Foundation via the club or online directly through the Rotary International website on an annual or monthly basis.
Cherie Morris asked everyone to consider donating items for the golf tournament silent auction and door prizes. Please contact her with any questions and deliver any items to her.
Starting in August, the last meeting of every month will be held at FAVARH. These will be Club Days so that we can do a better job of getting to know each other and reestablish why we are Rotarians.
Induction of New Members
President Chris Lamadrid introduced Mike Sherber who rejoined our club this morning after a time with the Stamford Club. He recently moved back to Avon now that he is working remotely for a company in Texas. Chris was please that two former club Presidents have returned. At the conclusion of the membership ceremony, Mike said it was good to be back.