Early Riser Newsletter (Nov 24, 2015)

Update

(Scott Nardozzi receiving his Membership Milestone Certificate from President Gary Miller)

President Gary began the meeting with an update on Scott Nardozzi who last week was riding in the back of a car that was rear-ended by a tractor-trailer on Interstate 91. Gary has learned that Scott is "sore all over and has a concussion, but is otherwise okay."

Scott: We all send our love. We look forward to having you back at the meetings.

Happy Dollars

Rollie Sterrett - enjoyed a "long sports weekend at Colgate" this past weekend which included the Colgate football team besting Lehigh 49-42. The win gave Colgate the championship of the Patriot League. Rollie is a Colgate alumnus. He kidded Craig Buhrendorf who graduated from Lehigh.

Gary Roman - asserted that he was sitting at "the best table" because Jackie Dionne and her daughter Addison were sitting there.

Ted Cowles - outlined that his younger granddaughter has just received a full, four year track and field scholarship at the University of Arizona. He now has two granddaughters who have garnered four year scholarships.

Robin DiNicola - had Happy Dollars for each Rotary member who was also in attendance at last night's Avon Chamber of Commerce event. She added that Miller Foods did a wonderful job with the food.

Ann Gagnon - stated she has never seen a group that was "so lively so early."

Ken Coco (President, Farmington Rotary Club) - recalled that he and our President, Gary Miller, attended the PET Conference together last year.

Art Schaller - (Past President, '10-'11, New Britain-Berlin Rotary Club) - explained that, once again this year, his Club is selling Holiday Wreaths.

Hap Liebman - this year's Assistant Governors last night met with next year's Assistant Governors. Hap asserted that "the continuity is there for next year." He also described himself as "lucky" because the area clubs that he oversees run themselves so well that they "really don't need" him.

Lisa Barall-Matt - had a Happy Dollar to honor Scott Nardozzi. She also enjoyed volunteering at the recent Turkey Trot.

Capri Frank - recently went on a "magical ride" aboard her friend's airplane. She also detailed that:

1. Miller Foods will once again host the Club's Holiday Dinner, Tuesday, December 15th beginning at 5:30.

2. The Avon Chamber of Commerce event last night was a big success. Miller Foods was involved.

Steve Roberto - had missed the last two meetings and was glad to be back. He recently took his grandfather's watch, which didn't work, to Len Dunstan. Len fixed it. Steve is wearing the watch regularly.

Larry Sullivan - referring to Capri Frank's magical plane ride, Larry recalled how his sons used to suggest that he get a small airplane for the business. Larry would say no. Now, "they are in charge of the money, and they're the ones saying no to the idea of getting a plane." Like Lisa Barall-Matt, Larry had a good time helping at the Turkey Trot.

Dale Bronson - shared that, when he asked his 4 year old grandson Levi what he wants for Christmas, Levi replied "flood insurance."

Tom Voorhees - recently attended the Princeton-Yale football game. Tom was happy that Princeton, his Alma Mater, won. Tom also thanked Capri for the dinner Miller Foods put on for the VFW.

Announcements

Salvation Army Holiday Store

Don Bonner explained that December 18th will be the day the Salvation Army Holiday Store will be featured on WTIC radio. Club members should bring their donations in soon. The Club will match member donations up to $1,750. The Club's check will be given to the Salvation Army on the air. This has become a Club tradition.

Past Presidents' Meeting

Immediate Past President Salin Low indicated that the Club's Past Presidents will meet December 4th, after the regular meeting, to discuss nominations for Sergeant-At-Arms and an At-Large position.

Lost And Found

Mr. Clancy is modeling the sunglasses that someone left at last Friday's meeting. Contact Don Bonner.

The Holidays

Nancy Nation urged members to start bringing in children's books to be distributed as holiday presents. She is awaiting information from the National Guard about the two military families the Club will help during the holiday season.

Breakfast With Santa

President Gary, on behalf of Diana Boorjian, reminded that more volunteers are needed for Breakfast With Santa, which will be held December 12th from 8 to 11:30 at the Canton Community Center. Members are needed for the 9 to 10 and 10 to 11 slots especially.

Message From Joanne Santiago

Hello!

President Gary has asked that we continue to honor two non-Rotarians from the community with Paul Harris Fellowships. It would be nice if we could have one person from Canton and one from Avon. Please search out whom you think would be good for a Paul Harris Award and nominate them. Submit nominations to me directly for my committee's consideration.

Thank you...

Joanne,

Foundation Chair

Lonely Rotarians Society

Dear Rotarians:

Since our Club does not meet November 27, the Lonely Rotarians Society (LRS) will gather 7:30 - 8:30 AM, more or less, at LaSalle Market in Collinsville. What's LRS? It's just what you need when you wake up on a Friday morning and realize that you will not be seeing your Rotary friends because the Club does not meet.

Your friends, neighbors, prospective new members, spouses, significant others, partners, children, etc. are all welcome. (You might have to buy them coffee or breakfast, however).

Hope to see you all Friday morning.

Sincerely,

Josh Gillooly & Phil Worley
Co-Chairs, Membership Committee

Giving Tuesday

Join the global online movement to celebrate the season with a gift to The Rotary Foundation. Giving Tuesday, December 1st, uses the power of social media and the spirit of generosity to promote giving and philanthropy around the world.

You can support the cause by going online on December 1st to make a gift to The Rotary Foundation. Then use social media to encourage your friends and family to do the same. It’s the perfect opportunity to reach our supporters and build on the momentum of Rotary Foundation Month.

Last year, the Foundation raised more than $100,000 on Giving Tuesday. This year, the district with the highest number of donors contributing to the Foundation on 1 December could receive a visit from Foundation Trustee Chair Ray Klinginsmith.

Rotary Pub Night

There will not be a Rotary Pub Night (RPN) in December. That's because there are so many things going on in early December, including our Club's Holiday Dinner hosted by Miller Foods on Tuesday evening, December 15; see Upcoming Events at rotaryclubofavon-canton.org .

The next Rotary Pub Night is Tuesday evening, January 5, 4 - 6 pm at Lyme Grill, Riverdale Farms,136 Simsbury Rd., Avon, (north entrance, then first right). Alternating between Tuesdays and Wednesdays didn't yield the desired results, so we are going back to the first Tuesday of the month for all RPNs.

As you have heard a few times, RPN is all about socializing, networking and getting to know your fellow Rotarians and their guests better. Bring your spouses, significant others, partners, friends, prospective Rotarians, etc.

Happy Hour prices at Lyme Grill are $5 for house wines, $4 for house drinks and $3 for Bud Light draft. Bottled beer is $4 and canned beer is $3. Appetizers are half-price. You may, of course, come and go whenever you want to. Should you wish to eat before, during or after RPN, there are plenty of choices.

Our February RPN will be February 2nd, 4 - 6 pm at the Saybrook Fish House in Canton.

Sincerely,

Josh Gillooly and Phil Worley

Membership Committee Co-Chairs

Community Service Presentations

Gifts For Canton

(Left to Right - Ann Gagnon, Paul Mikkelson, Jill Brandon and Club President Gary Miller)

Gifts for Canton provides holiday gifts to many of Canton's less fortunate. All churches participate in this event to collect gifts that are age appropriate for participating Canton residents. Ann Gagnon stated "we appreciate everything Rotary has done for us."

Avon Volunteer Fire Department

(Left to Right - President Gary Miller, Avon Fire Marshall Jamie DiPace and Paul Mikkelson)

The Avon Volunteer Fire Department is involved in building a fire-fighting training practice facility located in Farmington and involving several area fire departments. The Club is donating $1,000 towards the cost. Present Fire Marshall and former Fire Chief Jamie Dipace presented Gary and Paul with AVFD baseball caps.