Gary Miller was happy to announce the return, and re-return of his kids and grandkids who seem to traverse a straightline (as opposed to great circle) course back and forth between their homes and his.
Thor Cheyne was happy that he ran into the golfing great Jim Furyk at the PGA, who subsequently delivered a 58 stroke record round to everyone's admiration.
Joanne Santiago was happy her son will shortly begin his third year of chiropractic college.
Rick Heath was happy to report that while he in the middle of Gator country at the TPC Sawgrass Golf Club, toting an OSU golf bag he heard someone say "Go Bucks!" He turned and saw it was Jim Furyk!My, that name pops up often!
Phil Worley was happy that Gifts of Love volunteers assisted with the grand opening of Carr Hardware, where he is employed. In return the store donated $500.00 to Gifts of Love. Phil fined himself two dollars for the commercial aspects of his Happy Dollars announcement.
Linda Pendergast was happy about her husband's recent birthday.
Nancy Nation was happy about her upcoming 53rd wedding anniversary. To help her celebrate she invited everyone to her pencil case event as described below under announcements.
Robert Cave was also happy about his 53rd wedding anniversary.
Tom Voorhees was happy about his recent 40 year wedding anniversary.
Announcements
Welcome Back!
Gary Miller welcomed returning Rotarian Brandon Robertson, who is the Town Manager of Avon. Brandon was a member of our Club just a few years ago and now, with his children more self sufficient, he is able to commit to rejoin the Club! Welcome back Brandon!
Greetings!
Phil Worley thanked Sabrina Waqar and Brandon Robertson for volunteering to serve a one month term as official Rotary greeters!
Golf
Nancy Nation announced that we have signed up 108 golfers; however, we need at least 11 more foursomes to supercede our goal of >150 golfers. She also announced the standings of the baseball teams and the total amounts raised. Rankings as of 8/12 were: Red Sox, followed by Yankees, Yard Goats, Mets and in the dog house, the New Britain Bees. Bzzzz.
Ann Clark announced the need for more volunteers for golf reception and cleanup duties. A signup sheet was circulated. Contact Ann for details and to volunteer.
Pencil Boxes
Circle the date~ Wednesday, August 17th. Gather 5 pm at the Nations' to assemble pencil boxes for Wish School. Great night for fellowship while completing a Rotary Project. This has been a significant project of the club for years and a great way to enjoy other members while helping kids in Hartford. President Don talked about walking down the halls of the school last year and seeing that all the pencil boxes were really being used and appreciated. We have 550 boxes to do for this year. Ocean State Job Lot has been a big help. We're waiting to get help from Walmart which has been so good in the past (We miss Alan Nasson.) Pizza will be provided…sign up for an appetizer, salad, or dessert or beer and wine! Bring the family... kids love to be helping other kids….let’s have fun….hope to see you!
Avon Day
Steve Harris reported that Avon Day will be September 24th, and that he needs 12 Rotarians to assist. Canton's Sam Collins Day will not be held this year, so this is your only chance to do your grill cook imitation.
Baseball
Don't forget: The Rotary Club of Avon-Canton "Baseball Challenge" 55 and Fun continues! Please work to support your team!
Rotary Foundation
Joanne Santiago reminded members to remember to make their voluntary Rotary Foundation pledge this year, traditionally done around one's birthday however, she reminded us, the earlier in the Rotary year the better.
Speaker
Peter Callahan
Certified Professional Coach
Fresh Perspectives
Peter Callahan, a business coach and trainer specializing in leadership, communication, and organizational culture, addressed the Rotary Club of Avon-Canton on Friday August 12th. Peter holds certifications as a Professional Coach, is an "Energy Leadership Index™ Master Practitioner" and has received national accreditation as an Associate Certified Coach (ACC) from the International Coach Federation. His business', Fresh Perspectives', mission is to give organizations the knowledge and tools to operate more consciously, effectively, and joyfully. They empower organizations to maximize their strengths, cultivate effective teams and leaders, and create an environment of trust, meaning, and enjoyment. Through in-depth group training and individual coaching, they work to make an organization’s vision a reality.
A native of Cape Cod, today Peter resides in Harwinton and is recently married. Just 29-years-old, he exudes wisdom beyond his years, sharing with Rotarians his positive message of love of life, and pursuit of fulfillment. "I believe I am here on this planet to help people find joy, peace and fulfillment and to give others the tools to succeed" is a summary of his message. His work is directed at leadership development and improving organizational culture.
The topic of Friday's talk was "Achievement" and what it means to the individual. Inherent in this is learning to "be who you want to be" and "doing what you want to do." Peter recounted the story of his retired FBI agent father-in-law, Tom Buchanan, an Army veteran and attorney, who earlier in his life was deeply affected by a Stephen Covey workshop he had attended in which he learned to "uncover his true values" and "begin with the end in mind." Mr. Buchanan came away from that seminar a changed man, and thereafter for the rest of his life he made sure to schedule time for the things most important to him: to serve his country and to be a loving father. He made sure to preserve date night to be with his wife and to regularly share breakfast time with his daughters.
Peter's talk continued by describing how to answer the questions of "deciding who you want to be" and "doing what you want to do."
With respect to "deciding who you want to be", Peter quoted psychologist Angela Duckworth who in her book "Grit" wrote about choosing one personal and one professional goal and avoiding becoming distracted by the many other possible goals. Peter also quoted Virgin Atlantic entrepreneur Richard Branson who stated his life goal as " To have fun is my journey in life and learn from my mistakes."
With respect to "deciding what you want to do" Peter emphasized we must make "a conscious effort to accomplish what is hard, rather than simply default to what is easy." Avoid simply being reactive and begin with the end in mind.
Peter cautioned against falling victim to "perception bias" by assuming others share your understanding of words used to describe values and goals. Avoid setting too many goals. Warren Buffett emphasized listing 25 goals and circling the 5 most important and then look at the 20 not selected and decide not to pursue them at all. While discipline and perseverance may not be innate, these can be cultivated, and is what Angela Duckworth characterized as "grit." Goals once selected should be broken down into smaller parts and pursued one at a time. Seek feedback, consider an accountability partner and don't let setbacks deter you. Know why you want the goal!
Peter stated that doing all of this allows living a fulfilled and meaningful life. He came back to his father-in-law Tom Buchanan, now recently diagnosed with a stage 4 form of cancer. Rather than lament his plight, Mr Buchanan feels fulfilled, and is grateful for the time he has to say goodbye and express thankfulness for the richness of his life. We should all hope to be able to look back and be as filled with gratitude. Begin with that end in mind.
###
Presidential Citations
Filling in for vacationing president Don Bonner, immediate past president Gary Miller recognized Rotarian Evan Cooper for her 5 years of Rotary membership.
Mail Bag
While our mail bag is empty this week, fortunately our "windbags" never are.
Photo Credits
Photographs courtesy of Phil Worley.
Editors Notes
Submission Deadline: Members are kindly encouraged to submit all materials for each week's Early Riser no later than Tuesday at 12 noon, the week of publication.
