The meeting focused on welcoming new member Kyle to the Rotary Club and highlighting the work of Trinity Academy through a presentation by Barton Darney. The presentation showcased Trinity Academy's success in educating Hartford area children through a model of small class sizes, wraparound services, and high academic achievement compared to public schools. The school's upcoming initiatives include a new innovation program partnering with Connecticut Invention Convention and a major art project involving students creating a large painting of Connecticut's innovations, which will be auctioned at the school's gala on May 14th at the school in Hartford.
Happy Dollars
Cherie Morris announced that the auction items were all set for tomorrow's TOTV. She also was able to help the Avon Interact club come up with an international project. we s happy to be sitting next to Lou Daniels who is on his 3rd round of Rotary membership.
Johnny Guillot's daughter participated in a 50 K cross country skiing competition in Northen Wisconsin. He couldn't get back till Wednesday because of the blizzard. He also wanted to thank everyone for their help in setting up the tables for tomorrow's TOTV.
Gary Miller will be one of the speakers at the upcoming President Elect training.
President-Elect Lauren Gardner who will be attending the training is happy that for one night, she won't have to get up to go to her daughter's room.
Greg DeManche reported about new federal real estate transaction reporting requirements under the Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (FinCEN) for cash buyers of property.
President Sue wanted the club to know how greatful and ovewhelmed she has felt by all the visits, emails, and offers of help she has received.
Announcements & Upcoming Events
Debra Stanwood had a knee infection after her surgrey and was at the hospital for a "wash out". We will let folks know how she is doing after we hear back from her husband
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All interested Rotarians: Sign up to help man the Rotary table at the Avon Historical Society Tablescapes 2026 event at the North House on March 13-14.
New Member Induction
Kyle Naja
Kyle is a Personal Trainer at HealthTrax and owner of Oxymagic Carpet Cleaning.
Barton Darney, the Director of Development at Trinity Academy, highlighted the school's success in providing an independent, tuition-free education for grades K-4. She presented data showing high achievement rates compared to Hartford Public Schools and described the school's model, which includes small class sizes, wraparound services, and enrichment programming. Barton also discussed new initiatives, including a partnership with the Connecticut Invention Convention for innovation-focused learning and an upcoming gala on May 14th. She encouraged attendees to get involved with the school through volunteering, career talks, or supporting the gala. Don Bonner shared details about a collaborative art project involving students.
Special Announcements
None this week.
Mail Bag
Photo Credits
Photos by Mike Mezheritskiy
Technology Credits
Zoom platform management expertise by Mike Mezheritskiy
Editor's 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?
