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Russell Hampton
ClubRunner
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Bulletin Editor
Lauren Gardner
Speakers
Nov 12, 2021
Nov 19, 2021
Hartford Interval House
Nov 26, 2021
Dec 03, 2021
Dec 10, 2021
Dec 17, 2021
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Executives & Directors
President
 
President Elect
 
Immediate Past President
 
Secretary
 
Treasurer
 
Membership
 
Sergeant-at-Arms
 
Foundation Chair
 
Board Member-at-Large
 
Board Member-at-Large
 
Interact Chair
 
Club Information
Rotary of Avon-Canton - Founded 1973
Avon-Canton
Service above Self
Fridays at 7:30 AM
Golf Club of Avon
160 Country Club Road
Avon, CT 06001
United States of America
Fax:
(860) 760-6364
In person starting July 9, 2021. Zoom will also be available for those unable to attend in person.
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District Site
VenueMap
Venue Map
 
 
August 20, 2021
Horizons Program at Ethel Walker
Princess Hyatt
[In-Person]
 
 
Members Present: 36
 
Guests: Deborah Altschwager (prospective member)
 
Visiting Rotarians: None.
 
Happy Dollars: $49
 
Raffle: $80
 
Fines: None.
 
Birthdays:
 
Kershwin Singh (8/12) believes this is his first birthday with the club. He's not sure what to say but he had a wonderful birthday and will be making a donation.
 
Larry Haber (8/15) not present today.
 
Deb Stanwood (8/15) said she hasn't been at meetings because she's had her son and three granddaughters visiting (which she gave happy dollars for) but she has happy to be here celebrating and thanks the club for birthday wishes. 
 
Peter Vignati (8/16) said birthdays are now fast and furious! Phil Shank introduced Peter into the club in 2002 and was past president from 2007-2008. Over the years he has enjoyed the camaraderie spirit of our club and pledged a donation. 
Happy Dollars:
 
Bill Barnes shared a very fitting word of the day, a 9 syllable word, Friggatriskaidekaphobia - the definition being fear of Friday the 13th. (ed. note, upon verifying the spelling of Friggatriskaidekaphobia, there is another word for this condition; Paraskevidekatriaphobia, which you can use interchangeably next time you speak about deep seated fears of this day) Bill then shared a joke that had us all on the edge of our seats about a gentleman sprawled across one too many seats in a movie theatre. A variation of the joke can be read here
 
Phil Ferrari shared that while he feels a bit like FDR, he couldn't be more thankful for all of the phone calls, visits, and meals from Rotarians who have helped him throughout his recovery. It made a difference when he was confined to the same chair for about 4 months. Ed. note, when Phil entered the room he was welcomed with cheers and clapping - Phil, the club is so happy to have you back!
 
Gary Hyde gave five happy dollars because he was happy to see Phil Ferrari here.
 
Capri Brighenti spoke about her aunt Cal Miller who she would love to join the club. This week, Cal became a grandmother to three grandchildren in just 24 hours! Her daughter had twins in NYC and her son had a daughter in Farmington.
 
Don Bonner was in Narragansett last week with his family. When they arrived, the family set a goal to get his one and a half year old granddaughter to walk independently. By the week's end they successfully accomplished their mission!
 
Deb Altswager has been having fun teaching pottery to fellow Rotarians Cherie Walton and Natasha Haims. Deb asked the club to keep Natasha and her family in their prayers as her mom is experiencing health issues.
 
 
Announcements
 
Jim Gordon reported that 147 seniors have signed up for the Avon Senior Luncheon taking place on Tuesday, August 17. Please refer to your email for more details and assigned times.
 
Alicia Canning shared the pencil box drive is on! Rotarians are invited to help open packages and prepare tonight (Sunday, August 15) at Heather Pantano's house located at 16 Cobtail way in Simsbury at 5:00PM. Monday, August 16 will be the gathering where Rotarians will come together and assemble the boxes at Heather's at 5:00 PM. For Monday - BYOB and $5.00 for pizza. See email from Alicia on 8/14 for more details.
 
Gary Hyde the golf tournament is in NEED OF SPONSORS! Please continue soliciting. Sue Budde reminded the club that ads are due in two weeks! Hole in one witnesses are also needed.
 
Calendar:
 
8/16 Pencil box assembly at Heather Pantano's house at 5 PM. 490 boxes are to be assembled. Pizza will be served please bring $5.00. BYOB
 
8/17 Rotary Senior Luncheon, to be held at Avon Senior Center.
 
8/20 Focus golf tournament, Fairview Golf Club, Harwinton
 
9/13 Rotary Club of Avon/Canton golf tournament
 
 
Induction of New Members:
None this week.
 
Awards
None this week.
 
Community and International Service Grants
None this week.
__________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
PRESENTATION
Club Day
Committee Chairs
President Chris Lamadrid opened our club day with today's purpose of introducing and reintroducing our committees (as well as debuting a couple new committees). Getting involved is where one can find the real joy of being a Rotarian.
 
We learned from each of the following committees and their needs:
*Community Service
*International Service
*People of Action (NEW!)
*Public Relations (NEW!)
*Membership
*Golf Tournament
*Taste of the Valley
*Investment Scholarship Fund
 
Learn about each committee and their individual needs below, and in true slightly competitive Rotary spirit, find out who understood and who missed the table assignment. 
  

COMMUNITY SERVICE COMMITTEE

CHAIRS: Peter Vignati & Gary Roman

MISSION STATEMENT FOR COMMITTEEThe Avon-Canton Rotary Community Service Committee (CS) is charged with the goal of encouraging Rotarians to offer service to the communities in our service area in the form of donation of time, talent and Rotary funding. The primary areas the CS Committee assist are as follows:

  • Education for area youth;

  • Food for the needy;

  • Projects to assist the homeless and those in need of shelter;

  • Aid to the sick and infirmed;

  • Our Veterans

  • Projects that will effect a lasting change in our Communities

CRITERIA FOR SELECTION OF CHARITY AND REQUIREMENTS:

  • Not For Profit (IRS Classified 501©3. Some exceptions;

  • Area Based. Primarily Avon, Canton, Farmington Valley and State of CT. National charities

    are not normally considered;

  • Charities meeting the Mission Statement of CS;

  • Not for Capital Projects (new building) or sustaining an annual operating budgets;

  • Contributions to individuals not encouraged;

  • Generally between $100 to $2,500;

  • Charity must complete a Grant Application. Viewed monthly by CS Committee. First meeting;

  • Once approved, check presented to Charity at weekly breakfast meeting of entire Club.

CHAIRS: Peter Vignati & Gary Roman

MEMBERS - CURRENT AND PROSPECTIVESue Budde, Don Bonner, Rollie Sterrett, Michael Mezheritskly, Larry Sullivan, Elaine Kavros Degraw, Chris Lamadrid, Dale Bronson, Hank Frey, Heather Pantano, Katelyn Kaplan, Lauren Gardner, Yvonne Gardner, Robin DiNicola, Natasha Haims, Phil Ferrari, Gary Hyde, Gary Roman, Peter Vignati, Collen Grasso, Alicia Canning

HISTORY OF GRANTS PROVIDED:

FY 2021: $14,915 Budget: $18,900* FY 2020: $27,722 Budget: $27,000 FY 2019: $29,005 Budget: $27,000 * - Covid Impact

PROPOSED BUDGET FOR FY 2022: $25,000

GRANT REQUEST REQUIREMENTS:

  • Grant Application;

  • Sponsorship by Rotarian is a big assist;

  • Mission Statement of Charity;

  • Annual Budget of Charity;

  • Details on how Rotary Grant will be used;

  • Charity’s sources of Revenue;

  • Can Rotary members provide hands on help; 
  • Not for Profit Status
  • Area and populations served by Charity;
  • Can Rotary’s Grant be recognized by Charity;
  • Any supplemental information describing the project that is the subject of the Grant Request.

PAST GRANT RECIPIENTS:

  • Gabel Basket Brigade - $2,500 – Food for needy area families at Thanksgivings
  • Community Fist School - $1,200 – Purchase of Computer equipment
  • Gildo Consolini VFW Post 3272 - $750 – support to Veterans
  • Chrysalis Center - $700 – Sponsor Empty Bowls Dinner
  • Healing Meals - $2,000 – Providing meals to families facing health crisis
  • McLean Meals on Wheels Program - $1,000 – Providing meals to housebound FV residents
  • Canton and Avon Safe Graduation Parties - $500
  • Pencil Box Project - $3,117 – School supplies for Hartford elementary schools

PEOPLE OF ACTION COMMITTEE CHAIR NEW!!: Heather Pantano

CURRENT AND ACTIVE MEMBERS:
Jim Gordon, Robin DiNicola, Alicia Canning, Heather Pantano, Diana Boorjian, Alicia Canning - RECRUITING!!!!

MISSION STATEMENT FOR COMMITTEE: Service Above Self!!! To provide service to our local community in the spirit of camaraderie among Rotarians.

PAST PROJECTS/ACCOMPLISHMENTS: Senior Lunch

Pencil Boxes Breakfast with Santa Tutoring in Hartford

ANNUAL BUDGET: To be determined


MEETING REQUIREMENTS/TIME COMMITMENT: We meet monthly to plan and execute current service projects. Very flexible schedule usually after morning riser meetings.

 

INTERNATIONAL COMMITTEE

CHAIR: Yvonne Gardner

CURRENT AND ACTIVE MEMBERS: Rollie Sterrett, Larry Sullvan, Jolly Lux, Don Bonner, Chris Lamadrid, Don Rossler, Rick Eickenhorst, Dale Bronson, Cherrie Walton, Steve Morris, Natasha Heim, Alicia Canning and Gary Hyde.

MISSION STATEMENT FOR COMMITTEE: Our funding priorities are for projects that provide clean water, basic healthcare, basic education or vocational training. We prefer work with organizations that have local, direct control over their projects and can provide feedback on our investments.

PAST PROJECTS/ACCOMPLISHMENTS:

  • Guiding Light Orphans (GLO)
  • Guatamala Water Project via Rick Lawrence -Manchester Rotary Kateri Medical Service with Father Tom Furrer
  • African Education Partnership with Elaine Chagnon

ANNUAL BUDGET: $20,000.00 for 2021-2022

MEETING REQUIREMENTS/TIME COMMITMENT: We have met as needed when applications come in for review. Very flexible schedule usually after morning riser meetings.

 

MEMBERSHIP COMMITTEE

CHAIR: Jim Gordon
CURRENT AND ACTIVE MEMBERS: 
Alicia Canning, Natasha Haims, Salin Low, Heather Pantano, Peter Vignati, Robin DiNicola Chuck Joseph, Michael Mezheritskiy, Larry Sullivan, Phil Worley

MISSION STATEMENT FOR COMMITTEE:

Attracting new members and keeping existing members is key to a strong club. The membership Committee identifies strategies that will grow membership and promote our club. The committee also screens new member applications and helps new members transition into the club.

 

INVESTMENT COMMITTEE

CHAIRS: Gary Hyde
CURRENT AND ACTIVE MEMBERS: Gary Roman and David Ivanoudis

MISSION STATEMENT FOR COMMITTEE:
To periodically review the performance of the Scholarship Fund of the Avon-Canton Rotary Community Fund, Inc. and to monitor its compliance with the Investment Policy Statement as revised August 19, 2016.

PAST PROJECTS/ACCOMPLISHMENTS:

Semiannual meetings to evaluate compliance of the investments with guidelines of Investment Policy Statement as revised August 19, 2016. Investments are rebalanced as necessary.

ANNUAL BUDGET: N/A

MEETING REQUIREMENTS/TIME COMMITMENT:

The committee meets semi-annually in August and February. Investments are rebalanced as necessary.

The Investment Policy Statement is reviewed for continued relevance. Emergency meetings may be called to discuss unusual changes in market conditions and their potential effect on the investments, and the possibility of temporary changes to react to these changes.

 

PUBLIC RELATIONS COMMITTEE - NEW!!! 

(Not pictured; Alicia and Jolly in feathered boas)

CHAIRS: Alicia Canning and Jolly Lux

CURRENT AND ACTIVE MEMBERS: Michael Mezheritskiy, Don Bonner, Gary Miller and Bill Barnes

MISSION STATEMENT FOR COMMITTEE:

To increase awareness and build a favorable image for Rotary Club of Avon- Canton by publicizing and building goodwill among the community, philanthropic and special programs, and events that support the mission of Rotary through articles and relevant media outlets.

OBJECTIVES:

  • To build service awareness that generates active member participation through media placements and special events.
  • To create an Interest in the community and build strong community relationships through articles, stories in the media that will entice membership recruitment.
  • To provide information to gain an understanding of our services and the impact we create in our local communities and around the world.
  • To build a positive image for Rotary for member retainment

PAST PROJECTS/ACCOMPLISHMENTS:

This is a brand new initiative but we are enthusiastic about its growth and the positive impact on the communities we support. Please refer to meeting notes for July 19th, 2021

We will need a date, by who and what channel to publicize the following and more

1. An article will be written about the new club leadership for 2021-2022
2. The Favarh Initiative will be publicized
3. The water Project will be publicized

4. The golf tournament will be publicized

ANNUAL BUDGET: Currently not available

MEETING REQUIREMENTS/TIME COMMITMENT: As projects occur you will be asked to give your time. Committee will meet once monthly after a Friday morning meeting.

 

TASTE OF THE VALLEY COMMITTEE 

(Not pictured, a special gift incentive to join this committee - see Colleen for more info)

CHAIRS (2021 / 2022): Josh Gillooly & Colleen Grasso | Josh, Colleen, & Lisa Wright

CURRENT & ACTIVE MEMBERS:

Don Bonner, Alicia Canning, Ann Clark, Robin DeNicola, Lauren Gardner, Yvonne Gardner, Chuck Joseph, Gary Hyde, Katelyn Kaplan, Christine La Madrid, Jolly Lux, Gary Miller, Heather Pantano, Joann Santiago, Deb Stanwood, Luke Violette

MISSION STATEMENT FOR COMMITTEE:

"The Rotary of Avon-Canton's Annual Tastes-of-the-Valley food and beverage event strives to be one of the premier social events in the Farmington Valley, with a goal of raising funds to be given back to the local, national, and international communities."

PAST COMMITTEE / EVENT ACCOMPLISHMENTS:

2021: 21K Net
2021 Ticket Sales: Sold Out due to COVID Capacity: 130 VIP / 225 Event

GOAL FOR THE NEXT EVENT: 25K net

Adding new level of organization:
  • Appointing "captains" who will hold specific, streamlined, team meetings providing periodic updates back to the group.
  • Increase tickets sales
  • Greater variety of spirit and restaurant participants – cast a wider area to “invite” Marketing for our participants and sponsors. Define a greater value to their business.

MEETING REQUIREMENTS / TIME COMMITMENT:

Beginning in the Fall, the committee meets once a month, in person, when possible.
Closer to the event we will meet bi-weekly or weekly, as needed.
The addition of the captains will reduce the need for the entire committee to meet as frequently. We usually meet at Dish N Dat on a Tuesday evening after work.

 

GOLF TOURNAMENT COMMITTEE 

Co-CHAIRS: Gary Miller, Phil Ferrari, and Sue Budde

CURRENT AND ACTIVE MEMBERS:

Don Bonner – Ad book and tee signs
Gary Hyde – Treasurer
Ann Clark – Registration
Jean Miller (FAVARH) – Gift bag packing and golf bag drop-off Alicia Canning – Tee sign coordinator

Katelyn Kaplan, Deb Korner and Colleen Grasso –

Online Auction Larry Sullivan

FAVARH - Hole-in-One and 50/50 Witnesses

Yvonne and Lauren Gardner – Putting Contest
Colleen Grasso and Lisa Wright – Lunch/Dinner

Colleen Grasso – Grand prizes Chuck Joseph – On-Course beverages

MISSION STATEMENT FOR COMMITTEE:
Plan and produce a premier golf tournament with maximum participation of club members.

PAST PROJECTS/ACCOMPLISHMENTS:
Typical results from past few years averaged approximately $65,000 profit from sponsorships, advertising booklet, and auction/raffle

ANNUAL BUDGET:
Income - $99,000 o $13,875 Advertisements
$50,600 Sponsors o $13,000 Golfers
$13,500 Auction, Raffle, Contests
Expenses - $30,000 o $21,000 Golf Course, Lunch and Dinner $5,000 Printing – booklet and tee signs

Net Profit - $69,000

REQUIREMENTS/TIME COMMITMENT:
Committee Meetings - Biweekly and Weekly – 2 hours per meeting

Sponsorships and Advertising Sales – 5-10 hours average
Auction baskets – 5-10 average
Day of Event Witness – 2 1⁄2 hour shifts
Registration – 3 hours
Contests – 3 hours

 

Nearly all committees are actively recruiting. Do not hesitate to reach out to chairs to learn more. Participating is essential to being a Rotarian!

###

 
 
Special Announcements: None this week.
 
Mail Bag: None this week.
 
Photo Credits: Mike Mezheritskiy [Unless otherwise indicated]
 
Technology Credits: Mike Mezheritskiy [Unless otherwise indicated]
 
Editor's Notes
 
Submission Deadline: Members are kindly encouraged to submit all materials directly to the week's designated editor for inclusion in that week's Early Riser, and to do so as early as possible. Please note that some editions may be published and distributed as early as the Saturday following the most recent meeting, and therefore further contributions will not. be included in that 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?