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 Gordonreported 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 Hydethe 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.
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 COMMITTEE: The 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:
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 PROSPECTIVE: Sue 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
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)
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!
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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?