Tunxis Tattler - Special Edition

 

September 3^rd Meeting - Our guest speaker was Diane Kennedy’s sister who was visiting from Colorado, Joyce Kennedy.  Joyce is an active member of the People and Pollinators Action Network.  She talked about the many different species of bees, and asked us to become familiar with our own species of native bees in CT and their contribution to the environment.  As bees are responsible for one third of our food source making our food more colorful and abundant, Joyce also recommended that we convert some of our back yards or businesses to a pollinator safe habitat, and limit the use of pesticides and other harmful chemicals.

 

September 10^th Meeting - Cate Grady-Benson, Vice President, and Liz Dolphin, Executive Director from the Farmington Land Trust were our guest speakers.  We also had a special visit from Asst. District Governor Sue Chatfield, who brought along a potential new member, Dawn Lazarus. Cate spoke of the Land Trust’s mission as well as the locations of Farmington’s preserved open land spaces, hiking trails, etc.  The Farmington Land Trust is hosting 2 fundraising events in September.  “Party in the Pasture – Preserving Our Legacy” will be held under the stars at their West District Nature Preserve on Thursday, September 19^th at 5:30pm.  This is a wonderful evening serving farm-to-table, wines, live music and friends committed to preserving open space in Farmington.  “Celebrate the Great Outdoors” will be a community wide event held at their West District Nature Preserve on Saturday, September 21^st from 4-7pm.  Enjoy an afternoon of great food, music, games, hayrides and guided nature-walks.  If interested, please see the Farmington Land Trust’s website for more information.

 

September 17^th Meeting - Courtney Yost, Office and Events Manager from Bridge Healing Arts Center located on 304 Main St. in Farmington was our guest speaker. Bridge Healing Arts Center is Connecticut’s first synergistic wellness community bringing together a wealth of holistic practitioners including naturopaths, energy healers, acupuncturists, yoga, massage therapists, and nutritionists and more all under one roof.  Courtney explained the philosophy of holistic health care and its approach to treating the ‘whole person’, not simply symptoms and disease.  Practitioners strive to balance mind, body, spirit and emotions, look at aspects of a person’s lifestyle and health issues, and then help to design a plan for treatment to achieve optimal wellness.  Please visit their website at www.bridgehac.com for more information.

 

FIRST RESPONDERS APPRECIATION BREAKFAST - What an emotional and wonderful event to recognize the dedication and sacrifice of Farmington’s First Responders!  Over 100 meals were served, and so many of our club’s Rotarians showed up to help.  Thank you to Phil for your generosity for preparing, cooking, and serving such a delicious breakfast!  Hats off to our president Elizabeth who presented the idea to the club, and worked hard to see the event was executed perfectly.  She has received so many texts, calls, and emails from those who attended expressing their gratitude.  In addition to Farmington’s first responders and first responder leaders, many members of Farmington’s Town Council, the Town Manager, State Representatives, State Senators, clergy, Ion Bank senior leaders, and many Rotarians were in attendance.  A special thank you to our piano maestro, Albert Tomasso. (Albert was kind enough to send the club a thank you note for allowing to speak at our meeting a few weeks ago). Lastly a huge thank you to our sponsor Ion Bank and all of our donors, without their generosity these events would not be possible.  Please visit our Rotary Club of Farmington’s Facebook page to see all of the wonderful photos taken at the breakfast.  Also, thank you to all of you who shared so many of your pictures with me to share on Facebook.  I’ve included many more of the photos in this Tattler for those of you who have been asking for pictures to share with attendees, the newspaper, websites etc.  Enjoy!