E-News for Week of April 27, 2020 (Apr 27, 2020)

"The Ramblings of the Mad Hatter"

Greetings Trenton Rotarians!

It has been an interesting time these last several weeks. Shelter In Place. Practice social distancing. The world has definitely changed. It's been very different for Jackie and me. I can't remember the last time that we haven't gone into work for more than a week. But, we are doing what we can to help flatten the curve.

One thing that hasn't changed is your dedication to "Doing the Right Thing." I am so honored to be President of a club that has continued to make a difference during these crazy times. From "Downriver for Veterans," to the Trenton Food Pantry, to the Salvation Army, you are making sure that those in need are being taken care of. If you hear of, or are taking part in, any other project to help others, please pass this information on to the club. I am sure that there are members who would like to take part in projects like these.

We haven't been able to meet as a club, but we are continuing to hold weekly meetings. Every Monday at noon, we hold a "Zoom" meeting. It is wonderful to see those who are able to attend. I don't know about you, but I MISS seeing my friends. If you would like to attend, please join us at zoom.us. Join a meeting, then enter meeting ID 303 934 1224 and your name. The password is 528572. I look forward to seeing all of you again.

Hopefully, those of you who are less active due to being unable to work full time are accomplishing all those things that you previously wished you had time to take care of. I'm trying to, although it's not the same when you actually have time to do them. I have become very creative in coming up with an excuse not to do things. I AM doing my part to "flatten the curve," however. I've walked/jogged over 170 miles since this has started. It's amazing what one can do when one doesn't have anything to do.

I wish all of you the very best during these uncertain times. I hope to see you at Monday's "Zoom" meeting. Please stay safe and healthy. But continue to connect the world by doing the right thing. Be the living example of "Service Above Self."

Yours In Rotary,

Matt Hatty
President, The Rotary Club of Trenton, Michigan

Pets back on - Virtually from home

The Joint PETS and District Assembly Event planned for May 16 has been canceled.

PETS will now be held virtually on ZOOM and will take place in two sessions:

Saturday, May 16 from 9:30 – 11:30 A.M.
Sunday, May 17 from 1:30 – 3:30 P.M.

All Presidents-Elect and Assistant Governors will receive an email with the meeting links. No registration is required.

District Assembly (DA): In place of the District Assembly we are arranging online sessions for Membership, Public Relations, Secretary Training, Treasurer Training, Rotary Grants, DACdb, Youth Exchange and Foundation Giving and Recognitions. The dates and time are yet to be decided and will be emailed to Club Officers and Assistant Governors once they are set.

All of the above training events will be recorded and will be made available online to all District 6400 Rotarians.

Sincerely,

DGE Noel and DT Rick

(aka Captain Rotary and his SideRick.)

Trenton Rotary Response to Covid

Trenton Rotarians Mike Doyle, Tom Dickman, Ann Rudisill and Larry Kearney have had their hands full since the Covid 19 emergence last month.

Mike has been leading and packing lunches for hundreds of children in the Trenton School District. Students families are driving up and picking up lunch free of charge. This helps take some pressure off of the food pantries and a great way the School District has been helping with childhood hunger.

Larry has been no slouch hauling load after load of food to the Salvation Army in Wyandotte. His efforts has needed $1600 in checks and food for the Salvation Army, who are being hammered by the demand from Northern and Middle Downriver for help.

Tom has been looking for help for Christnet, who has sought out and gained a Covid-19 site in the St. Elizabeth's Parish Center for the homeless that Christnet served, keeping them safe and preventing them from passing Covid-19 to their community. If you would like to help, reach out to any of these 3 Rotarians, they can help.

And lastly, but not the least, Ann and her charity Downriver for Veterans has been packing meals and delivering them out to veterans who are unable to leave their homes or are in financial need because of the crisis. Normally they pack meals every Friday and delivery is on Saturday.

If you feel uncomfortable with leaving your home, you can always send in your checks for Salvation Army to Larry, Christnet to Tom or Downriver for Veterans to Ann. The money will go a long way.

Kathy and Matt helping out Downriver for Veterans deliver meals

Brew Rotary Group by Bill Jasman

The hard core brew group had a meeting from 5:00 PM to 6:00 PM. A few hard core drinkers were left. (picture attached) 131 members of the 1000 members around the world met and discussed how the BREW group donates money for Water Projects around the world and the WSRAG group presented how the wer using the money. You can join for as little as $20.00 for an annual membership or $100 for a lifetime membership. We are going to be meeting on Zoom quarterly and what's better than a world wide group Rotarians who enjoy beer and raise money for water projects. You can join at https://www.rotarybrew.org/

Beer Action Group 4 Way Test

1. Is it ice COLD?

2. Is there ENOUGH for ALL concerned?

3.Will it build GOOD TIMES and MUCH BETTER FRIENDSHIPS?

4. Can it get any BETTER than this?

Picture of Brew Group

Grosse Ile Rotary Club Zoom Meeting

Thursday night a group of Trenton Rotarians joined the Grosse Ile Club for their weekly zoom meeting. Matt Hatty, Kathy Kane, Ronnie Ruelle, Mike McCullough and DGE Noel Jackson had the opportunity to listen to RI President Mark Maloney give an update about Rotary. What a great experience!

Trenton Rotary Happy Hour

To access the online version of the magazine and keep up to date on the articles, use this link: http://therotarianmagazine.com/