Club Meeting Aug 23, 2016

 

Opening and Welcome:  President Jackie Guzie opened the meeting with the Pledge of Allegiance and the recitation of the Rotary Four-Way Test. Scott Seabury gave the invocation and led the club singing of “God Bless America”.

 

Members Present: Dale Baker, Joe Blake, Blair Childs, Gayle Demko, Jed Dery, Frank DiGennaro, Guy Fortunato, Jackie Guzie, Gail Handley, Greg Heineman, Richard Kisiel, Luis Lee, Don Miner, Jack Muska, Paul Pace, Ken Pascoe, Jay Presser, Charles Roumas, Scott Seabury, Thomas Sullivan, and Nancy Viggiano. 21/35   60%

 

Guests: Kelly, Erin and Ralph Carucci. 

 

Announcements: Dale Baker reminded members he had asked Scott Seabury to do a primer to educate all of us on the life achievements of George Whitefield, also known as George Whitfield,  who was an English Anglican cleric who helped spread the Great Awakening in Britain and, especially, in the American colonies.  Scott will do so in September/October. In the interim, Dale made a hearty recommendation to members to read the book If You Can Keep It written by Eric Metaxas, as preparation. It focuses on a critical analysis of our Founding Fathers’ original intentions for America. The genesis of Metaxas’ title comes from a moment in 1787, when the Constitution was drafted, a woman asked Ben Franklin what the founders had given the American people. "A republic," he shot back, "if you can keep it."

 

Dick Kisiel reminded members he is still distributing tickets for the Chicken BBQ, and now collecting sales receipts. Ken Pascoe emphasized the importance of these ticket sales to the club. He has hundreds of chickens ready for consumption for a worthy cause. To that end, he mentioned the Rotary hut set-up at Suffield on the Green will begin on Wed Sept 7, and he will need volunteers. It is our hope to refresh/paint the hut in prep for the event.

 

Guy Fortunato wanted volunteers and participants at the recent Packard Golf Tourney to know that many SHS students have found their own ways to show support for this continued remembrance of Glenn. Some played in the tourney, while others have put stickers or words of appreciation on signs that were used at the tourney.

 

Program:  Ken Pascoe invited three members of the Carucci family, Kelly, Erin and their father Ralph to discuss a funding request for a refurbished “GUN 6000” shooting/rebounding machine to be used by both the girls’ and boys’ basketball teams at SHS. The machine will facilitate shooting accuracy of both teams and the ability for enhanced self-practice. Total cost is $4200 plus shipping, but Kelly and Erin have already raised over $2000 towards it and are approaching many town businesses and organizations as sponsors. All sponsors will have their names appearing on the equipment. The teams will have 9 months to raise the total funds but will receive machine delivery in the next two weeks based upon their success to date. Kelly and Erin took several questions from members and provided a truly enthusiastic presence. The board and membership will consider the estimated $4-500 request in our budget process.

 

Birthdays and Anniversaries: None

 

Blue Ticket Winners:  Dale Baker had the winning blue ticket, with sides won by Don Miner and Nancy Viggiano.

 

Queen of Hearts:  Jay Presser had the winning ticket, but did not select the queen. Next week’s drawing $543+.

 

Adjournment: Jackie Guzie adjourned the meeting and Scott Seabury led “My Country ‘Tis of Thee” as the closing song.

 

 

Minutes recorded by Charles Roumas, Secretary on August 23, 2016.