Club Meeting February 7, 2017
 
Opening and Welcome:  President-Elect Richard Kisiel opened the meeting with the Pledge of Allegiance and the recitation of the Rotary Four-Way Test. Scott Seabury gave the invocation including words from Ralph Waldo Emerson and led the singing of “God Bless America”.
 
Members Present: Dale Baker, Gayle Demko, Jed Dery, Frank DiGennaro, Natalie Donais, Gail Handley, Greg Heineman, Richard Kisiel, Jon Kozloski, Luis Lee, Robert Lowell, Don Miner, Paul Pace, Ken Pascoe, Ray Perleoni, Charles Roumas, Scott Seabury, Gordon Stagg, and Nancy Viggiano. (19/37….51.4%).
 
Guests: Visiting Rotarians and tonight’s speakers from the Somers CT Rotary Club- David Reed and Rick Cheney.
 
Announcements:
-Richard Kisiel reaffirmed NO meeting on Feb 14th. Next meeting is the 21st.  There is a board meeting prior to it at 430 pm. Notify Jackie if you want open forum time.
 
-Greg Heineman spoke regarding the Zero Turn Mower Raffle status. Since the drawing is April 18th, it is very important that all stubs on SOLD tickets be returned the week before the drawing to ensure their inclusion in the potential winner’s draw. Also, on a suggestion by Gordon Stagg, Greg will coordinate a Kettle Drive at the Dunkin Donuts and Highland Park Market either late March or early April displaying the mower and promoting its ticket sales. Greg will distribute a sign-up sheet with time slots for member volunteers to ring bells and generate ticket sales at these locations. Paul Pace suggested to optimize this effort the club should review the Town’s calendar, and those of other key organizations to ensure no date conflicts exist, or perhaps opportunities to gain more visibility.
 
Program: Dominican Republic- Puerto Plata Province- La Colorada Clean Water Project
 
Speakers: Rick Cheney, former President of Somers Rotary, and David Reed, current Somers Honorary member, spoke passionately about an annual project they have been involved with, now in its fourth year. They were asking Suffield Rotary to collaborate with the Enfield and Somers clubs financially and otherwise in the purchase and installation of BioSand Water Filters for 100+ houses in the rural villages in the Puerto Plata province. Rick and Dave will be attempting to secure a District and Foundation Grant, with the assistance of Pam Lupoli, and a commitment of some kind from Suffield prior to March 2nd would help substantially.
 
Background: Four years ago, they personally visited villages such as La Colorada where the mortality rate amongst families, especially children was very high from water borne illnesses. The only water available was polluted, and the average life span was very short. Huts were made from palettes and other repurposed materials with poor protection from the elements.
 
 The Rotarians have viewed huge changes in this population over the last three years by specifically providing houses with these water filters.  These filters directly improved the health of the residents. As a result, the adults in the villages were able to have the strength and determination to build better housing and schools. The schools provide lunch, which for many is the only meal they have each day. Filters are also installed at the schools, but many more are needed. Once La Colorada has been properly saturated with clean water filters, these Rotarians hope to expand this program throughout the Puerto Plata Province and other parts of The Dominican Republic.
 
The plastic filters cost $90 each and last 25 years for use by 5-7 persons. Within 90 minutes, the filters provide five gallons of clean water. There are also concrete versions of these filters that can be made locally there for half the cost, but their weight makes them impossible to transport into the towns and homes. Our club members felt that portability and accessibility of the plastic filters made them a much more effective option despite the cost differential.
 
There is only upside potential for this population based upon Rotary’s efforts. The Somers folks created a 501 (c) (3) registered as Rotary Club of Somers Charitable Fund Inc. Richard Kisiel thanked the speakers for their appeal and their past efforts, and told them Suffield will provide a response shortly.
 
Blue Ticket Winners: Dale Baker had the winning blue ticket, with sides won by Don Miner and our Rotary Club (ticket drawn was at beginning of roll).
 
Queen of Hearts: Gayle Demko was the winning red ticket holder and picked the QUEEN OF HEARTS. CONGRATULATIONS GAYLE. Winning pot was $258!
 
Birthdays and Anniversaries: None
 
Adjournment: Richard Kisiel adjourned the meeting with Scott Seabury leading “My Country ‘Tis of Thee” as the closing song.
 
Minutes recorded by Charles Roumas, Secretary on February 7, 2017.