Posted by Charles Roumas on May 24, 2017
Club Meeting May 23, 2017
 
Opening and Welcome:  On behalf of Jackie Guzie and Dick KisielSecretary Charles Roumas 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 singing of “God Bless America”.
 
Members Present: Dale Baker, Gayle Demko, Jed Dery, Greg DeSantis, Natalie Donais, Ralph Fletcher, Gail Handley, Greg Heineman, Robert Lowell, Don Miner, Cat Morrow, Jack Muska, Paul Pace, Ken Pascoe, Ray Perleoni, Jay Presser, Donald Rawling, Charles Roumas, Scott Seabury, Gordon Stagg, Thomas Sullivan and Nancy Viggiano. (22/35…63%).
 
Guests: None.
 
Announcements/Program: In lieu of a formal program, there were several announcements:
 
- Charles was pleased to welcome back Rotarian Ralph Fletcher, and, on a more somber note, ask everyone to keep the victims of last night’s Manchester bombings in their thoughts and prayers. He then had a few trivia questions for members on Rotary history (Paul Harris bio), and US Presidential history. The Presidential history was supplemental to school curriculum; it involved the most notable poker players, and most talented golfers.
 
-Dale Baker reminded members this upcoming Memorial Day weekend is not just a long weekend/day off. We honor all the men and women who died in service to our country. That reminder is, and should always be, of great importance to all of us.
 
- Past President and Rotary Foundation Chair Jay Presser spoke passionately about our annual member solicitation for the Rotary International Foundation. It is always listed in respected business publications and by watchdog groups as one of the Top Five charities with the most beneficial global impact. The Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, and RI, often work jointly on global causes. (Secretary’s note: Bill Gates is actually keynote speaker at this year’s RI Convention).
 
Jay is accepting contributions over the next three weeks for deposit in our club account; he then sends a single cumulative check from the club to the Foundation with an itemized list of donors and amounts. Members can also go on the Foundation website and pledge donations via credit card, but please inform our Chair if using this method. Lastly, once RI receives our contributions, they are retained for three years of interest compounding to optimize value. Subsequently, 50% goes back to the District for project grant matching and 50% to international projects.
 
-Co-Chairs Gayle Demko and Jed Dery of our annual Packard Golf Tourney Committee kicked off their first meeting tonight with 11 participants. The tournament is August 11, 2017. Gayle is very pleased with initial progress. She reminded all club members to mark this critical date on their calendars; wine, alcohol, and other donated items that will generate proceeds to the event will be accepted commencing two weeks from the tourney.
 
-Ken Pascoe announced as follow up to his email that the annual Paul Harris Award Selection Committee will meet directly following this meeting. Committee members should preferably be past winners to facilitate discussion. Ideally the club looks to recognize one member of the club, and also a non-member resident or community business person worthy of the honor. 
 
Blue Ticket Winners: Greg DeSantis had the winning blue ticket, with sides won by Charles Roumas and the club (last ticket on roll).
 
Queen of Hearts: Ray Perleoni had the winning red ticket, but did not select the Queen of Hearts; next week’s pot is $274+.
 
Birthdays and Anniversaries: Ken Pascoe thanked the club for the wedding anniversary flowers sent to him and Paula. Charles announced next Tuesday is Scott Seabury’s birthday, so he must be present for his special club song.
 
Adjournment: Charles Roumas adjourned the meeting at 655 pm with Scott Seabury leading the members in “My Country ‘Tis of Thee” as the closing song.
 
Next Week: There is a Suffield Rotary Board Meeting Tuesday May 30 at 430 pm; members wishing a time slot should notify President Jackie Guzie. Also, there is no formal program/speaker set as of yet for the regular Tuesday meeting on the 30th. 
 
Minutes recorded by Charles Roumas, Secretary on May 23, 2017.