Posted by Gayle Demko on Feb 04, 2019
Club Meeting January 29, 2019
 
Opening and Welcome:  President Dick Kisiel opened the meeting with the Pledge of Allegiance and the recitation of the Rotary Four-Way Test.  Scott Seabury provided the invocation and led the club singing of “God Bless America”.
 
Members Present:  Dale Baker, Gayle Demko, Jed Dery, Frank DiGennaro, Natalie Donais, Gail Handley, Greg Heineman, Jackie Hemond,  Richard Kisiel, Jon Kozloski, Luis Lee, Don Miner, Jack Muska, Ken Pascoe, Roger Pratt, Jay Presser, Scott Seabury, Tom Sullivan and Nancy Viggiano.  (19/31….61%).
 
Guests: Linda Seabury
 
Announcements: 
Dick welcomed Linda to the meeting.
 
Greg Heineman reports Suffield Rotary is scheduled to attend the Yardgoats vs the Yankees on June 4; game begins at 7 pm.  We look forward to this social!
 
Dick described the Membership meeting as a lively one which produced a good discussion. Several priorities were identified and will be further explored the first meeting of each month for the next few months.  This positive focus upon initiatives can transport the group into an even more dedicated and productive community force. 
 
Nancy has asked the members of the Wine Tasting Committee to attend a meeting to begin at 5 pm, prior to the weekly meeting next week.  The date of this event has been noted as May 17 at Suffield By The River.
 
Dick attended the Opioid Crisis meeting noting that Suffield averages two suicide attempts per month. He will continue to monitor what Rotary might do to assist with Suffield’s needs.
 
July 1 begins the 60th anniversary of the formation of Suffield Rotary.  Plans for a celebration will be forthcoming.
 
Jon K will chair the Golf tournament this year; scheduled for August 9, 2019.  He looks forward to the club’s assistance with this effort!
 
Program:
Our own Scott Seabury related his history and personal experiences in the making of both the book and movie “A Promise to Astrid”.  His remarkable story documents how this unassuming neighbor in the 1980s in Chicopee effected and changed a small community through a series of anonymous, life changing acts of kindness.  Scott’s portrayal of a kind and modest sole was both humbling and uplifting; each member of the audience recognized the spirit of Rotary (service above self) in this kind lady and were re-ignited with the resolve to do the same.  We are honored to have Scott’s inspiration within our club and highly anticipate the opportunity for a group viewing of the video demonstrating Astrid’s selfless and motivating acts of kindness.
 
Blue Ticket Winners: Blue ticket winner was Luis with side winners Scott and Tom S.
Queen of Hearts:  Don Miner had the winning ticket and did not pull the Queen of Hearts.  Total winning pot now stands at $219.
 
Birthdays and Anniversaries: Luis Lee’s birthday was celebrated this evening.
Adjournment: Scott closed the meeting with a group singing of “My Country Tis of Thee”.
 
Next week’s meeting–Feb 5
Business Meeting – Membership Initiatives.