Club Meeting - April 4, 2017

 

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 singing of “Take Me Out to the Ball Game”.

 

Members Present: Dale Baker, Gayle Demko, Jed Dery, Jackie Guzie, Gail Handley, Greg Heineman, Richard Kisiel, Jon Kozloski, Luis Lee, Robert Lowell, Don Miner, Cat Morrow, Jack Muska, Paul Pace, Jay Presser, Charles Roumas, Scott Seabury, Gordon Stagg, Nancy Viggiano and Ed Walsh. . (20/35….57.1%).

 

Guests: Heather Lee- wife of Rotarian Luis Lee; Chris Nikolis, Speaker and his wife Denise.

 

 

-Jackie Guzie reaffirmed the weekly meeting location will continue at Suffield by the River through April25, 2017. Beginning with the May 2, 2017 meeting, the locale will be the Suffield Country Club.  

 

- Gail Handley wanted members to be aware Frank DiGennaro had successful back surgery yesterday and is recovering very nicely. All members wish him a speedy recovery.

 

-Jay Presser was proud to inform everyone that member Don Miner has been awarded the prestigious Amiel P. Zak Fund Service Award for outstanding service to the Town in its entirety and to many of its key departments and organizations. Our club unanimously expressed its congratulations.

 

-Greg Heineman spoke regarding the Zero Turn Mower Raffle status. Since the drawing is April 18^th, it is still important that all stubs on SOLD tickets be returned the week before the drawing to ensure their inclusion in the potential winner’s draw. Rotary has in-house over $3000 in proceeds so far, and Greg estimates another $1000 in tickets have been sold to date.

 

Program: President-elect Richard Kisiel introduced tonight’s speaker, Mr. Chris Nikolis re: The Suffield Pan-Mass Challenge (PMC) Kids Ride.

 

Speaker: Chris Nikolis spoke with passion about an event he has overseen in Suffield for at least six years. The Suffield PMC Kids Ride is part of an overarching cancer research fund-raising effort for The Jimmy Fund, a foundation whose proceeds go to The Dana Farber Cancer Institute in the Boston area.  The goal is to treat and eventually cure/eradicate cancer in children and adults. This local Kids Ride has heavy support from all Town service departments, civic groups, schools and local businesses such as the First National Bank of Suffield, Highland Park Market, Suffield Pizza, etc., and Chris has been very appreciative of all of their past efforts. He is seeking the Rotary Club’s support in attracting riders, volunteers, funds, and items or services to be included in the event’s silent auction - anything that will generate proceeds for the cause. Saturday May 13, 2017 will be their sixth in-town Kids Ride. Last year, it raised $46,000 and included 230 riders aged 3-16. This year the goal is 300 riders. This major community event is part of the greater $547 Million fund-raising across New England and the USA. Anyone who wants to contact Chris directly should call 860-796-3644, e-mail him at cnikolis@cox.net or go the website www.kids.pmc.org.

 

Blue Ticket Winners: Richard Kisiel had the winning blue ticket, with sides won by Robert Lowell and Edward Walsh. 

 

Queen of Hearts: Richard Kisiel had the winning ticket, but did not select the Queen of Hearts. Next week’s pot is $131+.

 

Birthdays and Anniversaries: No birthdays, but we celebrated the wedding anniversary of Scott and Linda Seabury.

 

Adjournment: Richard Kisiel, as President-elect, adjourned the meeting with Scott Seabury leading “My Country ‘Tis of Thee” as the closing song.

 

Minutes recorded by Charles Roumas, Secretary on April 4, 2017.