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 invocation led the club singing of “God Bless America”.
Members Present: Dale Baker, Karen Berasi, Joe Blake, Gayle Demko, Jed Dery, Frank DiGennaro, Natalie Donais, Greg Heineman, Heidi Huhn Partain, Richard Kisiel, Jon Kozloski, Luis Lee, Don Miner, Jack Muska, Ken Pascoe, Roger Pratt, Jay Presser, Don Rawling, Charles Roumas, Scott Seabury, Thomas Sullivan and Nancy Viggiano. (22/33….66.7%).
Guests: Patrick McMahon, our presenter tonight and Rick Butera, guest of Heidi Huhn Partain.
Announcements: President Kisiel made several announcements:
- Several requests for funding have been received. Prior to discussion of the requests Charles will investigate the details of the groups requesting.
- Fundraising. Dick attended the Windsor Locks Rotary March 9 Beer and Wine event and encourages our club to plan a similar event this year (which would need a chairperson). Their fundraiser has raised over $4000.
PROGRAM: Patrick McMahon was introduced (in lieu of Christos Nikolis) to provide an overview of the PMC bike fundraiser. The PMC ride began in 1981 and benefits the Jimmy Fund for cancer research100% of the funds raised goes to the Jimmy Fund. The PMC ride is the largest sports fundraiser in the nation. This is the tenth year Suffield has participated; Suffield is the only CT town which includes a kid’s ride (2 ½ mile route on Hill Street). In 2017 PMC Suffield hosted 200 riders and raised $51,000. Suffield has raised $190,000 over the past ten years.
The PMC needs help advertising. The ride is held May 12 – a Saturday – starting at 9 AM. Log into www.PMC.org to donate to a specific rider or to the event. And spread the word!!
Blue Ticket Winners: Congratulations to the Blue ticket winner Patrick; with a sides won by Natalie and Gayle.
Queen of Hearts: Don Miner had the winning red ticket but did not select the Queen of Hearts. Total winning pot now stands at $219+.
Birthdays and Anniversaries: None
Adjournment: Richard Kisiel closed the meeting with the song “My Country Tis of Thee”.
Next week’s meeting (Mar 28) – Suffield Rotary Student of the Month.