Gary Miller had $5 for the meetings missed over the past few weeks while visiting with his daughter and her family in Baton Rouge. Gary echoed Gary Hyde's comment that Friday's at Rotary are a wonderful start to the weekend and missed when away on travel.
Sue Budde said that 500 dogs have been placed in new homes by Dog Star. She has rejoined the group as their Volunteer Coordinator.
Linda Pendergast liked her new badge. When she first joined the club, she was in the stationery business. Her first badge was misspelled and listed her vocation as "Stationary". The first version of her new badge made the same mistake. Today she was happy to report that her vocation was listed correctly.
Phil Worley said that Pub Night at Old Saybrook Fishhouse was well attended on Tuesday. The next Pub Night will be at Avon Old Farms Hotel.
Brian O'Donnell for being the one woman to make last week's snowy meeting with 14 total attendees.
Joanne Santiago said that she was looking for nominations for our annual community Paul Harris Fellow awards. Anyone with a recommendation should contact Joanne and provide a recommendation/justification.
Announcements
Don Bonner read a thank you note from Carrie Firestone who received $2000 from the Community Service Committee on the spot when she came to our club meeting to talk about her project. Her note says, "I hope you all truly know how cherished you are. Your generous act of giving to support the displaced Puerto Rican families created a ripple effect. So many, inspired by your generosity, jumped in to help. The Hartford School reps were overcome with gratitude when they received the [218] gift bags. Thank you, thank you for ALL your do to ease the burden of poverty, assist people with special needs and SO much more. Happy, healthy 2018 to you all. Carrie Firestone."
Don also announced that plans for Tastes of the Valley 2018 are moving along. Seabury and ShopRite of Canton are sponsors.
Gary Hyde announced that each member has 4 regular tickets ($50) to use or sell. Anyone wishing to upgrade or obtain VIP tickets should contact Chuck Joseph. Tickets can be bought online on the Club's website. Checks should be made out to "Avon-Canton Rotary Community Fund, Inc." which is our 501c3 charity. Gary asked that the ticket numbers be written in the Memo field. The information on the back of each ticket should also be filled in.
Bruce Sayward announced that Rotary Means Business will be discussed next Friday after the meeting. Anyone with questions about the new business networking initiative should hang around for the 15-20 minute meeting.
Calendar of Upcoming Events
Saturday, February 24: Taste of the Valley, at Farmington Gardens.
Rick Heath - December 9th - Rick has been very busy over the past month which resulted in a belated celebration. The Heaths sold one house, moved into temporary quarters and bought a new house. Rick opened two new wings at Seabury. Unfortunately he also lost his father. Our condolences to Rick and Chris. 
Gary Hyde - January 2nd - Gary has been a member since 2003 plus three years back in the 1980's. He has been our Treasurer for many of those years. He has watched the club grow and enjoyed the information he as learned from our guests over the years. Gary said his Friday's with fellow members has been the best investment of his time. 
