Steve Morris had a great time snowshoeing in Maine, though it was warm for January at plus 5 degrees. He was also happy and proud that the New York State Department of Developmental Disabilities thought enough of FAVARH's work to send a delegation to come to Canton to learn about it.

Joanne Santiago was happy that Nancy Nation was doing so well after surgery and to celebrate Devra's birthday. She also noted that her late mother had recently received a Congressional Gold Medal for her service in the Civil Air Patrol during her life.

Peter Vignati related a story about a "treasures" box his wife has kept since they married in 1989. Inside he found a Time magazine which coincidentally included the text of an interview with Donald Trump, then still in his 40's. Mr. Trump, who was inaugurated as the 45th president of the United States later this very morning, was asked if he would consider running for president. His answer at the time was, "no, I am not interested at this time, but if I were to run, I'd win." Peter expressed his hope, and that of most Americans, that the new administration under Mr. Trump does good things, and wished them well.

Larry Sullivan said "I've been saying for awhile, help is on the way. Today is the day."

Jolly Lux, was happy to report  that the health clinic in Uganda that she advocates for and supports is poised to provide year around care. This effort has been aided by a new, significant contribution of $20,000.00 from the Cigna corporation. Further, Cigna is interested in partnering with us in our charitable efforts. Finally, Jolly is pleased to welcome her new intern.

Bill Barnes was happy that the tradition of recognizing Friday the 13th, as we did the previous week, was alive and well. He noted that the holiday was founded by 13 Baptist brothers, a hundred years ago at Colgate University. Our own Rollie Sterrett is notable for having been present for the occasion. Bill thanked Dale Bronson for providing "an erudite, professorial lecture on “triskaidekaphobia” and promised to prepare to deliver a similarly stimulating and scholarly presentation on “paraskevidekatriaphobia" at the next opportunity, on the occasion of Friday, October 13th, of this year. [Editor's pronunciation suggestion: parr-a-skev-i-dek-a-tria-pho-bi-a.]

Bob Cave encouraged Bill Barnes to find something more to do before October.

Paul Mikkelson introduced the voting process for our long discussed decision on our planned Rotary Initiative. The Initiative will be accomplished in collaboration with FAVARH. The Rotary Club of Avon-Canton has proposed to provide support to FAVARH in the amount of $30,000.00 per year for 5 years under the terms of an agreement worked out between both parties. It has been determined that a 2/3 vote of the membership is to be required to pass this measure. With 67 members, 46 votes were required for passage. An email ballot, previously sent and tallied, resulted in 54 yes votes by the time of our meeting today. With the 2/3 majority achieved, the measure passed. Paul thanked Steve Morris for his cooperation with the committee's many requests for information, Gary Miller, Nancy Nation & Linda Pendergast for their support and most of all, Don Bonner for helping to move this project through all the necessary steps to achieve consensus and passage. He also thanked the entire Community Service Committee for their hard work in this effort.

The committee will meet the last Friday of the month, right after our regular Rotary meeting, and currently includes Paul, Nancy, Don, Heather, Mike, Kurt and Dale.  Additions are welcome to join.

Next steps will include finalizing the agreement with the FAVARH board, a photo opportunity, development of press releases and ongoing news releases as the project progresses. It's all very exciting!!!