Birthdays

 

David Burgh - May 22
 

 

Treasurer’s Report: Gary Hyde reported the details of the Club's funds, including those that are unrestricted, the Scholarship Fund and the FAVARH Support Fund, a money market account. The 2016 Golf Tournament net and recent TOTV net were also reported.

 

Financial Review & Advisory Committee: Don Bonner reported "everything was just fine" however he added that when the Club funds member projects or favored organizations, complete documentation should be sought and maintained.

 

Investment-Scholarship Fund Committee: Craig Buhrendorf reported that Scholarship funding was invested in a Global Mix Vanguard Index Fund made up of approximately 50% stocks and 50% bonds. Since 2007 our average return has been 7.3%, though YTD this year we stand at 4.3%. Each year, $8000.00, or approximately 4%, is taken to support our scholarships.

 

Rotary Foundation Committee: Don Bonner, reporting for Joanne Santiago, indicated the committee is doing a great job.

 

End-Polio Committee: Gary Miller detailed the workings of the Polio Plus initiative, and went on to explain that Club member's Rotary Foundation contributions must either be partially and specifically designated to go towards the Polio initiative, or a separate check should be written and directed towards the initiative. Our goal is to receive $26.50 from each of our 68 members, and failing that for the Club to make up the difference. With only 5 cases worldwide last year, the goal is in sight!

 

Membership Committee: Len Dunstan reported our Club has 68 members, and is the second largest in Connecticut, trailing only Glastonbury which has 76 members. Said Len, "Our main goal is keeping members happy and keeping member numbers up." To that end, the committee is working on the Pub Night program, mixing up the dates and locations. In the works is a new membership brochure with current photographs of our local activities. Finally, Heather Pantono is working on a new Membership Manual which is outstanding, even while still in the draft stage.

 

Bylaws Review Committee: Rollie Sterrett noted the adoption of the new Bylaws just moments before and acknowledged the committee members for their hard work: Salin Low, Tom Voorhees, Bob Cave, Larry Sullivan and himself. The Committee met 8 times and successfully revised the 2003 Bylaws for 2017 service and beyond. Of particular note, is an appendix which includes detailed job descriptions for officers.

 

Amber Alert Committee: Tom Vorhees explained the Amber Alert program, a national effort to prevent and resolve missing children crises.

Our Club became involved in 2006, and since then have held 126 Amber Alert registration sessions, enrolled 4592 kids, issued 6253 ID cards and received revenue in support of the program totaling over $7,500.00. The largest enrollment ever was 140 kids at Pine Grove School. This past August we enrolled between 35 and 40 new kids. Nationally in 2015, there has been 800,000 missing children, with 868 children found with the program. In 2015, 182 Amber Alerts were issued in Connecticut, with over 75% being family related. The other ~25% were non-family abductions.

 

Public Relations Committee: Heather Pantano reported on the Club's Facebook page and asked members to log on and "Like" our page, as well as to invite friends and family to do likewise (no pun)! By capitalizing on the page's free advertising we can grow the club and build awareness.

 

Community Service Committee: Don Bonner reporting for Paul Mikkelson indicated that we expect to divide the Golf Tournament proceeds equally  to support both the Community Service  Committee funding distribution and the FAVARH Initiative.

 

FAVARH Initiative Committee: Don Bonner reported we have fulfilled our initial $30,000.00 commitment to FAVARH, and we are in great shape financially going forward.

 

International Service Committee: Craig Buhrendorf read the committees new mission statement which states, "Our funding priorities are for projects that provide clean water, basic healthcare, basic education or vocational training. We prefer to work with organizations that have local, direct control over their projects and can provide feedback on our investments." The committee includes 7 people, and meets only when a grant request is pending. Craig indicated the mission statement is now prominently displayed on top of the new grant application form, available on our website. To date $11,000.00 has been allocated for projects in Dominican Republic, Guatemala, India, Nigeria and Uganda.

 

Youth Services Committee: Gary Miller reported the Club supported two students to attend RYLA at Springfield College. Goals include re-establishing closer connections with school superintendents and principles, relationships we have had previously. Don Bonner stated his goal for next year is to have the Club focus more intently on youth, in particular through Interact and Ryla.

 

Golf Tournament Committee: Larry Sullivan reported the date of the Golf Tournament will be 9/11/2017 and that participation and fundraising kits were distributed to members this morning. New this year are detailed instruction sheets which explain to members how to obtain the necessary information and to whom to give completed ad order forms and deposit checks. "Please follow them", he added. The Golf Tournament dinner will remain at the Golf Club of Avon due to expected numbers attending. Larry further reported that he has found it necessary to divide the work previously done by Nancy Nation on her own, to no fewer than 5 people. This shows just how hard a worker and loyal a Club member Nancy is and has been, he continued. Rollie and Scott N. will be the "Sales Managers" and each will have assistant managers assigned to them. Salin will collect the funds and keep track of them and Sue B. will serve as "Ad Coordinator."

 

Taste of the Valley Committee: Don Bonner speaking for Josh Giloolly indicated the TOTV event was very successful this year and continues to grow.

 

Early Riser Committee: Salin Low, Early Riser organizer and Editor-in-Chief acknowledged Arnie Goldman, Larry Haber and Gary Miller for their work as regular Early Riser editors. Arnie Goldman's promotion to Assistant Chief Editor  ("ACE") was announced to great surprise on Dr. Goldman's part, considering he had not expected such an honor, nor the accompanying raise!

 

Avon Day Committee: Steve Harris reported Avon Day will forever more be called "Celebrate Avon" and will be held on September 23rd.

Our Club will have a food booth staffed with member volunteers.

 

Sunshine Committee: Ann Clark reported the Sunshine Committee sends cards, flowers and/or donations on behalf of Rotarians or their family members during personally challenging times or family emergencies to express our support.

 

Senior Luncheon Committee: Salin Low reported that thanks to the generosity of fellow Rotarian Chuck Joseph, owner of Stop & Shops in Canton and West Hartford, our luncheons have had no expenses and are well appreciated.

 

Breakfast with Santa Committee: No report. As of today, 5/19/2017, there are only 220 days until Christmas!

 

Tutoring in Hartford: No report.

 

Chess Club in Hartford: No report.

 

Constitution Committee: Review and revision are to be begun during the next year. No report at this time.