Presentation
Club Day
Discussion of Proposed Signature Project
Rotary Building @ FAVARH Campus
Paul Mikkelson gave a recap of the thinking of the Community Service Committee: 1. Thinks Rotary needs a partner in this project; 2. Wanted to work with a partner based in Avon or Canton; 3. Sees FAVARH as one or the top organizations in the area. The proposed contribution fro our club is $30,000 per year for five years or $150,000 total. The first contribution would be $90,000 in approximately three years, with the remainder over the following two years. The amount could be adjusted if the club's resources are not at the anticipated level. The committee wants to the project to be seen in the community to gain recognition and possibly members.
Recognition for our contribution would come in the form of the naming of one of the new buildings on the developing FAVARH campus. Our funds would help to outfit this building which would be used to help clients develop life skills. There might be a Rotary Cafe open to the public to provide jobs for clients. The cafe would be adjacent to the walking/biking trail near the campus. Service opportunities for members would be determined. One aspect which has appeal for some members is that FOCUS, the school for individuals with autism, is considering a closer relationship with FAVARH. Our club has given grants to FOCUS in the past.
Q & A Period
Brian O'Donnell wondered about the involvement of other Rotary Clubs? The committee wants to do something as our club for now. Others may be involved later.
Hank Frey thought this was good for both communities and a tremendous idea.
Bob Cave wondered about how FAVARH will help with our golf outing, since that provides most of the club's funds. FAVARH has committed to helping recruit golfers now that they are not having an outing. They will also recruit volunteers to help at the outing.
There was a question about where the project is in getting town approvals. The process has really started. They are working to decide on an architect. They plan to go to the town in early 2017 and hope to break ground in 2017.
Steve Morris says FAVARH sees us as partners. We have had a number of FAVARH employees as members. He plans to join the club whether or not we approve this project.
Kurt Lux was in support of FAVARH and the project. Hoped for ways for individuals to provide assistance. There are ways for members to volunteer, such as in the thrift shop. some one suggested a possible venue for a new chess club.
Gary Roman said that FAVARH is one of the best run ARCS in the state. It has received many state grants and is the second largest non-profit grant recipient in the state. There is a new residential possibility also in Canton.
Rollie Sterrett sees this as an interesting project but wanted a bit more information about the club's financial forecast. Gary Hyde said the club currently is a bit short of what we would need to meet the commitment, assuming we continue other current activities. The first $90,000 would be expected in 2019. Paul Mikkelson and other committee members think this might help us to raise more money. Bob Cave suggested we may need to shift some of our resources.
Larry Sullivan was concerned about gaining as much visibility as possible for our involvement. He suggested that maybe some of the 60 FAVARH vans could add our logo (and maybe this could be a way to recognize or involve other major contributors). That is something for further consideration.
Lots to think about concerning a project which will shape the club's efforts for a number of years.
News from our Global Grant Recipient
We recently received a note and some pictures from the Rotary Club of Littleport, near Ely Cambridgeshire in England.
Greetings from the Rotary Club of Littleport District 1080
Your Scholar Katie Bussiere visited us at our Club yesterday evening to give her presentation. She is a superb ambassador for your club and town and is a credit to the United States - a breath of fresh air following the reporting of your election in the media!
I am enclosing the pictures I took of Katie in action at our club to share with your members.
We are a small club based in a village near Ely Cambridgeshire (which has two clubs). We managed to plant 50,000 purple crocus in support of Polio eradication recently and looking forward to carpets of colour in the spring.
I have family in Mystic CT and visited Hartford and New London, but so far not made it to your town . . . Perhaps something for the future.
Please pass on our greetings to your members and thank them for supporting Katie.
Rot. Philip Laver PHF
This was followed by a note from Katie herself:
Hi Craig,
Greetings from Cambridge! It is wonderful to hear from you. I hope you are doing well. I apologize for not sending an update sooner. I have had my head in the books.
As you might guess, I am loving my experience at Cambridge and now more than ever I am deeply grateful to Rotary for providing me this amazing opportunity. My classes have been running for about six weeks and I am currently writing this term's first essay. The curriculum has met and is exceeding my expectations. I have been learning quite a lot and continue to be impressed by the programme, my professors and colleagues.
Starting in early 2017, I look forward to conducting field research in schools for my dissertation. It looks likely my plans will come to fruition and that I can work with migrant children who are learning English as a second language. I am very happy about that.
My activities outside of academics have been very much Rotary-involved. My primary host, Nigel Nelville, has already accompanied me to three presentations around Cambridgeshire. We also attended a Welcome Evening for scholars (link). I will present to about 15 clubs total before my year is over.
I am also greatly enjoying learning about English culture, and making friends from all around the world.
Please send my warmest greetings to everyone at Rotary.
Best wishes,
Katie
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