Larry Haber shared that he had returned the day before from a vacation in Puerto Rico where it was 100 degrees (rubbing it in that we were at 30 degrees when the meeting started). He had to have a negative COVID test before going, and it was more locked down than CT with temperature checks, etc. But the beaches were great, and the people were friendly.
Jennifer Gonalez had taken food to Phil Ferrari and visited with him and wife Beth. He misses "attending" the meetings, but it takes him at least an hour to get going in the morning. We are looking forward to his return. She was also happy that she had passed her skills test to complete her EMT training.
Joanne Santiago reported that Peter Vignati had been in touch with Les Zinner who has been diagnosed with a rare but treatable form of cancer. (Your scribe doesn't hear well enough to get the exact form). Members are asked to keep Les in your thoughts and prayers as he goes through treatment.
Capri Brigenti was filled with a desire for Peace, Love, & Happiness. She had spent 10 days with her mom who was suffering with COVID and dementia. There was not a good prognosis for her mom, because she was a "long hauler" with prolonged effects of the virus. Capri was crying but thankful for the time with her mother and that her mother seemed content. (Capri's mom Sandy died on Monday, April 26. Another family we will keep in our thoughts.)
Peter Vignati was happy that golf was getting under way for leagues at Simsbury Farms. Last year was cancelled, which makes this season seem even more special.
Gary Miller who has been a Canton Lions Club member for 30 years, participated in providing a drive-by lunch for senior citizens. They cooked hamburgers and hotdogs outside the Canton Community Center and provided the lunches to those with reservations. (It was pointed out that we did a similar activity last fall, and we might do something of the sort very soon.)
Lisa Barall-Matt was happy to be headed to Florida soon to see her mother for the second time in 14 months. Her mother is doing well, and Lisa hopes to see her one week per month in the coming months. She also has been making weekly tripps to Syracuse to see a friend who is dying of metastatic breast cancer. Her friend, Pei Lin Huang, participated with Lisa in the real estate master minds program for 10 years, which brought them close together. Making those regular trips is a true gift of love.
Paul Mikkelson said it was great to see people, even via Zoom. He is in a prayer group at St. Mary's in Simsbury and realized how many people need prayers right now. He has been in touch with Phil Ferrari and was glad to see Linda Pendergast looking good. He reminded us that May is bicycle month and encouraged us at least to walk for exercise. If you have a bike that needs to be fixed, it might take three weeks. Lots of people are riding and repair help is hard to find.
Sue Budde's stepson Ryan has been in California for three weeks with a new job and has already experienced an earthquake. Stepdaughter Jessica is in the Sacramento area. Although she was legally married last year, she is going through the full wedding and party Memorial Day weekend. Sue's niece is graduating from college, and her significant other got a job in Hartford, so they will be moving to the area from Philadelphia. It's good to have some family close.
President Alicia is hoping that daughter Stephanie will finally allow her to come to Atlanta to see two of her grandchildren. Alicia is now fully vaccinated, but Stephanie is extremely cautious. fingers crossed.
Rick Heath spent Saturday at home in Florida with wife Chris. Then a friend ccalled to see about playing golf in South Carolina on Sunday at an exclusive course at the Secession Club. It only cost Rick $20 for the caddy because another friend had made a donation to charity to pay for the foursome. Rick managed to sink a 45 foot putt right in front of the caddy shack. Nothing like a pressure putt in front of a tough gallery!
Announcements
President Alicia shared that Phil Ferrari is home following his accident. There is an ongoing Meal Train every Monday until May 31.
Alicia reminded us that the District Conference will be held virtually starting at 6:15 PM on Thursday, April 29th and continuing on Friday and Saturday. To register or review the conference schedule, go to the District 7890 website where you can also sign up for the District Assembly which is Saturday, May 15th and is being coordinated by Heather Pantano who will be an Assistant District Governor as of July 1.
Hartford Foundation for Giving has awarded $100,000 to each of the 29 towns in Hartford County. Katelyn Kaplin and Gary Miller are on a selection committee to choose an advisory committee to determine which nonprofit organizations should benefit from this money. Check with them if you wish to serve on this committee. Avon is a bit further along, and our Community Service Committee is working with some of our grant recipients to be sure they know about applying for grants from this source.
Josh Gillooly gave the TOTV update. Members are encouraged to donate bottles of wine or liquor, with a value of $20 or more. There will be 12 restaurants participating, as well as 4-5 alcohol companies of various sorts. Participants will get their food and go to their tables. VIP sales are limited to 125, and they are now sold out, but we need members to buy and sell regular tickets. We are asking members to sell or buy at least two tickets - fewer than the usual four tickets expected in the past. Members should have received their tickets to sell by now. Contact Josh or Colleen Grasso for additional tickets. We are also trying to put together 40 baskets to be auctioned online. Remember that we have all saved about $750 each by not having to pay for breakfasts on Friday and be as generous as possible.
Upcoming Dates
April 29-May 1 - Multi-District Conference held virtually
May 15 - District Assembly 9 to Noon online and Tastes of the Valley - Live at Golf Club of Avon at 6 PM
June 18 - President's Dinner
June 25 - President Alicia's last meeting. Breakfast at FAVARH to see the Rotary Building for those who are fully vaccinated. Breakfast will be catered by Beanz & Co. We will pay our usual amount to help pay for the tree being planted by the club, although the landscaper working on the project is covering all labor. Club Paul Harris awards and membership pins will be given. Zoom will also be available.
