Bill Barnes was happy about the greatest world series ever - at least among those in which the RedSox did not play. He wasn't sure if he was quite as happy about being gone for two weeks to take care of grandkids so their parents could get to the Caribbean. With the grandkids now 15 and 19, Pat and Bill mostly have to drive the kids around, make sure the house is intact when their parents return, and be sure they get to school. Bill will let us knw how it goes when he returns.
Peter Vignati was happy that Huskies Basketball is now in season. When he was on the way to the foundation dinner last Thursday, he got a call that his son's car (not a Chevrolet - a VW) had caught fire in Plainville. He rushed to the scene and was glad to report that all were safe, except it was wife Suzanne's favorite car ever.
Ann Clark - the Democratic Registrar of Voters in Avon - encouraged everyone to vote.
Gary Miller and wife Debbie checked out their passports by crossing the Canadian border to take their grandson to a water part for his birthday. Glad they were able to come back. At the foundation dinner the night before, it had been pointed out that the last time the Chicago Clubs won the World Series there was only one Rotary Club - Club#1 in Chicago.
Phil Ferrari wasn't terribly unhappy to be missing this week's meeting because he will be in San Diego to see his son. He and wife Beth are also taking their daughter - funny how she can find time as long as Dad buys the ticket.
Claire Cote said she would be happy when the election is over,
Larry Sullivan was happy to have Claire at the meeting. He was also happy to see former member Anne Ruwet and remembered when she won an election by one vote. Anne said she tells her grandchildren that story to impress upon them the importance of voting. Then Larry told a joke he probably wouldn't tell his grandchildren.
Paul Nelson was happy to be at the meeting after several weeks' absence. However, he would have to be away this week because of a business conference in Cancun with his wife accompanying him. It's tough work, but someone has to do it.
Rollie Sterrett went to the foundation dinner with Tom and Mary Ellen Voorhees. As big givers they were invited to a special early reception. The hors d'oeurvres were great!. Just one problem - no one arranged to have the bar open. For half an hour they couldn't find a key to open it. At least the first bottle they found was Johnny Walker Red Label, and all was right with the world.
Don Rossler was showing some stubble and explained that during November men are challenged not to shave and to make a donation to support cancer research and care. He hadn't grown a beard in 25 years, so we'll see how he progresses.
Capri Frank was happy that Thanksgiving, a bit season for Miller Foods, is approaching. They also host an annual even for veterans - this year on Thursday, Nov. 10, from 5-7 p.m. The fire department makes turkey chili, and the boy scouts serve. Capri was thankful for the chance to vote.
Announcements
11/18 Meeting is Special
First of all we will be in a new place - the North House (fka Avon Old Farms Inn - across Rt. 44 from the hotel). We will probably be in the big room entered from the back of the building.
Second, it will be a Club Meeting, and the agenda will be a discussion of the proposed signature project with FAVARH. This will be members' chance to ask questions and share thoughts and concerns. The actual vote by the membership will be in January.
11/17: Northeast Maker's Summit
The New England Maker Summit presents Why Making Matters. The event will take place Thursday, November 17, from 2:00 to 8:00 p.m. at the University of Hartford, West Hartford, CT. Makers create innovation—and the Maker Movement can make a big difference in Connecticut. Learn more at: http://www.innovationhartford.com/maker-innovation-comes-to-hartford/ or by speaking with Devra Sisitsky.
Rotary Foundation Contributions
At the foundation dinner last week our club received the above certificate for being the club with the second highest level of giving to the Rotary Foundation last year. What is notable is that some clubs require members to give at the time they pay their dues, which our club does not. However, members are reminded to make their voluntary Rotary Foundation pledge each year, traditionally done at the time of one's birthday; however, the earlier in the Rotary year the donation is made, the less chance you'll have to forget it.
Salvation Army Bell Ringing
Hank Frey circulated a sign-up for ringing the Salvation Army bell on Friday, November 25 (the day after Thanksgiving). This is the perfect consolation for not having a meeting that morning. See Hank to sign up.
