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Bulletin Editor
Gary Miller
Speakers
Jun 09, 2023
Jun 16, 2023
Aid to Haiti
Jun 23, 2023
African Education Partnership
Jun 30, 2023
July 4th Weekend
Jul 07, 2023
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Jul 14, 2023
Live Life to the Fullest
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Executives & Directors
President
 
President Elect
 
Secretary
 
Treasurer
 
Immediate Past President
 
Membership
 
Sergeant-at-Arms
 
Rotary Foundation
 
Board Member-at-Large
 
Board Member-at-Large
 
Interact Chair
 
Club Information
Rotary of Avon-Canton - Founded 1973
Avon-Canton
Service above Self
Fridays at 7:30 AM
Golf Club of Avon
160 Country Club Road
Avon, CT 06001
United States of America
Fax:
(860) 760-6364
All meetings are hybrid both in-person and Zoom available
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District Site
VenueMap
Venue Map
 
January 27, 2023
Canton Needs Assessment
The meeting will be held both in person and via Zoom. 
Watch for an email from the Club for Zoom access and
please note we use a recurring ID for your convenience.
 
 
Members Present: 26
 
 
Visiting Rotarians: None
 
 
Guests: Jeanette Pulley (Prospective Member), Dr. Bridget Carnemolla (Avon Superintendent), and Jennifer Bennett (Avon Senior Center Director)
 
 
Happy Dollars: $16
 
 
Raffle Winner: None
 
 
Raffle Prize: $20  
 
Birthday
 
None
 
Happy Dollars
 
Gary Roman and his wife, Angie, are moving to Ridgefield, CT, to be near their daughter and grandchildren. They sold their house in Canton quickly at a premium on the asking price. Unfortunately the house they wanted in Ridgefield didn't pass inspection, so they are going with their #2 choice.
 
Phil Ferrari is driving to Cape Neddick, ME,  after the meeting. 
 
Salin Low held the first meeting of the 50th Anniversary Committee. The date is set for a dinner on Thursday, October 19th. More to come.
 
Peter Vignati said the club will miss Gary Roman and thanked him for all he has done for the club.
 
Announcements
 
Membership Committee after the meeting.
 
Calendar
 
May 6, 2023 -  Tastes of the Valley at Golf Club of Avon.
 
October 19, 2023 - Club's 50th Anniversary Dinner
 
Induction of New Members
None this week.
Awards
None this week.
 
Community and International Service Grants
None this week.
 
Avon Community Needs Assessment
 
 
Peter Vignati, Membership Chair, introduced our guests--Jennifer Bennett LMSW, Director of Avon Senior Center, and Dr. Bridget Carnemolla, Avon Superintendent of Schools. Peter invited each of our guest to introduce themselves and their role.
 
Jennifer Bennett has been the at the Avon Senior Center for sixteen years. The Center serves Avon residents from 50 to over 100. The oldest client is 107. Jennifer reports to the Director of Social Services and the Director of Parks & Recreation.  The majority of her time is spent on food insecurity and mental health. Activities at the Center are very popular with about 50-100 people using the center each day on average. Badminton and ping-pong are very popular. 
 
Dr. Carnemolla has been the Superintendent since 2018. The district has 5 schools with a climbing enrollment. Staffing is going well because Avon is a attractive place to work for certified professional staff. At the moment non-certified staff, such as, paraprofessionals, secretaries, custodians and other areas are harder to fill available spots due to pay disparities with surrounding towns. Almost all students have returned to school since the pandemic forced remote learning. Student acceptance to colleges is very good with many students being accepted to top schools. 
 
Jennifer Bennett is the only full-time employee at the center.  All others are part-time for volunteer. During COVID, the staff was call over 200 a week for outreach. In addition to the regular meals program during the week, Grab and Go meals were being picked up and delivered to many stay at home and limited ability clients. The Center relies on many student volunteers.
 
Dr. Carnemolla stressed the importance of connections between the school and community with internship programs and volunteer work. We could help with partnerships for students. We could also partner with the PTO regarding upgrading playgrounds and other projects. Bridget was interested in getting the Avon HS Interact program reinstated, but an school advisor would be needed.
 
Peter thanked our guests and stated that we would be following up with the many ideas presented.

Special Announcements

None this week.
 
Mail Bag
None this week.
 
Photo Credits

 
Technology Credits
Zoom platform management expertise by Mike Mezheritskiy.
 
Editor's Notes
Submission Deadline: Members are kindly encouraged to submit all materials for each week's Early Riser as early as possible. Please note that some editions may be published and distributed as early as the Saturday following our meetings, and during those weeks further contributions to the Early Riser will be included in the subsequent week's edition.
“The FOUR-WAY TEST of the things we think, say or do”:

1. Is it the TRUTH?
2. Is it FAIR to all Concerned?
3. Will it build GOODWILL and BETTER FRIENDSHIPS?
4. Will it be BENEFICIAL to all concerned?