Happy Dollars

Linda Pendergast chided the Early Riser Editor for omitting the hugs and kisses that were dispensed at the April 1st meeting.

Les Zinner - lauded the Tastes of The Valley Committee, stating they did a great job. Evan Cooper asserted the Committee did an "awesome, fabulous job." Others commenting favorably on TOTV, which took place April 2nd, included Joanne Santiago and Capri Frank.

Steve Roberto - gave Happy Dollars in "honor of Chuck Joseph for giving so much of his time and resources to make TOTV a big success." Chuck received a standing ovation from Club members.

Evan Cooper - is involved with efforts to save a seven year old eagle who is ill because of a blood borne pathogen. She encourages members to check her Facebook page for updates.

Paul Mikkelson - gave four dollars to commemorate the UConn women's basketball team winning its fourth consecutive National Championship and Brianne Stewart winning her fourth consecutive Tournament MVP Award. Paul also shared that his ankle has now healed enough that he can go on his North Carolina trip. For Show & Tell, Paul brought with him a baseball bat signed by many of the 2004 Boston Red Sox.

(Steve Roberto caught this King Snake in Georgia, Monday, April 11th)

Steve Roberto - will be taking his son on a college tour through South Carolina, Georgia and Florida. They hope to go snake hunting during their trip.

Don Bonner - shared that his daughter Sarah is going to get married.

Rollie Sterrett - told a joke about a WalMart greeter.

(From Left to Right - Chuck Joseph, Capri Frank and Len Dunstan)

Capri Frank - cited Chuck Joseph's generosity and urged everyone "if you have the resources and can give, you should."

Phil Worley - told members that Tuesday night's Rotary Pub Night had "worked out well." It took place at Abigail's in Simsbury. The next Pub Night will be at The North House on May 3rd.

Greg Brisco (Visiting Rotarian) - is the baseball coach at Canton High School. He is glad his team is finally playing (after recent inclement weather).

Announcements

Rotary Global Scholarship Candidate

Craig Buhrendorf updated members about Katie Boussiere, the Club's Rotary Global Scholarship candidate. She is a summa cum laude Mount Holyoke graduate, Class of 2013 (Phi Beta Kappa). She had been teaching English classes in Brazil on a Fulbright Fellowship. She has returned to Canton and is now going to study at Cambridge University, pursuing a one year Masters Degree. Craig described Katie's recommendations as "beyond stellar."

Katie filled out the scholarship application. Craig approached the district. Katie's interview went well.

A one year Masters Program at Cambridge will cost $48,000. So far, the District has granted a $15,000 scholarship, and Rotary International has matched it. President Gary Miller pointed out "this is how we get our money back."

The Rotary Club of Avon-Canton Board of Directors has approved giving Katie a $6,000 scholarship if the Global Scholarship is approved.

Katie plans to talk at a Club meeting if she, in fact, receives the Global Scholarship.

Kateri (Nigeria) Medical Services' Dinner Invitation

(Father Tom with two Kateri patients)

Rollie Sterrett outlined that our Club members have been invited to the KATERI MEDICAL SERVICES BENEFIT DINNER at 5:00 pm on Saturday, May 7, at First Cathedral in Bloomfield(1151 Blue Hills Avenue). The invitation is in appreciation of the Club's recent $2,000 grant in support of Kateri's vital medical services mission. In December, Father Tom Furrer spoke to the Club about this medical clinic which has been in operation since 2003 and has served over 150,000 poverty-stricken individuals in rural Nigeria. The purpose of this dinner is to inform friends and supporters about the progress of the clinic and related medical outreach efforts. It will also encourage continuing support.

There is no cost to Rotary members to attend this dinner. Please contact Rollie ASAP for more information.

A table for ten has been set aside for Avon-Canton Rotary. Rollie and Dale would like everyone to know these announcements will keep running until that table has been filled, so sign up soon!!

Paul Harris Community Service Awards This Friday

This is a reminder to Paul Harris Fellows to remember to wear your pin and medallion Friday as we honor four community members. Please welcome them.

An announcement will be made soon about our Club member Paul Harris Fellow recipients. These will be presented at the June installation dinner.

I want to thank everyone who made suggestions, and also a big thank you to my committee for working on this.

See you Friday...

Joanne Santiago

Rotary Spin

Here are the details for the Club's upcoming Spin Session.

Date: Friday, April 29

Time: 4:00 to 6:00 pm

Location: Farmington Valley YMCA in Granby, RT 10/202, on the left before Stop & ShopFor

For ROTARY SPIN, a Spin session, we will use stable, stationary, adjustable bikes. All are invited. The Suggested Donation is $10 per 15 minutes. We will be raising money for bikes in Africa. Sign up with Paul Mikkelson, mikbenefit@comcast.net

Wear anything. You can shower at the Y if you wish. Bring a hand towel & water bottle. Invite others – RSVP – email Paul.

I guarantee that this will be the easiest workout you have ever done – however, if you like we can easily work up a sweat; totally up to you, and no one will know or notice! Dinner after?

Paul Mikkelson

Avon-Canton Rotary Bike Ride

Here are the details for the Club's upcoming Outside Bike Ride:

Date: Satuday, May 14

Time: Noon

Location: Sperry Park, Route 10/202, Avon

The Avon-Canton Rotary Ride will be along the Rails to Trails. The distances will be 1, 2, 5,10 or 20 miles, slow pace, with a lunch stop in Simsbury, if you wish.

This event will only take place if the weather is nice and dry. Get your bike checked, any bike will work; you can borrow a bike in Simsbury if you need one.

Family, friends and other contacts are invited to both sessions – For anyone under 18, check with Paul. Please sign-up for both events, the Bike Spin and the Bike Ride.

QUESTIONS? E-MAIL PAUL MIKKELSON mikbenefit@comcast.net

BREAK OUT OF YOUR BOX – TRY SOMETHING NEW – SET A GOAL & RIDE A FEW MILES!

Amber Alert

Tom Voorhees - detailed that there will be an Amber Alert session April 24th at the Simsbury River Run. He also mentioned that Amber Alert sponsorships are available. See Tom for further information.

TOTV In The News

Rotary Pub Night

(Recent Pub Night)

The next Rotary Pub Night will be held May 3rd at the North House Restaurant (directly opposite Avon Old Farms Hotel on Route 44).

RPN is all about socializing, networking and getting to know your fellow Rotarians and their guests better. Bring your spouses, significant others, partners, friends, prospective Rotarians, etc.

You may, of course, come and go whenever you want to. Should you wish to eat before, during or after RPN, there are plenty of choices at The North House. Contact Phil Worley for more information.

We Will Meet May 27th

The decision has been made that the Club will meet the Friday of Memorial Day Weekend. The Speaker that day will be Jill Fletcher. Her presentation is titled "Youth Forum."

Message From PGE Frank Wargo

Wednesday, May 11, 2016 is the date of the District Training Assembly at the Holiday Inn in Enfield, CT. We are thrilled to offer a variety of training options together with a terrific keynote speaker.

The Assembly includes breakfast and breakout sessions for the 60 presidents-elect, secretaries-elect, treasurers-elect, a Foundation overview, membership, public relations, strategic planning and new member orientation. Rotary 101, Rotary Basics, is not just for new members, but for anyone who would like to learn more.

PDG Toni McAndrew will be the keynote speaker. She is an exciting and motivating speaker. You will learn more about her at a later time.

Please encourage club and board members to come and be part of this District Training Assembly on Wednesday, May 11^th at the Holiday Inn, Enfield, CT.

Details and registration can be found at www.rotarydistrict7890.org and click on “District 7890 Assembly 2016” under “upcoming events.”

Registration is $30 and $15 for new club members.

I look forward to seeing you there!! You will learn something and have fun!!! I am really looking forward to working with you, and I appreciate your support.

Frank Wargo, DGE

Dear District 7890 Members

We are running out of hotel rooms!!

Cape Codder, Hyannis, MA

Do not delay, Register for the District Conference today!! Conference dates: April 29th to May 1st.
If you would like to stay at the Cape Codder during the Conference, register before we use up our room block.

This year’s District Conference is being held at the

Cape Codder Hotel in Hyannis, MA.

Both the incoming and outgoing South African Vocational Training Teams will be at the District Conference.

Get to meet them up close and personal.
Learn about the outgoing team's trip to help South African teachers in their quest to improve the education of their young children.
What did they learn while they were there.
Hear about life in South Africa.
Find out what teaching skills the incoming South African team would like to take back to their country.

For more information on the Cape Codder go to http://www.capecodderresort.com/

Yours in Rotary service,

Kyóng Wilson

District Governor 2015-2016
District 7890
C: (860) 402-8061

DG7890kyong@gmail.com