Guests: Dr.Joelle Santiago guest of Joanne Santiago
Visiting Rotarians: None
Happy Dollars: $27
Raffle Winner:Brian O’Donnell
Birthdays
Don Bonner, who tried to hide the fact, who reported being "older than dirt" said that he had a great two years as president and enjoyed it.
Not present but also celebrating birthdays were Larry Sullivan, Carol Ann Whelan, and Steve Harris
Happy Dollars
Richard Heath had two happy $5 first shared the news that his wife and fellow club member Christine Heath's tibia has totally healed and her other break has almost healed. He then announced his retirement as of May 31.
Lisa Barall-Matt , who has had to travel back in forth this winter to FL because of her mother having a stroke, reports that she is doing fantastically. She is doing everything but driving and Lisa feels truly blessed.
Gary Roman noted that this was Super Bowl weekend, but he would not be going to a Super Bowl party because they will be going to their granddaughters 1st birthday.
Don Rossler gave 2 happy dollars, which may be his last, as his two boys are turning 18 on Wednesday and they are seniors in high school and he will be paying for college for the next 4+ years.
Joanne Santiago acknowledged Don's birthday and was thrilled to announce a 6th restaurant for our upcoming Taste of the Valley.
Dale Bronson had 6 happy dollars in recognition of the 6th anniversary of the transplant that saved his life.
Gary Hyde reported that he and his son had been able to tour Devera Sisitsky's MakerspaceCT. They were very impressed with the work being done to set up a center for innovation.
Paul Mikkelson going on a ski trip tomorrow with about 25 people, which should be a lot of fun. He also mentioned that Nancy and Craig Nation are down in Houston to see if there are any Clinical Trials that would be available to Nancy.
Alicia Canningis asking for prayers for her daughter, who has her last chemo appointment on Monday, although she will need infusions the rest of her life, they are not as bad as chemo. She is going for a PET scan today to make sure that there is nothing new.
Announcements
President Mike announced that on 3/22/19 the Club will meet at Beanz in Avon.
Gary Miller is looking for a few good members to purchase annual website ads for $100/yr. This supports the cost of the ClubRunner software and website subscription. Ads cycle every few seconds at the upper left-hand corner of the website and are a good way to promote member businesses. Contact Gary if interested.
Calendar of Upcoming Events
Taste of the Valley will be held Saturday, March 30 at 6 PM.
Induction of New Members
None this week.
Awards - Paul Harris Fellow
Joanne Santiago presented Paul Mikkelson with his Paul Harris + 6 award this morning.
Community Service Grant: Town of Avon, Special Needs Fund.
Gary Roman introduced Hank Frey who presented a $2,500 check to Alan Rosenberg, who is the Social Service Director in Avon, for the Avon's Special Needs Fund which was created in 1980, with the assistance of former Chief of Police, James Martino, to assist local families faced with temporary, short-term crisis situations. During the past year, the Special Needs Fund assisted local families on ninety-two (92) occasions with prescriptions, utility bills, rent, automobile repairs, and basic needs. It is anticipated, that there may be additional hardship for some families this year due to the high cost of electricity, food, gasoline, and uncertain economic times.
Special Guest
Prognosticator - CT Cider
Hear-ye, Hear-ye!
On this first day of February, Rotary stands with Connecticut Cider, ready to make her predication. Here is what she has to say.
"After an early morning with lots of chatter
it's time to get to the heart of the matter!
I think I see a shadow of a tree, NO WAIT.... THATS ME!
If I dare, I do declare
6 more Weeks of Winter!"
Presentation
Save Nod Road
Robin Baran and David Richman
Board of Directors, Nod Road Preservation, Inc
Nod Road Preservation, Inc. (NRP) mission is to protect the natural beauty, country peacefulness, and authentic charm associated with Nod Road and the greater Farmington Valley through responsible land management. NRP’s goals include permanent land preservation, protection of wildlife, and expanding open space areas into neighboring towns. By educating residents, working with local government and regulatory agencies, and implementing alternative land use solutions for the benefit of all citizens and visitors of the area, NRP represents those whose priority is preserving open space in Avon and beyond.
A proposal is pending before the Town of Avon which would add 100 homes to the Fox Run Golf Course and in the process destroy wetlands and the character of the area. NRP is concerned because it would:
Negative environmental impact
Zoned AG (Agriculture)
Out of character for area
Open space throughout Farmington Valley rapidly vanishing
Increased traffic
Does not align with Plan of Conservation and Development
NRP has had a number of accomplishments in its initial stage:
Formed the non-profit public charity Nod Road Preservation, Inc.
Formed Board of Directors with 8 directors spanning 3 towns
Retained esteemed land-use lawyers and consultants
Reached 97% of Drive For 25 fundraiser goal of $25,000 by year’s end in just 6 weeks in Nov/Dec 2018
Keystone Companies LLC reduced plans from 177 units to 100 units
Registered hundreds of supporters from 23 towns across 7 states
72% of all registered Save Nod Road supporters do not live on or near Nod Road, confirming this is NOT a NIMBY issue
Have public support of 20+ local businesses across 6 towns who display our lawn signs and brochures
Established relationships with environmental groups at local, state and federal level
Applied and approved for Adopt-A-Road for Nod Road (Avon side)
Continue to receive considerable media coverage: Valley Press (2x), front page of Hartford Courant, WFSB Channel 3 segments (2x)
Official partners with Farmington River Watershed Association
Regular attendance by Board at Planning & Zoning, Inland/Wetlands, WPCA meetings
Strong presence at community-wide events
Successful fundraisers held at Flatbread, E&D, Dom’s Coffee
Received GuideStar’s Seal of Approval (Bronze Level) for transparency on website
If members of the club have interest in their work, they can be reached through their web site, www.savenodroad.org or Contact@savenodroad.org
Mail Bag
Nothing this week.
Photo Credits
Photographs courtesy of Phil Worley, unless otherwise indicated.
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?