Robin DiNicola was having a rough time because her son's hockey teammate had been killed in a car crash in Torrington earlier that week. The boys were heartbroken, no doubt more so because of the difficulty of having funeral services.
Sue Budde was happy that Joanne Santiago had helped her dad when he needed help with his back over the weekend. The treatment really helped him.
Linda Pendergast was happy that she and Paul have a grandson who received his doctorate in physical therapy at Texas Christian University. They also have high school graduates in Indiana and granddaughter Hannah is graduating from Conard High School in West Hartford. Congratulations to all!
Joanne Santiago was making a bit like James Corden's Carpool Karaoke as she watched the meeting from her van while daughter Joelle was driving them to Hammonasset State Park for the day. Joanne was happy to report that Joelle had received an award from the state chiropractic association for her leadership in researching COVID19. This is especially noteworthy for someone as new to the field as Joelle. Congratulations!
Joanne also announced the members receiving this year's Paul Harris Fellows recognition: Jim Gordon, Heather Pantano, and Gary Roman. These will be awarded at the President's Dinner in July. Well deserved!
Jolly Lux was happy to have received a plaque from UCONN for her part in designing a biodigester for Global Orphans in Uganda. The machine will turn biological waste into energy for the various projects in which GLO is involved. It will also provide manure for farming/gardening and sanitation for the area. This is a significant award which honors Jolly's dedication and creativity in pursuing her dream of improving the lives of the people in Masindi.
Craig Buhrendorf, former head of the International Service Committee of the club, congratulated Jolly on her progress and recognized the hard work she has devoted to thee project. He was also happy to have gotten a haircut (the pandemic has made us appreciate a number of simple pleasures). He and Jeane had closed on the sale of their condo in Avon, which marks an official end to their time in CT. We miss them and are glad that Zoom helps us to stay in touch.
Chris Heath has evidently been pretty active in the real estate market in Florida. She and Rick bought a house that they decided wasn't right for them, so they moved to a one-storey house instead. Fortunately they received the full price for the house that didn't work. Don Bonner has offered some art for their new abode.
Paul Mikkelson was happy that all was good - now. He had n extremely painful gallbladder attack He has been through a lot with his cancer, but this was even worse. He checked in with the doctors and determined that this had nothing to do with his previous cancer. We're glad he's on the mend. He said he likes the Zoom meetings, and we're always happy to see him. Be well, Paul.
Gary Miller was happy to attend a virtual 50th reunion of his graduation from Dartmouth. His class met in small groups in this new normal. His class is going to combine with the class of 1971 for a reunion next year. He made masks with the Dartmouth logo. Kay Kellogg, former member of the club, saw them and asked Gary to make a mask for her granddaughter Madeline, who will be attending Dartmouth this fall.
Announcements
Alicia Canning thanked Christine Lamadrid and Kershwin Singh for help with the installation dinner. She also encouraged members to vote for Sara Leathers's Healing Meals to receive the RedSox Impact award of $10,000. Five CT. companies are competing. Here is the link to vote for Healing Meals.
President Heather is now Secretary Heather. No, it's not a demotion. She is District Secretary for the coming year. She comes by this service honestly. Her uncle Frank Wargo has been district governor twice.
Gary Miller says that the Golf Club of Avon is prepared to host our President's Dinner on July 10. It will be on the patio with tables for four spaced at least 6 feet apart. Attendees will have to wear masks when they get up from the table. Temperatures will also be taken. Gary and Phil Ferrari are still working with Northwest Community Bank about their sponsorship. They will also meet with the Shepherds, Nancy Nation's family, about their support.
President Heather announced that Zoom meetings would be held at least through June. There will be no meeting on July 3 and the President's Dinner on July 10. In person meetings may resume on July 17, depending on the governor's orders and the ability of the hotel to host us.
Induction of New Members
None this week.
