SPUR Highlight Reel

Here's a summary of what happened at the Enfield Rotary Club in June 2015

 

CINDY TAKES THE QUEEN

On June 3, Cindy Mangini had a look in her eyes that said "today's the day" when her ticket number was called for the Queen of Hearts. She wasted no time drawing the elusive Queen from the handful of remaining cards and securing a $460 IOU from Treasurer Lou Bolduc. Now the question is: was the Queen responsible for the enthusiastic upsurge in attendance, or was everyone coming to savor the last of Ed Palomba's Foundation Minutes? 

 

Before you vote for the Queen, we're happy to point out that attendance continues to be good for our summertime luncheons AND that the District has recognized our club for its generous support of the Rotary Foundation.

 

FOUNDATION BANQUET AND PAUL HARRIS AWARDS JUNE 12

A wonderful evening was enjoyed by everyone who came out to honor our three new Paul Harris Fellows: Attorney Joe Fallon, Enfield Mayor Scott Kaupin and Past President Derek Meade. Joe was introduced by Dave O'Connor; Scott was introduced by Greg Stokes; and Derek was introduced by Past President Ed Palomba. Ed also served as Master of Ceremonies for the evening. Hopefully, everyone has seen the photos posted on our website and Facebook page.

 

Kate Garvey (Vocational Service; Cinco K Mayo; etc.) was named Rotarian of the Year by outgoing President Kevin Mayo, and Mike Helechu received a "Light of Rotary" award for coordinating programs and publishing the mostly late SPUR newsletters.

 

Congratulations to President Kevin on earning a Presidential Citation from the District Governor. And congratulations to our Rotaract Club at Bay Path University for also earning a Presidential Citation.

 

WELCOME NEW MEMBERS

We welcomed two new members on June 17:  Adrian Garcia-Sega, an Assistant Professor of Forensic Chemistry at Bay Path University (and faculty advisor for our Rotaract Club) and Kathy Barron, the Executive Director of The Network. (The Network assists families and individuals who have experienced domestic and interpersonal violence.) Adrian was sponsored by Carol Bohnet (our club's liaison to the Rotaract Club), and Kathy was sponsored by Chris Casey.

 

SPEAKING OF ROTARACT

As previously noted, our Rotaract Club received a Presidential Citation from District 7890. The club consists of 21 very enthusiastic members who held 10 meetings and organized 15 projects and activities. These included completely handling our club's Amber Alert tent at Enfield Family Day in September, visiting the United Nations on Rotary Day, and attending the District Conference in Hartford. They thoroughly enjoyed hearing "career talks" by our club members and want to continue with more of those next year. 

 

NEW PRESIDENT'S INSTALLATION

Milt Rosenberg and Mike Helechu joined Nick Deni and his family in Simsbury on June 16 for the Presidential Installation banquet. We heard parting remarks from outgoing District Governor Mike Roy from Northampton and from the new District Governor, Kyong Wilson from Bristol, who promises to be an enthusiastic and determined leader. 

 

ENFIELD ROTARY CHANGE OF COMMAND

Outgoing President Kevin Mayo thanked everyone for supporting his year as President on June 24. As usual, what seemed like a long haul back in July 2014 is now finished in the proverbial "blink of an eye." Unfortunately, incoming President Nick Deni was fighting bronchitis that day and had lost his voice. So the new President's game plan for our 2015-2016 Rotary Year will be announced at one of our July meetings.

 

THE WRECK OF THE ROTARY SINGERS

Well, not exactly. On June 24th, our trumpet-player-extraordinaire Steve Damon took us on an interesting Great Lakes cruise. Not only did he transform the Edmund Fitzgerald from a coal hauler into a luxury liner, but he also rewrote Gordon Lightfoot's lyrics into a tribute to Kevin's year as President. It was definitely one of those "you had to be there" moments that will be cherished by those who were.

 

ROTARY CLUB OF ENFIELD SUPPORTING THE COMMUNITY. . .

Our Board of Directors voted to donate $250 to the Senior Minor Repair Program and $250 to support the Common Grounds Community Garden behind the Enfield Senior Center.

 

THANKS to Rotarians Jeff Tingley for stepping forward to offer space in his building for the Senior Minor Repair volunteers to store their tools, equipment, light bulbs, etc., and Gail Albetski stepping in to replace Ed Sharpless as our liaison with the group of volunteers that sustains the community garden.

 

. . . AND SUPPORTING INTERNATIONAL PROJECTS

Our club is once again supporting the Clean Water Projects being coordinated by the Rotary Club of Manchester. 

 

SORRY TO SEE YOU GO

Resignations have been received from Gena Fitzgerald, whose job with Hallmark is taking her back to Kansas City; Scott Cato, whose work and family responsibilities have exceeded his expectations; and Ed Sharpless, who is moving to New Jersey to be closer to children and grandchildren.

 

And that's the way it is. . . Thanks for your patience.

Respectfully submitted, Mike Helechu