On Tuesday, March 24th at 6 PM, our club had our first virtual meeting over the telephone and internet via Zoom.  Many clubs in our districts as well as schools and other organizations across the country and world are meeting now via Zoom or other like services.  We thank the members who joined us last week using this new approach.  It was a wonderful opportunity to see each other and check in.  The club plans to continue to meet weekly during this crisis in this way.  Meeting invites will come from PR Director Ashley to your email address on record.
 
President Jo opened the meeting at 6 PM and noted that Tony and Julie would take attendance for these meetings which is important for those that wish to continue to be recognized for perfect attendance at the close of this program year.
The invocation was provided by Rob and read by Jo.  The pledge was led by Carl and Tracy took notes.
 
Check In:
Jo started the meeting by asking each person to give a recap of how they were doing.  We heard from Clyde, Pam, Carl, Tracy, Julie, Tony. Deb, Lincoln, Laura, Allegra, Gene, Jody, Dan, Iris, Linda, Heidi, Scott, Marian, David, Grace and Ashley.
 
Birthdays and Anniversaries:  Clyde noted that March birthdays to date include Alicia, Lincoln and Ken.  Club anniversary congratulations to David (10 years) and Marian (6 years).
 
Lincoln announced that Steve Johnson passed away.  Steve was from the Bangor club and a former District Governor that Lincoln worked closely with during both Steve’s term and Lincoln’s term.  (Since our meeting, the District has sent out a formal announcement on this as well.)  Thoughts and prayers go out to Steve’s family, friends and the Bangor club.
Club Business:
  1.  Jo needs suggestions for Happy Dollars for the April – June Qtr.  Please let her know your ideas.
 
  1. EE – Tracy advised that Everybody Eats!, one of our current Feb. and March volunteer projects, is operating, but on a restricted, takeout basis only to observe current pandemic safety guidelines.  Accordingly, the last shift of the month has been cancelled for Rotarians.  We will try to incorporate the Rotary again post pandemic.  Tracy thanked the club for their continued support.
 
  1. Food Pantry – Clyde reviewed the updated model that is being used at Loaves and Fishes during this crisis.  They served 120 families last week which was a very high week.  For safety, clients stay in their car, fill out a form and then the pantry volunteers fill the boxes for the client and run them to the car.  In other news, Clyde advised that the pantry received food from the school cafeteria closing and that the pantry did get a grant to help during this time.  Currently, the pantry is working on April staffing.
 
  1. Jo advised that she would reach out to those interested in helping to deliver groceries or meals as part of Friends in Action.  She noted that the organization is working with the library to make friendly phone calls as well.  The FIA center is closed for operations.
 
  1. Auction – Laura noted that the auction has been moved from May to September 18 and that she has communicated this to Darling’s, our auction partner and our planned caterer.
 
  1. Wheelchair Project – David advised that the funds have been forwarded to the American Wheelchair Mission.  David is still working to formally identify a nonprofit organization that can be a partner in Panama to receive the delivery on behalf of the club and team with us for deployment.  120 chairs have been ordered with the deployment planned October – December.
 
  1. Vocational Updates – Debbie advised that the Honors Banquet and the March HCTC recognition has been cancelled due to the pandemic.  She asked Heidi for help in getting the word out to students that the club is still entertaining applications for the scholarships for this year.  The deadline for applications is being extended to May 15th.
 
  1. President-Elect Laura is willing to get a committee together to reach out to our members.  Please contact her if you would like to make some phone calls to our Rotarians.
 
  1. Laura, Gene and Clyde reported on the virtual President Elect Training that the District is running via Zoom.  One idea shared was to reach out to former members of the club and invite them to our Zoom meetings.
 
  1. Ashley has offered to post our Zoom meeting out on our social media sites.  Members should be encouraged to invite others to join as well.
   We ended our check in and meeting at 6:55 PM.
 
   Notes submitted by Tracy Shaffer
 
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