Pledge/Prayer: Pres. Gerri Lewis
Song: Bill McLaughlin
Brents Card Game Winner: Bob Hester
Welcome back Bill McLaughlin!
Sergeants Report: Rick Beck filling in for Kathy Callinan
Raffle Winners: Donna, Brent, Ken
Happy Bucks: Guests in attendance, Memorial Day Parade and the clubs participation, the Golf Tournament, Bill back from his extended vacation, the leatherback turtles, happy bucks for Sandy Taylor!
Brents Report on Golf Tournament: Not all the money is in yet but it looks like a pretty good year. We should end up about $19K in revenue. Despite the weather, things went well and everyone had a good time. Brent thanked the helpers, who without them, could not have a tournament!
Thanks to Gerri, Heather Asch, Bob & Gail Antoniac, Jan Peruccio, Charlie Renshaw, John Donnelly, Donna Lash, Kathy Callinan, Joan Michaud (who also played), Stan for the coffee and donuts, and special thanks to non-Rotarians Matt Vogt and Wells Lippincrott both of whom worked all day.
We also recognize Sandy Taylor who coordinated the whole thing putting much time and effort into the tournament.
Announcements:
John Donnelly: Haitian Health is losing funding and John would like to help make up for the shortfall. More to come.
Donna Lash would like to see the club contribute to the veterans. Gerri pointed out that we have donated in the past but can always do more.
Bob Antoniac reminded the club of the upcoming Art Show. We will man a booth and serve hotdogs and cold drinks. Put July 26 and 27 on your calendars!
Induction Ceremony: Heather Asch
President Gerri did the honors, inducting Heather into Rotary Club membership. Gerri explained the ideals of Rotary, its origin and the 4-way test. It was a fitting day because it was also Heathers birthday! The Club is happy to have such an enthusiastically active member and will enjoy her presence greatly!
Glen Anderson pins Heather Asch with President Gerri Lewis
Program: State Senator Art Linares
Senator Linares represents the 33rd district and is the Senate Minority Caucus Whip. He owns a solar energy company building solar plants, started when he was age 19. Art's family fled Cuba around following the Bay of Pigs invasion. Senator Linares talked about some of the bills that are pending. A bill that provides tax credits for those who earn a post graduate degree to enhance manufacturing in the state called MRA (manufacturing reinvest). Conn. Port Authority established mainly for dredging, A bill to provide funding to purchase the area known as The Preserve. A comprehensive water bill to deal with water issues down the road. A tree trimming bill to control what the utility companies and their apparent indiscriminate trimming (Rt. 9 for example). The utility companies will be required to submit a plan before cutting. Senator Linares is strongly in favor of local control.
Senator Linares went on to say the budget is in the red by $3 billion and he does not want to raise taxes. The state wants to hire 500 new people which he is opposed to. He's concerned about the tax amnesty plan which provides for freezing someone's assets and taking them to court - its about gaining $75 million in back taxes.
Senator Linares recognized Senator Marilyn Guiliano for her 16 years of service and is stepping down.
There was a brief question and answer period following the Senator's talk.
www.SenatorLinares.com
ArtLinares@cga.ct.gov
860-240-8800
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