Pledge/Prayer: Pres. Peter Manley
Song: Andy
Brents Card Game Winners: Andy-High hand, Mark Pinn-Low hand
Sergeants Report: Gerri
Welcome Guests including Ed Pinns family and friends, Lynn Faulstick ADG, and more
Happy Bucks: many happy bucks for guests, Ed Pinn, Lynn happy for Gerri taking over the Asst. Dist. Gov. job from her and Bill Suits told a story of 5 things a man has to have for a happy life (all involved women)
Dinner Served! A great spread by Sharon & Dave followed by deserts and coffee - great job by the Tiezzis!
Paul Harris Award
Tonight we honored Ed Pinn with a Paul Harris. Brent and Gerri presented the award that was long overdue given the many years of service to Rotary. Ed has a long list of professional accomplishments but Ed was humble in his acceptance, thanking his family for support and recognizing that there was much time away from home. Ed has served 5 governors now as a member of the State Board of Examiners of Optometry originally appointed by Gov. Grasso. Ed volunteers his time by participating in community health days, diabetic retinopathy screenings and works on the Rotary Scholarship Committee. Eds wife Linda as well as his son Mark were in attendance as well as his sister Helen Mattson, and friends. We are proud to be Rotary partners with Ed.
Program: Ken Roche introduced our speaker Connie Robinson
Our speaker for the evening, Connie Robinson taught in the Hartford school system and is a former chairperson of the Noah Webster House. Connie spoke tonight about her experience as a Group Study Exchange member 10 years ago. That group traveled to Brazil. There was much preparation before leaving for Brazil including an intensive course in the Portuguese language, preparing to have discussions with host families, getting gifts for her hosts and much more. The GSE team flew out of Kennedy Int. Airport for a 6 week trip. Today, its 4 weeks. Connie had 6 different host families only two of which spoke English. Connie felt a sense of representing the USA. Brazil is a beautiful and very large country with a great contrast between the poor and rich. Connie, being an educator learned much about the Brazilian school system and found many differences from ours. School in Brazil is taught in two shifts, 7-11:30 and 1-5:30 and consists of academics only - no extra curricular activities whatsoever including sports. Those are done on your own at your own expense. Connie showed pictures she took and spoke of daily life which is more relaxed and less hectic than in the US. Food is excellent particularly meat preparations. The coffee is strong and if offered, not be refused lest you offend the person offering. Brazilians love formality when it comes to meals - fast food and fast coffee such as Duncan Donuts is non existent. Connie's GSE experience was a pivotal moment in her life and she is so thankful to Rotary for the opportunity.
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