Phyllis Fern offered an inspiration from long-time Rotarian, Marion Avarista.

Remember that the most important time of our lives is TODAY. What we do and say must be the best of ourselves. Remember to always try to show empathy to those we meet. Do we see those of different cultures and faith and those less fortunate than ourselves with an open mind? Do we truly see the world through the eyes of others? When all is said and done this is what Rotarians will be remembered for - Service Above Self.

 

President Geoff offered best wishes to Cherie Saracen for a quick recovery.

He suggested that club members consider not shaking hands because of the coronavirus.

 

Wendy Marcus led the club in wishing Maxine Cohen and Anthony Hollingshead a happy March birthday.

 

Pete Brock announced that planning is underway to repeat the very successful Literacy Gala in 2020. Anyone who worked on the event last year or would like to join this year’s effort is asked to stay after this Monday’s (3/9) meeting.

 

Mary Brewster reported that the response to aid Bahama hurricane victims has been great thanks to the Tent Dinners and donations from those who can’t attend. Gifts from Rotarian Snowbirds, too!

 

HAPPY BUCKS
Margaret Kane is back from Florida and ready to take up the collection!

 

Walter Adamowicz for his time in Florida where he had lunch with Mike and Kathy Kelly. Of course, he missed Paul and Roberta Segal on this trip!

 

President Geoff thinking of his daughter who is in Taiwan.

 

Pete Brock for purchasing a home in New Hampshire - this increases his commute time, but who’s counting?

 

Wendy Marcus welcomed Phyllis Fern and Marcus Mitchell back to the meeting.

 

Art Norwalk welcomed Tony Mendez.

 

Marcus Mitchell gave an update on his wife’s ongoing health challenges. He recently was able to restore her breathing by giving mouth to mouth resuscitation.

 

Anthony Hollingshead for the great job the RI Department of Health is doing on communicating facts on on the coronavirus

 

Phyllis Fern announced that she will be moving to Washington, D.C. in the near future to be closer to her family.

 

Holly Applegate for an enjoyable cruise to the Eastern Caribbean.

 

Mary Brewster for surviving cooking for the first Tent Supper and for the great volunteer experience Rotary volunteers are having at the Kizirian School.

 

David Preston of the New Harbor Group used his extensive political experience to put the 2020 Democratic primaries and Presidential election into focus. His analysis shows significant changes in urban/rural voting patterns and a growing demographic shift that will continue to impact election results in the future. There was a massive drop-off in voter turnout in 2016 while the 2018 midterm elections saw the biggest surge in voting in 100 years.

 

By 2045 the United States will be a majority/minority country. The state of California now has a 61% minority population. Women and suburban voters will also have a key role in determining winners this year. He offered some ways that the political system could be improved: stop gerrymandering districts (RI is a major offender), get rid of dark money and stop voter suppression by opening more polling places.