High Gear Archives 01012008 - 06282008 

High Gear -- June 28, 2008

Glastonbury’s Gallery Restaurant was the scene of this VIP-studded Installation Dinner. And it truly was a gala affair. From refrigerator magnets to Rotary magnates, outgoing President Bill Saunders and incoming President Sue Klock gave us a joyous evening which will be long remembered in the annals of East Hartford Rotary club history. It started with an unusual invocation celebrating three faiths, meaningfully led by Frank Collins, Dan Firestone, and Anwar Hossain. With 10 to a table, a gathering of about 120 folks (itself some kind of record) sat to delicious meals of “just-right” prime rib, wonderfully cooked lemon-buttered salmon, and a tasty chicken picante.

Glastonbury’s Gallery Restaurant was the scene of this VIP-studded Installation Dinner. And it truly was a gala affair. From refrigerator magnets to Rotary magnates, outgoing President Bill Saunders and incoming President Sue Klock gave us a joyous evening which will be long remembered in the annals of East Hartford Rotary club history. It started with an unusual invocation celebrating three faiths, meaningfully led by Frank Collins, Dan Firestone, and Anwar Hossain. With 10 to a table, a gathering of about 120 folks (itself some kind of record) sat to delicious meals of “just-right” prime rib, wonderfully cooked lemon-buttered salmon, and a tasty chicken picante.

PDG George Stewart began our evening with a raised “Toast to Don,” a thoughtful tribute to good friend and, in many ways, the heart of our club, Don Hallquist. Our guests, greeted in hearty-voiced song led by Tom and Art, included many longtime Rotarians and their families and friends, both old and new, like Scotty Howat and daughter Jean; and Lucile Bailey (whose husband John was our president way back in 1960!). Guiness’s book of records certainly must have been awed with no fewer than six Past District Governors, including two of our own, Frank Collins and George Stewart (and fittingly, honorary member Ruth Sheehan, wife of deceased and beloved Jimmy Sheehan). PP Bill Flynn and wife Elaine, looking fit and trim from Florida’s golf courses, were there, as well as lovely local lass Rita Brown, whose PP husband Bob is also sorely missed. New member Don Munson proudly told of his wife Pat’s having been installed as the new president of the East Longmeadow Rotary club. Add to that a few DGE’s and DGN’s and we imagine there must have been a line of limos outside! (The scribe offers apologies for anyone whose name has been inadvertently omitted from this report!)

President Bill Saunders did the honors in greeting all these folks; Bill has had a stellar year and his report of accomplishments (including a Presidential Citation presented by Gov Dick Borden), only began to touch on its highlights……Copies will be available at next Wednesday’s meeting for those who missed out on the party. Acknowledging once again that this has been a great year to be a Rotarian, Bill offered a couple of outstanding announcements for the evening: Heather Summerer and husband Scott just had a bouncing baby girl, Jordan,(who entered the world at 9lbs & 6ozs!),  and then there were Art and Charlotte Bradbury who chose to be celebrating their 61st Anniversary with us.

 

Pres. Bill, and then new Prexy Sue, shared compliments of the year past with well-placed hopes for the year to come. They introduced with great pride their outgoing & incoming boards. Sue highlighted the presence of nine of our newest members with their guests. This year’s Saturday evening venue (not a work-night!), with a DJ and wonderful dancing which followed, helped, as was hoped, to swell attendance. And it sure seemed to have worked! The dancing proved to be a big hit, highlighted by kicking off the shoes and releasing long-held repressions, especially those feet of Jean Roland! What energy, what fun!

New President Sue expounded just a bit on Rotary’s theme for 2008-2009, “Make Dreams Real.” With an emphasis on the children of the world, its goal is to conduct programs which will cut down on the number of children who die every day (over 26,000) from preventable illnesses. A commendable goal we can all get behind!

Newly appointed “Club Jester” Dan Larson led the evening’s close, in song, with “America the Beautiful.” Nice job, Danny Boy!

And it was with real pleasure that this scribe had the privilege of telling you all about a wonderful evening with East Hartford’s “Family of Rotary!”

                                                                                                Arthur

 

PDG George Stewart began our evening with a raised “Toast to Don,” a thoughtful tribute to good friend and, in many ways, the heart of our club, Don Hallquist. Our guests, greeted in hearty-voiced song led by Tom and Art, included many longtime Rotarians and their families and friends, both old and new, like Scotty Howat and daughter Jean; and Lucile Bailey (whose husband John was our president way back in 1960!). Guiness’s book of records certainly must have been awed with no fewer than six Past District Governors, including two of our own, Frank Collins and George Stewart (and fittingly, honorary member Ruth Sheehan, wife of deceased and beloved Jimmy Sheehan). PP Bill Flynn and wife Elaine, looking fit and trim from Florida’s golf courses, were there, as well as lovely local lass Rita Brown, whose PP husband Bob is also sorely missed. New member Don Munson proudly told of his wife Pat’s having been installed as the new president of the East Longmeadow Rotary club. Add to that a few DGE’s and DGN’s and we imagine there must have been a line of limos outside! (The scribe offers apologies for anyone whose name has been inadvertently omitted from this report!)

 

President Bill Saunders did the honors in greeting all these folks; Bill has had a stellar year and his report of accomplishments (including a Presidential Citation presented by Gov Dick Borden), only began to touch on its highlights……Copies will be available at next Wednesday’s meeting for those who missed out on the party. Acknowledging once again that this has been a great year to be a Rotarian, Bill offered a couple of outstanding announcements for the evening: Heather Summerer and husband Scott just had a bouncing baby girl, Jordan,(who entered the world at 9lbs & 6ozs!),  and then there were Art and Charlotte Bradbury who chose to be celebrating their 61st Anniversary with us.

 

Pres. Bill, and then new Prexy Sue, shared compliments of the year past with well-placed hopes for the year to come. They introduced with great pride their outgoing & incoming boards. Sue highlighted the presence of nine of our newest members with their guests. This year’s Saturday evening venue (not a work-night!), with a DJ and wonderful dancing which followed, helped, as was hoped, to swell attendance. And it sure seemed to have worked! The dancing proved to be a big hit, highlighted by kicking off the shoes and releasing long-held repressions, especially those feet of Jean Roland! What energy, what fun!

New President Sue expounded just a bit on Rotary’s theme for 2008-2009, “Make Dreams Real.” With an emphasis on the children of the world, its goal is to conduct programs which will cut down on the number of children who die every day (over 26,000) from preventable illnesses. A commendable goal we can all get behind!

Newly appointed “Club Jester” Dan Larson led the evening’s close, in song, with “America the Beautiful.” Nice job, Danny Boy!

And it was with real pleasure that this scribe had the privilege of telling you all about a wonderful evening with East Hartford’s “Family of Rotary.”                                                                                                         Arthur

 

High Gear -- June 18, 2008

The first thing which greeted us this afternoon in addition to the smiling Secord and Stokes at the lunch registration table was the six-month Rotary dues bill.  The bills were all piled up there in a nice neat stack and a member had only to rifle through them until coming to one’s name which was in alphabetical order among the others.  That seemed easy enough if a little impersonal so I looked around and standing in line behind me was Bill Leone.  I thought, Gee, it would be nice for me to locate Bill’s bill and hand it to him as a gesture of Rotary friendship.  After I did so he said thank you and I’m sure he was sincere and yet I continued for a moment smiling awkwardly at him.  Humankind having received from attorneys over the eons what might be considered many requests for payment of services rendered, perhaps my lingering pleasure in that moment of sharing with Bill was due to there being in the deep Jungian archetypal part of the human personality a universal desire to, you know, for a change, give a bill to a lawyer, just to see what it feels like.  Now I know.  It feels good.

Before a tasty chicken salad lunch Guy Labella reminded us all to be thankful for our Rotary opportunities to make a difference.

Sgt @ Arms Bob Wood was busy.  Don Pitkin had a picture in the paper (In fairness to Don should we start fining him for when his picture is not in the paper?), Dick McCarthy paid for the Celtics championship and the Red Sox win, Chuck Clark paid for the Celtics championship but no way for the Red sox win, Herb Tischoffer, Jim Watts, and Brian Liss for Rotary anniversaries, George Agnelli for no badge, Dan Firestone for a birthday, George Stewart for no pin, Steve Jacoby for being late (see Don Pitkin comment above), and George Schoen for a little confusion in the paper about the golf tournament.  The correct day and date is Saturday, September 22nd.

Stu Harris was awarded last night the YMCA Volunteer Program Leader Award for his extensive work fund raising for the new sign to be used by the YMCA and high school swim teams at the East Hartford High School pool. Congratulations Stu and thanks for all your work!

Art Apostol introduced six graduating high school seniors who addressed the club in response to their each receiving a $2,000 Rotary scholarship.  From East Hartford public their names are:  Christian Zaleta (Chet Brewer Award);  Christopher Testa (Don Hallquist Award);  Amber Jackson, and Michael Kurken.  From Cheney Tech – Christopher Roggi; from CIBA – Jeanika Brown whose father was also a guest at lunch today.  Nicole Lavoie, another East Hartford public Rotary scholarship recipient this year, could not be with us due to employment responsibilities. 

Other guests included Gil Spencer of the Glastonbury club, and returning Past President of our own club Fred Campbell.

Everyone is reminded that next Wednesday there will be no meeting in lieu of the Installation Banquette for incoming President Sue Klock on Saturday evening. June 28th.

In the meantime, the Past Presidents’ picnic is Sunday, June 22nd, 2-6pm at Lake Pocotopaug, East Hampton.  I believe this is a ‘by invitation only’ event, something about needing to be a past president.  What do they do there is secret anyway?  Enquiring Rotary minds want to know.

Ted Mosebach

 

High Gear -- June 11, 2008

For some of us the Rotary day started in the morning with golf at Tallwoods.  For the exorbitant fee of $45 each player got a tee off time, a fine sleeve of Slezenger golf balls with a positive water bias, a cart – most of which worked and the third one our team tried was great, an opportunity to get thoroughly skunked by the John Kelleher ringer team, and allowance to relentlessly whine about everything to Steve Tamiso. Some of us no longer sporting nature’s protection on our crowns forgot our hats.  Larry Frazier was kind enough to lend me one.  Did I say lend?  I tried to faithfully return it to him at the picnic but he said I didn’t need to do that!  It is one of those cool Rock Cats hats.  Just because everyone got one for nothing (except me, apparently) a few weeks ago and Larry had a few extras, didn’t mean he had to give me one.  I still think you are a generous guy, Larry, even if those others snickered when you said I could keep it.  Steve, thanks for putting the tournament together!  You know how to pick a gorgeous day and everyone had a great time!  Perhaps it would be well from now on, however, to have the Kelleher team score card audited.  You never know.

The whole club enjoyed the Sgt. @ Arms picnic in the evening at Bill Leon’s garden villa which he had in exquisite condition as usual. In order to enjoy the hors d’oeuvres and table friendship some members began gathering early.  I don’t think the open bar in the corner entryway had anything to do with it.  I want to thank Tom Galvin for pulling the cork out of the bottle so I

could have a second glass of wine.  I’m such a wimp!  On another personal note, when I’m sitting next to Don Pitkin who is a leading member at First Church please don’t lure me into ribald conversation.  I love my job and would even like some day in the distant future to retire from it.  For goodness sakes, he could start proceedings! 

Prayer was offered by yours truly and the humble thankfulness of everyone for our immeasurable blessings was expressed through a hearty combined AMEN!  How good God is to us! How loved we are!

President Bill shared a few announcements:

Installation Dinner for Sue Klock on June 28th at the Gallery – New London Turnpike, Glastonbury.  Spouses and significant others welcome.  Cocktails 6:30 pm Dinner 7:30 pm.  Dinner selections are prime rib, chicken piccata, and poached salmon.  Cost is $40.00 per person.  Money must be handed in by June 18th as there is no noon meeting on the 25th.

Dick Lemieux, winner of the Pruis raffle, opted to sell the car back to Lynch Toyota for the financial benefit.  Dick and Maria do not often travel.  The whole club misses having you in regular attendance, Dick.  Our thoughts and prayers are with you.

There was no Sgt @ Arms report as the club has not the temerity to fine people at the Sergeant’s own party. 

Salmon and steaks were once again this year the cuisine delectable.  We all ate rather primly and properly considering that for an hour or so beforehand we sat smelling the smoke from the cedar boards and whatever other glorious concoction Bill the magic chef Leon has smoldering in the charcoal pits.

All too soon it was getting dark and time for our well fed selves to waddle back to our cars, which vehicles, riding a bit lower and burning a little more gasoline getting us home than they did bringing us forth, proved that a good time was had by all.  Thanks especially to Bill and Beverly as well as to everyone else who helped provide a great night!

  Ted Mosebach

 

High Gear -- June 4, 2008

           This was the big day for which holders of over 4,000 tickets in the great East Hartford Rotary Prius Raffle have been waiting as the winning ticket was picked at the meeting.  But before the winner was picked we first needed to sing songs and eat lunch and joke at the tables and hear announcements.  So, in order to relive a little of the anticipation and brief excitement (Does the ten seconds it takes to pick and read the winning ticket ever seem sort of anti climactic to you considering everything the club does for so long to sell all those tickets; I mean, should we hire a band or something?), the winner of the car will not be printed in High Gear until the

end.  And no cheating and looking now, either.  Remember, Rotarians don’t peek.  Although I did hear something untoward about Dan Larson and women in dresses and the yardstick Dan was carrying. 

            And lest even such reports do not suggest to you that the Rotary Club is going to the dogs, Sydney, the delightfully well-mannered canine companion of Lori Göckler, paid us a visit.  Lori brought it (I’m not sure whether it’s a him or a her) inside because the dog keeps setting off the car alarm.  Is this dog clever or what?  Sydney greeted many of us early on and then just lay down at Lori’s feet and slept through most of the meeting, not even stirring for the raffle.  The dog didn’t appear to be abused and looked well fed enough, but still, it didn’t beg so much as once!  And I thought lunch was good, too!  Heck, every dog should be able to beg now and then. Perhaps we should keep Sydney in our prayers.

            It was great to see Roy Spiller back after an extended illness!  Congratulations Roy, you have exceptional patience and perseverance.  

            Frank Collins offered the opening prayer, starting with a little poetic tribute to delightful days in June and then thanking our wonderful God for our mid day meal and for Rotary and the opportunities it gives us to share our blessings.

            Mike Lynch from Lynch Toyota was our only guest.  Mike gave us a great financial deal on the Prius for the Raffle and was asked to be present today to draw the ticket of the winner.

            Steve Tamiso and Spurgeon Stokes were chosen to lead the Welcome Song.  Come on, President Bill.  We were a cappella and the tempo was less then brisk when a feisty Tom Westbrook got up of his own volition to add some vim.  Steve and Spurge, immediately upstaged by the sprightly Westbrook – arms akimbo and green coat tails flying, after their trauma, took their rest and I think, really, will be none the worse over the long run.

            Sgt at Arms Art Apostle (I love that name) indicated that it was Roy Spiller’s birthday and he requested the birthday song be presented to him by his poker group.  Soon after that, the raffle was drawn.  No, not the… Raffle, just the raffle, the one we hold every week.  Jack Ghagan was this week’s recipient.  But, you know, some might think our Club takes its share of chances what with the poker group, the weekly raffle, and the… Raffle.  At least having fun at Rotary is always a sure thing!

            Dave Amberg and Gil Wishart paid for anniversaries and Doug Willett for a new car (I think he had to outright buy this one). 

            Art also reported the Scholarship Committee gave seven $2,000 scholarships this year.  Five from East Hartford High School:  Christina Zaleta (Chet Brewer Memorial), Christopher Testa (Don Hallquist Award), Nicole Lavoie, Amber Jackson, and Michael Kurken.  One from Cheney Tech:  Christopher Roggi.  One from CIBA: Jeanika Brown-Springer.

            The club had a great night at the Rock Cats this past Friday.  Gil Wishart thanked everyone involved (Thank you most of all, Gil) and said he thought the club should make this an annual event.

            Installation Dinner for Sue Klock on June 28th at the Gallery – New London Turnpike, Glastonbury.  Spouses and significant others welcome.  Cocktails 6:30 pm Dinner 7:30 pm.  Dinner selections are Prime Rib, Chicken Piccata, and Poached Salmon.  Cost is $40.00 per person.  Please hand in money by June 18th because there is no noon meeting June 25th.  There will be dancing after dinner so polish off those dancing shoes.  Please note one change, we will be in the lower level dining room.

            Ceil Collins reported that we will be collecting school sullies again this year.  These include backpacks, spiral notebooks, filler paper, highlighters, colored pencils, markers, erasers, crayons, or money.  Donations must be given by July 30th.

            Now, for what we’ve all been waiting!  The… Raffle.  Brian Liss, without Tom Galvin who could not be here today, brought out a huge container that looked like a giant plastic picnic basket that the whole club could use.  Anyway, Mike Lynch put in his hand and drew the tickets.  There were three prizes.

            Third place:  Brian Liss  ($500 gift certificate to Cabela’s donated by the Matos Group)

            Second Place:  Sarah Frey  (Overnight at Mohegan Sun donated by Carol Krantz)

            First Place:  Dick Lemieux… our own!    (2008 Prius)

 Congratulations everyone.  Fantastic job Tom Galvin, Brian Liss, and Carol Krantz!  Thank you! Thank you!  Thank you!

 Ted Mosebach

 

High Gear -- May 28, 2008

This is supposed to be our newsletter for the meeting of the 28th but I just returned (it is now Thursday morning) from representing our members at the annual Scholarship Awards Breakfast at East Hartford High School. Thanks to the work of Art Apostle and his committee, we gave out six scholarships, including one honoring Don Hallquist, to a great group of kids. Have faith our future is in good hands! BTW, maybe it counts as a “make-up”: Frank Staples, Mary Sullivan, Marion Martinez and Glastonbury’s Rick Cyphers were also there.

Back to the real business at hand: President “Counting Down the Days” Bill called us to order on a beautiful Spring afternoon. Yours truly gave the Invocation and we were off and running into the buffet line. Yummy swordfish, ham, chicken, and smashed potatoes were available and then the waitresses were kind enough to serve a dessert of strawberry rhubarb pie.

INTERMISSION: Members, I know the good weather gets us rowdy but please respect those trying to make announcements and conduct Club business. Ssshhhh!!!!!

The Rock Cats Picnic and Game event has been rescheduled for this Friday. Gil Wishart has done a wonderful job putting this and the rain-out plans together. See Gil if you cannot attend. The Rock Cats have an alternate and very generous plan for us to still see a game and get “Rocky Bucks” in lieu of the picnic. Very fair!

Our only guest was Dick Seidman. He took a moment to extend thanks to us from the District for, as usual, exceeding the goals of obtaining new members. You can’t beat East Hartford Rotary for being a perennial powerhouse in all facets of Rotary participation. Dick told us that Karen Andrews will be residing for a time at MacClain House as she recovers from knee surgery. After all that, Dick was serenaded with the Welcome Song as led by Mo Moshovos and Stu Harris. Thank goodness Sheryl O’Connor knows how to play the piano loud.

Sergeant Tom “Dr. Tooth” Galvin announced that Marion is “blank years old”; Dean Roland still doesn’t want to jinx his birthday on the 31st; and George Agnelli had Danny Larson croon Happy B-day to him. Unfortunately, those of us who enthusiastically chimed in to what was supposed to be a solo got fined by the Sarge.

Doug Willett was called to the podium by the Prez to receive a Paul Harris pin with five sapphires. The bling represents a significant financial contribution to the Rotary Foundation by Doug and his lovely wife, Dianne. Nice going, Doug and Di!

Announcements are: Many thanks to John McNaughton for all his behind the scenes work on getting tee shirts made for both the East Hartford High and to-be-formed Conn International Baccalaureate Academy Interact Clubs. And – - the latest Rotarian magazine features the delivery of Shelter Boxes via camel in Kenya and a photo taken by Manchester Rotarian Rick Lawrence of a young boy in Guatemala enjoying the fruits of the water project there.

Car raffle is next week! Get your tix to Brian Liss ASAP (preferably no later than 10:30 a.m. on Wednesday, June 4, so the raffle can take place at the stroke of 1pm. Also, the State will be on hand to make sure we are honest and abiding citizens so let’s all contribute to Brian and Tom staying out of orange jumpsuits. There was discussion on the fact that the $6k in tax would have to be coughed up by the raffle winner in advance of being given the keys. Dan Firestone, of course explained it all. Neal Cunningham has that covered by winning Spurgeon’s Raffle (welcome back, Spurge!) this week. Only $5,980 more to go, Neal.

Sgt.-At-Arms Picnic is Wednesday, June 11 at 6 at Bill Leone’s lovely home. This is a fun and tasty night for members only and it’s already paid for by your fines. Be sure to sign up for that and/or for the golf tournament being run earlier that day by Steve Tamiso. Golf costs $45, tee time begins at 9 a.m. at Tallwood. Please make your checks payable to Steve. New members note: no Noon meeting on the 11th.

Some health up-dates: Again, we welcomed back Spurgeon; Dan’s mom, Mrs. Lois Larson, was

in intensive care but showing signs of improving; Anita Leone fell (sorry I didn’t catch more, maybe check in with Sam); Roy Spiller is said to be doing better, at least better enough to win at cards; Moe Belanger has been having some trouble eating due to the coughing and sneezing brought on by tree pollen (it has been a nasty season for that); and Don Pitkin is in St. Francis with some discomfort with his legs.

The Installation Dinner to crown Sue Klock and her Board of Directors takes place at The Gallery in Glastonbury (lower level) on Saturday, June 28 (no Noon meeting on the 25th). Cocktails at 6:30 and Dinner at 7:30 followed by dancing. A great night out for only $40 per person. Please see Kathy McCabe to sign up or if you have dietary restrictions. Spouses, significant others, or any guests are welcome.

Summer attire begins at our first June meeting. This means men may forego ties (that’s a change?) and women can still overdress as per usual. It’s OK for everybody to wear white shoes until Labor Day. Saratoga horse track trippers: please give your checks to Carol Krantz ASAP for the August bus trip.

As a foreshadowing of Summer, Frank Collins announced that our guest speaker from Bradley Airport was a no-show (get the days of a short work-week mixed up?) and that meant we adjourned at 1:05 p.m..

Our last group effort of the day was the singing of “My Country Tis of Thee”.

Today’s High Gear Pinch Hitter and All Around Utility Player,Mary “Empress of the World” Martin 

High Gear -- May 21, 2008

Dan Russell gave the invocation and we dined on stuffed green peppers, mashed potatoes, broccoli, with a blueberry cobbler type dessert.

Today’s guests were Ricky Ferrell, the assistant general manager of the New Britain Rock Cats and District Governor Dick Borden.

Last Friday’s outing to the Rock Cats baseball game was rained out.  Ricky Ferrell and Gil Wishart gave us two options to use the tickets. The club has rescheduled the event for Friday, May 30.  Buffet at 5:30, game at 6:30.  If you can attend on 5/30, give your tickets to Gil.  If you can’t attend on 5/30, call or e-mail Ricky.  (860-224-8383, rferrell@rockcats.com)  You can attend any game on their home schedule.  There won’t be the buffet, but he will give you $20 in “Rocky Bucks” for each ticket, which can be used for food and other items at the stadium. 

The Sergeant-at-Arms Party will be held at Bill Leone’s home on 6/11 in the evening.  There will be a golf outing at Tallwoods earlier in the day.  Sign-up sheets are going around.

Today’s Sergeant-at-Arms was Tom Galvin.  Herb Tischofer, George Stewart, George Agnelli, and Todd Gaertner all celebrated birthdays and donated handsomely. One of the birthday boys bought his age in raffle tickets. Wow! Neal Cunningham paid for a new car, Ruth Sheehan paid for the Red Sox and for the pleasure of teasing Yankee fan Doug Willett. Louise Mazzoli paid to celebrate her son’s 21st birthday.  He is currently serving in Iraq.

Raffle:  About $9000 of tickets have been turned in during the past 2 weeks.  The car is paid for; every ticket we now sell is going to our charitable causes. There are approximately 220 books of unsold tickets.  SELL, SELL, SELL!  Books should be turned in next week.   

Announcements

We are interviewing 2 candidates for the Dunn Ambassadorial Scholarship. Thanks to Bill Secord for getting 2 qualified candidates and running the program.

We are sponsoring 6 high school students to attend RYLA (Rotary Youth Leadership) next week at Springfield College.  Thanks to Frank Staples, Steve Jacoby, and Sue Klock for their leadership in this important Rotary youth development event.

This year as a club we pledged $8700 to the Rotary Foundation.  As of now the club and our members have donated over $10,200 to the Foundation.  Thanks to everyone.

The golf tournament is 4 months away, but it’s not too early to begin soliciting raffle prizes.  Let Larry Frazier know if/when you collect something.

The club was a sponsor of the annual Mike Abalon Walk.  Our name appeared on posters and every t-shirt.

The raffle was won by President Bill Saunders.

Friend and Dist Gov Dick Borden spoke.  He was effusive in his thanks to our club for leadership in the district.  It was truly heartfelt when he said that we have done, “everything humanly possible for a club to do” in terms of membership, support of district goals, mentoring him, and making his year as president great.  He called President Bill one of the best club presidents in the district this year.  He thanked past DG’s George Stewart and Frank Collins for their help and support.  He gave Rotary Distinguished Service Awards to three of our members for their outstanding service to Rotary, the district, and the broader community.  He honored Sue and Peter Klock for their great work and leadership of the Shelter Box campaign. He also honored Steve Jacoby who has quietly led the Rotary Leadership Institute for the district for many years.   I think all of us in the club take vicarious pride in their efforts.

Today’s Program was our own Judge Herb Barall.  Herb has had a distinguished judicial career and was first appointed by Gov. Ella Grasso.  He has held numerous judicial posts in various criminal and civil courts.  Today we played “you be the judge.”  Herb outlined various civil cases and asked members to “be the judge.”

High Gear -- May 14, 2008

It was a beautiful Wednesday afternoon and we came together in the Fellowship of Rotary - many of us carrying youth reading books to support Sue Klock’s literacy efforts.  "The Cat in the Hat" you know!  The Ridge was basking in sunshine and warmed up quickly as the club arrived.  Talk was of baseball, raffle tickets, and gardening as the group filled the room. Our Snow Birds seem to be back with tans and smiles, after wintering in the sun.  Sam Leone would have to win biggest smile.

The Bell rung promptly at 12:15 and we were called to order by President Bill.  A luncheon of ham, sweet potatoes, and squash followed by a tasty angel food cake with strawberries was enjoyed.

Our only Guest was introduced by Dan Larson and according to Dan we made up in quality for the low number of guests.   What more can an old.....   want than a beautiful 28 year old blond for a luncheon date.  So, we were finally introduced to the Communication Manager of Goodwin College as well as Employee of the Month, Kara Simmers.  Tom Westbrook's enthusiasm and Sheryl O'Connor's piano made this week’s version of the welcome song memorable and on key!

 

Announcements

Bill Saunders announced that his grandson David Liner was graduated from the University of Connecticut with a 4.0 grade average in Actuarial Science. That's worth a hear hear and Bill’s granddaughter Christina Liner was elected President of the Senior Class at East Catholic HS. 

   Art Apostol announced his daughter Christine was graduated from Stonehill College.

Dan Russell has won the Mayor’s Award.

Tom Jarish celebrated one yr and Steve Bates many yrs.

Doug Willet and Neal Cunningham spoke of the passing of a dear friend and active member of the East Hartford community Ray Donovan.

Next week, Dick Borden will be our quest and the program presented by Judge Barall.

 We were encouraged (by Dr. Tom) to get out and sell our tickets and help others who may be having trouble.  George Agnelli leads the sales but Bill Leone and team are putting on the heat.

 Gil Wishart has 94 people headed for the Rotary Club of East Hartford's first night time family event at the Rock Cats.  This should be fun for all, let’s pray for good weather.

 Peter Klock assured us that Shelter Box's (600) are on the ground in Myanmar (Burma) and that 1000 more are in the air.  We will be helping to house over 32,000 people.  Thank You - Klock's for getting our Club involved in this good works!

 Today's Speaker, Stephen M. Rabb, was introduced by Frank Collins.  Mr. Rabb is a Hartford Rotarian, Senior Manager-Special Projects for WTIC Fox 61 and WTXX CW 20.  His presentation was on the coming of DTV.  It’s interesting so many things happened in the 1908 year: Rotary was a toddler, John F.

McNaughton Sr. was born, Henry Ford, GE Toaster, Wright bothers and 1st  recorded campaign message. Hmmmm…interesting.

Stephen’s message is get the coupons and get the box before it’s too late.  On 2/17/09 our analog TV's turn into pumpkins without the special box.  Your choices are 1) the converter box,  2) Get a new TV,  3) be hooked to cable or sat TV.  Remember www.DTV2009.com can answer most of your questions.

Stephen was presented with a book to autograph for the Library and with one verse of America......."it’s a great day to be a Rotarian"  

 John F. McNaughton, Jr. in lieu of the true scribe

 

High Gear -- May 7, 2008

As promised, tables were set and numbered to match our Raffle Ticket Sales Teams, and it’s probably safe to say that there was just a little confusion in finding seats. But when that was finally accomplished, all fell into order and in the opening R-O-T-A-R-Y song, we even stayed pretty much together, with no apparent rush to finish. Our own Past District Governor George Stewart offered a thoughtful invocation in which he reminded us of the facets of Rotary and life for which we give thanks. And with the opening song, we noted how blest we are to have Sheryl O’Conner stepping up to the plate, or rather, sitting at the piano!

We sat to a meal of chicken Parmesan, fine spaghetti & cheese, rolls, and good chocolate cake for dessert.

It seemed that we were almost back together, most snowbirds having returned…maybe next week! The GUESTS today included “that Texas gal,” Loretta Dienst (in town for the EH Woman’s Club Annual Banquet), Rotarian Jonah Pierson from Glastonbury, and George Schoen’s lovely wife, Peggy. A Welcome song worthy of the name was led by Ned Lynch and Frank Staples.

Some Sgt at Arms don’t need a badge or uniform, their very composure does the job; such is the case with Tom Galvin. All of the over-80’s were asked to sing a Happy 83rd to Spurge Stokes, a regular one for Jim Watts, we noted club anniversaries for Neal Cunningham (17th) and Herb Barall (16th, this term), “something” for Nick Cecere and Kathy McCabe (couldn’t hear over in the corner), and a great big 24th Anniversary for George and Peggy Schoen.  Way ta go!

President Bill Saunders told of thank you’s from Kim Beauregard for our gift to the Inter Community Mental Health organization of which she’s the Director, and, from Rotarian and Supt of Schools Marian Martinez for our help with the Careers Day, done for the children of East Hartford.

Other Notes of interest were:

Next week’s program: HD on your TV and what it’s all about, with Steve Rabb of FOX61

RockCats Game on May 16…83 signed up and paid (and we have our tickets, per Gil Wishart)

District Assembly in West Springfield on May 14; ask Pres. Bill for info Sue Klock attended Manchester Rotary for recognition of participating clubs and

presentation of checks for the Guatemalan Water Project Peter & Sue  told of 9 East Hartford couples funding purchase of a Shelter Box at

the Distr. Conference; in total, under the 2 for 1 program, 12 Boxes were pledged. In the Myanmar cyclone areas, many, many Shelter Boxes are there on the ground, giving real Rotary assistance.

George Agnelli needs a ride to a doctor’s appointment next Tuesday; Ceil Collins will do it!

Anwar Hassaim told of the Foodshare “Walk for Hunger” which raised $385,000. Roy Spiller still in hospital (St. Francis) with a lung infection. Needs our thoughts

and prayers. George Schoen announced a Golf Tournament Committee mtg for next week at

11:15  and told us that we have the first corporate sponsors, Sue and Peter Klock! Today’s Raffle won by Gil Wishart

And on the one and only big project in the works, Commissar Tom Galvin exhorted the troops to sell those tickets, and turn in the proceeds to El Capitain. Time marches on and June 5th is only 4 weeks away! Recent sales efforts at Cabela’s resulted in 25 tickets sold. That helps!

Our program today featured another presentation of Peter and Sue Klock’s  recent trip to Sri Lanka and other environs of that part of the world, in order to take part in an NID (National Immunization Day). Those who missed it the first time were lucky to catch it on the second time around, and it was well worth the trip. The statistics of the problem are staggering; number of volunteers taking part, number of children receiving drops of the vaccine in India in one day: like 25 million?!!! In their travels Peter and Sue visited a heart hospital where “holes in the heart” were being repaired, leg surgery clinics where children’s bent legs were being surgically straightened to make them more marriageable, Mother Theresa’s orphanage in Calcutta, and then Dacca, the capitol of Bangladesh. Polio is still most evident in Nigeria, India, Pakistan, and Afghanistan. The germs are often carried by water in which the people wash, and even with immunization, it will be a tough nut to crack.

Peter & Sue went on this trip “on their own dime” and are to be commended for their caring and commitment to being part of the physical presence in the eradication of polio. Their Rotary Club is proud, indeed, of their efforts.

So, with Sheryl once more at the ivories, we closed another day on which it is good to be a Rotarian!

                                                                                                                   Arthur

 

High Gear -- April 30, 2008

How nice it was to have the new green leaves on trees and the beautiful flowers bathed in bright sunlight, after two days of cold rain.  The change of seasons always has its delight.  George Schoen offered the invocation after our usual songfest and Pledge of allegiance.  George asked that we remember our motto, Service above Self, acknowledging that there are many less fortunate than we, all around us.

Lunch was roast pork with gravy, potatoes au gratin, a medley of mixed vegetables, followed by vanilla ice cream with chocolate sauce.  As we ate, President Bill shared some reflections on the District Conference which was held last weekend in Newport, Rhode Island.  Sue and Peter Klock were recognized for their outstanding work with Shelter Box, and managed to sell eight boxes which, on a two for one promotion, meant the sixteen boxes will be going somewhere in the world where they are truly needed. Sue and Peter also hosted our Hospitality Room.  Jay Stewart sold a lot of raffle tickets.  Larry Churchill, Don Hallquist and Keith Thompson were remembered during the Sunday morning ecumenical service.  George Stewart had the mongoose with him, always good for a few laughs and gasps.  And the Swedish GSE Team gave their presentations-outstanding-and the eight exchange students from all over the world did theirs as well.  Remarkable young people!

There were a number of sign-up sheets circulating-one for the Saratoga Springs trip in August-there are eight seats left-and others for raffle ticket sales on Saturdays at Cabela's and Stop and Shop.

We had two guests-Ricky Ferrel, assistant manager of the New Britain Rock Cats (no one asked if they'd win the game we are signed up to see)-and our speaker, Matt Fleury, spokesman for the Connecticut Science Center.  Todd Gaertner and Chuck Clarke directed the Welcome Song.

Ted Mosebach, Sergeant-at-Arms, reported a great day.  Spurgeon Stokes paid for a 55th wedding anniversary, Ned Lynch paid because all the Red Sox need is one run to win, Nick Cecere paid for an anniversary, and Ted himself paid for a lengthy announcement concerning the East Hartford Interfaith Ministries Mother's Day Appeal-a chance to give money for a good cause.  Ted has been enthusiastic throughout his month-long tenure as S at A.

Last Thursday, Sue Klock was honored at a School Business Partnership Program-she insists that the award really belongs to the Club. Then she and Peter had comments on the Senior Prom, with which the Club has been involved for sixteen years, fourteen of which have been totally hands on. That's long enough for some of us to become seniors!  Helpers from the Club included Ed Cassala, Steve Tamiso, Herb & Reggie Barall, Dave & Chickie Amberg, Art & Charlotte Bradbury, Chuck Clarke, Nick Cecere, Neal Cunningham, Dan Firestone, Todd Gaertner, Pat Gately, Jack Ghagan, Skip Guillemette, Dan Larson, Mary Martin, Louise Mazzoli, Dick & Jeanne McCarthy, Glen Peterson, Bill and Bev Saunders, George Schoen, George & Jay Stewart, Gil Wishart, and Bob & Debby Wood.  

Announcements:  The Enfield Rotary Club is coordinating, locally, a RI project. We are asked to bring new or very lightly used books for kids in Southern California-K-3rd grade.  Mary Martin is planning a new (since July 1, 2007) members meeting May 7th, 11:20 am to plan a Special Event.  New members:  contact Mary with questions.  Brian Liss reminded us that we have only seven weeks to the big raffle drawing-get those tickets sold!  We'll sit as teams next week.  Next week's program:  Shelter Box USA and/or Bangladesh, with Sue and Peter reporting.

The weekly raffle was won by Ed Cassala, with none other than Carmen P. pulling out the winning ticket.

Speaker Matt Fleury, from the Connecticut Science Center, said it is always nice to be asked back.  Matt was personable, knowledgeable, and commented that “Service above Self” is a great motto, even for non-profit organizations such as the CSC.  He gave a brief history, noting that the idea began in the 1990's, with the Children's Museum which is in West Hartford.  For sundry reasons that did not work out.  Matt left us with a most interesting brochure on the CSC, which is essentially an education institution, education is its primary purpose, and it wll  target children and their families in the region.  We-the USA-are not keeping up with other countries when it comes to interesting our kids in science.  To that end the exhibits will all be “hands on” exhibits, not static displays.  The center is expected to attract 350,000 to 400,000 persons annually.  Some two hundred exhibits are being built now, so as to be ready when the Center opens in about a year.  We'll all have chances to learn more about space, health, sports science, the Connecticut River-the variety will be mind boggling. This is really a big deal-the Center has $40 million in commitments, and still needs to raise $6 million to finish the building and open, and then will have to fund raise annually.  The Center will have a Science Advisory Council, overseeing many of the exhibits which will have adjustment capabilities, so as to keep themselves current.  And a volunteer program is being designed-sounds like a fun place to help. A fascinating program. 

Make ups:  Herb Tischofer and Sam Leone, Florida; and at the District Conference, Frank and Ceil Collins (they need make ups!) the Cunningham's, the Jacoby's, the Klock's, the Larson's, the Munson's, the Russell's, the Saunder's, George Schoen and the Stewart's. 

Well, my pen came back to me like an aboriginal boomerang-I had not realized that April had five Wednesdays.  Now, I really am through for this year.  Thanks for putting up with me.  Dan Russell

High Gear -- April 23, 2008

On a particularly gorgeous Spring Day, East Hartford Rotarians gathered at “The Ridge” for our weekly meeting.  Following our ‘ROTARY’ Song, and the Pledge to our nation’s flag, Dave Amberg, quoting Indian Chief Tecumseh, offered a fitting invocation—remember to be always thankful for all that we are and that we have, and that we might be and accomplish.

Lunch was slices of mystery meatloaf with gravy, mashed potato, steamed carrots, followed by tapioca pudding.  Somehow it didn’t accurately reflect the increase as-of-today price increase.  But then, it nourished us, and truly, there are many in the world for whom it would have seemed a veritable banquet.

Guests today included Assistant District Governor Michael Barnty, Jacob Krechko, grandson of Jack Ghaghan, Ralph Gray on the Manchester Club, and Conrad Sienkiewicz, member of the Rotary eclub of District 7890.  Welcome Song singers almost outran the piano accompaniment.

Sergeant-at-Arms Ted Mosebach seems to be enjoying the job—he reported that members seemed anxious to give him money.  He really likes that.  George and Jay Stewart paid for sitting at the same table. Dan Larson paid for annoying the Sergeant.  Bill Second paid for a birthday, Dan Firestone paid $10.40 because the tax season is officially over, Jim Fallon is due for something, since his name was on the list with no specifics attaches.  Roger Nicholson and Loren Andreo paid handsomely for 80th birthdays, and received a lusty rendition of the birthday song.  John McNaughton paid for a 43rd wedding anniversary.  Nick Cicere donated because it was the Pope’s birthday, and some wag commented sotto voce that you can’t buy your way in that way.

Announcements:  Board meeting next Monday, 7:00 at the Cultural Center.  We received a thank you note from Rick Cyphers for the AOF.  New badges were given to Ned Lynch and Heather Summerer.  That’s like graduating!  At least four individuals are planning to attend Manchester Rotary to hear the presentation by the GSE Team from Sweden.  Another opportunity will be at the District Conference.  Money for the Rick Cats Outing is due next week.  Please, get your Vocational Service nominations to Steve Jacoby.  Spurgeon Stokes is doing well, staples out, is even out driving.  Peg Spiller is expected home any day after a knee replacement.  George Agnelli is in St Francis Hospital and hopes to be home by the end of the week. Bev Saunders has gotten a good report—mammograms are very important because hers discovered a cyst which would have become cancerous within a year had it not been removed.   Midge Bogus, widow of former member Chet Bogus, died, calling hours are today, and service tomorrow at 10:30, South Congregational Church.  No one will receive this word in time.  Frank Kresson is now in a Bloomfield nursing home, and now gets his mail care of a friend, Charles Clive, at 446 Main Street, Apartment 104, East Hartford, CT 06118-1435.  Ralph Gray thanked the club for our $3000 gift to the Academy.  Manchester will be doing a pancake breakfast for Mother’s Day, and an Art Auction on Friday, May 2nd, at Manchester Country Club. Tickets in advance are $10 per person, $15 per couple.  Contact Robert Fish at 659-4413.  Sue Klock:  District Assembly on May 14th, (misreported last week) officers and board members should attend, members can attend and pick up lots of useful information.  Sue handed out committee assignments for next year.  Committee chairs will help her finalize our budget.  Tom Galvin and Dan Larson did a “song and dance” regarding our raffle—we are behind in ticket sales, we need to start pushing—perhaps it is something like giving birth.  It needs work.  Tom said we’d have to sell 752,000 pancakes to equal our anticipated take on the raffle.  Tickets begin to sound easier, and, honestly, they frequently sell themselves.

Ed Cassala won the raffle, which was extended to two other winners by a couple of desk clocks donated by Jack Sayre who is cleaning out his garage.

Pat Gately introduced our speaker, Conrad Sienkiewicz, who is one of the founders of the District 7890 email Club.   Conrad was a member of a GSE Team which went to Nigeria in 2003, and as he started out on the trip, he made up his mind to become a Rotarian on his return, because he was so impressed with the organization, the sense of community, the camaraderie and the international opportunities.  Since Conrad is a teacher, making breakfast or lunch meetings was just about impossible, evening meetings were few and far between in his neck of the  woods (Litchfield-Winsted) and he found out that Rotary was looking to start an eclub.  He did just that. The eclub meets on line, you can log in at anytime, participate, contribute-they have a water project, a literacy project, officers, dues paying members.  There are now fifteen such clubs around the world.  Our District’s eclub gets together physically about once a month, for a social gathering.  This twenty-first century phenomenon apparently fills a need and a void, and all you need is to go on line to be part of it:  eclub, email, emeeting, ediscussion, evotes!

The Senior Prom sign-up sheet was circulated, as was a schedule for selling raffle tickets at Stop and Shop.

We closed with one verse of America the Beautiful.  Bill got it right, after consulting his notes.

Make ups:  George & Jay Stewart, at Glastonbury.  Nice to be with you.  Dan Russell

                                                                                                                                Dan Russell

 

High Gear -- April 16, 2008

On a particularly gorgeous Spring Day, East Hartford Rotarians gathered at “The Ridge” for our weekly meeting.  Following our ‘ROTARY’ Song, and the Pledge to our nation’s flag, Dave Amberg, quoting Indian Chief Techuseh, offered a fitting invocation—remember to be always thankful for all that we are and that we have, and that we might be and accomplish.

 

Lunch was slices of mystery meatloaf with gravy, mashed potato, steamed carrots, followed by tapioca pudding.  Somehow it didn’t accurately reflect the increase as-of-today price increase.  But then, it nourished us, and truly, there are many in the world for whom it would have seemed a veritable banquet.

 

Guests today included Assistant District Governor Michael Barnty, Jacob Krechko, grandson of Jack Ghaghan, Ralph Gray on the Manchester Club, and Conrad Sienkiewicz, member of the Rotary eclub of District 7890.  Welcome Song singers almost outran the piano accompaniment.

 

Sergeant-at-Arms Ted Mosebach seems to be enjoying the job—he reported that members seemed anxious to give him money.  He really likes that.  George and Jay Stewart paid for sitting at the same table. Dan Larson paid for annoying the Sergeant.  Bill Second paid for a birthday, Dan Firestone paid $10.40 because the tax season is officially over, Jim Fallon is due for something, since his name was on the list with no specifics attaches.  Roger Nicholson and Loren Andreo paid handsomely for 80th birthdays, and received a lusty rendition of the birthday song.  John McNaughton paid for a 43rd wedding anniversary.  Nick Cicere donated because it was the Pope’s birthday, and some wag commented sotto voce that you can’t buy your way in that way.

 

Announcements:  Board meeting next Monday, 7:00 at the Cultural Center.  We received a thank you note from Rick Cyphers for the AOF.  New badges were given to Ned Lynch and Heather Summerer.  That’s like graduating!  At least four individuals are planning to attend Manchester Rotary to hear the presentation by the GSE Team from Sweden.  Another opportunity will be at the District Conference.  Money for the Rick Cats Outing is due next week.  Please, get your Vocational Service nominations to Steve Jacoby.  Spurgeon Stokes is doing well, staples out, is even out driving.  Peg Spiller is expected home any day after a knee replacement.  George Agnelli is in St Francis Hospital and hopes to be home by the end of the week. Bev Saunders has gotten a good report—mammograms are very important because hers discovered a cyst which would have become cancerous within a year had it not been removed.   Midge Bogus, widow of former member Chet Bogus, died, calling hours are today, and service tomorrow at 10:30, South Congregational Church.  No one will receive this word in time.  Frank Kresson is now in a Bloomfield nursing home, and now gets his mail care of a friend, Charles Clive, at 446 Main Street, Apartment 104, East Hartford, CT 06118-1435.  Ralph Gray thanked the club for our $3000 gift to the Academy.  Manchester will be doing a pancake breakfast for Mother’s Day, and an Art Auction on Friday, May 2nd, at Manchester Country Club. Tickets in advance are $10 per person, $15 per couple.  Contact Robert Fish at 659-4413.  Sue Klock:  District Assembly on May 14th, (misreported last week) officers and board members should attend, members can attend and pick up lots of useful information.  Sue handed out committee assignments for next year.  Committee chairs will help her finalize our budget.  Tom Galvin and Dan Larson did a “song and dance” regarding our raffle—we are behind in ticket sales, we need to start pushing—perhaps it is something like giving birth.  It needs work.  Tom said we’d have to sell 752,000 pancakes to equal our anticipated take on the raffle.  Tickets begin to sound easier, and, honestly, they frequently sell themselves.

 

Ed Cassala won the raffle, which was extended to two other winners by a couple of desk clocks donated by Jack Sayre who is cleaning out his garage.

 

Pat Gately introduced our speaker, Conrad Sienkiewicz, who is one of the founders of the District 7890 email Club.   Conrad was a member of a GSE Team which went to Nigeria in 2003, and as he started out on the trip, he made up his mind to become a Rotarian on his return, because he was so impressed with the organization, the sense of

community, the camaraderie and the international opportunities.  Since Conrad is a teacher, making breakfast or lunch meetings was just about impossible, evening meetings were few and far between in his neck of the  woods (Litchfield-Winsted) and he found out that Rotary was looking to start an eclub.  He did just that. The eclub meets on line, you can log in at anytime, participate, contribute-they have a water project, a literacy project, officers, dues paying members.  There are now fifteen such clubs around the world.  Our District’s eclub gets together physically about once a month, for a social gathering.  This twenty-first century phenomenon apparently fills a need and a void, and all you need is to go on line to be part of it:  eclub, email, emeeting, ediscussion, evotes!

 

The Senior Prom sign-up sheet was circulated, as was a schedule for selling raffle tickets at Stop and Shop.

We closed with one verse of America the Beautiful.  Bill got it right, after consulting his notes.

Make ups:  George & Jay Stewart, at Glastonbury.  Nice to be with you.  Dan Russell

High  Gear -- April 9, 2008

President Bill rang the bell, and assembled Rotarians launched into a slightly ragged version of our R*O*T*A*R*Y Song with able Sheryl at the keyboard.  After our Pledge of Allegiance to the nation’s flag, Jim Watts offered a fitting invocation, asking each to us to be ever mindful of why we became Rotarians.

While lunch was being served, Gil Wishart brought us up-to-date regarding the East Hartford Family Night on Friday, May 16th, at the Rock Cats baseball game in New Britain Stadium.  We have some sixty already signed up for what, depending on weather, could be an extremely enjoyable evening.  The $23 per person cost includes an all you can eat buffet—hot dogs, hamburgers, BBQ chicken, salads, baked beans, chips, watermelon, cookies, soda; there is a cash bar for beer and wine.  We should get there about 5:00 p.m.  Game time is 6:35.  We need to turn our money in by the end of April.

Lunch was one of the Club’s favorites—chicken pot pie, cole slaw, and lemon mousse with whipped cream.  There were a number of empty spaces at tables, so conversation seemed less noisy than usual.

President Bill rang the bell again at 12:40, looked for guests to be introduced.  Finding none, he asked the LaBella brothers to lead us all in the Welcome Song for ourselves.  We gave it a lively rendition.

Ted Mosebach was Sergeant-at-Arms today.  Ted said it seemed easy to collect from Rotarians, and wished that everyone member of his church could be as generous.  Glen Peterson paid because his daughter’s report card was straight A’s.  Sheryl O’Connor paid because her daughter has passed her PhD Qualifying Exams in combustion engineering.  Pat Gately paid for an anniversary which is slightly more than a month away.  Mary Sullivan paid for her picture in the paper, something to do with a young woman’s leadership program at East Hartford High.. Other payees included Ed Casella, no badge, Donna Bys for a February birthday, and Don Pitkin for both a birthday and an anniversary--$87 and $3 respectively.  And Ted paid for himself, for getting such good training from Carmen!

Health updates:  Spurgeon Stokes is home from the hospital, and walking about.  Peg Spiller had a knee replacement yesterday.  Bev Saunders had a partial mastectomy, and is awaiting test results.  No word on Leo Christmas. 

 The Swedish GSE Team is in the District.  They will be at Manchester Rotary meeting, Tuesday, April 22nd, at Manchester Country Club.  6:00 social time, 6:30 dinner, followed by the Team’s official presentation.  They will be with us in East Hartford the next day, but will not give their presentation.  Cost at Manchester is $18 per person, prime rib or vegetarian choices—a good buy for what should be a most interesting evening.

Steve Jacoby is looking for nominations for our Vocational Service Award, one a Rotarian, one an East Hartford Business Person.  Catch line—the person should be known for dignifying his/her occupation as an opportunity to serve the community and/or society.  Nominations are due by April 23rd.

Ceil Collins ran the raffle, but this reporter could not hear who won the bundle of money. [ed. note: Jim Reik]

The program for the day was a Club Assembly.   Sue Klock gave an enthusiastic report on the PETS session which she attended.  President Elects from ten districts, four hundred clubs attended.  Wow!  Every year, at every level, our leadership changes.  Our new RI President will be from Korea; our new District Governor is Jim D. from Massachusetts.  It’s the change and the continuity which keeps Rotary strong.  Next year’s theme:  Make Dreams Real.  During her year, Sue would like to focus on youth, doing a project in East Hartford.  And we can’t forget Polio Plus. We’re committed to that, both as a Club and as individuals.

Some dates to remember:  Another Club Assembly, May 14th, Sergeant-at-Arms Picnic, June 11th,  Installation, Saturday, June 28th, 6:00 p.m., at the Gallery in Glastonbury, with music and dancing.  District Governor’s visit August 13th.  Golf Outing and Picnic, August 20th, 21st Annual Golf Tournament, Monday, September 22nd.  Southern Italian Night, Saturday, November 22nd.  And you’ll wonder where the time went.

President Bill reported on our application for a Presidential Citation—copies were on the tables, but briefly, we needed to add at least one new member (we went far over that, even with the loss of some members) and to have one significant activity in Club Service, Vocational Service, Community Service, International Service, and for Youth. Bill’s list numbered some forty-seven reportable activities.  We can be proud of our Club and its accomplishments.  Let’s keep it that way.  The world produces new needs faster than they can be met.

No make-up cards were turned in today.  We closed with one verse of America the Beautiful—Bill has almost learned what Sheryl wants to play!  Thanks for reading, good to bring you the news.

                                                                                                                                Dan Russell

 

High Gear -- April 2, 2008

The weather was bright and blustery, a nice change from the rain of yesterday, as we gathered at the Ridge. Some sixty members and guests were in attendance, which makes for a lot of pre-prandial conversation. President Bill rang the bell at the normal time, and, praise be, Sheryl O’Connor was at the piano to help us through our opening song. Dan Larson offered a fitting invocation, thanking God for our many blessings. Talk at this reporter’s table was of the UCONN women’s victory last evening. Lunch was an open-faced roast beef sandwich, mashed potato, carrots and mange-tout, which are really pea pods. Dessert was a square of spice cake.Before we finished eating, President Bill started on his long list of announcements:Spurgeon Stokes was to undergo surgery for a brain clot at 1:00 today.Leo Christmas is home from the hospital, and apparently is recuperating well.Both Betty Ann and Joan expressed their thanks to President Bill for the many phone calls, cards and expressions of concern. Our sympathy goes out to the Krause family on the death of Elsie this past week. She and her husband founded Krause Caterers.George Stewart and Jim Fallon gave moving tributes at the wonderful memorial service and celebration of Don Hallquist’s life on Saturday. Over 400 attended.

Next week’s meeting will be a Club Assembly. A major item for discussion will be our Presidential Citation application.We have been invited to join the Manchester Club on the evening of Tuesday, April 22nd, to meet the GSE Team and hear their presentation. Social hour at 6:00, dinner at 6:30; cost is $18 per person, prime rib or vegetarian meals. A sign-up sheet was circulated. The GSE Team will be at East Hartford the following day. We will not hear their presentation. The Team will attend and help at the Annual Senior Citizens Ball at East Hartford High School. Sue Klock will be honored by the East Hartford School Business Partnership for her service to the community. A reception will be held on Thursday, April 24, from 4:00 to 5:30, at Veterans Memorial Clubhouse. Sue says it really is for the Club, but we certainly are proud of her.Steve Jacoby is looking for nominations for the Volunteer Service Award, one Rotarian, one business person; the award relates to special service to a town employee.After all those announcements, we finally welcomed our guests: Mary Beth Reid, from the Chamber of Commerce, Ann Tupper, from OFRA, and Sonya Richard, all guests of Guy LaBella, and Jonathan Daube, guest of Frank Collins. Sheryl tore into the Welcome Song with gusto!! She was applauded loudly and deservedly. Ted Mosebach was Sergeant-at-Arms. He reported at rather ho hum day, Larry Hangland’s birthday last month, Don Pitkin’s picture in the paper, Dan Firestone because it’s tax season, Mary Sullivan because the UCONN Women won, and a few contributions because some folks just wanted to be nice.And then we had some more announcements. International Night will be November 22nd, featuring a southern Italian theme. Don’t know if that means hush puppies with tomato sauce or not. Mark your calendars, those evenings are always great funDan Larson’s mother Pauline was to be transferred from the hospital to Riverside for recuperation and therapy; she is doing well. Don Pitkin, working with the School Business Partnership, invited anyone to share their history in East Hartford with the kids at Sunset Ridge School, every Thursday at 1:30. That could be a lot of fun.George Schoen announced that The Golf Tournament Committee will hold its kick-off meeting next week at 11:15, and the Raffle captains and co-captains will be meeting with Tom Galvin and Brian Liss at 11:00.John Nervi, the automobile dealer who donated a car to the district for Jim Sheehan’s use as District Governor, lost his wife recently. Donations to the Foundation in her memory are in order.Saratoga Trip will be August 9th.President Bill shared a couple of old not to funny jokes, and then called for the Raffle, won by Dean Roland.Ceil Collins introduced out speaker, Jonathan Daube, President of Manchester Community College. Jonathan is retiring this coming June. Jonathan has lived in the USA since 1963. He has a host of accomplishments and awards to his name. He has worked with four East Hartford School Superintendents, and noted that being a public school superintendent is much more difficult that being a college president. The college students want to be there, that’s not necessarily so with grade school or high school kids. In 1965, tuition at MCC was $100; it’s now $3000, but that’s a steal when you consider the cost of UCONN which is much less than many, many “prestigious” universities. Jonathan is proud of his faculty and staff. Catch words include respect and civility. MCC’s oldest “credit” student (you can take non-credit courses) is 98 years

old; she wants to use the college facility for her 100th birthday party! Youngest student is 3 years old. Jonathan shared insights into our educational system with competence, knowledge and humor. An excellent question and answer session ended our time with him. He was a delight to hear.President Bill called for one verse of “God Bless America” to end the meeting, but Sheryl played “America the Beautiful” which is easier to play and easier to sing. Good on her.Florida make-ups: Doug Willett, Chuck Clarke, Herb Tischofer and Sam Leone.

It’s good to be reporting. Thanks for reading. Dan Russell

 

High Gear -- March 26, 2008

Eighty years of East Hartford Rotary! This week we celebrated the club's founding, as commemorated by our venerable meeting bell, “Presented to the Rotary Club of East Hartford by the Rotary Club of Hartford, 28th of March, 1928.” What better way to celebrate the achievements of East Hartford Rotary than to recognize three of our members as Paul Harris Fellows this evening?

President Bill brought the lively social hour at the Gallery Restaurant to an abrupt halt with an early call to table at 7:20 pm, sending marshals around the hall with firm exhortations to find our seats. A brave but shaky rendition of the “R.O.T.A.R.Y.” hymn began the festivities. (How dearly we miss Maestro Don—for so many reasons!)

President Bill introduced the numerous guests—Rotary International Director-elect Michael Colasurdo, our evening speaker with his wife Ann, and our extended Rotary family, Ruthie Sheehan, Rita Brown, Joan Brow, Irene Visintainer, and Lucille Bailey. Many family members of the Paul Harris honorees were present and were introduced later. Irene Cone, director of East Hartford’s community-access television, was present to help capture our 80th for posterity. Art Bradbury and Tom Westbrook fittingly led us in the “Welcome Song.” President Bill gave especial thanks to Kathy McCabe and Lori Goeckler for putting together the celebratory evening. He asked us to remember the members of the club who have recently passed away—Bob Brown, Larry Churchill, Keith Thompson, and Don Hallquist (a member of the club since 1965)—and also to keep in mind Leo Christmas, who is in the hospital recuperating from heart surgery; Spurge Stokes, who is facing his own surgery; and the family of Larry Frazier.

Sergeant-at-Arms Carmen Piscatello waved all fines for the evening—on top of paying for his own 93rd birthday last week. Who says Godfathers don’t have a heart? Dan Russell led us in prayer before the meal, giving thanks for the abilities and resources we have received and reminding us to use them for good through Rotary. Dan, however, didn’t give thanks for the help Bill Saunders received after getting stuck in the mud in George Stewart’s lawn—the thirty-second person to have done so and the third insurance company to have cancelled.

A delicious multi-course dinner followed—the entrees being tender steak fillet or baked stuffed shrimp or stuffed roast chicken, concluding with strawberry-topped cheesecake.

Program:

President Bill introduced the evening’s speaker, RI Director-elect Michael Colasurdo from Brick Township, New Jersey. A Paul Harris Fellow himself, Mike’s whole family, including even his daughters-in-law, have been designated Paul Harris fellows. Recently, when a pregnant daughter-in-law was asked if she was having a boy or a girl, her answer was, “No, I’m having a Paul Harris Fellow!” Mike has filled many roles in Rotary and has worked closely with our own Frank Collins. His message: “Rotary has no existence except for the existence we give to it.” Specifically, we are able through Rotary and its Foundation to change the lives of people around the world, people whom we will never see. That’s why we can be called visionaries—we dream of things that don’t exist and help them happen, as Arch Klumpf did in 1917 when he started the Rotary Foundation with a contribution $26.50 from the Rotary Club of Kansas City, Mo. Since then, the Rotary Foundation has provided more than $1.4 billion in grants for projects in more than 165 countries, funding more than

37,000 ambassadorial scholars, and raising $200,000,000 in matching grants alone. The idealism behind the Foundation should lead us to ask four questions about ourselves:

1. What is it we belong to? (What is its history? What has it done? Is it growing?) 2. Why am I here? (Am I just “the ring ding from the ring-ding club” as Mike Colasurdo’s next-door neighbor in Florida sometimes calls him?) 3. Why do I stay? 4. Why don’t I share it? (Ninety percent of Rotarians don’t ask anyone else to join!)

We should feel the reality that is Rotary, like the boy in the tale of the grandfather who went kite flying with his grandson and who, when heavy cloud cover moved in, shouted to his grandson, “You’ve lost the kite!” “No, I haven’t,” said the boy. “I don’t see it,” said the grandfather. “But, Grandpa, I feel the tug.” We might not see the people suffering with polio or those with a need for ShelterBoxes, but we feel the tug!

Past-president Tom Galvin served as master of ceremonies for the evening’s raison d’etre—the formal naming of our three new Paul Harris fellows. George Stewart presented Jim Fallon, Art Bradbury presented George Schoen, and Jack Sayer presented Roy Spiller. Each speaker detailed the life-long dedication that each recipient has given to service in the community. George Stewart spoke of Jim Fallon’s accomplishments in the school district, but more importantly of his “heart”—exemplified by Jim’s eulogy for Don Hallquist last week. Art spoke of George Schoen’s professional engineering work all over the world—culminating in George’s leadership and professional handling of our club’s major fund-raising effort, the annual golf tournament. Jack spoke of Roy’s life-long closeness to East Hartford and his work for 33 years in community relations as “Mr. Pratt and Whitney.” Roy never met a yard sale he didn’t love and possesses the only known remains of a jar of pickles from the Silver Lane Pickle Factory! This evening is the second time Roy has been designated a Paul Harris Fellow, an indication of the degree to which our club has continued to benefit from Roy’s year-after-year commitment to the charitable activities of East Hartford Rotary. The recipients each introduced the family members in attendance, the number of whom speak to the respect and love that these Paul Harris Fellows receive and deserve.

Respectfully, Bill Secord

 

High Gear -- March 19, 2008

It is with a sad heart that today’s meeting began as we learned of the passing of another dear friend, colleague, long-time Rotarian, our beloved maestro Don Hallquist.  Jim Fallon spoke movingly about Don and Don’s life that exemplified the Rotary motto of “Service Above Self.” 

The invocation was given by President Bill Saunders.  Lunch consisted of potato soup, Reuben sandwich, cole slaw, and cookies for dessert.

We had many guests today: Charlotte Bradbury, Peter Dieche from Glastonbury, and Diana Hossain, wife of incoming member Anwar.  In addition 3 people who won’t be guests after today: Anwar Hossain, Ross LaBella, and Jay Stewart.

The Sgt-at-Arms was Carmen Piscatello who had a light day but paid for his 93rd birthday.

Announcements

      As members have passed a new Rotarian has joined the ranks as Lacee Colwell gave birth to son Aiden Patrick on 3/708.  7lbs 9oz and 19.5 inches long.

      Leo Christmas is going home from the hospital today.

      At this week’s board meeting the board agreed to donate $3000 to scholarships to the EHHS Academy of Finance.  We are also donating $3000 to help purchase a scoreboard for the middle school pool. [Ed. Note:  Actually this is for the high school pool.]

      Herb and Reggie Barall received a humanitarian award.

      The district conference that will be held in Newport, RI will now offer a meal only plan.  Registration is past due.

      The district assembly will be Wed, May 14 in Springfield.  Sue encourages members to attend.

      Paul Harris Dinner next Wed, 3/26, at the Gallery in Glastonbury.  6:30 drinks, 7:30 dinner.  NO LUNCH MEETING NEXT WEEK.

      Mindy Johnson from the Am. Lung Asso. is participating in a “stair climb” and is looking for sponsors.  Contact her at www.lungct.org or at 45 Ash St. in East Hartford.

      Roy Spiller and others are writing a history of East Hartford.  If you have old family photos they would like to see them for possible inclusion.

      The raffle was won by Guy LaBella

      The club received a thank you letter from Larry Frazier and his family for the support they have received surrounding the passing of his wife Doris.

      Tom Westbrook made a donation of $200 to the scholarship fund in memory of Doris Frazier and Larry Churchill.

Induction of New Members

One of the goals of Rotary is to bring new members into the club who believe in our motto of “Service above Self,” and who will perpetuate and expand the good works of the Rotary.  Today Ross LaBella (sponsor & brother Guy LaBella), Anwar Hossain (sponsor Peter Klock), and Jay Stewart (sponsor Gil Wishart) officially became members of the club and Rotary International. [Ed. Note: Peter Klock brought Anwar to his first meeting; Bill Saunders is sponsor of Anwar Hossain.]

Program

Thanks again to Steve Tamiso, the hosts, and the co-hosts for running another successful year of Fireside Chats.  He presented a summary of the reports from the various sites.  The report will be made available to the board and members.

 by Glen Peterson

 

High Gear -- March 12, 2008

Searching vainly for her hammer, Vice President Sue Klock evoked a wimpy call-to-order out of the Rotary bell at the head table. Eventually the desultory crowd gave her its attention. Sue called for an opening moment of remembrance and prayer for Doris Frazier, whose funeral took place today. Dan Larson followed with a thoughtful prayer for us all.

Lunch consisted of spaghetti and meatballs, garden salad, and cookies. And the sun came out as we dined.

Guests included Laurie Lister and Jeanne Klock (guests of Peter), Jay Stewart and Anwar Hossain (imminent and eminent new members), and Peter Deich of the Glastonbury club. We all sang “Happy Birthday” for Bob Wood, who paid with a handsome fine equal to his years on earth.

Announcements: Gil Wishart presented details regarding the family-activity committee’s plans for an outing at the New Britain Bobcats baseball game on Friday, May 16. The Bobcats have reserved eighty-five seats together for our club. The price of $23.00 each includes the entrance fee, an all-you-can-eat barbeque (chicken, hamburgers, beans, watermelon, etc.), the game itself, and a laser light show after the game. The gates open at 5:05 pm, the picnic runs from 5:35 to 7:05 pm, and the game begins at 6:35. Sign up soon so that the committee can be assured of a successful event.

Larry Hangland reported on our club’s possible participation in the Rotary Youth Exchange Program—both long-term and short-term exchanges. The long-term exchange consists of a ten-month stay and the enrollment of the student for the academic year at a local high school. The short-term exchange consists of a four- to six-week stay with a family whose own child will then participate in a reciprocal stay in the exchange student’s home country. Exchange students can be in the age range of 15½ to 18½ years old. The application deadline for the short-term exchange is May 1, 2008. The application deadline for the long-term exchange (academic year 2009-2010) is mid-September. The long-term exchange assumes that the students either know or are willing to learn the native language of whatever country they will stay in. Application forms and further information are posted on the Rotary website (www.rotary.org/programs/youth_ex) and the ESSEX (Eastern States Student Exchange) website (www.exchangestudent.org).

The board of directors will be meeting next Monday, March 17, at the East Hartford Community Center. Dan Larson will play the part of St. Patrick (or perhaps the part of the snake). Steve Tamiso will be the speaker for next week’s luncheon meeting. The topic will be a report on the results of the Fireside Chats. Frequent-flyer Glen Peterson won the raffle once again, and unselfishly turned the money over to the Rotary Foundation.

Program: The speaker today was club member Peter Klock, who illustrated and reported on the journey that he and his wife Sue took in December to India and Bangladesh to participate in Rotary’s National Immunization Day against polio. They were part of a team of fourteen

Rotarians led by a woman who herself is a polio survivor and a man who had previously participated in a total of sixteen other National Immunization Days. Each participant paid a fee of $4,000, which covered all transportation, lodging, meals, and even daily spending money for the two weeks.  The cost was able to be kept at this level because the leaders of the program knew the area well.

The team landed first in Delhi, where they visited several medical facilities, included a Peace Project that is able to provide heart operations for children at the meager cost of $1,600. They also visited a hospital where 72 Rotarian surgeons provide corrective surgery for polio victims for only $250 each. A total of 7000 children crippled by polio have been treated by this medical corps to date. The next stop was an orphanage in Calcutta, where Sue delivered a monetary donation from our club. The beautiful children illustrated in Peter’s photographs tug at the heart strings.

Part of the mission of the team of Rotarians is simply to illustrate an international presence in the fight against polio. In a sense, National Immunization Day is a holiday for the local people, who dress up in their finest attire for participation. During this last one-day campaign, 24 million children were treated. Administration of the polio vaccine must be repeated two to three times for full immunity to be built up. In the city of Dhaka, Bangladesh, Peter and Sue’s team administered 1,407 doses of the vaccine, using vials that contain enough drops for 20 children. They also distributed pills for the deterrence of round worms and vitamin-A pills for the prevention of night blindness. One remarkable fact revealed by Peter is that many people contract polio and, insidiously, might not exhibit any symptoms except perhaps side effects like diarrhea. Type-two polio has been eradicated, but type-one polio (the type targeted by the vaccine) still results in paralysis in one out of every 200 infected individuals. Type-three polio results in paralysis in less that 1% of infected individuals and cannot be effectively treated until type-one is first eradicated. Polio’s presence is now confined to the countries of Bangladesh, India, Pakistan, Afghanistan, and Nigeria. Rotary’s efforts in this eradication campaign stem from a firm commitment to confront the dehumanizing effects of disease and poverty, but also illustrate how collaboration with, and respect for, the peoples of the world will eventually lead to world peace.                     

Respectfully submitted, Bill Secord

High Gear -- March 5, 2008

Rotarians were delighted to see the rain showers dissipating but disappointed to not hear music emanating from the halls. Our thoughts were with Don Hallquist who is recovering from a mild heart attack and awaiting surgery. We began our meeting today with a moment of silence for our departed friend Larry Churchill. Our thoughts are with Lois and Brad and the rest of his family. Rev Tom Galvin gave a somber and thoughtful prayer. Sue Klock was quickly demoted from Acting President to Treasurer today. A marvelous meal of chicken, rice, veggies was capped by cookies and brownies.

Neal C and Lori G contributed to today’s entertainment by leading the Welcome Song. Welcomed were Ross LaBella, Jay Stewart, Anwar Hossain, Craig Williams of the East Hampton club and speaker Mateen Haiden from the rowdy South Windsor club.

Carmen “the Hit Man” Piscatello presided as Sgt-at arms. Neal C was sung Happy Birthday to. Don Pitkin paid for great grandchildren # 11 and 12.

Dan “I swallowed a Watermelon” Larson advertised the upcoming first district St Patty’s Day dinner. This year’s honorees will be Herb and Reggie Barall. Please see Dan for tickets. Herb will be reminded to shed the ‘70’s psychedelic shirt and tie for more traditional Celtic garb for the occasion.

Peter Klock was fined for grossly exaggerating the death of our colleague Roy Spiller who was both in attendance and in good spirits today. Tom Galvin immediately called Peg Spiller after reading the erroneous report to inquire about purchasing Roy’s Caddy. As Jack Sayre exclaimed “the only place you’ll find sympathy here is in the dictionary”. Carmen always inspires great theatre.

Today’s medical watch: Leo Christmas – awaiting by-pass surgery, Peggy Schoen –mom passed away, Carol Krantz - mom struggling after complications from a fall, Jean Roland - in the hospital – should be out today, Frank Kreson – at Manchester MH with an infection – send a card. 

Per Mary Martin our Interact Club established a goal of raising $750 from their daffodil sale. Our club members contributed $170. Delivery will be arranged the week of March 17.

A Peter Cottontail breakfast is scheduled for Saturday, March 15?  from 9:30-11am. Contact Mary Martin if you would like to participate in selling raffle tickets at the event.  Dan Larson unveiled a scoreboard depicting the progress on raffle ticket sales by team. $5,800 has been collected against a goal of $50,000.

Next week we will hear from the Klocks on their trip to Bangladesh. Don’t forget to send your “preference sheets” to Sue ASAP.

Don’t forget about the Paul Harris/ 80th anniversary dinner on March 26th and the Rock Cats game sign up. Career Day is scheduled for the Middle School on April 30 from 8 – 10:30. Contact Mary Sullivan if you are able to participate/contribute.

Raffle winner was #579 Todd Gartner.

Our program today focused on The Citizens Foundation which provides money to support educating children in Pakistan. A whopping 47.5 % of Pakistan’s population is

illiterate. It only takes $14 a month to educate a child there. Our District and Pakistan District 3270 are partnering.

Makeruppers include Frank and Ceil Collins in Tom’s River NJ, Pat Gately and Herb Tischofer in FL.

Three new members are being proposed for the Rotary Club of East Hartford. Anwar Hossain proposed by Bill Saunders, Jeannette Stewart proposed by Gil Wishart and Ross LaBella proposed by Guy LaBella. If any EH Rotarian questions or challenges any of these proposed new members, he/she must state his/her concerns in writing via email to Bill Saunders@cox.net or fax to 657-8727, and mail a printed copy of the challenge via USPS to Rotary Club of East Hartford, c/o William Saunders, Po Box 280722, E Htfd., CT 06128-0722 within 7 days of this notice.

God blessed America at 1:15pm.

Johnny Dangerously subbing for the AWOL Bill Secord

 

High Gear -- February 27, 2008

I start this High Gear with the sad news that long time member, Larry Churchill, passed away this morning.  This news did not reach us until after our meeting.  We will miss his dedication and service and the classy way with which he always conducted himself.  A true gentleman.

Ceil Collins brought our Club together with an Invocation taken from the 10 Commandments of the American Indians.  An interesting perspective with great emphasis on our relation to Mother Earth.

Even before lunch (my favorite – except for the onions – chicken pot pie with rabbit food – OK , a salad – and a family style plate of pastries), Gil Wishart was at the podium giving news of a Family Event being planned at a Rock Cats game on Friday, May 16th.  This sounds like a fun way to involve many generations and friends and family of Rotary.  Stay tuned for more information.

Our guests today included some repeat offenders:  Ross LaBella and Anwar Hossain.  Also present were Rich Rapp from Glastonbury, historian Ray Johnson, Jen Scanlon, and our own Ruthie Sheehan.  They were serenaded by us under the able(?) leadership of John McNaughton and Neal “Pink” Cunningham.

Lots of announcements:  Sign-up sheet is already going around for the Paul Harris and 80th Anniversary of East Hartford Rotary Dinner.  We will be at The Gallery in Glastonbury on Wednesday, March 26.  Cocktails at 6:30; Dinner at 7:30; for only $40 per person.   Meal choices are Filet Mignon, Bake Stuffed Shrimp, or Boneless Stuffed Chicken Breast.  Please put this on your social calendar and check with your significant other, or guest, to see what dinner they choose.  There is no Noon meeting that day.  Bring a check to Kathy McCabe by the 19th, please.  “Old” members:  please make a special effort to encourage “New” members to attend.  We will be honoring Jim Fallon, George Schoen, and Roy Spiller for their Service Above Self.

Mary Martin, the Empress of the World, was collecting money to pass along to our Interact Club to support their involvement in the American Cancer Society daffodil fund raiser.  Monday the 3rd is the deadline so call her/me at 291-7206 ASAP if you want in.  Ten bucks for a bunch of ten, $25 for a daffodil bear.

Congratulations to Roy Spiller on hearing some good news from the doctor. Whew!  Congratulations to the Liss family for the new addition to their family (Brady William Liss).  And send healthy thoughts out to expectant mother, Lacee Colwell.  She is confined to bed until her bambino is delivered (due in about 3 weeks).  Try a note to her email at laceez77@hotmail.com.  More health news:  our cards and calls must have worked because John Horn’s heart surgery recovery is going better; please send a note or call Don Pitkin at Riverside Health Center (Main Street, East Hartford).  I know he is working on Town Council business from his bed!

Fireside chat reports from co-hosts are due in writing to Steve Tamiso “yesterday”.  Oops, I better end here and get busy on mine.  Tell Tom Galvin (Brian Liss is a little busy these days) if you need more raffle tickets to sell.  Regards to Ted Mosebach and his team of volunteers (some including Rotarians) as they head off to Biloxi, Mississippi to help out with post-Katrina housing.  Can you believe the need exists?  That’s not good (I will step gingerly off my editorial soap box now). 

In-coming President Sue Klock had boxes of envelopes in alphabetical order for us to pick up and give feed back on our committee interests for her year.  This sort of information is extremely helpful to the President and gives us the opportunity to match our interests with Club needs.  Sad to say there were a lot of envelopes not picked-up at the end of the meeting.  Next week for sure, OK?

At the risk of finding a horse’s head in my bed tomorrow (Patticake!), I couldn’t hear much of Godfather Carmen Piscatello’s substitute report as Sgt.-At-Arms.  Of course, I didn’t make an effort to get his notes, either, so I guess it’s the witness protection program for me.  I think it was:  Bill Leone anniversary, Frank Staples on TV, Dave Amberg paying for a photo of Herb Barall, and happy birthday sung by our veterans to Frank Collins.

Bill Leone gave a succinct and very understandable report on the Brewer and Scholarship trust funds (we have two).  The total return on assets this year was .081% for both.  The Brewer Fund will support $859.42 in scholarship, and the general Scholarship Fund $6,142.50.  Background:  Rotary Scholarships to East Hartford students are usually $2,000 per student.  This remains the single most lucrative scholarship offered to the community.  This is also why we sell tickets.  Many thanks for your work all through the year, Bill.

The raffle was won by Ceil Collins.  Momma needs a new pair of shoes. 

Make-ups were Frank Collins at Valley Forge, Frank and Ceil selling tix to the Wethersfield/Rocky Hill Rotary Club, Sheryl O’Connor selling tix to the South Windsor Club, and Florida Snow Birds Sam Leone, Dick McCarthy, Bill Saunders, Doug Willett, Chuck Clarke, and Herb Tischofer.

Mayor Melody A. Currey rushed through the door in time to be our speaker.  We’re glad she made it.  Her news included an overview of the 2008-09 proposed municipal budget with kudos to our own Mark Sirois and his work as Chief of Police.  She spoke of the challenge of providing quality services within the confines of an affordable budget.  This being the second year of the phased-in revaluation, it won’t be easy.  Other interesting tidbits included positive changes to Main Street with the opening of Gateway Square and some juicy gossip about WalMart/Target looking at sites in town.  And Andy Andreo let us know that the new PetSmart opening at the former Ames location will offer 24/7 veterinary services.

Thanks to Don Hallquist, we closed with one verse of “God Bless America”.

Buh-bye as H.G. Scribe for this year,

   Empress of the World

 

High Gear -- February 20, 2008

Judging by the interest in today’s speaker, there is no point with following the usual text agenda for High Gear.  Let’s just cut to the chase!

 Today’s speaker was Matthew Menchetti, the new managing tenant of what used to be the East Hartford Golf Course and is now going to be known as Long Hill Country Club.  Mr. Menchetti has the contract with the Town of East Hartford to make major improvements to the golf course, restaurant, and pro shop, and manage it all year-round.  Highlights of what are planned include some not so “sexy” improvements (mostly invisible to the naked eye) like drainage, silt removal in streams, and pruning of unsafe trees.  But a lot of the rest of what he mentioned sounds like it will really bring in golfers and non-golfers alike.  These include a re-vamped restaurant in a “grille room” style with flat screen TV and full service menu with liquor; an improved driving practice area, expanded pro shop, and a major facelift for interior decorations.  The first, and most important question asked, was whether or not the greens fees were going to increase.  The answer is “not now”.  Weather permitting, look for a Good Friday opening (that’s March 21 for the rest of us).

Many thanks to Program Committee folks Pat Gately (in absentia in Florida; wonder if she saw Chuck Clarke on the greens down there?) and Sheryl O’Connor for this and a string of good programs.

And did I mention that this was Sue Klock’s first stab as Acting President?  She said she was nervous but you couldn’t tell from where I sat.  We are blessed with a good string of once and future Presidents.  Our Club is so strong in so many ways.

Dan Russell ably performed the invocation and we dove into a lunch of pork roast, mashed potatoes,carrots, and chocolate mousse. The perfect meal for a cold and blow-y day up at the Ridge.

Guests today were serenaded by leaders Dan Larson and Tom Westbrook.  They of the matching camel hair jackets.  In at least one case a lot of “camel” had to die for that jacket.  Guests were the handsome and smarter brother of Guy LaBella, Ross; Glen Peterson’s Magnet School Assistant Principal Jen Michaud, Past District Governor Everett Watson, and Ted Marina.  Ted bought ten raffle tickets and his monetary effort today paid off.  And then announcements……

Fireside Chats are finishing up.  Co-hosts, please give attendance rosters to Secretary George Schoen so he can give attendance credit.

Good health test results for Tom Galvin were applauded (and we are keeping our fingers crossed for good news coming for Roy Spiller).  Tom Jarish was celebrating his son’s acceptance to East Catholic.  Happy Birthday to Dan Russell (no singing) and John McNaughton (singing).  Mary Martin (who?) paid to ask for news of any vacant garage that could house her hubby’s ‘Vette. 

Mike Malinguaggio and Ted Mosebach let us know that Don Pitkin was back in the hospital.  As a follow-up to that, I found out that he should be released to Riverside Health Care Center on Main Street in East Hartford shortly.   Don told Mike to tell everybody at Rotary “hello”.  Cards would be appreciated for both Don and Larry Churchill.

We sat at tables according to our Raffle Ticket Sales Teams.  Tom Galvin very pointedly reminded us that we are doing this raffle because WE said we wanted to do another raffle so quit your griping or come up with a better suggestion for raising these kinds of significant funds.  Keep in mind that the “great things” we do as a Club in this community need money.  Plain and simple.  So get out there and sell, sell, sell!  And while you are at it, be sure to legibly complete the information needed on the ticket stub and front of your ticket sales envelope.  Your help on this will make us legal with the State of Connecticut.  Tom does not look good in orange.

Not verbally announced but printed here in High Gear:  Kathy McCabe is working on the Paul Harris and 80th Anniversary of East Hartford Rotary Dinner.  Factoids for Rookie Members: Paul Harris was the founder of our great organization; East Hartford was chartered in 1928. 

Dinner this year will be at The Gallery in Glastonbury on Wednesday, March 26.  Cocktails at 6:30; Dinner at 7:30; for only $40 per person.  A sign-up will be going around next week for meal choices of Filet Mignon, Bake Stuffed Shrimp, or Boneless Stuffed Chicken Breast.  Please put this on your social calendar and check with your significant other, or guest, to see what dinner they choose.  There is no Noon meeting that day.  Bring a check to pay in advance, please.

A note to the sponsors of new members:  please make a special effort to urge your new member to attend and bring a guest.  The banquet is a stress-free way of getting to know other Club members and recognize those who will receive Paul Harris Recognition for their “Service Above Self”.  Meals at The Gallery are good, too.

And the best thing about Acting President Sue?  We closed at 1:20 with one verse of “God Bless America”.

Bill, feel free to take another vacation.  We are in good hands.

Empress of the World

 

High Gear -- February 13, 2008

I hear Gil Wishart did an exemplary job with the invocation today.  Sorry I missed it but this job keeps cutting into my day.

About 50 hardy Rotarians and some guests slogged their way to the top of The Ridge for a lunch of Hot Cross Buns, baked chicken and heart-shaped cookies.  The guests were mostly provided courtesy of Guy LaBella.  They included his wife, Jeanna, brother Ross, and a colleague of Jeanna’s by the name of Cheryl Cardone.  I hope we made a good impression on them.  Peter Klock introduced Anwar Hossain, an architect from Manchester (who just happens to work with Rick Lawrence of the Manchester Rotary Club).  Come see us again, Anwar, but don’t tell Rick.

It was good and bad news from Dan Firestone today.  The good news is Past President (85-86) John Horn is doing well in Florida after double valve surgery (one pig, one cow, and a partridge in a pear tree).  You can send a card to John at 1016 Manor Lake Drive, Unit  #201 Naples, FL 34110 The unfortunate bad news is the passing of our Past President from 1971-72, James A. Melley, Sr.   Please check the 2/12/08 Hartford Courant for information on wake and funeral arrangements.  Thanks, Dan, for keeping us in touch with our past.

It took the talented fingers of Don Hallquist on piano to make Glenn Peterson and Larry Frazier’s leading of the Welcome Song sound good. 

Some of the not-so-musical accompaniment at today’s meeting was the sound of ice crashing down on the roof.  Of course, Herb Tischofer wouldn’t know that since he is still down in warm, if not sunny, Florida.  On the other hand, there’s folks like Frank Collins who does his make-up meeting by attending a New England Rotary President-Elect Train the Trainer seminar up in Nashua, NH.  Now that’s showing us something!

Announcements provided by Sgt.-At-Arms Jack Ghagan:  Sue Klock paid for her birthday and then Peter approached Jack and insisted on paying, too.  How chivalrous!  Mike Malaprop Malinguaggio paid for his anniversary and Art Apostol paid for his 29th wedding anniversary (another Cupid’s arrow!).  And Judge Herb Barall paid for his grandson getting 31 points but we are not sure what the category was.  Last but not least, Don Munson is a hero (applause, applause).  This new(er) member was very generous in coming forth to the Sarge and insisting on paying “handsomely” for missing two meetings.  Now that’s called setting a good example.

Folks, give a shout out (that’s what the kids say) to Frank Kreson who is currently convalescing at Manchester Hospital.  We will keep you posted on Frank’s future address.  We miss you, Frank.  Please keep in touch.

President Bill let us know that Bill Leone will be in better voice next week to give us our annual up-date on the Scholarship account.  Fireside Chats continue.  Please keep up the good attendance.  And George Agnelli reported through Bill that a former recipient of one of our scholarships, Anna Drodziak, is now working in the Correspondence Office of The White House.  Oh well, I guess not every recipient can be a success story.  Only kidding!

Up-coming meetings will be include an up-date on the Golf Course, and the week after a program by East Hartford’s Mayor Melody Currey.  Sue Klock will be Acting President on February 20.  I guess Bill needed a vacation from us.

Dan Firestone handled today’s raffle by “allowing” Glenn Peterson to win AGAIN.  Glenn’s such a great guy, he placed the contents of the envelope in President Bill’s “Billy Bucks Bucket”.

Don Pitkin gave us word that this Saturday at 7 p.m. is the Java and Jazz show at the East Hartford Community Cultural Center.  And a sign-up list circulated around to get reservations for a Rotary table at the Mayor’s Charity Ball (to be held March 8th at the Club at Rentschler).  This year’s beneficiaries will be “Circle of Life, Arts for All” (the non-profit arts group led by Herb and Reggie Barall) and East Hartford Inter-faith Ministries.  And while you are filling your social calendar, be sure to mark August 9th as the annual trip to Saratoga.  More news will be forthcoming.

Our speaker today was Alden C. DuPont of the Putnam Rotary Foundation ( P.O. Box 604, Putnam CT, 06260).  He gave an illustrated talk on a “Lifewater” project with the object of mitigating poverty through empowerment.  In other words, teaching the residents of places like Kenya, Zimbabwe, and Haiti how to drill water wells to provide sanitary water sources for drinking and agricultural uses.  One look at the face of a child of Kenya and a picture of the muddy stream from which water is brought one bucket at a time is enough to tell of the need for this project.  Donations may be made to the non-profit at the address written above.

We closed with one verse of “God Bless America”, despite what was announced.  We sounded good, too.

Stay warm and dry,

   The Empress of the World

 

High Gear -- February 6, 2008

Where was everybody?  Our meeting at the Ridge seemed sparsely attended.  And then Secretary George Schoen gave me the make-ups.  “Everybody” is in Florida!  At least Dan Russell (back already), Chuck Clarke, Dick McCarthy, Doug Willett, and Sam Leone are.  On a damp, raw day like today, they sure know how to make the rest of us jealous.  While we are on the subject of make-ups, Frank Collins paid visits to Shreveport, LA for Rotary Leadership Institute training on two days and then went to Poughkeepsie, NY for Foundation Training.

Well, anyway, George Schoen read a lovely invocation to get us stalwarts started with the meeting.  And then Krause Caterers served our traditional Ash Wednesday fare of baked fish, Spanish rice, cole slaw, and a platter of cookies for the table.

There are going to be two committee meetings next week, both at 11:30.  The Vocational Service Committee (Jacoby, Lessard, Andreo, Bys, Christmas, Churchill, Colwell, Harris, Kelleher,

Moshovos, Sayre, Shemo and Spiller) need to know this.  And the Family Committee (Wishart, Cassala, Liss, Mosebach, and Richmond) should be paying attention to this paragraph right now.

The better looking sibling of Guy LaBella, Ross LaBella, was our only guest.  Nonetheless, John Mozzicato with the help of George Stewart, led us in a rousing version of the Welcome Song.

It was now time for Sgt.-At-Arms Jack Ghagan to give his report.  Herb Barall paid a fine in thanks for Mo Moshovos tracking down his umbrella.  It apparently went flying down the hill in that “hurricane” after last week’s meeting.

 Stu Harris paid because some team won the Super Bowl (or was it the Superb Owl?); then Steve Bates paid because somebody hit a home run at the end of the Super Bowl; and then Jackie Danise insisted it was fly-by-night team called the Giants that won the Super Bowl.  Yeah, whatever.  And then we sang happy birthday or happy anniversary to Brian Liss and Jim Reik (anniversary) and Spurgeon Stokes (birthday).  Congrats guys!    

Announcements from President Bill:  Fireside Chats have begun.  This is our opportunity to break down into smaller groups, get to know some newer members, and discuss issues of importance to our Club and the community.  It is very important that you contact the Host or Co-Host to let them know if you cannot attend or need to choose a different time/locale.  The hosts provide seating and refreshments and need a head count.

Kudos to Sue and Peter Klock for their immunization work in Bangladesh and the good publicity surrounding it.  While on that subject, we thank Art Bradbury and Don Hallquist for their consistently fine public relations coverage of Club events.

And more:  Dan Russell and Roy Spiller were honored with Paul Harris pins with four and three diamonds added, respectively.  These are in recognition of their level of giving to the Foundation.  Thank You Notes from two 3rd  grades were circulated acknowledging our dictionary donations.  Superintendent of Schools Marion Martinez accepted a check in the amount of $15,000 as Rotary’s contribution to “Project Lead the Way”.  This project promotes a nationally-based curriculum of science and technology beginning in the 8th grade.  Marion promises to give us periodic up-dates.

“Spurgeon’s Raffle” was won by the very deserving Kathy McCabe.

Our speaker today, introduced by his fellow Town Council member and Rotarian Don Pitkin, was Rev. Eric Thompson.  The Reverend spoke of his experiences traveling to India to provide up-close support to a 40-child orphanage sponsored at a distance by his church.  He will soon travel to Guatemala on a similar mission but this time to a 300-child orphanage.  The need is great for these “little lambs”.  One of the most heartwarming connections made during his talk was the story of how church services were held in a community hall sponsored by Rotary.  This reminds us that we are a part of Rotary International.

We closed with one verse of “My Country ‘Tis of Thee”.

See you at the Fireside Chat,

                Empress of the World

 

High Gear -- January 30, 2008

The meeting format was a bit unusual to accommodate Atty. Gen. Blumenthal’s schedule.  He could only speak from 12:15 to 12:45 so he spoke first and we had lunch following his address.  Mr. Blumenthal spoke about a number of issues he and his office currently have on the agenda.  One of the issues is the harm done to investors who invested in things that have dropped significantly in value do to the sub-prime crisis.  Many companies were highly rated and touted by investment banks but were backed by sub-prime loans.  Lots of regular folks, probably some of us, have suffered as a result, and his office is looking into the possibility of fraudulent practices relating to some investments.  Another current issue is unsafe toys, particularly those with lead paint from China.  When toys are recalled, the US companies like Mattel do it voluntarily and the toys often stay on the shelves.  He also spoke about the tobacco settlement, how the state is only using a small portion of the money for anti-tobacco programs and the health care ramifications of the use of tobacco.  As always Mr. Blumenthal was an interesting speaker and he answered a few questions at the end of his talk.

The invocation was given by President Bill Saunders.

ANNOUNCEMENTS

            Fireside Chats begin next week.  If you can’t make your assigned meeting please call the host and let him/her know.  Remember they are preparing food and drinks and need to know how many people will attend.  Also, if you would like to attend on another day be sure to call that host to see if there is room for you and to get permission to attend at his/her home.  Thanks to Steve Tamiso for once again organizing the Fireside Chats.  They are great opportunities to get to know other club members.  Don’t miss out.

            Upcoming Programs:     2/6 Eric Thompson to talk about trips to India and Guatemala; 2/13 Alan DuPont, the chairperson of the district’s Water, Health, Hunger Committee; 2/20 East Hartford Golf Course; 2/27 Mayor Curry’s State of the Town

            Some members have recently resigned for work and personal reasons: Phyllis Demers, Marcia LeClerc, Bob Popp, and Jill Fahey.  As a club we now have 94 members.

            Group Study Exchange:   The Swedish group will be staying with the Manchester club for a week and they will visit East Hartford on Wednesday, April 23 for the club meeting and to participate in the Senior Prom that evening.  There will also be an evening welcoming event at Manchester Country Club on Tues, April 22.

GUESTS, were serenaded by members of the Board of Directors.

      Andy Skarzynski, Associate Principal of Two Rivers Magnet Middle School

      Michael Palladino, CEO of 1st New England Credit Union

      Bud Salemi, long time friend of Dan Larson (and many others) and now involved with     the construction of the Goodwin College on Riverside Drive

      Ross LaBella, Guy’s brother

      Sonya Richmond, development coordinator at Goodwin College

      Paula Flack, member of the new Hockanum River Commission

      Tina Orlowski, friend of Kathy McCabe

      Mayor Melody Curry

SGT-AT-ARMS  Steve Tamiso and Johnny Mo celebrated birthdays.  Roy Spiller celebrated 41 Rotary years.  Happy dollars for a variety of nice things.

Brian Liss won the raffle.

Glen Peterson editor

 

High Gear -- January 23, 2008

Glen Peterson editor

Invocation today was by me, and I presented the club with the book “Graces” which is a collection of invocations for a variety of occasions.

We had one guest today, Elizabeth Cenci from Goodwin College. She was serenaded with the “Welcome Song” by Dan Firestone and Lacee Colwell, accompanied by Don Hallquist.

Today’s Sergeant-at-Arms was John Mozzicato.  Tom Westbrook is celebrating 38 years in Rotary.  Tom, Mary Sullivan, and Steve Jacoby are celebrating birthdays.  Lots of happy dollars were donated by football fans and for pictures in the paper. Mark Sirois paid for his daughter’s birthday. President Bill paid a fine because his cell phone went off during the board meeting.  Jim Fallon paid because Neal Cunningham wore a suit today. 

MAKE-UPS  Frank & Ceil Collins attended the Past Officers reunion in San Diego for 5 days.

ANNOUNCEMENTS

            Mary Martin’s mother, Sylvia Goode, passed away.  Our thoughts are with Mary and her family.

            Anyone bringing guests to next week's meeting with Attorney General Blumenthal should call President Bill if you haven’t been counted already.

            We received thanks from the 3rd graders at Langford School for the dictionaries and from the Talking Books program for our donation.  Our donation to Talking Books is being used to defray the costs of building a sound proof recording room at the library.   

We had terrific coverage in this week’s Gazette.  A photo on the cover and an article about the Ambassadorial Scholarship by Bill Secord also appeared.

            Future Programs:  Next week Attorney Gen Blumenthal; 2/6 Eric Thompson to talk about trips to India and Guatemala; 2/13 Alan DuPont, the chairperson of the district’s Water, Health, Hunger Committee

            We received a nice thanks and certificate from the Salvation Army.  Jack Sayre went to a post bell-ringing meeting and was presented with the certificate.

            Posters about the car raffle are in and available for members to use.

            Spurgeon announced that former member Albee Trieber was in the hospital in Florida.

COMMITTEE MEETINGS

            There are 4 different committee meetings next Wednesday prior to the lunch.  All at 11:30:  International, Program,  Vocational Service, Family. 

PROGRAM

            Today’s program was a Club Assembly.  President Bill began a discussion about how we donate our money.  We have budgeted about $47,000 to give to various groups this year.  Most of the money goes to scholarships $12,000 and to Project Lead the Way $15,000.  There is a long list of recipients such as Shelter Box ($2000) and lots of groups receiving $1000 or less.  In recent years contributions have been just under $50,000.  Bill is asking the club if we feel this is an appropriate level of funding and is the mix of recipients appropriate. 

            Doug Willet wrote a lengthy report based on the Membership Committee focus groups.  Bill presented the membership with the summary of ideas that came from Doug’s report.  Members had questions about some of the items on the list.  Items from the list of recommendations as well as the questions about our donations will be used for Fireside Chats.

 

High Gear -- January 16, 2008

Lunch consisted of a garden salad, spaghetti & meat balls, Italian bread, and red Jell-O.

The only guest was Deb Isenberg from Glastonbury. The “Welcome Song” was led by John Shemo and Sheryl O’Conner accompanied by the maestro, Don Hallquist.

Sgt-at-Arms, Johnny Mo said there were slim pickings, but Moe Belanger celebrated 39 years in Rotary and Dan Firestone celebrated 32.  Tom Jarish paid for his birthday on 12/26.  There were a variety of happy dollars for pictures in the paper, dentistry, to support football teams, and to celebrate family academic accomplishments.

ANNOUNCEMENTS: 

The board of directors will meet on Monday, 1/21.  Because it is a holiday we won’t be meeting at the usual location, but at the Goodwin College construction office at 195 Riverside Drive.

Next week’s program will be Club Assembly.  The following week (1/30) our Attorney General, Dick Blumenthal will join us.  If you are planning to bring a guest please let President Bill know so we can alert the caterers.

Ambassadorial Scholarship.  Please get the word out. We haven’t had an applicant in 3 years.  West Hartford had one applicant each of the 1st 2 years and has 3 this year.

The International Committee and the Program Committee will both meet next Wednesday at the Ridge at 11:30 prior to the regular lunch meeting.

Doug Willett wrote a lengthy report on the Future Search process.  The board will review it; decide how to share the information with members, and how to use some of the information during the upcoming Fireside Chats.

Fireside Chats: Thanks again to Steve Tamiso for organizing the event.  We have 6 hosts and co hosts (thanks to all of you).  All members have been assigned on various dates in Feb.  If you cannot attend the scheduled evening, please call the host.  If you would like to attend a different meeting, please call that host to make sure there is room for you.

We’ve been getting some good press this year.  A picture of Roy Spiller and friends appeared in the Rotary District Newsletter and lots of great articles and photos have been appearing in the Gazette.

Health Issues:  Mike Malinguaggio’s wife recently had heart bypass surgery.  Past Pres John Horn also had heart surgery in Florida.  Jackie Danise’s husband Molly is recovering well from his recent heart surgery.

The Raffle was won by Bill Secord

Make-ups:  Steve Jacoby, Tri-town Club

PROGRAM:  Brian Liss and Tom Galvin shared information about the car raffle. We’re again raffling a Toyota Prius Hybrid.  Thanks to Skip Guillemette and Lynch Toyota. Ten teams were created with captains and co-captains.  Members were given 4 books or 10 tickets and envelopes.  We need to be very accurate and keep track of all tickets.  There are serious legal issues here that we must respect.  Each member will keep a list of who bought each ticket on a sheet of paper (to come) as well as on the ticket stubs.  When members have sold an entire book they need to record who purchased each ticket and the method of payment on the front of the envelopes.  The envelopes with ticket stubs and cash/checks are to be given to the team captains or co-captains only.  Only entire books should be handed in.  Captains will contact team members regularly and the club will organize events to help sell tickets.  We can earn $25,000 to help pay for scholarships and other charitable efforts through this raffle.

Written by Glen Peterson.

 

High Gear -- January 9, 2008

This Wednesday we were hosted by Cabela’s at Rentschler Field in central East Hartford. The crowd was strong with an attendance of 67. As we entered many faces lined at the upper railing greeting all. The day had turned warm and sunny with temps heading into the 60’s. The only thing missing were the melodious chords of Don’s piano.

President Bill rang the bell at 12:15 on the dot and the Rotary song resounded through the building. We were treated to Spurgeon holding a ½” pin of the American Flag for the Pledge, but it was loud and clear. President Bill gave the invocation.

Lunch was a top notch buffet composed of roast beef, turkey, ham and 3 types of cheese, three types of salads and a selection of drinks and coffee. Many mounded plates and headed back to the tables.

Our meeting portion of the day began promptly at 12:45 with the introduction of guests: Jennifer McNaughton was introduced by John McNaughton, Marybeth Reid by Guy Labella, Lacy Peterson by the abusive Dan Larson PP, and Chirag Thaker by Dan Russell. Also in the crowd was Ruthy Sheehan. It was great to see Leroy Spiller back with us on a regular basis. Tom Westbrook valiantly led us in the welcome song.

Sergeant at Arms Johnny Mo reported that we had some significant anniversaries, George Stewart 44 years, Don Hallquist 43 years, Peter Klock 18 years and Larry Hangland 8 years. Celebrating first years were John Kelleher and Sheryl O’Connor. Also, we had some WOW birthdays Mike Malinguaggio with 87 years and Nick Cecere with 76. On that note Nick also paid for being off to Aruba; poor Dave Amberg after living through college football season paid for ND’s victory over the UCONN men in basketball and was booed. John McNaughton paid for OUR Sergeant at Arms being the best dressed at the meeting; Steve Bates for the Giants wins and Art Apostol for the Patriots wins. In the Tortoise and Hare category young Tim Larson lost

to his elder brother Dan in the Brian Aselton Memorial Snow Dash….that must have been quite a sight.

ANNOUNCEMENTS:

We have lost 3 members from our peek and need to continue to pursue  new members Raffle will kick off next week. New Member’s breakfast is postponed Swedish GSE team will be hosted by Pittsfield, New Milford, Manchester and West

Springfield. EH will have them at lunch the 3rd week of April The Family Committee will meet next week at 11:30 at the Ridge Reminder that Dick Blumenthal will be our guest on January 30th.

A special thanks to Pat Gately for arranging the Cabela’s meeting and to Rich Hyland of Cabela’s for hosting the meeting. Rich is the Store Manager who spoke and answered questions for as long as we had questions. In short, the East Hartford store is one of the largest with over 400 employees. It is the leading new store and will be one of the top attractions in the state. As the store gets up to speed, they will be opening a boat house for sales and service. In addition, they will be sponsoring activities for youth instruction in various outdoor actives. It came to East Hartford because of the central location and the access off the major roads. Also, we heard from Sean Langdon, the Firearms Manager, who fielded various questions regarding bow hunting and sales of various guns.  

See you at the Ridge next week.   JFM Jr.

 

High Gear -- January 2, 2008

Happy New Year Everyone!  The club held a Wine and Cheese Social to celebrate the New Year.

2008 is the Year of the Rat according to the Chinese (and Japanese) Zodiac Calendar.  In China and Japan the rat is not a symbol of disdain as it is in the West.  Instead those born during the Year of the Rat are considered to be witty, imaginative, and curious.  “Rats” are full of good advice and are honest, but they may become aggressive or self-promoting.  The rat is the first of twelve zodiac signs and people born during the following years are considered rats: 2008, 1996, 1984, 1972, 1960, 1948, 1936, 1924, and 1912.  I know that rats are wonderful people as both my daughter and I are rats and all the above characteristics are true (except for the self promoting part).

The invocation was given by Frank Collins.

Today’s meal consisted of stuffed peppers with potatoes and turnips and rice pudding.

Over 70 people attended today’s meeting including guests, which is a big turnout for January when so many of our members move to warmer climes. It was great to see Roy Spiller back at the Ridge after a year away due to health issues.  This week’s guests included three particularly lovely spouses: Reggie Barall, Charlotte Bradbury, and Jay Stewart.  In addition we had program related visitors from East Hartford High School’s Dance Team: Billy Montgomery, Amanda Townsend (and her mother Sheryal), Rachael Nystrom, and Phillip McGhan.

 

The welcome song was led by Chuck Clarke and Mike Malinguaggio.

Jack Ghagan was the substitute Sergeant-at-Arms.  He collected lots of money from Carol Krantz who paid for a birthday, a new car, and for 10 years in Rotary.  Pat Gately and Guy LaBella also celebrated birthdays.  Don Pitkin paid for a picture in the paper.  Andy Andreo and Spurgeon Stokes paid to celebrate Roy Spiller’s return.

ANNOUNCEMENTS

New member Keith Thompson passed away over the holidays.  Keith transferred his membership from the Broadbrook Club earlier this year.  Prior to joining our club Keith frequently made up meetings in East Hartford.  Visiting Hours are tonight (1/2) from 7:00-9:00 at the Carmon-Windsor Funeral Home @ 807 Bloomfield Ave. in Windsor.  The funeral will be tomorrow (1/3) at 11:00 at the 2nd Baptist Church of Suffield which is located at 100 North St. (Rt 75).

Member Louise Mazzioli received her permanent badge. 

The club sends out its prayers and good wishes to ailing member Larry Churchill and to Molly Danise (Jackie’s husband) and Nancy Larson (Tim’s wife) who are both at home recovering from recent heart surgeries.

We received lots of thank you cards. 

      From Sue and Helen for Christmas bonuses.  Sue also announced that she has retired from Krauss Catering. 

      From Interval House and Intercommunity Mental Health for donations

       From students and principals for receiving the dictionaries.

 

Next week’s meeting (1/9/08) will be held at Cabella’s. 

In two weeks, on 1/16, we will have the kick-off for this year’s car raffle.  A meeting for team captains and co-captains (they know who they are) will be held tomorrow night (1/3) at the YMCA from 5:30-6:30.

President Bill would like to hold another breakfast for new and relatively new members next week on Friday, 1/11 at 7:30, probably at the Holiday Inn.  This would include all members who have joined since 7/1/06.  Bill promises that the meeting will conclude promptly at 8:30.  Please call or e-mail him if you can make it.

The East Hartford Gazette recognized our Rotary Club as part of its top stories of 2007 because of our purchase and installation of the scoreboard at McKenna Field.

Gil Wishart is the chair of the club’s Family Committee.  He’d like to have a meeting to plan a spring family event.  The meeting(s) will be held prior to a Wednesday luncheon.  If you have any interest in promoting family activities please call or e-mail Gil.

Thanks to Jack Sayre for coordinating the Salvation Army Bell Ringing.  He reported that we raised $3663 this year, a near record amount. Jack thanked all those who participated and particularly those who brought family members such as Louise Mazzioli who brought her husband and her dog.

The Senior Prom will be held on April 23.  Save the date.

Steve Tamiso is organizing the Fireside Chats for February.  Chats will be held on the following dates.  We are still looking for some hosts and co-hosts so please call or e-mail Steve is you can help as either a host or co-host on one of the open dates.

 

Date Host Co-hostTuesday 2/5 ? ?Thursday 2/7 Bill Leone Tom GalvinMonday 2/11 Roy Spiller ?Wednesday 2/13 ? Don MunsonTuesday 2/19 Dan Larson ?Thursday 2/21 ? Bob Richmond

Today’s Raffle was won by Moe Belanger.

TODAY’S PROGRAM

…was introduced by Herb Barall (aka Nate).  About five years ago a dance team was formed at East Hartford High under the leadership of Herb’s wife Reggie.  The team participates in district competitions with dancers from other high schools.  They also participate in regional competitions as well as pay visits to nursing homes and elementary schools to entertain and promote dancing.  Four members of the team visited us and performed salsa, cha-cha, tango, and swing dances.  Herb and Reggie then gave a command performance and wowed the membership with an Argentine tango.  President Bill remarked at the level of talented students at the high-school and reminded us of the wonderful singing and playing we enjoyed at the last meeting.  The students as well as their coaches were truly inspirational.

The meeting closed with “Auld Lang Syne,” although some of us didn’t know all of the words.

Written by Glen J. Peterson

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