(from November 2, 2005 issue forward, High Gear archives are filed under year of publication. Double click here for link to issues of High Gear from November 2005 onward.)
If readers will forgive me, I feel compelled to write,, at least part of today’s report, in the first person. The last time I wrote High Gear, which was last April, we had just come off a cold and wet weekend, and the day for Rotary was, thankfully, bright and sunny. At breakfast this morning, I thought the same; bright sunshine glinted through the tall pine trees in my backyard. The day glowered a bit, midday, but then did brighten some. The best brightener, however, is the meeting of friends and colleagues at Rotary. Midday, midweek, our Club is blessed to have the perfect workweek respite. Don Hallquist was at the keyboard in Charrier Hall, South Congregational Church, conversation was lively and interesting, and Dan Larson, acting President, President elect, Vice-president, was in charge. Dan called upon Bill Saunders, not for a Golf Tournament Report, but for the invocation, ably delivered.
Lunch, for those of you who collect returning menus, was a hot open-faced turkey sandwich with cranberry sauce, al dente green beans and roasted yam. Dessert, for those who eat chocolate, was a Halloween Cupcake.
A quiet gong brought us to order. Acting President Dan asked us to keep our President, Carol Krantz, in our thought as she deals with an ailing mother and the stress of a new, demanding job. We are all glad that Carol’s daughter is back from the mid-east.
There was only one guest today: Mike Malinguaggio, former member, brought back to the fold by Jack Ghagan. Let us hope that we’ll see more of Mike, for he has a special sense of humor, which he shares generously. Jack led us in the Welcome Song, which got off to a slightly ragged start, but which managed to knit itself together by the time that we reached the last few bars. You know, it’s not always easy to be unragged when you reach the last few bars. Think about that one for a bit.
George Schoen was Sergeant-at-Arms today. He collected from George Agnelli, for purchasing a not-well-running automobile for his wife (can’t trust those Mercedes-Benzes), from Don Pitkin for his picture in the paper (that’s what comes of politics) from Ted Mosebach because he’s a nice guy, from Dave Amberg, because he is a White Sox fan (might as well go with one of the best) and from Bill Saunders, on two counts: first, because the District Newsletter misreported (I use my own wording) our attendance record and, second, because his Alma Mater, Thiel College, has a game record of 7-0. According to my issue of the 2005 World Almanac, Thiel College, located in Greenville, Pennsylvania, was founded in 1866, tuition and fees are slightly over $14,000, and enrollment is slightly under 1300. Sounds like a good place, especially if they produce graduates like Bill.
There were a number of announcements. Peter Klock is doing his (excellent) citrus sale again: 20 pounds of grapefruit or oranges, $14.50; 20 pounds mixed grapefruit and oranges, or apples, $15.50; 25 pounds ;mixed grapefruit oranges and apples, $19.00. You can email Peter, call Peter, or sign up when the sheet goes around next week or a few weeks after. Shipping date is December 5th.
NEXT WEEK’S MEETING WILL BE AT THE INTERNATIONAL BACCALAUREATE ACADEMY, 857 Forbes Street, East Hartford. The Academy is cheek by jowl, and connected to, our East Hartford High School, which is at 869 Forbes Street. Lunch will come in a box. Kids at the Academy think outside of the box.
Dan Firestone and Neil Cunningham are on the Nominating Committee. If you are interested in really participating in the life of our club, let your will be known to one of those two. Jim Watts is calling for Paul Harris nominations. Pat Gately, in an attempt to make up a meeting, discovered that Wild Bill Cody’s, where the Bloomfield Club used to meet, no longer exists. Best to check club locations and times on the District Website Internet, link at bottom our our club's site, www.rotary.org. Sue Klock reported that ShelterBox #2179, which we purchased for $900, has gone to help Katrina victims. Note that there were many mentions of East Hartford in the recent District Newsletter. And lastly, Acting President Dan asked Mark Sirois if he could borrow his “costume” (read: Chief of Police Uniform) for a week, promising to return it in good condition. Let us all remember that laughter is an important part of living well! Jack Ghagan won the raffle.
Roy Spiller introduced our speaker, Gloria McAdam, President of Food Share which is headquartered in Windsor. Gloria is an accomplished speaker, as are many of our guests, talking without notes, explaining what Food Share does, and the needs that it helps to fill, citing statistics which were both sobering and uplifting. One out of ten families makes use of food pantries. In our area, that comprises 100,000 individuals. Food Share began with one person, and now has thirty employees, and countless volunteers. Nutrition is important to good health, good health is important, especially for children, to doing well in school. Food Share tries to break into that vicious circle of substandard living. It is currently completing a new purpose built facility which will allow it to collect and distribute more food efficiently. The Department of Agriculture says that we waste 28% of the food we produce, part in processing, part in quality control, and part in mislabeling during the packing process. Food Share picks up at least some of the good stuff that falls through the cracks. Food Share picks up, trucks, sorts, distributes to local pantries, 9.3 million pounds of food per year. There were too many statistics to commit to paper, but suffice it to say that wish our government might operate as well. An operation worthy of support.
Make-ups: Jackie Danise and Roy Spiller, Rockville. Good to be with you—Dan Russell
To usher in this beautiful fall day at East Hartford’s South Congregational Church, Maestro Don Hallquist, he of the nimble digits at the keyboard, played us some tantalizingly “cocktail lounge” tunes, taking us back to high school proms, college hops, or just plain cold winter evenings with the girl (boy) we loved, sitting in front of the fire. If we could have any wish imaginable, what might it be? To have the talent to play the piano like Don! Our local electrical engineer, Gil Wishart, had set up the microphone for President Carol Krantz and earned a potential fine for placing it at belt buckle height. Never mind, it seemed to go unnoticed!
Our dinner tables were stocked with E. H. Rotary calendar of events for the 2005-06 year, all by courtesy of “YIR” Sue Klock (also to be found on our website). The secret is out: Sue carries red, white and blue Rotary blood in her veins, and we’re the lucky recipients! Dinner this day was that old favorite, hot chicken pot-pie. Not a plate needed scraping! Guests who were sung to by Kathy McCabe and Dean Roland included PDG Dick Seidman and a sales friend of Skip Guillemette, Gene (sorry, the last name escaped this scribe!).
Sgt at Arms George Schoen told of a pretty good day with gift$ from anniversary celebrants Larry Frazier (38 years) and Kathy McCabe (12 years). Oh yes, cheapo Gil Wishart coughed in $1.00 in honor of wife Jean’s birthday (oh, oh, I wasn’t supposed to print that!).
In honor of what most every president does at least once, President Carol forgot to put on the Presidential medallion at the start of the meeting, thus treating the club to a future cocktail party!
Lots of Announcements, thusly:
Ms. Hauss assured us that there is good news in the existence of vital tutoring programs which are trying to reverse this trend by offering classes for adults at a number of area schools and libraries. Both reading and writing skills are being taught to individuals who currently read below the ninth grade level, or whose native language is other than English.
Though, on the face of it, a discouraging picture, we can take hope from the positive presentation by such an informed and committed person as Carol Hauss. Thanks for bringing us this program, Peter!
And, once again, it was nice that we could get together!
Arthur
During perhaps the wettest week in memory club members enjoyed another inspiring meeting at the South Congregational Church.
The invocation was given by Dan Russell.
The menu featured Swedish meatballs (no doubt in celebration of the next RI Convention) with egg noodles, zucchini, and strawberry shortcake for dessert.
Marcia LeClerc and Dave Amberg led an a capella version of the welcome song.
Our one guest was frequent visitor Gil Spencer of the Glastonbury Club, who was also the lucky raffle winner and happy to take his plunder across the border.
Sergeant-at-Arms George Schoen received handsome donations from:
Ceil Collins who is celebrating 9 years in Rotary,
Doug Willett who is celebrating 26 cumulative years,
and Hyacinth Douglas-Bailey who has joined the Hartford YMCA as a vice president,
as well as smaller sums from the typical late arrivals and early leavers.
Announcements
President Carol’s daughter has returned to the States after 14 months in Iraq.
Rotary UN Day is Nov. 5. Applications were on tables and can be found on the website. They need to be returned early so security checks can be performed.
The Progressive Dinner will be held on Nov. 19.
We’re collecting nominations for Paul Harris awards. The deadline is the 1st week in Nov. Please get them to Jim Watts.
Neal Cunningham thanked the Rotarians who helped manage the marathon water station on Pitkin Street had a wonderful, albeit wet, morning of community service and fellowship. In addition to Neal, the following members and friends participated: Neil Cunningham, Rosemary Hogan, Bill Saunders, Gil Wishart, Dan Larson, Jack Sayre, Dan Firestone, Carol Krantz, Ceil Collins, Frank Collins, Dick McCarthy, Pat Gately, Dave Amberg, and Mary Martin.
Doug Willett and Mary Martin are acting as advisors to the East Hartford High Interact Club, the Rotary service club for high school students. The first club meeting attracted 35 students. The club held a bake sale and raised $120 for hurricane relief. Mary is helping to sell magnetic picture frames to help the Interact Club’s current fundraiser. They say “East Hartford Yellow Jackets” and are very reasonably priced. They’d make a lovely gift for any East Hartford High alum.
Former member Donna Kehoe was in the hospital over the weekend due to a burst appendix. She’s at home recovering.
This week’s program was a panel presentation given by members who attended the centennial Rotary International Convention in Chicago. The members were introduced by Sue Klock.
Frank Collins, who has attended many conventions, spoke about how Rotarians were welcomed by the city and how clean and inviting Chicago seemed to a visitor. The district reserved a block of rooms at the Weston Hotel which allowed district friends to spend time together. Transportation was very convenient. Bus service was available from the hotel to the convention site is designated bus only tunnels and lanes.
This was the second convention for Doug Willett. He felt that attending the convention helped him appreciate the international scope of Rotary. Thousands of Rotarians, marching by country, paraded through the streets, and the vast number of international humanitarian projects was impressive. He encouraged other members to attend the international conventions to better understand the vastness of Rotary.
Steve Jacoby spoke about fellowship. 41,000 Rotarians attended the convention. He read from the “Principles of Rotary.” He shared a story of a meal he had a McDonalds with Rotarians from half a dozen countries. He also spoke about the “House of Friendship,” an exhibit of hundreds of international projects.
Sue Klock found the experience humbling. She and Peter attended the plenary sessions, and found them much more interesting that anticipated. Each session had a keynote speaker, videos of important projects, and other pertinent information. She was very impressed by Ted Turner’s speech. He spoke about how he became involved with Polio Plus and other Rotary humanitarian projects and thanked Rotarians for the important work we do. Sue was dismayed that some Rotarians walked out rather than hear Mr. Turner. She hadn’t held this celebrity mogul in high esteem prior to the speech, but her opinion was raised by his heartfelt words.
Ceil Collins attended a presentation given by a Nepalese Rotaract Club. Rotaract is Rotary’s service club for young adults. Members of this club decided to climb Mt. Everest and erect the Rotary flag in celebration of the 100th Anniversary of Rotary. They even called RI President from the summit by satellite phone. To make the occasion even more special, 2 members of the club were married at the summit, an international first.
Peter Klock spoke about his visit to Club One, the original Rotary Club. They no longer meet in the original location, but the club is filled with cases of early Rotary memorabilia, photos, and documents.
Next year’s convention will be co-hosted by Copenhagen, Denmark and Malmö, Sweden, two beautiful cities I visited in the 80’s that are connected by high-speed hydrofoils.
Respectfully submitted,
Glen Peterson
In-coming president Dan Larson presided over the first of several meetings that are being held at the South Congregational Church.
Frank Collins gave the invocation remembering Jim Sheehan and Jack Sayer’s father who recently passed away. He also remembered Peg Spiller who is recovering from hip surgery and President Carol’s mother who is in ill health.
Lunch began with a clam chowder prepared in what I’ve always considered “Cape Cod” style, no cream like New England Style and no tomato like New York. It was followed by a turkey sandwich and coleslaw.
We had a large contingent of prominent guests including:
PDG Everett Watson
PDG Carolyn Pierce
PDG Dick Seidman and Susan Seidman
PDG Hogie Hanson from the RI Foundation
DG 07-08 Dick Borden
and special guests Bob and Gladys Dunn
Art Bradbury and Tom Westbrook led the welcome song to the accompaniment of Don Hallquist.
Sergeant at Arms George Schoen collected from:
Moe Belanger for his 74th birthday
Dean Roland for 61 years of marriage
Steve Jacoby and John Shemo for Rotary anniversary
and a member who won his golf club’s summer-long match play tournament
Bill Saunders reported that Sept attendance was at 86.4%. Let’s work at reaching 90%.
Neil Cunningham asked that people helping with the Marathon Watering Station on Pitkin St. arrive no later than 7:30 on Saturday. Please bring a leaf rake and water pitcher if possible.
Steve Jacoby visited the Lyon, France club and presented acting president Dan with their club Flag.
Neil Cunningham won the raffle and donated it to the RI Foundation.
Frank Collins introduced our guest speaker Hogie Hanson from the RI Foundation. Mr. Hanson has an impressive list of Rotary credentials and professional credentials in the area of college development and fundraising.
Mr. Hanson thanked our club and our individual members for their generous gifts to the RI Foundation last year and in the past. Our district led the 15 districts in our zone in giving to the Foundation, and East Hartford was among the leading clubs.
Mr. Hanson said kind words about Jim Sheehan and led a moment of silence in his memory.
Mr. Hanson introduced Bob and Gladys Dunn who were honored for their generous gift to the Foundation. Bob attended East Hartford High School and the East Hartford Rotary Club sponsored him as an Ambassadorial Scholar. Bob became a teacher and school administrator finishing his career as the principal of Hall High School in West Hartford. Bob was also a member of the West Hartford Rotary club for 35 years. Bob spoke about the positive impact Rotary has had on his life. Rotary had long been a part of the Dunn’s estate planning, but they fully expected that their gift to Rotary would made as part of their estate. They realized that giving a substantial gift during their lifetimes would enable them to see the fruits of that gift. Bob wanted the gift to relate to the East Hartford club where Bob was introduced to Rotary as well as the West Hartford club were he was a member and benefit young people in the towns. The Dunn’s have endowed an annual Ambassadorial Scholarship to be nominated by either East Hartford or West Hartford Club. Selection of the recipient would be made by a committee comprised of a member from each club and someone from the district leadership. The first scholarship will be awarded for the 2007-2008 year.
PDG Everett Watson, chairperson of the district RI Foundation, leads the committee that selects district Ambassadorial Scholars and explained the selection process. Candidates must have completed 2 years of college, but there is no age limit. Nominees complete a 20 page application and face multiple interviews. As a district we have an Ambassadorial Scholar about ever other year. Now, as a result of the Dunn’s generosity a scholar will come for East Hartford or West Hartford annually.
PDG Dick Seidman presented the Dunns with a crystal globe from the RI Foundation. PDG Carolyn Pierce presented Bob with a major donor pin and Gladys with a major donor pendant. Frank Collins thanked Mr. and Mrs. Dunn on behalf of the leadership of Rotary International.
The meeting ended with a chorus of “God Bless America.”
Respectfully Submitted,
Glen J. Peterson
With her recently acquired finesse, President Carol opened the luncheon meeting with a sharp blow to the Rotary bell that almost knocked her steaming cup of coffee off her table. (Meetings are safer at the Ridge, but not as warm and fuzzy.) After a thoughtful opening prayer by Ted Mosebach, the membership jumped to the occasion and quickly formed a ragged conga line to the buffet table. And a marvelous buffet it was— turkey breast and roast beef personally sliced by John Mozzicato himself, sausage and peppers, ziti, fried potatoes, garden salad, and rolls. John’s wonderfully friendly staff served coffee, chocolate chip cookies, and vanilla ice cream with chocolate sauce for dessert.
President Carol reminded us all that next week’s meeting is at South Congregational Church at the usual time. She also announced that Peg Spiller is in St. Francis Hospital recuperating from hip replacement surgery. Don Hallquist, in a sharp break with tradition, led the “Welcome Song” with his own vocal cords starting us off—his Casio alone not being quite up to the task.
Sergeant-at-Arms Dick McCarthy proved as diligent as ever. He fined Jack Ghagan, Dean Rolland, and Dan Russell each for 32 years in Rotary. (We should compare their horoscopes.) Also, Peter Klock reached the age of Social Security entitlement. Dick imposed the most appropriate fine, however, on Dan Larson for his risqué performance on the speaker system at the Golf Tournament. Dick was relieved to see the Reverends Ted Mosebach and Al Turner on the golf course together in a prayer group pleading for Dan’s salvation. Dick even fined the president herself for attempting to fraudulently claim the winning raffle ticket at the tournament, even though Big Jim Fallon stood up to challenge her. Finally, Sue Klock volunteered to pay a fine for turning down her raffle prize (what’s wrong with a pink flamingo?)
The Golf Tournament, impeccably run as usual by Bill Saunders, finished up with 117 registered players, 36 raffle prizes, and 3 silent auctions. The general raffle netted $3, 825. The silent auctions (a painting by Dan Russell, a table from Dan and Loretta Dienst, and teeth whitening from Drs. Galvin and Round) netted $1,000. The 50/50 greens contest raised $265; and the putting contest, $105. These monies (beyond sponsorships and entry fees) totaled $5,200. The next meeting of the golf committee will be next week at 11:30 before the luncheon. Bill encourages anyone with ideas on ways to improve the tournament for next year to call him.
Jim Watts reminded the club that the time for Paul Harris nominations is upon us. The Paul Harris selection committee will be meeting to make their decision in late October or early November. Please get nomination forms from Jim or download them off our Web site.
Neal Cunningham is looking for a few good people to weather the water station for the Hartford Road Race. Volunteers will be protected from the rain this year because the water stand will be operated from within a convenient jewelry store on Main Street, East Hartford.
Mary Martin acknowledged the efforts of a number of people in providing hospitality for the Third Annual Rebuilding Together Day on Saturday, September 24: Ceil Collins, Frank Collins, Dan Firestone, Pat Gately, Dan Larson, Mary Martin, Jim Reik, George Schoen, Gil Wishart, and Bob and Debbie Wood. Mary also thanked the Klocks and Mo Moshovos for providing coolers and John Mozzicato for donating 30 roll-up sandwiches! Remember that folks donating their services at events like this receive attendance credit for missed meetings. Make-ups seem to be falling off.
The raffle ticket was pulled in secret; and as Spurge announced the number, Jack Ghagan announced that Carmen Piscatello had won. (Carmen is very shy.)
The meeting closed with one verse of “God Bless America.”
Respectfully submitted (really),
Bill Secord
High Gear -- September 21, 2005
President Carol presided over what was perhaps the shortest East Hartford Rotary Club meeting ever (no pun intended). She even beat Don Hallquist to his key board with a timely twanging of the magic bell—excruciatingly close to Doug Willett’s right ear. The breakfast meeting at John Mozzicato’s emporium triggered only a minor shuffling of the usual seating arrangements: it’s hard to teach old dogs new tricks.
The breakfast fare consisted of a groaning board filled with sausages, bacon, ham, scrambled eggs, French toast, bagels, and more. For a Rotary club with the average age of East Hartford’s, it was a dangerous meal indeed.
Dress was decidedly mongrel. Even George Stewart materialized in a polo shirt—in September! Perhaps the cause was the beautiful appearance of the golf course in the early morning sun. And the perfect weather—the warmest September on record. That statistic might bode either good or evil for the upcoming winter. At least we normally don’t experience hurricanes. Chuck Clarke introduced our one guest, Warren Westbrook; and Doug Willett and Dean Roland managed a rather off-key “Welcome Song.”
Our diligent sergeant-at-arms, Dick McCarthy, blood-hounded down a furtive group of late arrivals (7:30 am is the middle of the night for retirees), early leavers (even without a program!), anniversaries, birthdays, and publicity hounds. Dean Roland celebrated 32 years in Rotary; John Mozzicato, 7 years. Bloodhound McCarthy, who diligently peruses 26 newspapers (even the police reports) every week for any villain’s appearance in the press, fined Dan Russell for a picture of him and his lovely wife Betty in the Glastonbury Citizen (of all places). Bob Wood also smuggled his angelic mug into the press (the Brigton Beacon?). But the piece de resistance was Don Hallquist’s seventieth birthday: at his request everyone had to sing “Happy Birthday” to an off-key rendition on the Casio synthesizer.
The whole club gave a spontaneous tribute to John Mozzicato for his exceptional support during the club’s temporary displacement from the Ridge. His only complaint? All he got for breakfast was an $8.00 bagel!
Announcements:
Neal Cunningham is searching for people to man (person?) the water station for the annual Hartford Run on October 8. He promises the weather will be better than Galveston’s.
President Carol announced that the club is sponsoring a local Connecticut College student, Joe Ramos, for a month of volunteer work in a hospital burn unit in Bolivia. Sue Klock reminded the club that she and Peter are leading the effort to have all the Rotary Clubs in District 7890 sponsor at least one Shelter Box for the victims of Hurricane Kristina. The board of directors has committed East Hartford Rotary to support one Shelter Box for a donation of $900.
Even though he pretended that the waitress had not been paid off to pull the winning ticket, Spurgeon Stokes won the raffle. At least the pot was small this week.
The meeting ended with Maestro Hallquist on the electronic keyboard in a very creative “God Bless America.”
Respectively submitted (sort of),
Bill Secord
High Gear - September 14, 2005
What a beautiful day (86 degrees—55% humidity)! Rain scheduled for tomorrow.
Our piano man Don played music from Music Man before the meeting. Art Bradbury will be starring in the production in November at the Manchester Little Theater. Don also played music from My Fair Lady, which opens this Sunday at the Bushnell. There is a different atmosphere when Don is playing.
President Carol is on a business trip, so incoming president Dan Larson rang the bell at 12:06:14 pm. Salute to the flag; invocation by Jim Fallon.
Most of the Rotarians were appropriately dressed today. There must be a sales event on blue sports coats, as everyone seems to be wearing them. A former president was attired in a blue sports coat, open shirt, slacks, sneakers, and no socks. (You can’t change jocks!)
“Welcome Song” led by the illustrious Carmen Piscatello.
The menu for today was grilled chicken, sweet potato casserole (in case you were wondering), green beans, vanilla ice cream with chocolate sauce. Do you really want to know all this? They also had a veggie burger, but the vegetarians didn’t show up. We’ll save it for next week.
Raffle won by PDG Dick Seidman.
Sergeant-at-Arms Dick McCarthy had little to report. George Schoen had a birthday and wants Rotarians to sing to him when he turns 70. (Comment from the audience, “next year.”) Larry Hangland paid generously because he had a Timex repaired by George Agnelli and Agnelli didn’t charge him????
Golf tournament—Bill Saunders reported we have 96 golfers and over $6,600 in prizes. We need players! Play yourself and/or encourage others to join us. We have only a week to go.
Dan introduced District Governor Karen Andrews. She cited her goals for the upcoming year. They are increased membership, publicity, clean water projects, 100% Foundation membership in each club, local projects involving two clubs working together, and literacy. She will be coordinating these activities with the presidents for further action. She cited the many past district governors in the audience, a distinction East Hartford Rotary can be proud of.
Make-ups: Frank and Ceil Collins, Boston Zone Institute; Peter and Susan Klock, Quincy, Massachusetts; Art Bradbury, Salo Bay, Maine; and Dan Russell, Kapolei, Hawaii.
Announcements:
? Mary Martin: She needs coolers or ice chests for the Rebuilding Together Day. Deliver them to Mary or call her at 291-7206.
? Stu Harris: The South Congregational Church is having a golf tournament on October 8 at Keeney Park. Contact Stu.
? Neil Cunningham: The Annual Marathon water station. If interested in participating, contact Neil.
? Peter Klock: Peter and Susan are regional reps for the ShelterBox USA. If interested in donating towards this cause, please contact them.
Future meetings:
September 21 (Wednesday), East Hartford Golf Course, BREAKFAST MEETING at 7:30 am. Golf Committee meeting following.
September 28 (Wednesday), East Hartford Golf Course, Lunch meeting at 12:15.
I will be leaving shortly after the meeting today to attend a wake for a good friend of mine in Massachusetts. His wife informed me that it will be a closed casket with an open bar.
Big guy
On this wonderful crisp day in September, Maestro Hallquist hastened the departure of an ugly summer with the lyrics, “…when autumn leaves start to fall.” Sounds good to me. John Shemo led us in prayer with a reminder of our commitment to both local and global service, especially now as the southeastern states struggle with the catastrophe named Katrina.
Lunch arrived in waves of garden salad with tangy dressing, lasagna with deep tomato meat sauce, and strawberry jello with whipped cream and sliced pears. And summer must still be here because the iced tea is still flowing.
Guests consisted of the husband and wife team of Jerry and Denise Hearn, here to speak to us about Rotary’s Shelter Box program, an unanticipated appropriate subject. The welcome song was enthusiastically delivered by George Schoen and Ceil Collins. Bill Saunders delivered the good news that our attendance for the month of August had risen to 81.3 % from July’s low of 78.5%. He then delivered his effective low-key encouragement for further support of the golf tournament, especially in the form of more sponsors (present tally: 91 golfers, 51 sponsors).
Dick McCarthy assumed the deadly armband of the sergeant-at-arms and collected fines for Glen Peterson’s birthday (somehow it slipped by last month—one reason that Glen is only 29 years old) and for Mary Martin’s similar 29th birthday. Bill Secord and Glen Peterson each paid for their Rotary anniversaries. And who enjoys baseball more than those fans who witness a victory by the Red Sox and a loss by the Yankees on the very same day—worth every penny of the fines paid by five giddy Rotarians. There were many late arrivals and many early leavers; but Gerry Brady’s record of late arrival was broken by Bill Leone, who thought today was a night meeting. Steve Jacoby, who was the only one not in attendance at the Information Committee meeting that he himself had called for today, temporarily escaped his fine. Bill Saunders, no longer treasurer, won the raffle. Spurge Stokes thought that the present treasurer should have won, since she so desperately needs to replace her degenerating briefcase (a lawyer without a brief?)
Make ups consisted of Bob Wood and Dave Amberg at Bridgton, Maine; George Stewart and George Schoen at Saco Bay, Maine; and Bill Secord at two eClub meetings.
Reminder: Our September 21 meeting will be a breakfast meeting at 7:30 at the East Hartford Golf Club; our September 28 meeting will be a luncheon at the East Hartford Golf Club; and the meetings from October 5 to November 2 will probably be held at South Congregational Church.
Announcement: Mary Martin needs to borrow picnic coolers or ice chests for the annual Rebuilding Together Day event. The size that fits at least 2 six-packs or more. Please bring to the meeting on September 14 or call Mary at work 291-7206.
Program: Frank Collins introduced today’s speakers, Jerry and Denise Hearn, a couple from Florida who are very active in their own Rotary district and club. Denise, as president of her Rotary club, raised its membership from 24 to 70 in four years (if you want a job done…). For one scary moment as Jerry began to speak, he mistook Sue Klock, who had just switched her seat, for Frank Collins. Who says blondes have more fun?
Jerry explained the ingenious nature of the Rotary Shelter Box—400 of which were shipped to the New Orleans area within three days after Katrina struck. Over 900 boxes have now reached disaster victims along the I10 corridor in the South. Each box is a brawny, self-contained unit containing such essential survival equipment as two tents, sleeping bags, a cook stove, and enough supplies and water purification tablets to serve 10 people for 6 months. Box content can vary slightly depending on the needs of the area into which it is sent. The United Nations has asked Rotary to sent 100,000 of these shelters to Africa over the next three years—enough to serve a million people, mostly women and children. When sponsoring Shelter Boxes, a Rotary Club receives information on exactly where each box is being sent, usually to a Rotary Club somewhere near the disaster area so that we know the supplies are being efficiently delivered to the intended targets. Rotary again demonstrates effectiveness and commitment to service.
Submitted by Bill Secord
Don tempered today’s balmy and intermittently rainy weather with several spirited tunes. Our piano player evidenced signs of impatience with Pres Carol, waiting anxiously for a hard rap to the bell. The Very Right Reverend Mary Martin offered prayers to the hurricane victims and all those serving in the armed forces. One could visualize her dressed in a habit. To spoil that vision she informed her tablemates that her horse has been diagnosed by the vet as a nymphomaniac. Many at the table inquired as to the composition of the grain used to feed the horse.
Casual attire once again ruled the day – with two Bermuda short clad Rotarians and a mere 5 dressed properly in sports jackets. The rigid winter dress code takes effect next week.
Today’s culinary delight included shoe-leathery sweet and sour chicken, rice and squash. Brought back fond memories of the best of college dorm food. Mini chocolate éclairs for dessert. Two guests – Bob Necci? from the Glastonbury club and Art Apostol from NewAlliance Bank. Art is being proposed for membership. Any comments regarding Art should be directed to the Secretary. Marcia LeClerc and Dan Russell led the welcome song in what also doubled as a tryout for the March of the Wooden Soldiers.
Sgt-at-arms Ghagan had little to report on today other than a Bob Richmond birthday.
Attention: Change in meeting locations. Sept 21, breakfast at the EH Country Club, Sept 21, lunch at the EHCC, all Oct lunches at South Congregational Church. Nov 2, Vocational Service Day lunch at a place TBD. Next week’s speaker will discuss Shelter Box USA. 100 boxes will be shipped to the Gulf, first time boxes will be used in the US.
Don Cramer bid the club farewell after 27 years. He was greeted by a standing ovation. Don will be sorely missed. Good luck in NH!
Steve Jacoby called for a Community Service meeting next Wednesday at 11:30.
Peter Klock offered the joke of the week.
Makeruppers: Spiller, F Collins, C Collins.
Golf Tourney Report: Bill Saunders reported that we have 35 sponsors (need 100), 37 raffle prizes (need 75) and 56 players (need 136). Tournament is 4 weeks away. We have a very long way to go.
Raffle won by Dan Russell.
West Point Grad Fails to Marshal Troops
Dan Dienst delivered a bittersweet post mortem on last week’s pool party. He began to thank the many hands that labored to make the party a “success”. He announced no less than three casualties (including his) apparently in part due to an inadequate labor supply. Dan proceeded to lambaste members of the social committee for their lack of participation. He chose to read the names of every member of the social committee and commented on their participation or lack thereof, supporting evidence be damned. An unfortunate violation of the 4-way test. Dan informed the club that this will be the last year that he will host such an event. Too bad as the EH Park & Rec Department is offering an evening class this fall entitled “Party Planning for Novices.” To end this tirade, Dan informed the Club that his prized bifocal sunglasses are missing. Subsequently the Internal Audit and Investigation Committee has called in Scotland Yard to follow up. Sounds like this party was as much fun as celebrating the last dinner on the Titanic. The social committee has been summoned to be on hand next year to rearrange the deck chairs.
Aside from all of this, the Club extends its sincere appreciation to Loretta and Dan for the many times that they have opened up their home to these summer socials. In every case, a memorable event.
Start Me Up
Johnny Dangerously
What a day, what an evening, what a glorious world we are blessed to inhabit! This was party day at the Dienst’s lovely home up on Sunset Ridge Drive and the street name certainly lived up to its promise, as we were treated to a gorgeous setting sun.
Loretta and Dan had really let the animals out this day, for their back garden was filled with dozens of Rotarians, as well as the inflated kind. Looking like a true Lion King, our host Dan welcomed one and all. “The committee” had done their work well in setting up, and guests feasted on hot dogs, hamburgs, corn, and many delicious hors d’oeuvres, salads, main dishes and desserts. We know that it’s bad form to mention some, and leave out others; we’ll say only that Tom Galvin, Dean Roland, and Jack Ghagan appeared to have everything under control in the cooking department and we thank you, guys and gals for your unselfish labors. Even Bill Saunders got into the act by exacting a $5.00 attendance fee!
Just as we thought the evening was going splendidly, happy-Dan Larson rang the bell and walked the presidential plank to bring about the semblance of a meeting! He lamented the absence of President Carol for: 1) Not telling him she’d be absent, 2) Not leaving the presidential medallion for him, and 3) being short. (Seems as though there ought to be a fine somewhere in there – for both him and her!) Acting Pres. Dan-himself led “This is Rotary” and many were seen nodding off by the pace. Don Hallquist & Tom Westbrook were busily stuffing their mouths with desserts; their song leadership was sorely missed.
Though after the meal, Rev. Ted Mosebach fittingly thanked the Lord for being good to us.
There were twenty-two happy golfers who’d enjoyed the day on the links. Chair Bill Saunders told of the many proud winners. Some folk observed that it’s not only fishermen who can embellish the “reel” story in telling of the length of a drive or the precision of a putt. Claimants of new balls (this editor is really trying to restrain himself!) included:
First winning team: Cecere, Peterson, Tamiso, and Wood
Second winning team: Larry & Lois Churchill, Willett, and Doe
Closest to pin #2: Clarke
Closest to pin #11: Brown
Longest drive (Men): Larson
Longest drive (Women): Churchill, Danise, & Gately
Closest to line (Women): Gately
Closest to line (Men): Peterson
Lots of folks helped in the set-up and the clean-up, and the entire evening was a joy. Thanks, Dan and Loretta, for opening your gracious hilltop home to us. Rotarians who weren’t there…you missed a fine time, one of the occasions of East Hartford Rotary fellowship and fun which make our club the winner it is!
Next week? Back to the Hill. And for the Rotary Information Committee, Moe Belanger asks that you all meet at 11:00AM, okay?
Great we could be together……..
Arthur
The East Hartford Chapter of
the AARP met once again at noon at the VMC.
Unfortunately our maestro was unavailable to play loony tunes. I thought I
was a visitor at the Ft Myers club as no less than 8 male Rotarians were
dressed in summer safari attire. Socks have also fallen out of favor with
many other male Rotarians. This author stands corrected relative to the
horse blanket that Dan Russell wore last week. In fact it was a new madras
jacket purchased but one year ago. This week stylish Dan wore the real
McCoy, a vintage madras jacket from the 60's. I'd have to flip a coin to
decide on my favorite. Herb Barall wins first prize for best looking tie.
The competition was thin however. Bob Brown sported the best looking shirt
worn by any Rotarian in the last month. Marcia LeClerc was showing off a
faded but still good looking tan. Our President presided with a virgin white
pant suit, pretty hot!
Congratulations to Bob Wood for climbing to the top of Mt. Washington with
rickety knees. Bravo!
Frank Collins offered the invocation today. He relayed bad news about a
setback in RI's battle against polio.
Today's marginal menu offered salad with pasta and sausage topped with
chocolate cake.
Reminder to new members. Pick up the attendance cards.
Our President was anything but tentative in whacking the gong today.
Our guests today included scholarship recipient Barbara Suida, J R Senak,
intern of Herb Barall's, and Olivia Spiller, granddaughter of Roy.
Art Bradbury and John Shemo led the welcome song today. Art challenged John
to show some leg. John obliged. Advice to John, keep your pants rolled down!
Our able Sgt at Arms Jack Ghagan collected numerable fines today.
Gil Wishart - a birthday with a song led by the South Congo contingent.
Bill Saunders - a birthday with no fanfare
Herb Barall - a birthday honored by a Belanger/Cecere duet
Frank Collins and Mary Martin - Rotary anniversaries
John Shemo - a rare TV appearance
Skip Guillemette - an even rarer appearance in Time magazine
Our EH Rotary Scholarship recipient Barbara Suida addressed the club
thanking one and all for the scholarship. She was EHHS's salutatorian and
will be attending UCONN in the Fall majoring in elementary education. She
was a member of the Student Council, National Honor Society, Future Teachers
of America, and captain of the badminton team.
No noon meeting next week. A big pool party at the Dienst's in the evening.
Skinny dippin reserved until after 9:00pm. Could be a great photographic
venue for Rotarians posing for the 2006 nude EH Rotary calendar. Dan needs
volunteers at 1:00 at the Ridge to transport supplies. Loretta could use
help at 2:30. If your last name ends in A-K bring a salad or side dish. L-K
brings dessert. Anyone with a last name ending in Q or Z brings booze. Golf
will at the Gilead Highlands which is near Blackledge CC. Please arrive by
9:45.
Program Committee will meet on Aug 31 after the meeting.
Frazier will assume Cramer's duties for the golf tourney. Many thanks!
Cramer is looking for a few good men for partners at the Sept Golf tourney.
Raffle won by Chuck Clarke
Makeruppers - F Collins, C Collins, R Wood, R Spiller, D Cramer. What about
the rest of you derelicts?
We had God bless America to close the meeting.
Sorry to miss you next week.
Born to run
Johnny Dangerously
Our eminent pianist started us off with a medley of children’s songs starting with this year’s Presidential theme song. (You all know the tune, It’s a ….)
Our dress code has reached new lows for the summer led by the South Congo table sporting Bermuda shorts accompanied by knobby knees. Today’s standout was none other than local fashion consultant, Dan Lyman Russell modeling a moth-balled 1960’s vintage madras sports coat. I don’t care what anyone says, I like the look. Apprehensive bell ringer Pres Krantz was masquerading as a diminutive Georgia peach. Mary Martin looked particularly lovely today. The graying/balding of America is no more evident than within the august halls of the VMC on Wednesdays’ noon. Notice this doesn’t apply to our female members.
Roger Nicholson briefed on his exit strategy before offering a thoughtful grace. We’ll miss you to be sure.
Today’s gastronomical delight included a buffet a la Krause. Sorry “Aw C’mon”, but you missed a real treat.
Attention new members, it’s your duty to pick up the attendance cards. It’s a way of familiarizing yourself with club members. Just a heads up for now. Be prepared to be chastised in future HG editions for non-compliance.
Mo Moshovos with a jaw full introduced our only guest, his friend Arthur Apostol (rhymes with apostle). Martin and Bradbury led the Westbrook welcome song. Mary planted a sloppy kiss on Rev Roger in hopes of redemption. Too bad Art’s great vocals aren’t matched by suitable Rotary attire.
Sgt-at-arms Johnny “that’s all you need to know” Mo listed the following fines, George Stewart for a 58th wedding anniversary. Our hearts go out to Jay. Ceil Collins for an unidentified birthday, Dr. Jack Martin for an introduction by Hilton Kaderli, Tom Galvin for some OB/GYN training, Don Hallquist for his music selection, Dan Larson for a new Larson, Joseph Eric (how to go Dorothy!), Bill Saunders for a story about his grandson, David (a 2004 EH Rotary scholarship recipient) (check out the UCONN alumni website via EH Rotary website).
Don Pitkin is looking for recruits to volunteer as EH historians for the School to Business Partnership.
Mary “the Empress of the World” Martin thanked Spurgeon Stokes, Frank Collins, Ceil Collins for their efforts in last Sunday’s BBQ.
Picnic/pool party at Dan & Loretta Dienst’s home on Aug 24. 4:00 for early dippers, 5:00 otherwise, bathing suits not required, great opportunity to dunk the President. Call Dan Dienst @ 569-2077 to sign up. Golf that same day at Blackledge CC. Tee times from 10:00 – 10:30. Call Bill Saunders @ 648-2842.
A progressive dinner is proposed for Nov 12. If you are willing to host a few Rotarian couples for an entrée, call Bill Leone @ 568-3512 right away. Step up to the plate Rotarians.
The Ridge will be closed from Sept 21 – Nov 2. Woopee! Will likely meet at South Congo. Would be interested in other venues however.
Our new elder statesman Dan Hudson Firestone referenced a letter from the School to Business Partnership thanking Rotary for their sponsorship of Career Day. Several letters from local 3rd graders were circulated.
Golf Chair Bill Saunders noted that we have 25 sponsors, 26 raffle prizes, and 16 golfers lined up. The Tourney is but 6 weeks away. You do the math. Get off your butts!
We need someone to step up and replace Don Cramer to help collect and organize door prizes. Please call Bill ASAP.
July attendance was 78.5%. Not good by any definition. Believe it or not there is an attendance rule. For those of you that haven’t been paying attention, don’t be surprised if you get a pink slip!
Maker-uppers include Frank Collins, Ceil Collins, Pat Gately, and Jackie Danise.
Today’s raffle winner, Johnny Mo.
If you missed the Saratoga trip, it was a blast. Great to have Sir Scotty Howat on board!
If your attire next week is even questionable, be prepared to get written up. If you didn’t get a mention in High Gear the past two weeks, you’ve got two more weeks to sweat out.
Born to Run
Johnny Dangerously
Dateline: BPOE Field Glastonbury, CT
Event: Glastonbury Rotary Invitational Softball Tilt
Weather: a sunny, calm and pleasant 85 degrees
The boys of summer emerged once again for our annual attempt to both exhibit our resilience, grit and determination and risk injury to our aging bodies. Fortune would have it that our team was supplemented by three young and able bodied Larsons and a skilled younger Cunningham.
The E H Rotary line up:
1B: Dan Larson
2B: George Schoen
SS: Jeff Larson
3B: Glenn Larson
LF: Eric Larson
LC: Mike Cunningham
RC: Neal Cunningham
RF: Bob Richmond
C: Glenn Peterson
P: John Shemo
Range of age of EH team: 44-67
# of EH Rotarians participating: 6
Do these stats signal a need to invite younger members to join our club?
The EH cheerleading contingent was thin but enthusiastic.
The EH squad started off with a 3-0 lead with some strong hitting and fine defensive plays. The middle innings were subject to a mild defensive letdown. Pitcher Shemo suffered a severe contusion to his right thigh after being hit by an errant throw to first base. This brave soul refused to be replaced with a base runner and played out the rest of the game. First baseman Dan Larson successfully fielded a hard throw to the breadbasket. Fortunately there was plenty of padding to soften the blow. The GL club battled back to take the lead. The EH club came back to lead 7-6 going into the bottom of the 5th and final inning .A tremendous blast by a GL lefty with a runner on ended the game at 7:00, dinnertime.
Thanks to Dan and Neal for bringing their capable entourage. Isn’t it time our younger Rotarians got off their butts to participate in extracurricular activities? Our days of participating in this long standing tradition continue to wane. LET’S DO SOMETHING ABOUT IT!
Dinnertime: Nice to see Bob “Can’t Keep Me Down “Brown, Bob “Dodge” Popp, and Frank “Son of Mohegan” Kresson.
The Greeks had their way tonight. Food that is. Entrees choices included roast lamb and pork supplemented by rice and eggplant. A Greek salad on the side. Baklava for dessert. This was a Mo “I Don’t Share My Photos” Moshovos delight.
An old EH man Barry Callahan presided as president of the GL club. EH President Krantz extended thanks to the GL club in spite of the sobering loss. GL Captain John Dufford chided EH for loosing in spite of bringing in the ringers. EH captain Neal basically told him to shut the hell up. The balance of the meeting was essentially uneventful. Nice to be able to renew our friendship with the GL club.
Back by popular demand, and
Born to Run
Johnny Dangerously
A quiet, routine feeling to today’s meeting, with many Rotarians wearing shorts to help cope with the oppressive heat outside the building. President Carol presided serenely over the session, ignoring the strains of “It’s a small world, after all” which once again emanated from our piano player, and discounting the miniature bell that appeared in front of her place setting. Adding to the serenity was the quietly eloquent blessing delivered by the Rev. Roger Nicholson, taking a break from his interim mission of inspiring the faithful in neighboring Simsbury. The menu of chef’s salad and mint chocolate chip ice cream blended nicely with the mood in the room.
Our guests today were two of our scholarship recipients, Nick Fulco and Nathan Zebedeo, both recent East Catholic grads and matriculates to Boston College and NYU, respectively. Also sharing our meal was Anne Fulco, Nick’s mom and the former Probate Judge in town. Larry Hangland and Pat Gately lead the Welcome song and Pat was both surprised and chagrined to be presented with her permanent membership badge: surprised because it arrived so soon after her induction to the Club and chagrined because it lacked an “e” in the spelling, rendering it immediately useless. Corrective steps will be taken.
Dan Dienst stepped in at the last minute as Sergeant at Arms and announced a few fines for late arrivals and no pins. John Shemo paid for a birthday, and Bob Wood (20), Art Bradbury (37) and Dan, himself, (9) paid for club anniversaries.
On the Injured Reserve Report, we heard the following: John McNaughton is recuperating from a broken leg from a domestic mishap; Gil Wishart is home after a disc operation; Carmen Piscatello’s sister passed away; Bob Brown is doing well after heart surgery and hopes to play golf soon; and Jim Sheehan successfully reduced the size of his tumor and is now headed into six weeks of chemo with a positive prognosis. Cards and phone calls would be in order.
Announcements this week:
q Next Monday evening is our annual visit with Glastonbury Rotary at the Elks Club. Softball game to be followed by meal and fellowship. No noon meeting at the Ridge next Wednesday.
q Saratoga Trip on Sunday, August 7. Meet at the Clubhouse at 8:15. Snacks and sandwiches will be provided. Welcome to bring own coolers on the bus.
q The Golf Tournament has 19 sponsors and 14 players to date. Now is the time to come to the aid of the party.
q Mark August 24 on your calendars. In lieu of our regular meeting, we will enjoy an evening picnic at the Diensts’ home. There will also be a golf outing that day.
q Peter Klock has UConn Tickets available for order until August 5th. See or call him for details.
q Mary Martin is still looking for a couple of volunteers to man the ticket booth at the BBQ Cook-off on August 7th.
Bill Saunders was our raffle winner today and he bought the beer après golf with his winnings. What a guy!
That’s it for now. My month as editor has flown by. My sincere apologies to any I’ve offended with my piquant sense of humor. I know there is at least one who took umbrage with my scribbling.
For now I think I’ll go sit next to Mariano Rivera in the bullpen and wait for a save opportunity. Probably in late October. Right, Ruthie? WDOUGW
How hard was it to get to Rotary today? Well, for some of us who came in from I-84, we had to endure a detour that took us down Oak Street, along Forest, and up Forbes before we could see our way clear to the Ridge. Others skipped it entirely so they could get a head start on the Past Presidents’ Picnic tonight. And then there was one of us who ran out of gas on the way for the second week in a row. Maybe, just maybe, he was heard to concede, his gas gauge might be broken. Do you think? Duh!
Regardless, those who arrived for our weekly breaking of bread arrived safely and in a good Rotary mood. Our erstwhile President returned behind the podium this week, struggling mightily to be heard over the din. A more forceful ringing of the bell might help.
The Introduction of Guests was a little rocky, with our rookie President having a hard time spotting the guests over the Rotarians seated in front of her (“must be a little short-sighted,” commented one wag willing to forfeit a buck). But ultimately, all were recognized and they included Jack McCormick, a cousin of Peggy Schoen; John Murawski, one of our scholarship recipients; Sharon Fitzgerald, unashamed to admit in public that she is the smarter and better looking sibling of Dan Larson; and old pal, Roger Nicholson, who declared he had “chased the devil out of Pittsburgh” and was harassing Him in Simsbury for the next few weeks. It is always good to see the itinerant Reverend. In the absence of our piano player, Tom Westbrook and Art Bradbury lead a rousing Welcome Song.
Marcia LeClerc, missing in action as sergeant – at –arms last week, returned with a flourish today, demanding reparations from those who “mocked” her last week, namely Dan Larson who was certainly guilty as charged, Tom Galvin, who had the good sense to skip today’s meeting, and President Carol, who had nothing whatsoever to do with it. Fines were collected from Bill Leone and Skip Guillemette, for birthdays. Skip’s qualified him for the 70 Club, and was combined with a wedding anniversary. Lots of no pins, late arrivals and early leavers paid as well.
On the announcement front:
q The Board approved a donation to the American Lung Association.
q The meeting of Committee Chairs scheduled for next week has been postponed until date to be announced.
q Beginning August 10, meal prices will increase $1, one dollar, to meet increase received from our caterer.
q Mary Martin thanked those who volunteered for the Disaster Drill next Wednesday and solicited volunteers for the Barbeque Contest at Martin Park on Sunday, August 7th. Five or six Rotarians are needed to sell food tickets between 11 a.m. and 4 p.m. Also opportunities available on Saturday for two people to direct vendors to assigned spots. This is a 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. shift. See Mary.
q Golf Committee meeting next week at 11:30 a.m.
Dick McCarthy won the raffle yet again. No makeups reported this week. That does it for now. Short and sweet. WDOUGW
p.s. No need to look back now, Ruthie, they are standing right beside you!
For a minute there, it appeared that we were about to experience the shortest presidency in East Hartford Rotary history. After just one meeting behind the podium, President Carol was nowhere to be seen. President Elect Dan Larson had donned the Rotary medallion and was wielding the presidential baton with a haughty authority. But he soon assured us that all was well with our leader. She was just tied up in a business commitment. So the prospect of a short presidency was alleviated, in at least that sense of the word.
Instead, our lone guest, Steve Brodie, Dan Dienst’s son-in-law, and a goodly crowd of local Rotarians were treated to the boisterous Dan and Tom Show. In addition to Dan Can’t Hold My Gas Larson as acting president, we were subjected to Tom You Can Call Me Marcia If You Want To Galvin as sergeant at arms. A volatile and riotous combination, if there ever was one.
An eloquent grace by the Reverend Dan Russell preceded our repast of open-faced bacon, lettuce and turkey sandwiches and modest slices of chocolate cake. Not bad, but then, other than Moe Belanger, who comes to Rotary for the meal?
No, we come to watch Don Pitkin leading the welcome song, earning both a goose and a new badge from our acting president. We come to witness a mincing Tom Galvin levy fines on himself, “sixty-four and damned glad to be here” and Mo Moshovos, “seventy-one and still a cheap bastard” for birthdays and an entire table for their Enron like swiping of the president’s baton, “squeeze one and the others will tumble like flies.”
When some semblance of decorum was restored, we got to the few announcements today:
q Empress Martin reminded one and all of the Mock Disaster Drill next Wednesday (see her for directions) and the School Supplies Collection ending in two weeks.
q She also put in a plug for the Rockville Rotary Golf Tournament to be held July 25th at Ellington Ridge. They need golfers and can be reached at 860-731-5500 x170 (Paul Sheridan.)
q Past President Neal Cunningham reminded his fellows of the Past Presidents’ Picnic next Wednesday in East Hampton. Cocktails at 5:00 p.m. and Dinner at 6:00. Come early if you want a boat ride or Rotary Fellowship. Contact Neal at 860-623-0144 if you know of someone (non-member Past Presidents and/or deceased Past Presidents’ wives) who should be invited.
Larry Frazier won the raffle today and we had one makeup submitted – Lionel Lessard at Rockville. There was no program, so after a rousing verse of God Bless America, we adjourned to the golf course. Another memorable session in the books.
In closing, a paraphrase of the immortal Satchel Paige…” Don’t look behind just yet, Ruthie, but someone is definitely gainin on ya’.” ‘Till next week. WDOUGW
“It’s a Small World, After-All…” And so it began. Our diminutive diva, microphone firmly in hand (not tall enough to speak into the podium microphone holder) called her first meeting as President to order while being serenaded by one and all. Rumor had it that she was blushing as the serenade continued but there were too many normal sized Rotarians seated at the tables in front of the podium to see her clearly. Bill Flynn, making what might be his last official attempt to intercede with the Almighty on behalf of this Club, mercifully refrained from any “short” jokes in his blessing.
Nick Cecere and Doug Willett led a rousing edition of the Welcome Song in honor of Rick Lawrence from Manchester, Conrad Thamm from Avon-Canton and Joe Senak, an intern with Herb Barall. Sergeant At Arms Mark Sirois, filling in for Danny Got Some Kind of Bug Larson, reported on a series of minor infractions, and scored big on Gil Wishart’s 49th wedding anniversary, Jim Fallon’s new grandson, Henry Joseph Maytum, and President Carol’s daughter’s birthday. Valerie is a real Yankee Doodle Dandy, born of the Fourth of July.
As usual, we had our share of announcements, to wit:
q Annual Softball Game and Meeting with Glastonbury is set for Monday, August 1st. No Wednesday meeting that week.
q Meeting of the Golf Committee next week, July 13, at 11:30 a.m.
q High Gear Committee is short a couple of writers for this year. Volunteers are encouraged to speak to Sue Klock or Doug Willett.
q Mary Martin called attention to the opportunities for volunteerism listed on the pink sheets on the tables and reminded the Club that the School Supplies effort is wrapping up on July 28th.
q Larry Hangland reported on the Scholarship Committee results. Twenty-one applications were received, with four $2500 scholarships being awarded. Larry expressed concern with the systemic issues that make it difficult to award applicants from Synergy and Cheney Tech. The Committee will attempt to mitigate these issues in the coming year.
q The Past Presidents’ Picnic will be held on Wednesday, July 20 at the Clubhouse on the Stewart’s lake. Official picnic begins at 5:00 p.m. with catered dinner set for 6:00 p.m. but George is encouraging early arrivals (anytime after 2:00 p.m.) for those who would like to go on a boat ride or just enjoy Past President Fellowship.
q President Carol is calling a meeting of all committee chairs for July 27th at which time she will be collecting committee goals and plans for the year.
Peter Klock presented the Club with a banner from the Rotary One Club in Chicago, Paul Harris’s home club and the first club in Rotary history. Others who had make-ups at the International Convention were Frank and Ceil Collins, Steve Jacoby, Sue Klock and Doug Willett. Jim Fallon won the raffle today. There was no program.
All in all, this first meeting, although a little short, was quite successful. But it is going to be very hard to resist tormenting our new President with vertically challenged jokes all year, so I have a modest proposal. Let’s agree that every time someone makes a reference to our President’s height from this point forward, the transgressor be fined One U.S. Dollar and, at the end of the year, all proceeds be given to the Rotary Foundation in President Carol’s honor. For example, say I’m tempted to recall the words of the wise guy who said, “Never trust short people. Their brains are too close to their bottoms.” That is certainly worth a buck to a good cause. I’ll brief you again next week. WDOUGW
With a relatively soft gong, and a few chuckles, this
evening began with an unusual invocation — Longtime
High Gear Chair, Bill Flynn,
announced his “permanent” move to Florida, and this particular
High Gear editor realized it was
the announcement of a huge loss to our club. Elaine and Bill will be moving this
coming week, “hasta la vista, babies!” After over thirty years of membership in
our club and, by tacking on some years in other areas of the northeast — over
thirty-six years as a Rotary-involved couple. Bill has been the best chair of
high gear ever. (And, that’s after his having been a member of the board and
President of our club.) Thanks, Bill, for all your years of Service Above
Self in our area; we know you will continue and those in Florida will
benefit.
Bill’s invocation was certainly special, as we realized it would be his last as
one of us, but also because he focused so well on those things dearest to the
hearts of Rotarians as we round out this year of celebrating Rotary’s 100th
year.
Have Don Hallquist to thank for all the music this evening; do enjoy having our own piano man, not all clubs have that! And to top it off, our very own lyricist, Tom Westbrook, led the Welcome Song tonight..
After welcoming guests — special thanks to DG Seidman for sending Asst. DG Richard Borden of Manchester Club to celebrate this passing of the torch — and focusing on the many Past District Governors in our midst, a great tribute to efforts of our club in District 7890, Dan mentioned especially how wonderful it is to have PDG Jim Sheehan, accompanied by Ruth, “a real; babe” according to a lone Yankee fan in the vicinity of this editor’s table, and of course noting how proud we are to have in our midst Frank and Ceil Collins, who together are working at the highest levels of Rotary International to achieve Rotary goals. (Frank is our RI delegate to the UN for any of you who have been dozing for the last year or so. Ceil is the newest member of our East Hartford Rotary Board, Sergeant-at-arms, but more importantly, she is a walking encyclopedia of what’s going on in Rotary in the world.)
President Dan took a few moments to line up his board and
give thanks to them and the many other significant club members who have made
his year a grand success. Then he handed over the medallion to incoming
President Carol, whereupon he “faded into the immediate obscurity of a . . .
club Past President.” (great quote from Doug W, when Pres. NC went into
obscurity.) Just a note here: these Past Presidents are careful to celebrate
their “pastness.” This year’s picnic for Past Presidents will be Wednesday,
July 20th, 5 PM, at Lake Pocotopaug’s “clubhouse.” More details to
follow, or contact PP Neal for information.
Out with the old, in with the new. President Carol began by introducing her
friends and family, then, the incoming Board of Directors, and took a few
minutes to outline her plans for the year. A final note, in a gesture so much
like him, President Dan opted to have his outgoing President’s gift be a
donation to the Rotary Foundation — $300 for the foundation’s good works has
been contributed by our club. I am sure PP Dan thanks you all.
Hope this conveys the enthusiasm of the event.
Ever the Empress, Mary, who organized and oversaw this installation dinner for Carol, also had some announcements out on every table for Rotarians, friends and family. Among these, Mary is reminding us of the “mock “ medical disaster scheduled with the town’s health department on Wednesday, July 27th. Volunteers from our club will act as “victims” of a pretend case of anthrax contamination who need medication — of course, this is only a drill — no need to act sick or to take any actual medication. Location is Two Rivers Magnet School, next to Route 2, from 4 to 6 PM on July 27th. “Victims” can register and be in and out in about a half hour; you will not be committing to the full duration of the drill; Consider helping our town with this interesting event.
Another item on Mary’s flyer of events to remember — school supplies collection drive which has been underway for a few weeks and will continue until Thursday, July 28th. Give your supplies to Mary or drop them off at Town of East Hartford Social Services’ office in the lower level of Town Hall.
Last but not least, heads up, mark the date on your calendar, just two days before our famous East Hartford Rotary Club Invitational Golf Tournament, which will be on Monday, September 26th, this year’s Rebuilding Together Day is scheduled for Saturday, September 24th. Our club will be helping in a variety of ways, ranging from distributing food and drinks to workers to overseeing or participating in home repair and renovation tasks at sites around town. Save the date to help!
Yours in Rotary,
Sue Klock, dedicated to Bill Flynn, co-chair for this one last week of High Gear .
As we arrived at the Ridge on this first Wednesday of Summer our attention was drawn to the side room where President Dan was throwing us a wine and cheese party. Words of advice for incoming President Carol - remember the medallion!!!! Thanks, Dan, for forgetting!! Thanks also must go to Dean Roland, the club's wine steward and chief party planner. You do a great job in this role. As the noise level began to escalate, it became time to enter the main hall to begin our regular activities. After our opening ritual, Rev. Ted gave a thoughtful invocation and urged us to see all the goodness around us, and to empower us as Rotarians to make things better. Luncheon was served and consisted of roast lamb, rice pilaf, and grilled squash which was followed by tapioca and whipped cream.
Following lunch, Pres. Dan called us back to order a little sooner than usual. The following guests were introduced; Bob Dugger from Glastonbury, Gordon Surtlief, from Torrey Pines, California, and Gordon's friend from Manchester, Mark Ray. The Welcome song was led by a spirited Kathy McCabe, who has been away for awhile, with Don, as usual, at the Piano. Welcome back, Kathy. The Sgt. at Arms report was delivered by Dan Dienst. He had one birthday - Don Cramer, and several anniversaries - John McNaughton -17, Mo Moshovos -36, and Gil Wishart - 4. Dan Russell contributed because his grandson's soccer team had just won its third State Championship. Mo Moshovos also contributed for a new grandson. The Raffle was won by Mo Moshovos. One of our guests, Gordon Surtlief, asked if we would sing Happy Birthday to him if he donated $25 to the club. We accepted his offer. and even sang it twice in hopes he would double the offer!
President Dan made several announcements concerning Board related activities.
1. The Board voted to give $200 to the Intercommunity Health Organization.
2. Dan mentioned recent club publicity - for the School Business Partnership Career Day and the Taste of Hartford's use of the Gazebo.
3. We received a thank you from the District Governor for our contribution of $1000 to the District's tsunami relief fund. The District raised $14,000.
4. The Club received a thank you from Laura Larson, John's daughter, for helping her attend a youth leadership conference in Washington, D.C.
5. He had a note from Roger Nicholson, now a Pittsburgh Area Rotarian, indicating that he had just hosted a GSE member from Japan.
6. Neil Cunningham spoke briefly about the Past President's Party which has been put off until mid August. Call him if you have any thoughts about this.
7. And finally, Jim Reik spoke about going into a restaurant in Montenegro on May 23rd and seeing Rotary Flags all around. Jim sought out the owner who was thrilled to see a visiting Rotarian. He gave Jim a bottle of wine to present to the club. By unanimous acclaim it was given to President Dan who Indicated it was meeting #51. One More To Go!!!
Remember, no noon meeting next week. The Installation Banquet will be held at the Glastonbury Hills Country Club. Cocktails at 6:30, Dinner at 7:30.
Bill Saunders reminded us to get going on the Golf Tournament - Sponsors, Raffle Prizes, and Golfers are needed.
That’s all folks.
Bob Wood filling in for Larry Churchill
High Gear -- June 15, 2005
Dear Elsie,
I'm sorry you could not make the Sgt.-at-Arms party last night. It's true that
we can't be everywhere at once, and you had another important engagement. But
you surely did miss a festive occasion.
When I turned into Skyline Drive at 5:40 P.M. both sides of the street were
already lined with cars, trucks, and assorted other means of conveyance. And
walking across the lawn of the Leone Estate, it was obvious that the party was
already well underway. Animated conversations in small groups were going on
around the "refreshment" table and the narrow passageway between tables on the
patio. Rotarians never seem to tire of talking with one another, have you ever
noticed that, Elsie? At the far end of the patio the Master Chef himself
scurried back and forth between kitchen and grills where another gourmet dinner
was being prepared. To fend of our ravenous gluttony for the salmon and
tenderloin with pasta and salad that soon were to be served, a table was laden
with fresh shrimp, various seafood dips and crackers, cheese, pretzels, and I
cannot remember it all because I was soon among those stuffing themselves and
began to wonder how I would also manage the magnificent entrée. But dauntless
Rotarians that we are, we met the challenge, Elsie, and would you believe? We
even tamped it all down with vanilla ice cream and fresh strawberries, and for
the non-purists in our midst, other assorted toppings! Oh, Elsie, I don't know
what you had to eat last night, but you must be eating your heart out at the
thought of what you missed.
At a propitious moment President Dan (it was 6:15 P.M. if you want to be picky),
splendid in a "D & D" green racing jacket with yellow stripes at collar and
cuffs, called the meeting to order. There was no Sergeant-at-Arms report, which
to this experienced collector of alms seemed a most regrettable lost opportunity
and even dereliction of responsibility. And there was no raffle, which annoyed
me because it was surely my turn to win. We did have the usual introduction of
guests. We were honored to have in our midst Mrs. Judy and Dr. Keith
Barnard-Jones from Portland, England. Dr. Keith served with our own Frank
Collins on the Rotary International Board of Directors. We also rejoiced that
Scotty Howat, accompanied by Nurse Mary, and Frank Kreson, Jim Sheehan, Steve
Guidatti, and not least Dick O'Brien joined us for the evening. Dick with great
gusto led us in our traditional Welcome Song, which he dedicated to Roger Driggs.
RGA (that stands for "Rotary Golf Association in case you didn't know, Elsie)
Director Bill Saunders reported on the tournament at the East Hartford Golf
course earlier in the day. A field of twenty-one had shrunk to something like
fifteen players by the time the tournament actually got underway, a response, no
doubt, to fear of the fierce competition this event always involves. Bill
announced that Dave Amberg won the longest drive contest. George Agnelli won
both "closest to the pin" contests at holes #4 and #8. There were two teams
tied for second place honors with a score of 73: Amberg, Frazier, Schoen, and
Lemieux on one team and Dienst, Saunders, and Tamiso on the other. There were
also two teams tied for first place at 72: Ghagan, Larson, Richmond, and Wood,
tied with Flynn, Cramer, Westbrook and Agnelli.
Full credit goes to Sagacious Shot Selector George for this win, because he put
Don Cramer in position to hole out a critical putt for par. Actually it was only
Don's accomplishment that saved George from the wrath of his partners for
selecting an impossible shot and insisting on it. Be that as it may, the
competitors were rewarded with sleeves of golf balls.
That's about it, Elsie. A wonderful day - though a bit chilly on the course and
around the tables late in the evening. But memorable for food and fellowship.
Many thanks to our chef, to Bev Leone and Jean Roland for all their hard work
behind the scenes, to those who did the set-up and those who stayed to help with
clean-up. Where would the rest of us be without you??
Oh! Don't forget it's wine and cheese before the meeting next week. And the
Golf Committee will also meet next week (6/22) at 11:00 A.M. at the Ridge. See
you there.
Your Fellow Rotarian
LB
Another great summer day at the Ridge as President Dan rang the bell at 12:15 on the dot. He asked that we repeat the four-way test and not look at the banner. I think to his surprise (and mine); everyone seemed to know it.
Reverend Mosebach gave the invocation; (he asked that no one look at him either).
Sergeant at Arms again today was “Dangerous Dan Dienst” who reported a good day for adding to the coffers. Birthdays included President Dan Firestone, Stu Harris, and Chuck Clark. All paid well! Anniversaries included Nick Cecere, and Chuck Clark.
Darlene Roberts paid for her picture in the paper, and an unnamed Rotarian was fined for ducking out early last week without paying and showing up late today with no pin.
Announcements:
Get your money in to Mary Martin for the Installation Dinner on the 29th if you haven’t yet paid.
Reminder, Herb Barall is being honored at the courthouse in Hartford at 1pm on June 15th. Rotarians are invited to attend.
Bill Saunders is setting up a golf tournament next week before the Sergeant at Arms party. It will be held at East Hartford Golf course, and will start at 10:30am. Anyone interested who has not signed up, please contact Bill before Sunday so he can make the appropriate arrangements.
Don’t forget the “Sergeant at Arms” party at Bill Leone’s home. Save the date, June 15th. It’s a great event and the foods (and drinks) are the best.
Bob Brown has been in the hospital but the good news is he will be coming home tomorrow. Get well soon Bob
We started our summer schedule this week so there was no guest speaker, but our District Governor; Dick Seidman paid us as farewell visit today. He indicated this would be his last time visiting East Hartford as the District Governor and expressed appreciation for all that our entire club has done and the support he has received.
He presented the club with the District's [new] Outstanding Service Award for 2004-2005.
In addition to the club Citation, he also presented Service Awards to Don Hallquist, Neil Cunningham, Steve Jacoby, Frank Collins, Ceil Collins, George Stewart, and Jim Sheehan. Congratulations to everyone who make this club so special.
Winner of the raffle today was Dean Roland. What are you going to do with all that money Dean?
We closed with one verse of God Bless America.
Respectfully, Elsie
June opened with a very pleasant day for us at the Ridge. President Dan opened the meeting promptly at 12:15 with the ringing of the bell, followed by the four-way test and his brief but eloquent blessing. (We sure missed Don Hallquist for the opening song)
Someone must be tipping the chefs well because the meal today consisted of a generous slice of prime rib, mixed vegetables, mashed potatoes and topped off by blueberry cobbler. I think everyone cleaned his or her plate.
Sergeant at Arms was the infamous “Dangerous Dan Dienst who reported a slow day. In addition to late arrivals and early leavers, Carol Krantz paid for her daughters’ safe return from Iraq, Steve Bates for his 10th anniversary, and Dean Roland for a birthday. He wanted everyone older than him to stand up and sing, but Dan Larson indicated anyone older than Dean wasn’t able to stand up or could not hear the request, or both.
Announcements:
The golf committee meeting date is changed from the 15th to 22June.
Mary Martin requested the payment from attendees at the installation Dinner on
June 29th.
Our own Herb Barall is being honored at the courthouse in Hartford. Rotarians
are invited to attend. The ceremony will be held from 1-2pm on June 15th.
Don’t forget the Sergeant at Arms party. Bill Leone is hosting. Save the date,
15th of June. Sign up if you haven’t done so. Anyone with a pickup truck willing
to help transport tables, chairs, etc. for the event, please call Tom Galvin to offer
the help.
The Memorial Day Parade in East Hartford had a significant representation
from our Rotary. Thanks, to Jack Ghagan who worked to help put it together,
and all the Rotarians who represented us.
Flag Day is being celebrated at the Elks Club. June 7th, 6pm.
Roy Spiller held the lucky raffle ticket.
Our speaker today (as it turns out only guest) was Celerick Stephens our Group Study Exchange Student to Argentina who works at Pratt & Whitney. I cannot imagine a better ambassador to represent our Rotary Club and our Country than Celerich. He spent one month in Argentina, and was in 5 provinces and 13 cities.
He spent several months studying his Spanish before the trip and it was the only language spoken there during his stay. He had several amusing antidotes concerning translations. Most important was his obvious infectious enthusiasm for the people and the Country. Al in all, Celerick made a very interesting presentation that made us all proud of Celerick and his representation from Rotary and the USA.
President Dan closed the meeting with “God Bless America”.
Respectfully,
Ellcee
Rain and very cool temperatures inspired Maestro Don to entertain us with some very unseasonable, but cheery holiday music. The opening bell was rung by President Dan at 12:15 PM. The pledge and 4WT were followed by a few comments on the weather and then good thoughts by Rev. Bill Flynn
Lunch was a leftover from the Senior Citizens’ Dance, without the fruit salad, i.e., tossed salad, penne pasta with meatballs, sauce and grated cheese. Dessert was a choice of white cake or chocolate cake, either with chocolate frosting.
Guests: John Mitchell from the South Windsor Rotary Club, John Judd from the Hamden Club, speaker for the day, and, last, but not least, Luci Scerrato, with Nick Cecere.
Welcome song was conducted by Revs. Bill Flynn and Ted Mosebach
Sgt@Arms: anniversaries Larry Churchill and Skip Guillemette,
Birthdays George Agnelli, George Steward, Roy Spiller, Those over 72 years of age sang to Roy and George
Notices:
(1) Art Bradbury reported that Juan Pablo Hidalgo, a Rotary Exchange student 17 years ago, is getting married. The longtime bachelor has invited Rotary friends who hosted him (Bradburys, Stewarts, Woods as well as Helen Davis and her son, Greg), and all are heading to the Canary Islands next week. Doug Willett added that he and Diane just spent a delightful week visiting their former exchange student, Florence Vauraberg, in Bordeaux, France, where she lives with her husband and two-year-old daughter. She and her husband run the Chateau de Pic winery there.
(2) Glen Peterson reported on a discussion with Mary Martinez: the $1,000 the club is contributing to the literacy program will all go to the Sunset Ridge School (6th grade). Rotarians wishing to add to this are encouraged to write a check, made out to East Hartford Community Projects, to help the school buy additional books from a list Glen handed out at the meeting. Call Glen if you need more information. Price range is $7 to $20 per book; a bargain for library-quality hardbound books.
(3) June 15, no noon meeting, Sgt @ Arms party
(4) Memorial Day Parade participants should: meet before 9:30 AM behind McNulty’s Gym (aka Natural Bodies).
(5) Next week’s speaker: Celerick Stephens, GSC rep to Argentina
(6) Next week is first meeting of President Dan’s last month as pres.
(7) Wine and Cheese for meeting of 6/22, come early
(8) Mary Martin needs your payment for installation dinner by next week. Bring it to Rotary on June 1 or mail it to her before then.
Raffle was won by Doug Willett (welcome back, Doug!)
Today's speaker was introduced by Jackie Danise: John Judd of the Hamden Club is leading up an ambitious Statewide drive to make “Amber Alert Child IDs” for Connecticut’s youth. Each year (nationwide) 800,000 children under 18 years of age are reported missing. A little less than half are benign, 200K involve injury or being lost, 204K involve a member of the family abducting the child. But 58K are abducted by non-family members and are considered “endangered”. 74% of “endangered” children who are later found killed are killed within the first 3 hours of the abduction. Thousands are still missing each year.
Hamden Rotary Club, in coordination with the State Police, CT Chiefs of Police, and the University of New Haven (Henry Lee Institute) have developed a plastic scannable ID card containing a photo, age, distinguishing marks, height, weight and a unique Amber Alert ID #. Note: the name is left off the card! If a child is believed missing anywhere in the country, his/her parent can call the database center in CT and start procedures toward declaring an Amber Alert. The Club hopes to coordinate with up to 100 other Clubs in CT to create ID cards for between 300,000 and 400,000 children per year. John hopes that EHRC will be one of these Clubs.
Makeups: Frank & Ceil handed in a makeup list which was enough to make the weary weep — Port Canaveral Fl, District 6950 (cruise), Rotary Club of Nassau (and we’re not talking Long Island), and back to Manchester for a Foundation Dinner. Other makeups were a bit more ho-hum, but thanks for the effort: Bob Brown in Manchester on May 17th and Steve Jacoby in South Windsor or April 20th. Margaret Lacroix made up online with www.rotary5450.org, reviewing an article “Living Life in the Fast Lane.” Ceil and Frank could have written it, perhaps.
Peter & Sue
High Gear -- May 18, 2005
Hallelujah, Maestro Don is back, and we didn't have to rely on humming and
wondering where the heck the right key was! Rev Bill offered our invocation and
made the cloudy day sunny with his upbeat thanksgiving for our lives in and
around the Rotary world. We sat comfortable with a sweet 'n sour Hawaiian
chicken dish fit for the gods of Mauna Loa. Cream-topped strawberry/rhubarb pie
encouraged us to "lap and retain."
The decibel level was certainly up this day; perhaps because all of the
"snow-birds" have returned. At this scribe's table, June Cramer had brought
husband Don up from the sunny south, although they both cut out early to catch a
granddaughter's (Heather) softball game up in New Hampshire. Other guests
included Kevin,