Good day fellow Rotarians. I have just returned from the audiologist to have my hearing aids checked and my ears cleaned out. If you weren’t at the meeting Wednesday, it may be hard to understand my opening. So, you’ll have to read on for a later description. As most Hi Gear writers like to play weatherman, I’ll bite and tell you what a beautiful day it was on top of Mount East Hartford. We shed our coats and wandered into the castle and greeted and prepared for a meeting of fun and camaraderie.
Rambling Yet?
As I shared the walk in with Mary Martin, I wondered who was manning the cash table. No one apparently, as Jack was waiting patiently for his bride, and sometimes confused as a daughter. If Mary looks so good, what does that say about Happy Jack? There were 5 Rotarians in the vestibule chatting it up as I reached for my name badge. Dick McCarthy (sporting a sharp looking haircut), Marc Glass (looking sharp in a blazer and tie), Happy Jack (smiling as always), Jim Watts (complaining about a back ache), Bob Woods (wishing he could go to the barber with Dick) and Bill Saunders who always is smiling and glad to greet anyone he passes. Their conversations reflected true admiration for each other and brought a smile to my face.
The Social Committee was meeting and I spied Lionel Lessard copying Steve Jacoby with a late joining of the group. Hey, some of us gotta work so I sympathize with the hurried look on his face. I asked Dan Russell how his wife was and he happily told me Ruth Sheehan picked her up for their monthly get together for lunch. I say we crash their party someday but Dan had no idea where they went. Perhaps that is good.
I spoke with my good friend, the handsome Nick Cecere. He had a bout of bronchitis and is on the mend. Scotch works wonders (in moderation of course). Laura Floyd was prompt and I had the chance to ask her about the YMCA and her activities. She is looking for new children for their three facilities in East Hartford. There were a lot of graduates from the previous year and government funding (should I say the lack of it?) is negatively affecting her base of applicants. Wish her well as we all know there is NO substitute for a quality education.
Am I rambling yet or was I being too social?
We Have A District Governor Nominee
The bell rang and that’s when all hell broke loose. To say we sang today would be like saying a chef prepares our weekly meal. In one word it was “abysmal”! It started off bad, went south from there and we struggled to the end like we were leaving a bar at 3 AM. Art Bradbury and George Schoen must never leave this group alone again. Even with guests today, we passed on the Welcome Song before lightning struck us down.
The Pledge of Allegiance went off without a hitch. Happy Jack offered an invocation about service above self, giving thanks for our unity and the things we are grateful for in our lives. The invocation is perhaps my favorite part of the meeting. We exited to the food room wondering what happened while singing. The food exceeded this writer’s expectations with a combo of brown rice, chicken with vegetables in an oriental sauce, an egg roll and salad. No rolls but not sure they would complement this acceptable offering today.
President Amberg was MIA today so past President Bill had the podium. Guests were announced, Stephanie Lee with Anderson Jewelers and our two speakers from Evolutionary Home Energy Solutions, George Gregson and Paul Theriault. As previously stated, there was a unanimous decision not to sing anymore. There was a caring moment for the ongoing issues Pat Fallon is experiencing as she heals from her broken femur. Please keep Pat and Jim in your thoughts and prayers.
Other points brought up were:
Jack Sayre and Lunch Committee meeting with “chef” next week. Bring your own rolls Jack!
Social calendars will fill up with Game night at Hilltop on November 3rd from 6 till 10 PM. This will be followed up by two wine and cheese offerings before the meetings on 11/22 and 11/27. And the annual holiday gathering will be at the Gallery on December 13th. Same meal and price (?) but perhaps some activities (twister perhaps?).
Neal Cunningham announced the Hartford Marathon volunteers were fully staffed. Be there by 7AM on Saturday 10/14.
Marc Glass was interviewed for the District Governor position. He would make a great addition to this prestigious position so we wish him well. (Editor’s Note: Marc later in the day passed word that he has been nominated as District Governor for the year 2020-2021. Congratulations, Marc. You do East Hartford proud!)
I’m trying to translate Bob Buettner’s handwriting as Sergeant at Arms. If you gave money that is good. Here’s a summary as I read it: Marc Glass for the Eagles in 1st place, Neal Cunningham forgot about the Friday dinner at the German restaurant, Bob Wood for the Red Sox (get his $ now before they’re ousted), Dick McCarthy just because, Lionel for an anniversary. The rest I cannot read so I am sorry. Give me the money next time and I’ll be sure to be able to read it.
Coats For Kids Warms 91 Children
The Coats for Kids project was a huge success on October 1st at Burlington Coat Factory. Dick and Jean McCarthy, Jack and Janice Sayre, Mary Martin and two staff members of EH Social Services saw to it that 91 children from the age of 6 through 12 were given the opportunity to pick out a winter coat. Rotary, Burlington (15% discount) and collections at Anderson’s Jewelers helped to fund this worthwhile project. Donut holes were distributed and brochures describing the Rotary Club and what we do were displayed on the refreshment table. Thanks to all that helped and the club for supporting this every year as part of our giving budget ($5,500) with a complimentary grant ($2,000) from the District.
The raffle was held and last week’s winner, Bob Buettner, pulled Wes Willett’s ticket. A second opinion was rendered and Jack reluctantly gave him the money.
Dan Firestone took to the podium to announce the program. You would think from this writing the introduction occurred at 5 PM but I can assure you we ran a tight meeting and my musings are just that.
George Gregson and Paul Theriault gave an informative presentation on how much energy we use and how much is wasted. As costs rise and environmental concerns do also, they offered a concise listing of the ways we lose energy, and money, and how an energy audit can help. Hot water, air leaks, thermostats, lights and windows were a few of the examples they listed of places to analyze and possibly save money. Their firm can do these audits and provide a comprehensive analysis of ways to improve your home.
They were very complimentary of Rotary and all we do. Before they wrapped up the discussion, we were offered a free analysis by their firm if we signed up before departing. This $200+ plus service was a welcome offer to some Rotarians who crowded around at the end of the presentation.
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always is smiling and glad to greet anyone he passes. Their conversations reflected true admiration for each other and brought a smile to my face.
opportunity to pick out a winter coat. Rotary, Burlington (15% discount) and collections at Anderson’s Jewelers helped to fund this worthwhile project. Donut holes were distributed and brochures describing the Rotary Club and what we do were displayed on the refreshment table. Thanks to all that helped and the club for supporting this every year as part of our giving budget ($5,500) with a complimentary grant ($2,000) from the District..png)
