So, with this somewhat shaky start, we made our way to the buffet table to load our plates with baked chicken, rice, string beans and salad. Massive chocolate chip and peanut butter cookies awaited in the main room.

Lots of discussion about golf today at our table, along with an intriguing tale told by someone who will be unnamed concerning a certain Empress once being honored for her project management skills with a plague mounted on the door inside a stall in the ladies bathroom. The story only wetted our Taste Buds for more disclosure.  

Bob Buettner introduced his guest, granddaughter Quinn Duggan who will be a sixth-grader in upcoming school year. Also introduced was Amy Bryant, Family and Community Liaison with the School System, who will be sharing the System’s “Corporate” membership with Vince Crawford. We look forward to getting to know her better. The Bobbsey Twins, Mo Moshovos and Nick Cecere led the Welcome Song.   

President Dave introduced a Board approved hands-on project for our consideration. Habitat for Humanity will be building two residences in East Hartford beginning this November.  We need at least twelve volunteers to support these builds with an East Hartford Rotary Dedicated Day at each. There is a $50 per volunteer fee involved which the Board has voted to assume. A show of hands of those interested demonstrated Club support.  Dave will follow up.

Jim Watts is our  Sergeant at Arms this month and he struggled to keep the banner of this office secured around his somewhat inadequate left bicep. But the man does know how to empty pockets. George Agnelli paid to celebrate 53 years of wedded bliss although he claims this was true for only 52 years and 360 days of the marriage. With Saint Eleanor being a relative,  I for one refuse to believe all 53 years haven’t been happier than George deserves.  Ceil Collins paid for a birthday and spared us any warbling.

George Schoen paid because he believes whoever is in first place in the American League East on August 2 is automatically guaranteed to win the world series in October. And he whistles as he passes the graveyards filled with the bones of disappointed Beantown rooters. Bob Buettner paid in recognition of his pride in Miss Quinn.

And finally, Bill Saunders related what has to be the most convoluted golf story ever told in our hallowed halls. Seems he was playing with Marc Glass at Top Stone last week when he was practicing his swing on the 17^th tee. Unfortunately, the club slipped from his hand, flew through the air, and landed midway up a tree behind him. Various attempts to dislodge the club with other clubs and tossed objects were unsuccessful and soon, the next foursome was at the tee and looking on with wonder and glee.

Gentleman Bill suggested they play through but the group which included Town Fire Marshal Tom Spiller was enjoying their predicament too much to do that.  Bill asked if anyone had a ball retriever which would allow him to extend the handle and possibly reach his runaway Club. Someone did, but even this was unequal to the task.

Finally, young Spiller grabbed the retriever, stood precariously on the framing of the golf cart, reached out and disturbed the club’s slumber. As the club hurtled to the turf, it’s rapid movement startled Marc and with his cat-like reflexes, he jumped back, overturned a garbage can and landed on his posterior surrounded by an aromatic bed of empty beer cans. Spiller’s group insisted on following our heroes to the 18^th green, hoping additional mayhem might occur.  Suffice it to say, Bill paid our kitty handsomely.