Rotary Club
of East Hartford
             High Gear

Volume2 | Issue 17, October 25, 2017

 

Its High Gear time again and my month of writings is coming to a close. I will miss this but will find other ways to share stories and be an informative member of the Rotary squad. Perhaps the recent rains have given my creativity a wet mood. I will do my best for those who read this to share our exploits at the past meeting. Oh, and yes, it was raining and a bit humid for late October. I was a bit late to the Ridge as work and water on the roads impeded my ability to get there early. Someone said winter is coming. Oh goody!

Salt and Grated Cheese Look Alike

As I walked in Marc Glass purposely bumped into me. He did say he was bigger than me as a coiled to get retribution. I mumbled some epitaph under my breath and then smiled gracefully. Conversations flourished in the two rooms as food smells emanated throughout. Dick McCarthy was here today and he was holding court at a table with Ruth Sheehan musing about the early exit of the Red Sox and the recent departure of the Yankees. I was standing next to Jack Sayre and I overheard this fine gentleman use a swear word. Well, as punishment he needs to have two helpings of our lunch next week. I ran into Christina Lessard and she introduced me to today’s speaker, Tyler Booth. He seemed like a fine chap. More on his talk later in this writing. Bob Buettner was busy shaking people down for Sergeant of Arms and his daughter Mindy Duval was here today for the game night sign ups. A reference was made to a sporting game of Twister and Bob indicated paramedics would be stationed outside the building.

The bell rang whilst I was still in the vestibule with The Empress and Mr. Empress (Mary and Jack Martin). Dashing in, I found 29 Rotarians robustly singing. Two guests stood in awe as they wondered what was next. We eased their concerns with a dutiful recital of the Pledge of Allegiance. Hope Firestone came to the front and provided her version of a “traditional invocation prayer”. Very nice, Hope, and thanks for the kind words. This lady is always smiling so her words lifted the room.

Then we went to uncharted territory for the weekly lunch. The brownies were already on display in the dining room, but what awaited us this week in the buffet room? A bounty of beef slices in an au jus, mashed potatoes, fresh beans, salad and real crusty rolls. Mmmm! But after last week’s debacle with Dan Larson and the salt shaker, the caterer decided to remove all remnants of salt and pepper. Why do we all get punished because Dan can’t tell the difference between salt and grated cheese??

I sat at a different table this week to chat with a different group. Jack Sayre, Anwar Hossain, Steve Jacoby and Vince Crawford are wonderful lunch companions. Professional and they use silverware like they were intended to be used. I went over to my normal table but was not greeted warmly. Perhaps I shall sit with them again and show them some manners. I did learn over lunch that Vince has a birthday coming soon and he will celebrate in Reno, NV. Lunch flew by and President Dave Amberg took control of the room with the bell. Dan Larson was summoned to lead the Welcome song and the handshakes amongst the crowd. A quick rub of George Agnelli’s head required him to straighten his glasses and hair. Many in the crowd were envious of his hair and its reluctance to depart. Dan is not only a good sport but a decent singer.

 
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Welcome to the Club - Vince Crawford!

Here is the Sargeant of Arms Report (and thanks for Bob Buettner for sending typed version):

Marc Glass Philadelphia Eagles 1st Place & Best Record in NFL
Dan Russell.  For being on right side of the Grass
Jack Martin Great Grandson Rowan 1st birthday and even though he tried to combine two things for $1.00 he added another dollar           Rowan becoming a big brother soon.
Kevin Kickery  for insulting Marc
Kevin for becoming a grandfather soon
Honest Bob Wood for telling me he did not have a pin  ( I did not notice)
Neal Cunningham No world series for the Yankees
Ruth Sheehan For all the poor Yankee fans
Dick McCarthy So he does not have to listen to the Yankee fans any longer  ( do you see a theme here)
3 Late arrivals
1 Early leaver
Ned  I tried to fine him for being late and he insisted the Dave started the meeting one minute early but paid for an early start to the meeting
WALDO For Marc's upcoming 60 birthday on the 29th
Dave Amberg for starting the meeting one minute early

Vince Crawford was summoned to the podium for the formal induction into Rotary. He is a good man and represents the East Hartford School System. Congratulations Vince and welcome.

We received a thank you card for our generous donation to Coats for Kids. Details on this endeavor were provided in a prior High Gear by this author.

Habitat for Humanity hands on project is scheduled for 11/4. Our friends at the East Hartford Woman’s Club are providing lunch. No reason not to support this project if you are able bodied and sitting at home is your favorite pastime.

Alas, the book club meeting at Bob Woods’s house has been cancelled due to a lack of interest. Thanks for putting out this effort Bob.

The Foundation Dinner is scheduled for 11/2. As of the meeting only two Rotarians have signed up. We’re getting an award, per Marc Glass, so if you’re up for it, sign up.

Rotary Leadership Institute (RLI) is scheduled for 11/11 in Enfield. The club pays for any attendees.

Susan Hanson is coordinating a Turkey and a $30 for Goodwin College. Show up on 11/13 between 7 and 11 AM at Goodwin College and contribute to this worthwhile cause. This is separate from the envelope passing we traditionally do at one of our meetings.

Jim Watts is having a Paul Harris committee meeting before next week’s meeting at 11:15 AM.

There is a Rotary Means Business invitation out for anyone to attend. It is November 9th from 5:30 to 7:30 PM at the Rooftop 120 in Glastonbury. Details in the e-mail invitation.

The club’s General meeting to elect a slate of officers is scheduled for December 6th. We need a quorum so please plan on attending this meeting.

We had the raffle and Ned Lynch was so happy he won. I can only imagine what it’s like at his house when the Red Sox win!! Congrats Ned.

Intercommunity Doing Important Work

Dan Firestone pivoted the meeting to our weekly presentation. He introduced our own Christina Lessard, Director of Community Relations for InterCommunity. She thanks everyone for the opportunity to introduce Tyler Booth, VP and Chief Operations Officer of InterCommunity. His long list of educational accomplishments and professional endeavors was a testament to his dedication to today’s topic. Mental Illness and its repercussions to the person, their family and the community cannot be understated.

Tyler spoke of Intercommunity’s growth and the many services it provides, including the school based healthcare services offered at East Hartford schools. What started off as a service providing healthcare need out of a cellar has grown to a multi-faceted organization. It provides many healthcare services to people of means and also those who cannot pay. You pay what you can afford but all get the same treatment.

Tyler spent most of his time between the mental health services they provide and questions from the Rotarians. Clearly they are an important front on the opioid epidemic and other addictions. It is good to know there are people that offer these services to the neediest. We thank you for sharing your story and continued success in our community.

They do have a major fundraiser scheduled for November 17th at the recently renovated Glastonbury Hills CC. The cost per person is only $75 and is a bargain considering the food, entertainment, open bar, raffle opportunities and of course the portion that funds this organization. A good chance to do well and dust off the dance shoes.

I truly enjoy writing this summary for those near and far. I have only two wishes if I may. Please read these writings by me and the other authors. We do spend a fair amount of our work/personal time during the meeting and after trying to convey the content and spirit of the meeting. I also ask that you find time for a prayer for those club members that may be hurting and need strength to carry on. Many have faces with a smile and steel but some have pain inside that is hidden from view. It is their way to deal with it so this is our way to try and make it better. Keep all in your daily thoughts and prayers.

Be well and see you soon.

Kevin Kickery

 

 

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