The second month of the year began today with a shimmering coat of snow on the ground, on the trees and on the rooftops. The view from The Ridge looked like a quintessential New England postcard. Inside, a small flame was dancing in the fireplace and the mood seemed festive. Since I believe I am the only snow-worshiper in the club, I guess the sunny mood was more because the first month of the year is officially behind us.
Nick Has Still Another Birthday
Our meeting began promptly at the stroke of the bell, and newest member Jennifer Jones gave today’s invocation. She began with a reading of “The New Colossus*,” the poem by Emma Lazarus that graces the Statue of Liberty’s pedestal. Jennifer reminded us that the sentiments expressed in that verse echo Rotary’s focus on service and on building peace.
After a hearty lunch of ziti, chicken parmigiana, rolls, salad and a hot apple crisp a la mode for dessert, the meeting began in earnest.
Sergeant-at-Arms Neal Cunningham had a short report today due to our small number of attendees: Marc Glass paid for his picture in the paper (again); Bob Buettner paid for Groundhog’s Day tomorrow; Kevin Kickery threw down the gauntlet by paying $1 for the Atlanta Falcons to win the Superbowl, and Happy Jack Martin accepted the challenge and paid the same for the New England Patriots. (Being a Seahawks fan, I saved my money for this time next year!)
John O’Connor and George Agnelli paid for arriving slightly late; Bill Saunders paid $3 for being certain he would not win the raffle (Dear Prez: you can’t win if you don’t play!)
Nick Cecere, back sporting a healthy tan from his recent vacation in Aruba, paid for being 85 years’ young today. He asked us to serenade him with “Happy Birthday,” and he is no doubt looking forward to next year when our singing may yet improve.
Last, our Sergeant–at-Arms himself, Neal Cunningham, had to admit that he had left his badge in his car.
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Nick Visits His Lifelong Pal, Herb
Caring moments: Nick Cecere visited with Herb Barall this morning and advises that cards are the best way to get in touch with Herb and Reggie. (821 Brewer Street, E.H., 06118). Last week at the club’s Board of Directors meeting, the Board voted to recognize the Judge’s longtime contribution to the club by making him an honorary member.
In other news: A sign-up sheet went around today for the upcoming Mystery Ride. If you are interested in attending, please contact Hope and Dan Firestone. President Bill presented Jennifer Jones with her official blue name badge today: Watch out, Jennifer, we’ll be putting you to work any moment now! Happy Jack Martin concluded the first part of the meeting with the raffle; birthday boy Nick Cecere drew out the winning ticket that made George Agnelli this week’s winner.
Nick Learns About First Congregational Church
Our guest speaker today was Kelly Jane Forbush, senior pastor (and first female pastor) at the First Congregational Church of East Hartford. Kelly Jane has been at the church for two years now.
She began her talk by asking us to tell her what we knew about her church. Then, referring to the words of today’s invocation, she told us that her congregation welcomed everyone and worked to make the world better through promoting “justice for all.”
Kelly Jane spoke of her congregation’s focus on Charity (meeting basic needs) and Justice (changing systems to eliminate need) and pointed out that, like Rotary, achieving these goals takes Community. It is the fellowship and friendships we cultivate in our communities that enable us to work together for change.
Kelly Jane spoke about the First Congregational Church’s future possibilities to renovate the Woodward House next to the church. She ran focus groups, and there are several ideas being investigated: a home for young adults volunteering with community partners (like AmeriCorps;) a coffee shop to provide job-training and opportunities for the community to gather; a home for those struggling with mental illness (under the direction and supervision of a professional agency.)
One thing is certain, with Kelly Jane’s enthusiastic guidance, the future at the First Congregational Church will be blessed with endless possibilities.
Onward and upward~
Susan Hansen
The New Colossus
Not like the brazen giant of Greek fame,
With conquering limbs astride from land to land;
Here at our sea-washed, sunset gates shall stand
A mighty woman with a torch, whose flame
Is the imprisoned lightning, and her name
Mother of Exiles. From her beacon-hand
Glows world-wide welcome; her mild eyes command
The air-bridged harbor that twin cities frame.
"Keep ancient lands, your storied pomp!" cries she
With silent lips. "Give me your tired, your poor,
Your huddled masses yearning to breathe free,
The wretched refuse of your teeming shore.
Send these, the homeless, tempest-tost to me,
I lift my lamp beside the golden door!"
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Kelly Jane spoke about the First Congregational Church’s future possibilities to renovate the Woodward House next to the church. She ran focus groups, and there are several ideas being investigated: a home for young adults volunteering with community partners (like AmeriCorps;) a coffee shop to provide job-training and opportunities for the community to gather; a home for those struggling with mental illness (under the direction and supervision of a professional agency.)
