Today was a rather inconclusive day, not a Spring day nor a Winter's day - overcast, mild, and better described as just plain blah! Early gatherers encountered an intense meeting of the Duck Race committee in progress. This is a serious indication that the new year is up and running and we should all start to think about getting involved in upcoming Club projects.
Opportunities mark the new year
That said - President Bill took to the podium and brought us to order with our opening ritual of song and pledge. Dave Amberg continued with the weekly Invocation and asked us to consider all of the "New" things a new year offers - new plans, dreams, goals, hopes fears, joys and the opportunity for our Club to be involved in so many new things. Let's be a part of all these opportunities! The buffet table contained stuffed chicken breasts, rice, carrots, rolls, and a big tossed salad. Assorted cookies could be found on the dessert table.
Duck race into a duck race raffle?
As we reconvened, President Bill called for the introduction of guests. Mike Whitehouse, Mike Michaud, and Scott Franklin were properly introduced and serenaded with our traditional "Welcome Song".
Jim Watts, Sgt. at Arms for the month, complaining about no birthdays or significant milestones, listed a few minor , but important contributions - Marc Glass for his perpetual picture in the paper, Jack Martin and Dick McCarthy for the continued success of the UConn Women's basketball team, , Sue Klock for a great family holiday season, Jennifer Jones for a great honeymoon in Italy, and Mary Martin in honor of a Rotarian who might have contributed to her present state of health!
President Bill read a thank you note from Mayor Marcia LeClerc for our contribution of bulletproof vests and helmets for the school resource officers. He then went on to mention that the Duck Race committee is considering a raffle in lieu of the actual river race, and then concluded with our DUES ARE NOW DUE!
Happy Jack the raffle man pointed out last years big winners - 5 time winners Frank Collins and Ned Lynch, 4 time winner Bob Buettner, who was also today's lucky winner!
The Miracle League getting kids on bikes
Today's speakers, Mike Michaud and Scott Franklin, were introduced by Hope Firestone. Mike is president of the state's "Miracle League" a program for children with physical and cognitive challenges. This program allows these children to participate in a variety of physical activities.
The "Miracle League" in West Hartford has recently completed a $700,000 fully accessable baseball field to be used by children with mobility issues. It has been extremely successful in allowing children with challenges to participate in many new activities.
As an outgrowth of that program a new "ICanBike" program has gotten started in West Hartford and will expand to two new communities, Milford and East Lyme, this year.
"ICanBike is a national program that travels to various cities and spends a week with a local sponsor such as the "Miracle League" teaching children with disabilities how to ride a bike. This is a most rewarding program as the kids start on special bikes, and by the end of the week they have mastered the skill of actually being able to ride a regular bike, and thus instilling a new sense of independence and confidence it the child.
The "Miracle League" is also becoming involved in other activities like bowling, dance parties, and a trick or treat Halloween experience. They are also partnering with groups such as the Connecticut Science Center, Park Playhouse, and the Bushnell Center for the Performing Arts to present appropriate opportunities for these children.
How fortunate we are to have organizations such as this. Our own Dick McCarthy's son, Rich has been very much involved in the Miracle League.
President Bill mentioned that Janet Pearson has attended a Rotary Information meeting, and is now being proposed for membership. Any comments should be addressed to President Bill.
Next week's program will be a be a presentation by the Hillstead Museum. BE THERE!
'TIL NEXT WEEK - BOB WOOD
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the weekly Invocation and asked us to consider all of the "New" things a new year offers - new plans, dreams, goals, hopes fears, joys and the opportunity for our Club to be involved in so many new things. Let's be a part of all these opportunities! The buffet table contained stuffed chicken breasts, rice, carrots, rolls, and a big tossed salad. Assorted cookies could be found on the dessert table.
contributions - Marc Glass for his perpetual picture in the paper, Jack Martin and Dick McCarthy for the continued success of the UConn Women's basketball team, , Sue Klock for a great family holiday season, Jennifer Jones for a great honeymoon in Italy, and Mary Martin in honor of a Rotarian who might have contributed to her present state of health! 
baseball field to be used by children with mobility issues. It has been extremely successful in allowing children with challenges to participate in many new activities. 