Back to the Ridge you say? OK—I’ll be there. This writer found his way back to the mother meeting home and found that regardless of where we meet, I do love the fine men and women of Rotary. I arrived with the remnants of the equipment that Bill Saunders, Marc Glass and his family and I used for the ticket sales effort at Rentschler field. The table, flags, banners, duct tape and other assorted necessities were carried downstairs and back in storage. George Schoen immediately jumped in and offered assistance. Thanks, George. I stepped into the hall and was immediately met by the prom queen and king, Mary Martin and Happy Jack. Quickly unloading my pockets to these two, I entered the great hall and found engaging conversation everywhere.

I did unload a bit of a swear word as one of the East Hartford students strolled by me. She smiled that smile that said “don’t worry mister. I’ve heard that before”. I ran into Jim Watts and we exchanged pleasantries and complimented each other on our choice of Brooks Brothers clothing. Classy guys we are. I will say the room was hot and stuffy. Perhaps the 28 Rotarians were generating heat or was the heat on? Don’t know but Bill Saunders removed his blue blazer so I think he felt the heat too. He was subbing for President Dave as he travels the globe. I’m jealous.

Gong!! For whom the bell tolls, but to signal the beginning of the meeting. Song broke out and it sounded harmonious. The pledge followed. Larry Hangland had a wonderful invocation about the needs throughout the world and in particular keeping in mind the people who lost lives and possessions in the storms yesterday. He ended with Service Above Self and it fit the bill for this writer. Thanks Larry. Off to the buffet table and for this foodie to sample the caterer’s offerings.