T'was a return to Winter, cold, with new fallen snow upon the ground and the promise of more to come over the weekend.  Big change from last week's spring-like weather.  Inside things remained the same, warm and friendly!  The big question "Where have all the Rotarians gone?"  Only about 30 members shared in the usual fellowship.  Let's make an effort to be here and share!!!!

Pres. George, showing great consistency, called us to order promptly at 12:17.  The usual opening ritual being completed, Anwar Hossain delivered a most thoughtful invocation calling for the "gift of moderation" and the ability to see clearly and

Anwar Hossain
 Anwar Hossain

recognize what is truly important.  A great lunch of ham, chicken, stuffed cabbage, mac and cheese, veggies, and a salad awaited us at the buffet table.  Dessert of a chocolate cake roll was served. 

Following lunch we reconvened for the introduction of guests.  Our speaker, Jack Mullen, was the only one to be found, but warranted a spirited Welcome Song led by Dave Amberg and The Empress, AKA Mary Martin.

Brian Liss, acting Sgt. at Arms, presented a lengthy list of donations- Alex Wisz - a picture in the paper, Dan Larson - birthday, Ruth Sheehan - on becoming a grandmother


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 Gramma Ruthie

, Mary Sullivan - something about a bad girl?, Mary Martin - a judgment call on the voice quality of the Agnelli men,  Pres. George - for his granddaughter's graduation from U of H, and Sheryl O'Connor in tribute to all the bell ringers.

In keeping with tradition, Pres. George presented checks to our wait staff, Helen and Michelle.  He then read a note from Betty Ann Stokes which expressed appreciation for our club's support for Spurgeon and how much he loved the East Hartford Rotary Club. 

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Ceil Makes the Pitch 

Ceil Collins gave one last pitch for the Holiday Party - 6:00 at the Gallery, 12/18.  Any changes should be given to Ceil by Friday!  Caring notes -Yvette and Brianna Marie are home and doing well.  Jack Sayre mentioned that Roy Spiller is also home and undergoing physical therapy.

One last note - we need a bell ringer Saturday the 14th from 5 to 6.

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 New Member Nate Quesnel with sons, 
 Lil' Nate and Michael ringing the bell


  Call Jack Sayre if you can help.  Brian Liss won the raffle, thus keeping the last table's winning streak alive.

Dan Firestone again introduced our speaker, Jack Mullen, Coordinator of Education for Sturbridge Village.  He gave a brief history of this living history museum which depicts a typical New England Village from the 1790's to the 1840's.  It got started as a grist mill in the late 1930's and became a formal museum known as Olde Sturbridge Village in 1946.  It consists of several buildings and shops which were brought to the area from

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 Jack Mullen

all over New England and reassembled as a living, working, village of the period.

There is a grist mill, a saw mill, pottery shop, blacksmith shop, cooperage, cobbler, working farms, and a variety of shops and houses typical of the period.  They provide many educational experiences for school groups from elementary through college age.

It's a great place to go and learn about our living past.  We are blessed in this area with such great opportunities - Mystic, Plimouth Plantation -and a host of great museums!  Take time to appreciate them.  Great program!!!

Til Next Week.