High Gear, April 10, 2013
Attendance seemed a bit scant today--perhaps some of our members were taking advantage of the beautiful day to play golf. Certainly it was nice to have seasonal weather—sunny, warm, with a few bulbs flowering and some of the trees budding. Our parking lot had been invaded by a great number of firemen, who were involved in life-saving training procedures. Peter Klock took advantage of their number and peddled Duck Race tickets to them. He didn’t report how many he sold.
Sheryl rang the bell, right on time, we sang, pledged allegiance to our nation’s flag, and then Dave Amberg gave a thoughtful invocation. The Rock Cats baseball game signup sheet was going around—the date is Friday, May 10th, which is also the day the GSE Team from Turkey arrives in East Hartford.
Lunch was a tossed green salad, meatballs in sauce over penne pasta, the usual coffee, tea and ice water, followed by Krause’s version of Créme Brŭlė.
Our only guest today was Cindy Dunne, Past President of the Putnam Rotary Club. She was introduced by PDG Sue Klock. President Sheryl introduced our guest speaker, Joanna Auriantal, when Steve Jacoby wandered in and she told him not to sit down but to join Mark Glass in leading the Welcome Song!
Sergeant-at-Arms was Dick McCarthy. No birthdays. Nick Cecere paid for his 26th Anniversary in Rotary.
And many, many donated in honor of the UCONN Women’s victory last evening. There were happy dollars for the Red Sox victory, and a sad dollar for Dave Amberg, a stalwart Notre Dame fan.
Caring Moments: Dick Seidman has had the eighth surgery, and truly hopes to be walking soon. He has a true goal, to walk his daughter down the aisle for her marriage, I think a June date was mentioned. Sue Klock took the PIG to the New Britain-Berlin club, and netted $158 for Polio Plus, and then got $133 from the Enfield Club. Dan Firestone paid because he tried to fly his bicycle, which did not work, which means he has a very bum shoulder. Bill Saunders paid because his daughter’s YOUTUBE project on immunization is apparently a great success.
Alec Wicz
shared a Foundation Moment with us, talking about grants. Just think of all the good in the world which has been done because of Rotary’s concern and our ability to share.
The Bookmobile project well underway—we have opened a separate bank account for the funds, much of which will be coming from a Club half-way around the world in India. An access ramp, special mirrors, and signage will be added to the vehicle when it arrives. Signage will be done by a chap named Herb Toback’s company (who happens to be a PDG!).
DUCK RACE: Ticket sales are slow—that is typical. We have received the monies for only nine books of tickets so far.
Give your monies and stubs to Mark, Bill or Mary, to keep things under control. We will try local businesses to see if we can set up sales tables at their entrances. We all should visit other clubs as well. Keep in mind that ALL tickets must be accounted for. The Big Ducks are in, consider decorating one for your business—a $50 donation—and it might engender some sales as well.
Yvette reported that we need individuals for the Sponsor Committee—we will have signs along the river path—Starting Line sponsor: $2500; Food Sponsor: $1000, and a couple of others at $500 each. Jack Sayre reported that we have a good number signed up to work on race day.
President Sheryl said that she had budgeted $4000 this year for Rick Lawrence’s water project—that is half of what we did last year. Would be good if we could increase the amount.
Jack Sayre also reported that Spurgeon Stokes 
is holding his own, hoping to get back to our meetings, even though he is still on oxygen.
Next week’s program will be PDG Dick Borden, who will talk about the Rotary Council on Legislation.
We have collected 339 books, gently used, which will be packed up and sent off, each of which costs us a $1contribution. A nice effort for the world’s reading pleasure!
The raffle was won by Art Bradbury.
Our speaker today was Joanna Auriantal, 
who is the GEAR UP Program Coordinator sponsored by Manchester Community College. In 2012, the State of Connecticut was awarded a federal grant, $3.6 million, which is being used at only three sites in the entire state. The program’s focus is on 7th grade students from lower-income families, encouraging them to stay in school, She is concentrating on East Hartford Middle School—444 7th graders, who will be tracked for six years. The program involves tutoring in mathematics; English and sciences, mentoring, college and career development activities, family activities, after school programs, and summer camps.
Joanne herself came from a low-income family in Willimantic, and now she is starting on her doctorate! Preparing these kids for college—many will qualify for scholarships—gives them a solid base for their entire lives. The GEAR stands for Gaining Early Awareness and Readiness.
What a great program. We should have her back in five years to learn of its progress.
Until next week—Dan Russell