 | The Rotary Club of |
High Gear
Volume 76 | Issue 42 / April 13, 2022
It was a beautiful spring day with a clear sunny sky and the temperature a comfy70 degrees. Nineteen of us, including our guest speaker Mike Walsh, the new mayor of East Hartford, were present at the zoom meeting.
Sue was able to join us for a few minutes while she was on her “comfort break” from the day long National RI meeting. She made Alex and Mark co-hosts before leaving us to join the other meeting.
Alex led us into the Pledge with the US flag in the background. Peter’s invocation was about the inclusiveness, common bond and the service above self motto of Rotary.
EH Mayor Presents Strategic Vision
Connor introduced our guest speaker who is a lifelong resident of the town, his past position as Director of Finance and now, the Mayor.
East Hartford Mayor Mike WalshMayor Walsh presented his vision for the Town of East Hartford. The power point, titled Control Tower, walked us through the priorities and the projects that he has lined up. It is an impressive list with realistic deadlines and funding sources. He highly recommends that we go to the town website and follow the link to Control Tower to get a deeper understanding of his vision for the town. Or you can click here.
Caring Moments
Dan Firestone’s daughter Michele is recovering at home after she had a stroke. We pray for her full and complete recovery.
Doug Willett’s passing caught all of us by surprise. Ruth remembered Doug from his days as an English teacher in East Hartford. Neil was his fellow ball player. He shared fond memories of traveling to various cities for games and having a great time together. He will be greatly missed. The wake is planned at D'Esopo East Hartford Memorial Chapel on April 20 from 3-7 pm.
Alex, working with Goodwin University, has finalized the location for the tree planting in celebration of Earth Day.
Filling in for President Sue, your scribe this week, Anwar Hossain.
Stay safe and stay healthy.
Loss of Doug Willett
Doug Willett passed away peacefully on April 10, surrounded by family. He had battled cancer for a number of years, but did not let people know about it until the very end.
He had been a member of our club for 42 years, having joined in the spring of 1980. He served in numerous positions including Secretary, Treasurer, Vice President, President and Assistant District Governor. He was the High Gear editor for many, many years, organized the annual Fireside Chats, and was de-facto club photographer. He served on numerous committees and devoted a great deal of time and energy volunteering at club projects.
Doug's proudest achievement of his presidency was admitting women into the club for the first time. He was a 6 time recipient of the Paul Harris Recognition.
Doug left an unfinished letter behind which I have included here.
He will be greatly missed.
Dan Firestone’s daughter Michele is recovering at home after she had a stroke. We pray for her full and complete recovery.
Doug Willett’s passing caught all of us by surprise. Ruth remembered Doug from his days as an English teacher in East Hartford. Neil was his fellow ball player. He shared fond memories of traveling to various cities for games and having a great time together. He will be greatly missed. The wake is planned at D'Esopo East Hartford Memorial Chapel on April 20 from 3-7 pm.
Alex, working with Goodwin University, has finalized the location for the tree planting in celebration of Earth Day.
Filling in for President Sue, your scribe this week, Anwar Hossain.
Stay safe and stay healthy.
Loss of Doug Willett
Doug Willett passed away peacefully on April 10, surrounded by family. He had battled cancer for a number of years, but did not let people know about it until the very end.He had been a member of our club for 42 years, having joined in the spring of 1980. He served in numerous positions including Secretary, Treasurer, Vice President, President and Assistant District Governor. He was the High Gear editor for many, many years, organized the annual Fireside Chats, and was de-facto club photographer. He served on numerous committees and devoted a great deal of time and energy volunteering at club projects.
Doug's proudest achievement of his presidency was admitting women into the club for the first time. He was a 6 time recipient of the Paul Harris Recognition.
Doug left an unfinished letter behind which I have included here.
He will be greatly missed.