High Gear - April 2, 2014

The sun may not have been out but it certainly was better than Monday.  The golfers in attendance were restless. It seems the East Hartford course is open to walkers. Everyone was in good voice with many conversations going on all around the room. It is really nice to come a few minutes early and talk with members. We have quite a group of great people.

President George opened a few minutes late but we soon made up the time. After the song and pledge, he offered a very thoughtful invocation citing the Golden Rule and Rotary's own "Service above Self." That would cure many of the world's ills if we abided by them.

Bob Buettner and Nick Cecere led the welcome song (thank goodness for the ones at the tables that can carry a tune); we had several guests present, among them Susan Hansen, Director of East Hartford Library.  She has filled out an application for membership.  And Brianna brought her Mom, Yvette.

 Lunch consisted of Chicken Piccata, Roasted Potatoes, Squash and a very tasty Chocolate Cake with frosting.  At each table there were thank you notes from The O'Brien Stem School for the dictionaries. They made great reading.

Sue Klock passed around a sign-up sheet for the Senior Citizens Prom on April 23rd.  We need volunteers for this event. It is in its 25th year and each year it grows.  Volunteers are needed in shifts that start at 2:30 and the last shift can be there as late as 4:30 to help. Preparations, cooking and serving volunteers are all needed. If you want to participate, call Sue at 860-989-0100 or email her at sueklock@gmail.com.

 Sgt at Arms Jack Martin got fined for messing up Dick McCarthy.  Mike Derr contributed for UConn's men's and women's success; Bob Buettner for his 70th birthday;  Mary Martin for her daughter's 28th birthday; and Bill Saunders paid for Mary Martin's great clean- up of the store room ( as Jack said, “look in the dumpster”).  Nick Cecere and Dan Russell also gave up a few bucks;  Ned Lynch in absenteeism for the Yankees' loss. Yvette paid for an announcement:

 The East Hartford Senior Citizen Center meets the first Thursday of the month and is looking for a community volunteer to help suggest ways to help its senior members.

Ned Lynch is home and will be out of circulation for some time to come. His address is 43 Candlewood Drive, Somers, CT, 06071 . Jim Reik is at Hughes Conv. Home at 29 Highland Street.  West Hartford, CT,  06119 and Rev Al Turner is home after his stay in the hospital. His address is 121 Huckleberry Rd, East Hartford, CT,  06118. Cards and notes would be most welcomed by all.

 The District Conference is April 25-27 and you can still register to go.  Penny Brice from the East Hartford School and Business Partnership sent a letter of thanks for our donation.  Paul Harris programs are available to anyone that wants one.

The DUCK RACE tickets will be available next week and Alex is looking for a few good Rotarians to help clear the path of the race.  Volunteers are needed at 9 AM on this Saturday at Labor Field. The event is scheduled for June 22nd.

 Joann Dorn, East Hartford Social Services, is again looking to Rotary for help. The need for school supplies, backpacks and $$$ are needed by August 1st. So if you can, please send your donation to her by then for the coming school year.

 The by-law changes were approved by vote. (You received the changes several weeks ago). Basically the change added a Youth Services Committee, and the club's committee duties were updated.

Dan Russell won the raffle.

 Our speaker, Owen James, has a very unique business. It is called The Conduit. It is a system of meditation using musical gongs and singing bowls. His work is being used by colleges, universities and hospitals to help students and patients relieve stress. It gives one a sense of peace and calm, thru reflection. The sounds create an opportunity to focus and for self-improvement. Owen gives sessions for both singles and groups and children. He pointed out that people who meditate live longer and heal faster and have an increased sense of happiness.  Owen demonstrated several of his musical instruments, and it was very interesting. Many found it soothing. His business is located on Burnside Ave. in East Hartford.

Bob (officially in his second childhood) Buettner