High Gear, April 4, 2012

Gee, another day in paradise. At least the weather is cooperating, blue sky, broken clouds and the gang can’t wait to break out for the links.

After our traditional opening of the Rotary Song and the Pledge, Jim Watts gave a thoughtful invocation into which he wove a hopeful blessing for the Duck Race. Talk about ecclesiastical engineering.

The meal was Sicilian (with one “l”) chicken, wild rice and mixed vegies. Dessert was a cuppa cake.

No guests today, but John O’Connor and Prez Peter “welcomed” us anyway.

John O’Connor’s aunt is doing better, however, Jean Wishart is home and could be doing better. Sadly, it was reported that Marcia Leclerc’s mother recently passed away.

Wow! Did we have announcements. For a while I  thought they were going to be the meeting’s program. By the numbers:

1.     $4,000 to the Guatemala water project.

2.     Sr. Citizen’s Prom is 4/25

3.     Canoe/Kayak race is 5/6

4.     IB Shelterless competition will take place on 5/25, probably in Ted Mosebach’s parking lot.

5.     Received $81.38 from Arcadia Publishing, royalty on our EH history book.

6.     We renewed our membership in EH Chamber.

7.     Donated $325 to Little League

8.     Donated $500 to South Windsor Cult. Arts

9.     Still need folks to volunteer to clean up the Hockanum River

10.                        DG Sue is looking for literacy volunteers re. the Duck Race.

11.                        Over $10,000 collected for scholarship fund in memory of Bill Leone—way to go!

12.                        Ways and Means Committee meeting tonight at Goodwin College-5 PM

13.                        Gil Wishart reminded us of the Rotary/Rockcat outing on 5/4-$20 per.

14.                        Jim Fallon reported that the Scholarship Committee will meet next Wednesday at 11:30

Now there really was a program. Professor Sheryl walked us through a PowerPoint presentation entitled, “Rotary Finance 101”. Now you might think that this was going to be a boring snoozer, but Sheryl interspersed surprise vintage photos of  both members and ex-members to keep our attention. Kind of reminds me of the U.S. Navy’s formula of adding sexy pinups during Boot Camp training films.

Frankly, she answered many FAQ’s about 501(c) (4) and 501(c) (5) accounts. How our money, dues, fines, donations, etc. are defined as charitable, non-charitable and where they go. What  the difference is  between Rotary International and Rotary Foundation. It is a shame the Carmen Piscatello was not in attendance to express his thoughts about Rotary International.  It was an excellent review for older members as well as newbies.

Like Prez Peter, I almost forgot the Sgt. @ Arms report. Birthdays: Jack Ghagan is 85 and Bob Buettner is a year older than he was. Dave Amberg paid for Notre Dame beating UCONN and Art Bradbury paid for Notre Dame losing to Baylor. Seems fair……….

‘Nuff said,