Beautiful mid-August day today and an energetic, enthusiastic group gathered at the Ridge to renew commitments to service and fellowship. A lunch plate of baked ham, corn, and macaroni salad provided the needed fuel to meet the challenges of the day and a generous sampling of miniature candy bars, courtesy of the Empress, added a sugar boost to those who indulged.

It is always a special day when old friend, Past President Roger Nicholson makes an appearance

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57 Years a Rotarian, Roger Nicholson Visits Old Friends

and today was the day. Roger has been a Rotarian both here and in his new club near Pittsburgh for 57…count ‘em …57 productive years. Leadership within The Heifer Project is just one of many noteworthy contributions has made to Rotary. Our other guest was Pat from Manchester whose last name was lost in the air between his introducer and my table. Ted Mosebach and Mike Costa lead the welcome song with Ted in particular high stepping his way into remembrances of the sainted Roger Driggs of days gone by.

Hugh Finch

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The Empress Bestows Badge on Subject Hugh Finch

received his permanent name badge from President Mary and Bob Buettner expressed regret that the Mystery Ride was cancelled due to insufficient registrations. It was a trip to The Goodspeed Opera House in East Haddam to see this year’s production of Fiddler on the Roof. (Diane and I saw it a few weeks ago, and it was terrific.) He also announced that the Holiday Party will be on December 3rd at The Gallery.

Sergeant At Arms Dave Amberg had a good day. He fined Herb Barall for his 82nd Birthday and we sang the appropriate song in his honor. Frank Collins paid to praise the East Hartford citizens and town employees who manned and womanned the Dragon Boats last weekend. Mike Derr paid for wearing the wrong badge and for the off years of both the Yankees and the Red Sox. Susan Hansen paid for her hubby’s birthday.  Steve Jacoby got nicked for the usual. Jack Martin paid to thank Art Bradbury for the terrific article he penned on Jack’s wife for the Gazette. President Mary paid for the accompanying picture in the paper; and finally, President Mary, Bill Saunders and Jay Stewart all paid to recognize Roger Nicholson’s presence.

In the Announcements Department, President Mary reminded all to “pay your dues by September 1st” and that a Board of Directors Meeting will be held Monday, August 25th at 5:30 p.m. at the YMCA. All are welcome to attend. Bill Saunders reminded us that the $150 fee that the golfers pay to play in our tournament is almost entirely consumed by expenses and it is only the sponsorships and the raffle prizes

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Making the Annual Pitch  - East Hartford Rotarians Could Make Job Easier -Let's Get On The Stick!

that make us any real money. Remember that all East Hartford Rotarians are expected to participate or contribute to the Tournament in some fashion.

President Mary read a thank you note from Kevi Oatway, one of our recent scholarship winners.

Sheryl O’Connor, our Club Foundation Chairman and the District Grants Chair for the next three years, introduced us to the Partners in Rotary Service program which is replacing the Group Study Exchanges we have enjoyed so much over the years. There will be teams visiting our district from three or four countries between October 25 and November 8, 2014. They will also be at the Foundation Dinner on November 6th.

Our good friend Dick Lemieux is home recovering from a stroke and wife, Mary, suggests he would appreciate cards and letters from his Rotary friends. He can be reached at 11 Sunrise Lane, East Hartford, 06118. Also, PDG Dick Seidman, a frequent visitor to our Club, is recuperating from surgery at his home in Florida. He can be reached at 127 Andalusia Way, Palm Beach Gardens, Florida, 33418.

Jim Watts won the raffle –money goes to money.

That’s it. After two months of High Gear, I am out of here and headed for a slow boat on the Douro River in Portugal with my bride. See you all in a couple of weeks.  

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Finger Snapping, High Stepping ...Mosebach Unchained!