High Gear, August 22, 2012
Beautiful summer noontime today, a perfect setting for our annual District Governor Visit, this year featuring District Governor Eileen Rau from West Hartford Rotary. Eileen is a Phi Beta Kappa graduate of the University of Pittsburg, worked in the software industry and has been active in various civic organizations in her home town. She was President of the West Hartford Rotary Club in 2005-2006. More about her remarks below.
Our meeting started with Frank Collins reading the Foundation Minute, stalling for time while John O’Connor hustled out to his car to retrieve his written copy of the thoughtful blessing he was designated to give. The Club waited with bated breath for John to arrive and he, in turn, panted his way through the message. Service above Self.
Our guests today included Anthony Matthews, ADG Marty Fins from Manchester and Bob Rau, the spouse of the Governor. We were also graced with the return of Jack Ghagan to our company. Welcome back, Jack.
Steve Jacoby reported a make-up at Glastonbury. Jack Sayre and Bob Wood led the Welcome Song.
Our Sgt-at-Arms had such a slow day he had to fine himself for missing his duties last week. George Finch paid for 4 years in Rotary and for the return of his table buddy, Jack Ghagan. In our Caring Moments, Gil Wishart reported that wife, Jean, has returned home but has a way to go to return to full strength. We’re pulling for you, Jean. And a shout out to Steve Tamiso, as well.
President Sheryl reported a couple of thank you notes received from Goodwin College (for support of their golf tournament) and the Town of East Hartford (for support of back to school supplies drive.) Also, special thanks goes out to George Agnelli, Jr., local realtor, who has donated $500 to our Club in recognition of a home purchase by Yvette Roming recently. A nice gesture on George Jr.’s part.
Bill Saunders reported that the Golf Tournament September 24
is on schedule but it is important that registrations be made by September 1st, since the gift this year is a polo shirt and sizes are needed to have them available. Raffle prizes are still running low and $25 gift certificates will be part of the bounty. Remember, every member is expected to participate in and/or contribute to the Golf Tournament in some fashion. This is our principal fund raiser each year.
Doug Willett announced that the annual Fireside Chats will be held in October, beginning Tuesday, October 9th and ending Thursday, October 25th. Hosts and Discussion Leaders are needed.
Registration forms for the District Foundation Seminar on September 13 can be found on the District Website and the Foundation Dinner on November 1st is coming up as well.
In her address to the Club, District Governor Eileen touched on her major goals for the year including support of the “peace through service” theme of the R.I. President. Each Club in the district is asked to complete a Peace through Service project of some sort. The DG is also hopeful that every Rotarian in the District will support and contribute to the Foundation this year. Polio Plus remains a high priority for Rotary and, as always, membership, particularly membership retention is a focus. The District Convention will be in Warwick, Rhode Island from April 26 to the 28th. With that our President presented our Governor a library book
to sign and the meeting was concluded.
Jamie Daniel from the Connecticut Forum is our speaker next week. See you there.