High Gear, August 28,2013
The Staff at the Ridge set us up with a smaller array of tables then the usual and we still had lots of empty chairs. Even President George stayed away as he completed his vacation. (How does a guy who’s been retired for years take a “vacation”? Vacation from what?) Anyway, President Elect Brian was at the podium and this time he was able to keep the attendees in the room.
PP Ceil Collins read a thoughtful invocation and we dined on chicken piccata, pasta and veggies topped with cupcakes and éclairs. Jack Martin
had his personal éclair picked out and delivered to him by his loving wife, the Empress. He remarked that “it is not easy being Cap’t Jack.” Not sure what he meant by that.
Jim Fallon and Nick Cecere lead the Welcome Song in honor of our guest speaker, Donna Sciacca, the only guest in the room today.
Fines today were doled out to Herb Barall for celebrating his 81st Birthday; Dan Larson for adding a daughter-in-law to his family mix; Dan Firestone for achieving 1st in Class with his 1939 Hudson in a recent car show; Mike Derr for his 28th Wedding Anniversary; and various suspects for lacking pins, badges and having their pictures in the paper. Ned Lynch paid to brag that his Bosox are still in first place and to extend good wishes to the UConn Huskies football team as they start another season. Tim Coppage paid to announce the Chamber Auction and Wine Tasting at the Holiday Inn – Hartford East on November 15, 2013.
Nick Cecere
brought news that Scottie Howat, despite physical challenges, is still sharp as a tack and would love brief visits at The Arbors. Call his caretaker, Mary, at 860-645-0801 before you go. Pat Gately underwent out- patient eye surgery this morning. Keep her in your thoughts.
PE Brian advised us to check out the new Rotary International Web site which went live on Tuesday. He also flashed a card that described the upcoming YMCA Dinner/Fundraiser but once again failed to pass it on to the High Gear writer so details are sparse.
Neal Cunningham reminded us that the annual Road Race is coming up on October 9th and volunteers for the water station are needed. He promised more details next week and an email to follow. George Agnelli shivered in anticipation.
Doug Willett announced that given our reduced membership, the Fireside Chats will be cut back from six to either four or five. Members will be able to sign up for a specific date next week.
And finally, Bill Saunders once again rose to push the need for sponsors, players and raffle prizes for the upcoming Golf Tournament. Every year we procrastinate about getting this stuff done, every year Bill and the Committee lose sleep worrying about our support, and every year we pull the irons out of the fire at the last minute. Let’s make sure this year is no exception. If you are an East Hartford Rotarian, you have a responsibility to support this event. No ifs, ands, or buts.
The good looking guy at the top of the page won the raffle this week. Only fitting.
Our speaker today was the aforementioned Donna Sciacca, a program manager with the American Liver Foundation. Her message was on the importance of the liver in our lives and the various functions it performs. The liver weights 3-4 pounds, takes up a sizable portion of our anatomy, and performs over 500 functions that keep us healthy. Among its contributions are acting as a filter, turning food to nutrients, detoxing harmful foods,
processing medications, and assisting in blood clotting.
Liver problems can develop due to heredity, alcohol abuse, viruses, and life style choices. Among the forms of liver disease are Hepatitis A, B and C, Alcohol Related Liver Disease, and Fatty Liver Disease. In some cases liver cells can regenerate if not too badly damaged.
Donna went on to outline the steps to take to provide you the best chance for maintaining a healthy liver. Eat a healthy diet and exercise regularly. Limit the amount of alcohol you intake. Manage your medications. And avoid breathing in or touching toxins. Don’t smoke.
All in all, an important message and a thoughtful presentation.
Makeups reported this week include Frank Collins at the Rotary Leadership Institute in Hanover, New Jersey (2) and Dan Firestone at New London Rotary last week.
That’s all for now. See you in September.