 | The Rotary Club of |
High Gear
Volume 78 | Issue 4 / August 3, 2022
Despite the continuing heat, thanks to Guy LaBella’s arranging a meeting place for us in Goodwin University’s main campus building, we had a cool experience today.
President Alex rang the bell soon after noon, and our group delivered it’s own special version of R-O-T-A-R-Y.
We were able to view a US flag flying on a nearby roof, then all recited the pledge.
Alex led us in the Four-Way Test,
Anwar offered an invocation reminding us to be generous and compassionate, to value every human being, and to pray for peace throughout the world.
Since our food had arrived – once again thanks to Guy for coordinating with our caterer, Roma’s, Alex suggested we break for lunch. The group enjoyed a selection of ziti with broccoli, cheese pizza, and a choice of steak, chicken, or eggplant grinders.
Once everyone appeared sated, Alex quietly attempted to restart the meeting, but it took a chorus of advisors recommending how to get everyone’s attention for Alex to get everyone’s attention.
We began with the introduction of one guest who was treated to another singing rehearsal of our club’s Welcome Song. By the time Alex got to recognizing Ceil Collins birthday this week, the group was relieved that she had opted to pass on more singing in her honor. We also were celebrating Bill Saunders birthday this week; no singing for him either.
We did benefit from Guy LaBella’s words of wisdom for this week:
“Birthdays are healthy for you – the more you have, the longer you live.”
Sue offered several Happy Dollars in recognition of Guy LaBella’s inviting club members to participate in yesterday’s mock interviews of recent high school graduates, held at Goodwin. All of us who participated truly enjoyed our interactions with the students.
Alex mentioned his having received a letter from the town thanking us for participating in this year’s Memorial Day parade and inviting us to participate again in a parade planned for May 29, 2023.
Sue passed around a proposed form for reporting service. There were several excellent suggestions, which will be incorporated into the form before it is posted on our website. She also mentioned that our Proposal for New Member has been updated and is available via
Bill Saunders who, along with Jim Watts, is co-trustee of our scholarship trust, reported that $20,000 would be available to cover the cost of this year’s scholarships.
Alex reported that the Board has approved giving $500 to East Hartford Schools in support of the Back to School backpack project. The club has committed to help hand out backpacks on Wednesday, August 10th from 3 to 6 PM at the town greeen. Let Ceil Collins know if you can help that day – email ceilcollins@aol.com or call her cell 860-989-5443.
Announcements:
- The Board will meet next Tuesday, August 9th, 6 to 7 PM. Alex will email sign in information.
- The next golf committee meeting will be held immediately following our next in-person club meeting here at Goodwin, Room 311.
- Connor Martin, Chair of the Scholarship Committee, reminded us that next week’s meeting, August 10th, is via Zoom and will include some of this year’s scholarship recipients.
- Jack Sayre asked if the club wants to continue ringing the bell for the Salvation Army between Thanksgiving and end of December, despite our regular spot no longer being available. The group indicated interest, and Jack offered to coordinate this again this year. He will work with Salvation Army to choose a new site.
- Alex reminded everyone that we are still looking for High Gear writers for September, May and June. Alex may cover September, but having someone else volunteer would be helpful. Contact Anwar (anwardiana06043@gmail.com ) If you are willing to write High Gear during any of these months.
- Other needs: those willing to offer an invocation at club meetings. Contact Sue Klock, (suehklock@gmail.com) to volunteer, and, VERY IMPORTANT, there is still no President-elect for 2023-2024. Contact Pres. Alex (aewrotary@gmail.com) if you are interested and available to serve.
The meeting wound up with Alex stumping the group, asking if anyone could identify the author of this quote: “Life can only be understood backwards; but it must be lived forwards.”
Turns out it was Danish philosopher Søren Kierkegaard.
President Alex rang the bell at 1:05, ending the meeting.
Immediately following the meeting Alex, Bob Buettner and Jack Sayre met with Rich McCarthy to discuss plans for this year’s Koats for Kids project. The project will be honoring long-time chair of this event, recently deceased Dick McCarthy, and will occur on October 16th at Burlington Coat Factory. Bob and Jack are co-chairing this event.
Submitted by Sue Klock