High Gear December 14, 2011

Quite fittingly, it seemed, this scribe started the opening tune with the Welcome Song, instead of “R-o-t-a-r-y,” but what better way to greet each other, right?! And we could look a long time before finding a more welcoming place to hold a holiday party than The Gallery. What are those words in the opening song from the TV show “Cheers?”  “…where everyone (including the bartender) knows your name?” They do such a great job there, the hors d’oeuvres, the entrees, the friendly staff, (even the after dinner drinks!).

To mark this season of openness and diversity, President Peter introduced the invocation led by three different folks, Dan Firestone, Brian Liss, and Sheryl O’Connor. And in the spirit of the season,lo Distr. Gov. Sue Klock announced a grant of $1,000 from the Rotary Foundation for our club’s work on the ”Koats for Kids” project. Good job, Chuck Clarke and Dick McCarthyt!

We sat to a most delicious meal of soup (tomato bisque with Parmesan cheese), a BLT salad, and the choice of beautifully prepared salmon over a bed of mashed cauliflower, chicken marsala, or the “very good” (said Mike Derr), prime rib! The aforementioned after dinner drinks followed, but vied with the always popular ice cream cake for dessert. Truly, a meal that even that East Hartford gourmet of gourmets, Moe Belanger, would have approved!

In addition to all of the beautiful spouses/ partners, President Peter called for help from his partner in greeting our guests: last week’s speaker Stephanie Leutert, along with her friend Donavan Douglas, and Loren Alex & Elizabeth McCoskrie, both participants in the upcoming GSX team to Mexico. We were also happy to see gone, but not forgotten, Bob and Nancy Richmond, with their guests, Steve and Julie, and surprise, our own Diane and Doug Willett (wearing a handsome Florida golf-course tan!). Yes, we did then sing the alphabet song!

Announcements:
• Ceil Collins told of the continuing good thoughts needed for Pat Gately & George Finch, and, from Larry Frazier, that Bill Leone (whose tumor, after radiation, seems smaller and “that things are looking up”)
• That wonderful background DJ music was provided by Guy LaBella. Thanks, Guy!
• Gov. Sue urged us all to register early for the Spring Conference…why not do it now!
• Pres. Peter told of the Hike on the Hockanum, and the challenge of cleaning up same in readiness for the Duck Race.
• Jack Sayre spoke with enthusiasm of the club’s participation in ringing the Salvation Army bells, but noted an opening for the 2 to 3 slot this coming Saturday.

Raffles drawings abounded, with four this night, the big money to guest Elizabeth McCoskrie, and poinsettias, courtesy of Bob Buettner, to Bill Saunders, Nick Cecere  & Bob Wood.

Jim Watts, speaking for the club’s Paul Harris recognition awards, announced that 3 club members,  Chuck Clarke, Mo Moshovos and Sheryl O'Connor, as well as a non member, Baccalaureate School teacher & Interact mentor Rachel Barker Buck are to be this year’s recipients. A gift of $500 from the Hartford Club in their centennial year, plus money voted by the Board, made possible this 4th award.

And with that good news, President Peter adjourned us with…”Let’s Party!”…so we did!

Don’t forget, though, next week will feature some wine & cheese – 11:30ish - along with our Holiday (think Christmas) program.

As always, it was good to be your scribe…………………………………………………………………………………Arthur