High Gear, December 18, 2013

What a difference a day makes.  Yesterday's rush hour snow storm would have put a major dent in tonight's holiday festivities, but today's bright, mild, and clear evening was just what Santa ordered. Our Rotarians and guests began arriving around 6 and quickly gathered around the bar to be greeted by bartender Chris who asked "Will that be a pinot grigio, Bob?" What a great memory he has!  The next step brought one closer to the overloaded hors d’oeurves table to load up on meats, cheeses, breads, olives, meat balls and things too numerous to cite!  On the way back to their table they were accosted by the wait staff carrying plates of delicious delicacies like stuffed mushrooms, bacon wrapped scallops, and a seasonal must - little hot dogs!  All this with the promise of more to come! After much holiday socializing the hour of 7 brought the qathering to our tables to continue the lively banter that usually highlights our Rotary gatherings.

So, promptly at 7, President George called the meeting to order. Our usual opening was followed by Sue Klock's thoughtful Invocation - As we gathered together in Rotary Fellowship to take food for our physical needs, we should be guided by our 4 way test, and seek truth and a wider circle of friends, and let our actions be beneficial to all concerned.

Next, in keeping with the season of thanks, President George thanked Heather Summerer and Pratt and Sue and Peter Klock for their continued support of the many community projects our club undertakes. This being a time of thanks, we should also give a big thank you to Doug Willett and Art Bradbury for their part in making our High Gear the quality product we have come to enjoy.  Their commitment to distribution, layout, and great photography make it happen. Thanks!

Nick Cecere reported to me that longtime Rotarian and friend, Andy Andreo, continued his generous contributions to the many charities to which our club is involved -Shelter Box, YMCA, Rotary Foundation, Salvation Army, and Circle of Life. Thanks, Andy!!! Thanks are also in order for Guy LaBella and Goodwin College for supplying tonight's DJ. Special thanks to Ceil Collins and Janice Freschlin for putting this holiday event together!  Good job!

Next came the highlight of the evening, the announcement of our club's annual awards.  Pres. George called upon Dan Larson, to introduce the recipient of our Vocational Service Award.  announced that Ernie Hutt, owner of Augie and Rays, had been selected to receive this award. Dan started by quoting from JFK's 1961 Inaugural Address asking what one could do to make this a better place.  Ernie fits the request.  He has been a lifelong resident of East Hartford and has been involved in many athletic, social, and community activities which have led to making his home town a better place.

Dan  Introduces Ernie Hutt	President George and Ernie

Dan

He is a model for Rotary's motto "Service Above Self"! He has supported many Rotary activities such as the mighty Duck Race, the Golf tournament, and has been there whenever we needed his support.  He has been very active in his Church, St. Christopher's, supporting Goodwin College, the YMCA, and numerous other local charities.  He was presented with a Plaque, and a $500 check made out to his favorite charity, St. Christopher's Church.  He accepted his award and then pledged to match this check with a donation to South Congregational Church. Wow - that's the kind of guy Ernie is! 

Next on the agenda was the announcement of our Paul Harris Fellows for this Rotary year.  The Club will present two awards to members, and one to a non member.  The members are - Bob Buettner and Larry Hangland, and the non member is our 2nd time 1st Lady, Peggy Schoen.   Congratulations to all. 

Larry Hangland	Peggy Schoen	Bob Buettner

More will be said at Paul Harris Night in the Spring.

"Food, glorious food" sums up our spectacular, if some what overbearing, meal.  The Filet, Roast Beef. Shrimp, or Chicken all arrived in a king sized version accompanied by roast potatoes and green beans.  This offering was preceded by onion soup, and a nice salad, and was followed by a tasty ice cream pie covered with a rich chocolate sauce. This was all topped off with a choice of a flavored Irish Coffee!  Comments indicated that the meal with all its choices was Excellent! The meal served as a fitting end to a nice evening.

One last item was dealt with - the raffle prize of the lottery tree which was won by Jeanne McCarthy.  The amount of her winning was not available at press time!  Hope it beats the cost of the ticket.  Other prizes were won by Chris Liss and Steve Jacoby. With that done the meeting was adjourned to socialization and dancing.

Items to note-No meetings for the next two Wednesdays, and on January 8th we will have a wine and cheese event at the Ridge for our first meeting of the New Year!!!!

'til next year, Bob Wood

Seasons Greetings and Happy Holidays

From The Willetts