High Gear, December 19, 2012

Windy and cool sums up the weather outside, warm and friendly applies to the climate inside. Pres. SHERYL called us to order with our usual Rotary Song, the Pledge to the Flag, and the Foundation moment given by BRIAN LISS. He stessed the importance of education and literacy in helping to prevent poverty in remote areas of South Africa This is thanks to efforts by the Rotary Foundation. She next called upon REV. TED for the Invocation. He asked our Gracious God to help us in our search for the ever elusive peace. We need Your guidance as you help our leaders to bring about true Peace on Earth and Goodwill among All. May He bless and bring healing to all those families in such need today! Most Thoughtful!!! A Krause special - chicken pot pie, salad, and Christmas log ice cream provided the nourishment today!

Pres. SHERYL bought us back into session by thanking REV. TED for the meaningful Invocation. She then presented our servers.HELEN AND BRENDA, with our thanks for their loyal service and putting up with all of us. Our guests DIANE WILLETT, WES WILLETT, LAURA WHITE, AND NATE QUESNEL were introduced and serenaded with the Welcome Song led by DOUG WILLETT AND FRANK STAPLES. They even remembered the words! Sgt. at Arms DAN FIRESTONE bemoaned a slow day, but at the request of Pres. SHERYL, sought out a raft of "Happy Dollars". Among the happy dollar reasons were many relating to family, the fellowship of Rotary, and the many blessings we share. GEORGE AGNELLI'S was for celebrating his 69th year at Anderson Jewelers! Wow, that's most people's lifetime. Caring moments - DICK SEIDMAN is now in stable condition, but still not out of the woods. Cards can be sent via his son: ROB SEIDMAN, 8503 Crossley Place, Alexandria, VA 22308. HERB BARRALL is home after Carotid surgery, and MISSY LEONE, BILL'S mom is home after a bout with pneumonia.

The raffle was again won by GEORGE FINCH. Treasurer MIKE is going to send him a year end W-2. JACK SAYRE gave an interesting review on the Bell Ringing Project. We voted to continue the project this year, but have not wholeheartedly supported it. Only about 50% of the able bodied have stepped up to the plate. Stalwarts BOB BUETTNER, JANICE FRESCHLIN, STU HARRIS, THE COLLINS, THE O'CONNORS, DAVE AMBERG, JIM FALLON, ALEX WISZ AND JACK SAYRE have done "Service Above Self"! The Interact kids have also chipped in to do their share. We, too, should do our part. Jack read a list of ringers from 1998. Many have left us, but some of us are still ringing and keeping the tradition alive. We clamor for "Hands on Projects" - this is one of the most meaningful. Saturday's list is full of empty spots - step up and give JACK a call!!! JOHN KELLIHER, where is your phone!!

There will be a Prayer Vigil at South Congregational Church Thursday at 6:PM The Program for today was a Chamber group from East Hartford High School led by NICK DIAZ. They did 4 selections, Deck the Halls, Silent Night, If Ever I Saw, and a parody on the 12 Days of Christmas. Great, but too short.

REMINDER - NO MEETING THE 26TH, NEXT MEETING JANUARY 2ND!

Til Next Year, Bob Wood