High Gear, December 4, 2013

A great day - more Spring like than early Winter - too bad the golf course is closed!  The usual pre- meeting conversations were scattered throughout the hall.  It's truly great to be able to enjoy the friendships that have developed over the short and long term.  That's what makes this a great and caring Club!  President George was a little slow at the bell -12:17  if you're keeping track- but true to form, things went off as usual.  The Song, the Pledge, and the invocation given by the president himself got us to where we needed to be.  The Foundation Moment, given by Peter Klock,  gave tribute to Bob Dunn who endowed a guaranteed Rotary scholarship which is to be given to an East Hartford or West Hartford student.  Bob benefitted from a Rotary Scholarship many years ago and is now making the opportunity available to others of a new generation.  Great Pay Back!!!  A tasty buffet of pork loin, sweet potato, green  beans, salad, and assorted cookies was there for the taking.  I guess the buffet format is the "new normal".

Reconvening after lunch Pres. George started to introduce the guests at the front table, but, alas, they had vanished for the moment.  Not missing a beat, Sgt. at Arms Ned Lynch was called into service with a wide range of fineable offenses - Ceil Collins paid for a new car, Bob Buettner paid in honor of Dan and Dorothy Larson's 42nd anniversary (as did Dan also), but Dan also paid for Dorothy finishing the Marathon in under her age, 61 minutes!,  Ned Lynch paid into  the Ellsbury disability fund set aside for ex sox players moving to the Yankees (maybe Yukalis can share),  George Schoen paid for 12 years in Rotary, Alex Wisz paid for a promotion, and in addition, several early leavers, late arrivals, or improper pin management miscreants added to the coffers! After his Sgt. at Arms stint, Ned sat down and promptly won the Raffle.  Can't get any better than that!!!!  Finally our guests returned, Reggie Barall, Billy Montgomery, and Julia Vasques were introduced and serenaded with the Welcome Song led by Lionel Lessard and Chuck Clarke.

The following caring moments and announcements were shared: Yvette had her baby, a girl Brianna! Keep them both in your prayers.  Roy Spiller  is in Manchester Hospital, room 2231, with a lung infection.  Sue Klock mentioned how important it was to Betty Ann Stokes that so many Rotarian paid their respects at Spurgeon's calling hours.  Ceil mentioned the Holiday Party  -12/18 at the Gallery- $45 per, Roast Beef, Filet Mignon, Baked Stuffed Shrimp, and Chicken Florentine. Pay up ASAP.  Jack Sayre said we need a bell ringer from 5-6 this Saturday.  Give him a call if you can do it.  Herb Barall needs help at the Cultural Center this Saturday as well - 6:30. Call him!

Herb Barall was called upon to introduce today's program -

Herb Barall	Reggie Barall

The Circle of Lights Art's Center, featuring, his Wife, Reggie, its President. Reggie has been active in the EH Woman's Club, Fine Arts Commission, and as a fund raiser for the Salvation Army.  Many years ago Reggie and Herb had the opportunity to become involved in Creating The Circle of Lights Arts Center at the newly renovated cultural center.  Using their many skills, they acquired the use of the studio, raised funds to put in a 1st class dance floor, and with the help of many friends, and much sweat equity got everything off the ground and now had a place to see their dreams come true. They even got Bill Leone to help make the project a 501c3 entity. The dance and arts center provides many cultural and dance opportunities for an underserved student and senior population.  They operate in several schools and provide dance lessons as well as life lessons to many young people in town.  They provide great benefits for the town of East Hartford.  Reggie introduced Billy Montgomery a student well served by the Circle of Life.  Billy explained how their program kept him out of trouble and helped him with his career choice. 

Billie Montgomery	Julie Vasquez

Reggie then introduced her Ballet instructor, Julia Vasquez  who, along with Reggie demonstrated the joys of Ballet.  It is evident that Reggie and Herb truly enjoy what they do, and provide a much needed service to the community.  Thanks!!!!!!!

For this week, Bob Wood