High Gear, February 1, 2012

            So I arrive at the Ridge all excited to see my friends at Rotary when I meet at the table while paying for lunch, George Agnelli.  Now, I always considered George a friend, he gives me good deals at the jewelry store anyway, but here he is with a guest and introduces me as “the minister at that church, you know, the one down the street. I always get them confused.  What is it, Ted, South Congregational?”  I was nonplussed.  George, that’s, you know, affectionately known by the people in my congregation as the other one.  What would they think if they thought I might be flirting with another? George, if such an idea were to get out!  I don’t think anyone else heard, but still.  Anyway, it’s First Congregational, First— as in Patriots, or Red Sox, or Anderson Jewelers.

            But speaking of South Church, Pillar Art Bradbury offered a beautiful prayer before a fine meal of beef stroganoff with rice.  Actually, I think I heard once that when it is served with rice rather than noodles it is called something else.  Whatever the right name is, that’s what we had.  And I thought when Art was finished, Wow!  They really know how to pray at South!  The people at First would really put him to work.  Their pastor needs prayer!

            Kudos to whoever arranged and paid for the new amplification system in the Club House.  It’s great! 

            We had many guests with us today:  Tony Grmsky— friend of Brian Liss and YMCE camp executive; Wendy Stowell— guest of George Agnelli; John Vullo— paving and construction contractor from the Glastonbury Club; Janice Freschlin— returning guest of Ceil Collins; and Peter Jannsten— all the way from Upsala, Sweden.  Apparently bringing a guest does not excuse a member from leading the Welcome Song as Brian Liss joined with President Peter to keep us all on key.

            Dan Larson served as Sgt @ Arms for the day and quickly received cash gladly from Dave Amberg for Notre Dame’s win over UConn.  Dan also did the best he could getting Patriots and Giants fans to put up for their teams.  One person went so far as to invest three dollars— one for the Patriots victory, one for the Giants loss, and one for even saying something not nice about the Yankees!  In February!  George Agnelli paid to make a complaint about the table configuration in a large rectangle.  When we meet like that he can only see half the room!  Jay Stewart celebrated successful surgery for her daughter-in-law. Art Bradbury made a donation in honor of his latest great grandchild, Josie Lee Flynn.  Thank you Jay and Art.  I love good news!

            Sue Klock presented George Schoen with his Paul Harris Fellow Plus One pin.  Congratulations George!  Sue also displayed a mechanical hand the development and manufacture of which Rotary International supported.  Sue and Peter will be traveling to other countries as part of the mechanical hand program.  

            Ways and Means Committee will meet late tomorrow afternoon at 5:00 PM at Goodwin College.  Pizza and soft drinks provided. 

            Cheryl O’Connor needs make ups within the next four days to ensure credit for them.

            The raffle was won by the guy who usually wins it.  It is not necessary to give his name, you know who he is.  He did give the money back to the treasurer this time for Rotary programs, although I don’t think he should feel guilty. He can’t help it.  He’s a nice guy.  It’s nothing he’s done.  I do think, however, that I am going to encourage my grandchildren to become Florists. 

            The program was fantastic.  The teacher Team Leader and four students from the East Hartford High School RAGE Club (Robotics and Gadgets Engineering) shared with us how they compete with other school Robotics Clubs and with much success.  In 2002 East Hartford won the national competition over more than a thousand other teams.  They brought along a current robot which they made move about the room, kick a soccer ball and throw a basketball.  There was a little tension in the room as it headed for some feet under the tables, but Rotarians being a courageous sort, all stayed in their seats, breathing a little easier when it became evident that the students really did have control of the thing.  Teacher Chuck Nystrom, and students Rebecca Nystrom, Kim Doan, Brook Jackson, and Kim Vini Puang visited with us for the program.  It was another example of the quality of learning available at East Hartford High.

            As the program was so fascinating, it continued until the last moment and thus the meeting adjourned with the simple ringing of the bell.

            Ted Mosebach