High Gear, February 22, 2012

It is winter in Connecticut—a balmy, sunny, fifty five degrees with a gentle wind.  Maybe next year we could meet outside in February.  Some members from the Florida clubs could come up to get out of the cold and we could give them make-ups.  Speaking of which, Vice President Sheryl presented me early in the meeting with a rather extensive list of make-ups and a very polite smile indicating that she was aware that I failed to include them in last week’s High Gear. Usually when I get in trouble the scolding is a bit more severe.  But this is Rotary, not Congregationalism, and it is Ash Wednesday and I am a recipient of grace.  Yet ever repentant, which term does mean a turning from error, I will include make-ups now and with the authority invested in me as High Gear editor I admonish you to read them.

     Chuck Clark and Pat Gately – Naples Bay, Florida;    Brrrrrrr    (2/21)

     John Mozzicato and Leo Christmas – Charlotte Harbor, Florida;  Brrrrrr  (1/31, 2/7)

     Bill Saunders – Cape Coral, Florida;     Brrrrrrrr    (2/22)

     Jay Stewart – Glastonbury;    Warm  (2/13)

     Steve Jacoby – Wethersfield-Rocky Hill;     Warm    (last week)

Duck Race Meeting;     Warm     (2/2)

Alex Wise

Dan Larson

Dave Amberg

George Finch

George Schoen

Mary Sullivan

Neal Cunningham

Peter Klock

Sheryl O’Connor

Steve Jacoby

Stu Harris

Yvette Roming

     Sue Klock – NID Trip to India;    (date and weather unknown)

            Guests today included Ted DiLorenzo, John O’Connor, Mike Buettner – son of Bob, Nicolas Phillips (Communications, Pratt and Whitney) – guest of Heather Summerer, Janice Freschlin – proposed new member under the pseudonym last week of Mary Ann (Newkirk and Whitney Funeral Home), and Tom Ouch! Please Stop! Galvin.  It was shared with the club that Tom was listed among the best dentists in a recent Connecticut magazine but I don’t know if the proficiency required included pain suppression. Anyway, congratulations, Tom!

            The Welcome Song was led by Nick Cecere and Alex Wise. Their conducting generated reasonable volume but Vice President Sheryl said we started out in five different keys.  I thought that since we all ended at the same time it was pretty good. 

            Sgt @ Arms Mary Sullivan had a long list and here is some of it.  Stu Harris’ paid up for daughter Julia who finished in the top ten in four different events in a recent invitation college swim meet.  Ed Cassala and Heather Summerer had birthdays and Steve Jacoby pointed out that the club celebrates its 84^th birthday today.  We sang Happy Birthday to ‘us’ but not to Ed and Heather.  Make of that what you will. Vice President Sheryl paid to announce a free musical event at the Wood Library in South Windsor at 2:00PM this Sunday afternoon featuring a Canadian concert violinist and a Philippine concert pianist.  Guy LaBella announced a business cocktail hour at United Steel, 164 School Street, 5:00PM -7:00PM tomorrow evening.  RSVP East Hartford Chamber of Commerce 860-289-0329.

            Bill Leone is in Glastonbury Health Center under hospice care.  Bob Buettner lost his mother. A time friends to visit with the family will be 4:00PM – 8:00PM at Holmes Funeral Home in Manchester.  We carry Bill and Bob in our hearts and in our prayers.

            Rotary Scholarship applications are in the respective High Schools.  Students need to complete the applications by March 30^th.  The Scholarship Committee will meet in mid April to choose the recipients.

            John O’Connor transferred into our club today from the South Windsor club.  Vice President Sheryl welcomed him with a kiss but it’s okay, they’re married. Come on!  But I do think Sheryl ought to take John out to eat on a real date sometime to a nice restaurant at a little more than fifteen bucks a piece.  Rotary romance is fine and all, and you can’t beat the atmosphere, but still.

            Yvette Roming reported that plans for Duck Race are coming together well.  Everyone’s help is needed and all who can make it are invited to the next planning meeting next Thursday, March 1^st, at the East Hartford YMCA.

            Steve Jacoby reminded us of the Mayor’s Charity Ball on  March 24^th at Rentschler Field.  The club has filled one table and the goal is to fill two.  If you have not received an invitation, they are available from Steve.

            John O’Connor won the Raffle and said he would turn the proceeds over to Sheryl.  I understand that, I am married too, but he is a new member and I think he should be able to keep it.

            Our speaker was the Honorable Marcia LeClerc, club member and Mayor of East Hartford, of course in that order.  She reported to the club all the exciting progress that is taking place in town even during this period of tight fiscal constraints.  I am so grateful for our public servants.  I even respect most politicians.  What an extraordinarily difficult job they have to do.  Can you imagine trying to get things done in a town of fifty thousand people like me?  I wonder if ideas like that are the reason people sometimes call me funny names?  Thank you Mayor for all you do for all of us who are privileged to live in this incredible town in this most blessed nation!

Ted Mosebach