High Gear, February 26,2014
‘twas a cold, but sunny day up at the Ridge; the weather man wasn’t too successful in his predictions, for no snow appeared on the horizon to greet the 37 Rotarians and one guest who graced our halls and were called to order by President George Schoen. It was good to be there. Peter Klock gave a sterling Invocation, expressing appreciation for the sun, plants, animals, and friends
who make up our world. I’m told there were some make-ups reported, but they never got to this scribe. So, you snow-bunnies who travel to Florida or other sunny climes, please be sure to tell our secretary of your meanderings so that you’ll receive credit for attendance, okay?!!!
The menu today presented a flavorful lasagna together with string beans and tender little carrots, while a tastily frosted piece of spice-cake complemented the offering. Finished the meal to a short but impassioned plea by Brian Liss, urging our support of Rotary’s “We’re this close” campaign to once and for all wipe out the scourge which is polio. We were reminded that 50 years ago, on Feb.23, 1964, to be exact, Rotary first acted on its long journey to battle against this awful disease. Brian told of the Gates Foundation’s pledge to match, 2 for 1, the amount of money given by Rotarians.
Mark Glass’ son Brandon, our speaker for the day was our only guest and he was duly greeted with the Welcome Song led byBrian Gorman and John O’Connor. Nice job, guys!
Sgt-at-Arms Neal Cunningham disclosed a long list of miscreants who bolstered our fine bank, to wit: an anniversary for Janice Freschlin; birthdays for Chuck Clarke, John O’Connor, Frank Collins and Dave Amberg; Jack Martin for some kind of fun in Daytona; Bob Buettner for a new car and several other misdemeanors; Larry Frazier for a really smart grandson and wearing someone else’s badge.; George Agnelli’s complaining about a myriad of issues; Steve Jacoby, with Nate Quesnel for a late arrival, and Steve for arranging a handsome anniversary cake; and finally, Mike Derr for a general harangue which the S-A-A considered harassment!
General Announcements-
· Pres. George showed us the fancy sign-up sheet (Peggy’s work!) for the soon-to-be District Conference, 4/25-27, and urged us to consider attending,
· Mar.12 meeting will be in the evening at Goodwin College, 5:30-7:30; no charge to anyone bringing a prospective new member! There’ll be a short membership Comm. Mtg (and anyone else interested) next week at11:30, to work on plans.
· A reminder that Paul Harris Night is to be on Mar.26.
· Alex Wisz again told of the Duck Race venue’s change to Labor Field (June 22) and asked for someone to chair any “family day” activity. (Without a chair, there won’t be a “family day” activity)
· Senior Prom day set for April 23 at the High School.Dan Firestone to chair.
· Steve Jacoby asked for interest in attending the Mayor’s Ball on Mar.22 ($100 per). 8 or 10 hands went up, making for at least one reserved table.
And then we were treated to a fascinating half hour of hot-off-the-press rememberings of the Winter Olympics in Sochi, Russia, byMark Glass’s son, Brandon. A student at Ithaca College, Brandon went as a Hospitality Intern, working in a team of about 25 “interns” for the International Broadcast Center from January 29 thru Feb. 17th. His experiences there as a tour guide, “gofer” for celebrities and international VIP’s, were wonderfully interesting to hear. Mark and his wife should be very proud of this young man, their son, for the way in which he conducted himself. One can only imagine that he was a success in all phases of his work in Russia. Some thoughts on his talk: no security concerns; food was great, though mostly American; hopes to be on board for next Olympics in Rio; was a happy experience in all ways.
Thanks, Brandon, (and Mark) for bringing us a delightful half hour!
So, thanking Janice for filling in for me last week, with a “hi” to Bob Wood, stay well and walk carefully ‘til next week………….Arthur
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