High Gear, February 8, 2012
The gathering began with President Peter ringing the bell exactly on time. We missed the leading bass voice of Art Bradbury but got through the Rotary tune fairly well on tempo and close to the same key in which we started.
Brian Liss filling in for Mary Sullivan as Sgt. @ Arms showed himself to be a rather hard nosed sort getting about everyone for almost anything and excusing his excess on this being his first time. Might have thought his maiden voyage would be bit less aggressive, but maybe that‘s just me. I paid for no pin, fair enough, but then he got Neil Cunningham across from me for no other reason but that he did wear a pin, and Neil paid! I always liked Neil and felt a bit of remorse for him, but not so much that I offered to pay his dollar. He is a better man than I am. Speaking of paying one’s own fines, District Governor Sue got President Peter to pay for her birthday. She said she did not have her pocket book with her. The club being a forgiving sort, we sang Happy Birthday to her anyway. Art Apostle contributed for 31 years of married bliss. Congratulations Art! And Spurge anteed up for 31 years of club membership. Apparently 1981 was a good year for marriages and new club members.
Nancy Richmond has begun cancer treatments once more and Bill Leone continues to struggle. They are both in our hearts and in our prayers.
Yvette Romig explained the many facets of the upcoming plastic duck race this June. It is going to be a fantastic event with many supporting activities in addition to the race itself. I wondered aloud if Bob Buettner would be permitted to purchase race ducks thinking that if he was and word got out, it might dampen sales. I felt a little better when he did not win the raffle today, but even so. Yvette asked if the members of the club would be willing to march in the town Memorial Day Parade and carry a Rotary sign and maybe some sort of advertisement for the race. I thought that maybe some club members could dress up like ducks. Bob could be Lucky Duck. I would offer to wear a costume but I don’t know. With the sticks I try to use as legs I might look more like a yellow flamingo. Nevertheless, some hands went up at Yvette’s question so I guess we’ll be in the parade. There will be a brief meeting of race organizers tomorrow evening, 5:00 PM at Dan Larson’s office at Goodwin College. Thank you Yvette and everyone who is working so hard to make the race a fund raising and friendship building success!
President Peter announced that the club is now a $100 sponsor of the Hockanum River Canoe Race. The club is also supporting local students by helping to purchase tickets for them to visit the Science Center. A reminder was given about the Paul Harris Dinner which be held on April 18. Please book the date.
Steve Jacoby announced a Dinner and Show sponsored by the Wethersfield/Rocky Hill club on March 27. Dinner: Asylum Café 5:00 0 7:00PM. Show: Theatre Works 7:30PM. There is a $38.00 per person donation. For reservations contact Gina at 860-306-1283.
The Raffle was won by first time winner Angela Read. Way to go Angela. You give us all hope!
Dan Firestone introduced guest speaker, Chris Dobbs, Executive Director of the Noah Webster House and West Hartford Historical Society. He presented an interesting overview of Webster’s life and work. I have never been to the Noah Webster House but I think now that I would like to visit. I was again struck by the rich intellectual history of central Connecticut, a great place to live and work and be a Rotarian!
Make Ups:
Leo Christmas 2 @ Charlotte Harbor, FL
John Mozzicato 3 @ Charlotte Harbor, FL
Chuck Clark 2 @ Naples Bay, FL
Herb Tischofer 1 @ Naples Bay, FL
Dan Russell 2 @ Jupiter/Palm Beach Gardens, FL
Mary Sullivan 2 - Dictionary Deliveries
Stu Hartis 1 - Scholarship Committee
Jay Stewart 1 @ Glastonbury
Sam Leone 2 @ Palm Beach Gardens, FL
Sheryl O'Connor 1 @ Cayman Brac
Bill Saunders 2 @ Cap Coral, FL
Steve Jacoby - Duck Race Meeting
Bob Buettner - Scholarship Meeting
Jim Fallon - Scholarship Meeting
Mary Sullivan - Duck Race Meeting
Doug Willett - 4 - High Gear Publishing, Web page maintenance
Ted Mosebach