High Gear, January 16, 2013
We recovered from a 6" snowfall in time for Pres. Sheryl to declare the meeting would be held, but with the caveat "drive safely." With all the hearty souls present, she called us to order approximately on time. Jack Sayre read the Foundation moment which was similar in nature to last week's message in that it dealt with water and sanitation projects. This week's message moved the venue from Africa to Turkey, and involved about 2500 new toilets and water related sources. This is thanks to the cooperative efforts of the Foundation and several clubs. Jack Martin followed with a thoughtful invocation dealing with the fellowship of Rotary. A tasty meal of Mediterranean chicken, garlic infused pasta, mixed vegetables, and chocolate mousse cake was quickly served.
Pres. Sheryl called us back to order with a wonderful golf story, something about a 2 foot putt! You had to be there!!! Jim Sherer, and Ted Hsu were introduced. Ted is being considered for membership by the board, and in compliance with our BY-LAWS, this notice serves as the 14 day notice required. Any thoughts on this membership should be referred to the Board. The Welcome Song was led by Bob Buettner and Mary Martin. Sgt at Arms Jay Stewart came forth with a long list of donations: Jack Sayre for a birthday, George Schoen for his twin great grandchildren, Frank Collins for a great vacation, John O'Connor for a successful Y fundraising event, George Agnelli for being late, and finally, 
Dan Russell for his and Betty's tenth wedding anniversary - how time flies!
Time for announcements: 1. Pres. Sheryl indicated that Dick Seidman is doing better but is still facing a long recovery. 2. She also noted that she had received a great thank you note from Betty and Spurgeon Stokes on how important the Rotary family has been to them. 3. John Mozzicato has resigned from the club due to other obligations. 4. New Generations Committee will meet next week to discuss the GSE team visit in May. Contact Larry Hangland if you can help out. 5. Ways and Means will meet 1/31 at the YMCA - 5:30 to deal with the Duck Race which will be held on June 2nd. All interested and relevant committees should attend. Let Yvette know if you will be there. 6. Mary Sullivan announced that dictionary distribution will begin next week -1/23 at Goodwin and 1/24 at Mayberry. Delivery time 9 AM. Let her know if you can help. 7. Next week Mayor Marcia Leclerc will be our speaker and give a state of the town talk. 8. On February 13th we will celebrate our Club's 85th Anniversary. 9. Mike Derr gave the final report on our two Scholarship Trust funds - 12/31/2011 opening balance of $190.266.38 and 12/31/2012 $217,269.88 after considering all disbursements and additional contributions. 10. Election of Officers will take place next week -1/26/2013. 11. Gil Wishart announced that the Rock Cats game will be Friday May 10th 12.
And finally, Art Bradbury won the Raffle, but refused to share it with the table.
John O'Connor was called upon to introduce today's speaker, Melissa Vanek, Director of Starbase, a Department of Defense youth program designed to create an interest in science and math.
Melissa explained that the program is aimed at making science and math interesting and fun. All 5th graders in the East Hartford school system spend a 5 day session at the headquarters at Brainard Field. Students have an opportunity to do science with many hands on projects. Kids participate in cooperative learning experiences and work with computer aided design equipment and can design projects which can be printed in 3 D. How education has changed! Melissa is looking for volunteers or mentors. Contact her at 860 728-0090 if interested. Great program!
See you next week - Bob Wood