High Gear, January 2, 2013

Sunny, clear, and cold best describes today's ideal Winter weather.  Wine, cheese, pepperoni, and crackers best describes today's holiday refreshment table.  Thank our social  committee of CEIL COLLINS, JANICE FRESCHLIN, and RUTH SHEEHANfor providing this ever popular pre-meeting celebration.  After socializing and conversing, Ex. President, soon to be new President, GEORGE SCHOEN, pinch hitting for an ailing Pres. SHERYL, called the meeting to order.

After the Pledge to the Flag,  STEVE JACOBY gave the Foundation Moment citing the importance of the Rotary Foundation Peace and Conflict Resolution initiatives in trying to stop the sexual abuse of children, particularly in Brazil.  The Club's First Man,  JOHN O'CONNOR gave the invocation with a reflection on our past year's activities, and a look at how we will use the next 365 days. Hopefully, while getting ourselves in shape, we will reflect upon helping others, particularly in the area of clean water, polio eradication, and fighting illiteracy around the globe.  Our luncheon of baked ham, macaroni and cheese, broccoli, and holiday cookies was efficiently served by our regular wait staff.

Acting Pres. GEORGE called us back into session with introduction of guests - JOSH DILLON, one of our scholarship recipients, SANDY BUETTNER, CYNTHIA REIK, ADG MARTY FINNS, and LAUREN ALEX, a member of the GSE team going to Turkey in May.  TOM (nice to see you back) JARISH and PAT (soon to be going south) GATELY led us in the Welcome Song.

Sgt. at Arms BRIAN LISS accounted for a variety of donations! Among them, a 13th Anniversary for LARRY HANGLAND,BOB BUETTNER for a great family holiday, HERB BARALL for two successful surgeries, BILL SAUNDERS for 51 years of wedded bliss, JOHN O'CONNOR because of SHERYL'S illness, and GEORGE SCHOEN for the UConn Women's rise to #1. JAY STEWART read a note from ANDY ANDREO wishing us all a Happy New Year, and mentioned that ANDY'S wife is now at home.  Our thoughts have been with you, ANDY!  SUE KLOCK announced that we had fed the pig to the tune of $43.91.GEORGE announced that there will be a Board meeting on January 9th.  HERB BARALL relayed that the Holiday Fest was very successful and it was the 20th anniversary of our participation, and finally, GIL WISHART relayed that JEAN is much better, but still receiving twice weekly infusions.  The raffle was won by TOM JARRISH - a nice welcome back enticement!

Our first speaker was JOSH DILLON who relayed his initial experiences as a freshman at Columbia University. He indicated that Columbia emphasizes the development of bonds between students and faculty.  JOSH is taking a rugged course load, but finds time to explore the city, work at a fitness center and volunteer twice a week at a soup kitchen catering to feeding children and also to interact with them in meaningful ways. 

Our next speaker was ADG MARTY FINNS who outlined the purpose of the GSE Program.  He is the team leader for the District GSE Team going to Turkey. He is the chaperon, guide, and Rotary Ambassador for the team.

Next, LAUREN ALEX, a Pratt & Whitney Engineer who will be our representative on the team, spoke about her interest in the program.  Her preparation for the trip involves immersing herself, along with other team members, in the culture, politics, and other relevant issues relating to Turkey.  She is certainly an outstanding ambassador to represent Rotary, Pratt, and the USA!  Good Luck!  SUE KLOCK added that this is a shining example of the Rotary Foundation at work.

See you next week - BOB WOOD