High Gear, January 23, 2012

Sunny, windy, and 17 degrees shows us that Winter is still with us.  But inside, fellowship and warmth fill the familiar halls of the Ridge.  Pres. Sheryl, fresh from a trip to North Carolina, called us together for our traditional opening.  Jim Fallon delivered the Foundation moment by citing rare cooperation for India and Pakistan through a polio benefit between Cricket teams. Awareness of, and money raised, went to help in the eradication of polio in the region.  He indicated that India has now been free of polio for two years thanks to Rotary initiatives. Larry Hangland gave the Invocation, indicating gratefulness for the fellowship of Rotary and a hope that our elected officials could get together in the spirit of Rotary and solve the nation's pressing problems.  Today's lunch consisted of salad, ziti, meatballs and a banana nut cake.

Pres. Sheryl called us back to order with the introduction of guests. Jake Krechko, Jack Ghagan's grandson, Kevin Kickory, Dick McCarthy's nephew, and Gabriel Fulco joined us for today's meeting.  Jake brought a check for the Rotary Scholarship Fund, and Gabby gave a brief talk on her experiences as a Fulbright award-winner to teach English in Guatemala.  It was a cultural as well as educational experience..  They were serenaded with the Welcome Song led by Art Bradbury and Dan Russell.  Brian Liss tendered his Sgt. at Arms report which included $'s from Bob Wood for not knowing today's date, Marc Glass for sassing the Mayor, George Schoen for UConn's strong victory, Jim Fallon for an upcoming trip to Florida,  Mike Derr and Mary Sullivan for  Birthdays, and Brian, himself for a 40th!  To that Pres. Sheryl indicated that Brian's  wife, Chris, and kids also made a nice donation in honor of Brian's big 40th!

Today's announcements included: 1.  A  thank you note from the East Hartford Little League for our support.  2.  Dick Seidman is doing better and is now in Rehab.  3.  Herb Tischofer's brother passed away.  Our thoughts are with him and his family.  4.  Yvette Roming scheduled a Ways and Means committee meeting for 5:30  on 1/31 at the YMCA. Chairs of the Social and PR Committees should attend or be represented.  5.  Mary Sullivan announced the following dictionary deliveries - 1/24, 9 AM at Goodwin, 1/25, 10 AM at Mayberry, and Tuesday, 1/19 at O'Connell.  E-mail her if you can help.  6.  PrePets meeting on 2/12.  7.  On 2/13 we will be celebrating our 85th Rotary Anniversary.  Members with 30 or more years in EH Rotary should contact Pres. Sheryl.  Anyone with pictures or other memorabilia should also contact her. 8.  A Club Assembly will be held at the Marco Polo on March 6th at 5:30.  We've invited the Chamber to join us in a "Who is Rotary?" event.  8.  A "Seeds of Peace" event will be held on April 3rd.  Contact Sheryll for more information. 9.  We will be hosting the Turkish GSE team from May 11-18 and need host families.  Contact Larry Hangland if interested. 

John O'Connor introduced our Mayor and member, Marcia Leclerc.  She is a native of EH and has participated in a broad range of meaningful and beneficial groups to help in the betterment of the EH Community.  Marcia explained some of the key issues facing our town.  The budget is not yet complete, but planning continues.  We are operating with about 70 fewer employees, but still have the same amount of work.  Marcia cited Main Street clean up and beautification as a very successful venture.  She is presently working on several Development issues to try and expand the tax base.  Hopefully progress will be made soon.  She has hired several new Directors and is stressing the concept of making the town more user-friendly.  She is also working with employee groups in an effort to save money.  This idea is working in the area of health insurance and shifting contracts to higher deductibles.  She is also looking into solar energy as a way of reducing costs, and to refinancing some of our debt at lower interest rates. Thanks for the update!

'Til next week, Bob Wood