High Gear, January 29, 2014

You might say that it was a nice winter's day, cool, bright, and comfortable!  Then, again, some were wishing for an early return of spring.  Either way, we can't lose!  Not much going on inside other than the usual small group discussions solving the world's great problems, complaining about something, or just sharing the many warm friendships which exist in our Rotary Family. Pres. George  called us to order, we sang, we pledged, and then the Pres. delivered a thoughtful and well rehearsed reprise of last week's Invocation asking that we "share a life of service rather than lip service" with those less fortunate than we!  We seem to be back into the "being served" mode as our roast pork, potatoes, Harvard beets, and apple sauce lunch was efficiently placed before us.  A nice plate of pastries was left on the table for us to share.

Following lunch Pres. George brought us back into session.  No guests other than our speaker seemed to be in attendance.  That being no obstacle Jack Sayre and Guy LaBella were chosen to lead the Welcome Song and serenade our speaker and the 36 or 37 Rotarians present.  Hey guys, let's be here and join in on the fun and friendship!  Sgt. at Arms Jim Watts cited several donors to the coffers - Ned Lynch for his son being named a State of Connecticut Scholar Athlete - Herb Barall for not being on the ill-fated cruise ship Emperor of the Seas - Nick Cecere for being back from his annual trip to Aruba - and Mary Martin paying for our speaker Susan Hanson's birthday.  Tim Coppage paid for two announcements - Feb 20th a Summer Youth Employment Benefit Breakfast at the Canoe Club, and March 26th -The Chamber Annual Meeting at Goodwin College. Check with him for more information. Brian Liss announced that the YMCA has acquired 13 spinning bikes and will soon offer classes.  He also said that Loretta and Dan Dienst send their best.  Loretta is now 24 months into remission!   Pres. George read a thoughtful letter from Ernie Hutt thanking the club for bestowing the Community Service Award upon him. Sheryl O'Connor announced a membership program for our club and potential new members will be held at Goodwin College on March 12th at 5:30.  More information to follow. There will be a Scholarship Committee meeting before next week's meeting, and finally - save March 26 for our Annual Paul Harris dinner.

Mary Martin was called upon to introduce our speaker, Susan Hanson, the new town Librarian.  Susan has a BA in the Liberal arts and a master's in Library Science.  She taught High School and College before finding her true calling as a Librarian.  She thanked the club for the donation of the Book Mobile and cited its many uses.  It has increased the outreach of the library to all the elementary schools, parks, and many neighborhoods.  She talked about the preparation for library renovation.  Removal of "stuff" was difficult, and at times was very similar to an "archeological dig", with many interesting "finds", particularly several handwritten Civil War diaries.  She explained how the Library is operating out of the Cultural Center.  They still have all the new fiction, non-fiction, audio books, dvd's. as well as most newspapers and periodicals available for use.  There is also a well set up children's section. She explained that the museum materials will now be interspersed throughout the library rather than confined to a single museum room.  She seemed very excited about what is happening and certainly showed her enthusiasm for the project.  The estimated completion date is March 2015 - Good Luck.  She seems like a person very well suited for the task at hand.  We are lucky to have her on board.

'til next assignment - Bob Wood