High Gear, January 4, 2012
A New Year's greeting to all! Winter has succeeded in making a comeback after a long period of mild unseasonable weather. Bright, cold and blustery! The exchange of camaraderie and friendship filled the Ridge as we patiently waited for President Peter to ring the bell and call the meeting together. It being done, we sang our song, saluted the flag and listened as Gil Wishart gave a timely Invocation. He hoped that we would truly see the end of Polio, see our servicemen safely returned, and that we would continue to practice "Service Above Self". A luncheon of pot roast, red cabbage, spaetzle, and assorted pastries soon followed.
We were called back to order with President Peter asking for introductions. Fellow Rotarian Mike Barnett was introduced and was called upon to present a Citation from R.I. in recognition of our club's contribution to the Foundation . Dave Amberg and Stu Harris led us in the Welcome Song. Dan Larson, Sgt. at Arms, stated that he had a good day. Bob Wood paid for 51 years of marriage!, Bob Buettner paid thanking Ceil and Frank Collins for helping with wine and cheese, Jack Ghagan paid for Tim Larson's help(? with taking a tree down, George and Eleanor Agnelli paid in honor of the Saunder's 50 years of wedded bliss, President Peter paid for 22 years in the club, Chuck Clarke paid for service done by the club, Mary Sullivan paid for her brother's successful bypass surgery, Bill Saunders paid to thank all who helped out with invocations, Sheryl O'Connor paid for announcing the YMCA's Strong Kids Campaign, as well as Rotary sponsored concert on 1/22 in South Windsor. Call her to reserve seats, and finally Nick Cecere paid for a birthday. "It's not how old you are, it's how old you feel" Nick! Caring moment-Bill Leone is at Hartford Hospital undergoing some tests.
The following announcements are of interest! 1. Ceil Collins announced that the Rotary Float won a prize in the Rose Bowl Parade. 2. Sheryl O'Connor announced and explained a proposed Bylaws change which would increase the size of the Board by up to 3 members, to include a senior member or past president to help with continuity and tradition. More information to follow under separate heading. Voting to take place at a club assembly on 1/25/2012. 3. Mary Sullivan needs help with the distribution of the Dictionaries to all 3rd grade students. Let her know if you can help. 4. The Foundation Dinner will be held on March 29. The lucky raffle winner was Dave Amberg!
Today's speaker, George MacDonald, was introduced by Frank Collins. George spoke about the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor, December 7th, 1941. George's father, Joe, was a switchboard operator at the Opana radar station on Oahu that morning. George related his father's experiences that morning. There was confusion, time sequences of radar operations, and more importantly an inexperienced Officer of the Day on duty. An operator noticed many blips on the radar to the north of Oahu and reported it to the Duty Officer who dismissed this as a fleet of B-17s flying in from the states. The enlisted men on duty had no luck in convincing the officer to talk to his superior. If there had been follow through about 20 minutes could have been used to put all on alert with the possibility of saving many lives. George's minute by minute account was very informative. Thanks, George! "Those who cannot remember the past are doomed to repeat it".
'til next week, Bob Wood