High Gear - July 17, 2013
HIGH GEAR – JULY 17, 2013
With the temp around 93 degrees, you could tell we’re in the umpteenth day of another heat wave, however, the A/C in Sunset Ridge is pretty effective, so we were cool for a while; but then, an East Hartford Rotary Club meeting is always a cool place to be! And despite the heat, this turned out to be an especially up-beat and happy meeting.
After we pledged and saluted our beautiful stars ‘n stripes, Dave Amberg was called on for an invocation. Thoughtfully prepared and delivered, he asked for the Almighty’s aid in giving us the ability to ”do more than we thought we could do” in helping others and making this a better world. The Rotary Foundation has been getting its “weekly moment,” too, and today was delivered by new member Brian Gorman, telling of the conflict resolution efforts in Uganda and its neighboring countries.
Our efficient wait staff placed “Sooner” sandwiches before us; for the uninitiated, like this writer, that’s an open-faced turkey-bacon-tomato w/a delicious sauce, which with cole slaw on the side and frosted fruit cake for dessert, seemed to our table a tasty treat for a hot, humid summer day.
For a while it appeared that Sgt-at-Arms Jay Stewart had commandeered her own table to collect the fines, but she soon joined us and reported the miscreants for the day, as follows:
Happy dollars from Ruth Sheehan, for a birthday, (and she’s glad to be back!); Brian Liss, on vacation; Yvette Roming, about to embark on a cruise of Northern Europe; Art & Charlotte Bradbury, for their 10th great grandchild, Greyson Reid Bradbury, born this morning at 5:32 AM. And there were Rotary anniversaries: Mary & Jack Martin, and Hope Firestone (in our club), each for a first, (but Jack’s was really just one year!); Ruth Sheehan, 7 years; Ted Mosebach, 13 years, and Bob Wood, ya ready (?) 28 years! Steve Jacoby had the most creative excuse for not wearing his official name badge, “I couldn’t get it out of the box!” Really, Steve! Just pay the fine for being late, okay?
We were reminded once more that next week’s meeting is the prime rib/softball get together on Monday, the 22nd, at Glastonbury’s Elks Field. Guest Bob Dugger, sung to under the Welcome Song leadership of Peter KLock and Guy LaBella, gave us the details, like warm-up at 5:30, game at 6:00, dinner at 7:00. Come one, come all, urged our President, George Schoen. (and remember, no mtg. next Wednesday!)
On the unhappy side of the news: Pres. George reported that George Finch has found it necessary to resign, citing pressure of family and other problems. He’s been a loyal, contributing member and we’ll miss his friendly presence.
Announcements: July 31st will be the date of the next mtgs of the Foundation and Golf committees; Neal Cunningham urged contributions to the Back-to-school supply packs, soon to be assembled; things like crayons, pencils, notebooks, or just plain ol’ cash or checks! As our softball team captain, he also urged us to get in shape for the game, while President George sorta hinted that he might be willing to pitch as long as Doug Willett doesn’t have his camera ready to snap any exciting events which might “befall” him. Ted Mosebach expressed thanx to the Club for the gift of $300 to the Human Needs Fund.
And, from the Board of Directors: Consideration of terminating the membership of Messrs Matthews, Thacker, and Christmas for non-payment of dues, as well as non-attendance at meetings.
Under Caring Moments: Ceil Collins told of the recent passing of former District Governor Ray Chelty.
And to make his day just a mite happier, the Raffle was won by smiling George Agnelli.
So, another East Hartford Rotary meeting has become part of the archives, and once again it’s been a pleasure to be your scribe…………………………………………………………Arthur