Image the luck of a guy who takes a week off, pays for an expensive cottage in Oaks Bluff, Martha’s Vineyard, travels all the way to the Island including a boat transfer, unpacks his bags, proceeds to fall on his keister, and spends the next six days sitting in a chair on his porch watching everybody else enjoying their vacation. This is a guy who just might be lucky enough to be our new President.
President Bob was back today and looked relaxed and none the worse for wear. Not many here to greet him, however, with just 17 Rotarians making an appearance. Fortunately, we had four 
uniformed officers and a chief of police join us as our guests. We managed the welcome song and the pledge and Dan Russell offered the invocation. Lunch was a grinder box with some chips and a brownie. Ned Lynch was left without a meaningful role in today’s meeting, much like his beloved Red Sox in the American League East.
Bill Saunders showed up without his sling. Dick McCarthy is coming along but not yet up to coming to the meeting. Gil Wishart is making progress and would welcome cards – see last’s week’s High Gear for the address.
President Bob had a few announcements today. July 29th is the date of the District Golf Tournament. We have two foursomes participating. August 24th is the Polio Plus Night at the Yard Goats park, an evening with family and friends from District 7890. There is a Golf 
Committee meeting next week at 11:30. And if you really want to plan and tempt the gods, mark your calendar for June 17, 2020 for the District Installation of newly minted District Governor Marc Glass. Anwar Hossain commented on the success of the Food Share volunteer effort this past Monday.
Jack Martin was our Sergeant at Arms today and he noted his light purse. Nothing of major significance merited an extraordinary contribution today. Maybe next week.
President Bob presented the East Hartford Police Department a check for $3,000 to be used in their community outreach efforts. Chief Scott Sansom and one of the deputy chiefs expressed their appreciation and noted that community outreach is one of the main reasons relationships between the department and East Hartford residents is mostly positive. The Department is part of over 75 outreach events and East Hartford is enjoying a 40% drop in crime rates. Several other topics were discussed including body cameras, home doorbell cameras, department accreditation, relationships with ICE (estimated 15,000 undocumented immigrants in town), and their efforts to diversify their ranks. East Hartford has much to be proud of in these officers.
Art Bradbury won the raffle and Dan Firestone took home the flowers.
Until next week and hopefully a better turnout,
Doug Willett