EHRC Installation this evening for Bob Buettner! Thunder storms with heavy traffic on the way to Wethersfield Country Club did not affect the happy atmosphere in the room. 38 Attendees, Rotary and family members gathered for the Installation ceremony and celebratory meal. The evening began with a Social Hour with wonderful hors d’oeurvres of Coconut Shrimp, Orange Chicken, Quesedillas and Pigs in Blankets. Lots of conversations and laughter!

Alex Wisz called the meeting to order at 7 PM and we all sang the Rotary song. This was followed by our ecumenical Invocation. Mark Glass stood in for Dan Firestone, who was unable to attend. He was followed by Anwar Hussein and George Schoen. George made the announcement that Charlotte and Art Bradbury were celebrating their 76^th Wedding Anniversary which drew a round of applause.

Alex introduced the people at his table and we then went around the room with a designee doing the same at each table. This was followed by a resounding tribute to Alex of the Rotary Welcome song by the recently resurrected Kazoo Band!

Attendees then enjoyed a delicious dinner.

Our program continued with Alex thanking everyone for their help and support during the past year. He then went on to mention the club’s accomplishments which included Scholarships funded, Senior lunches, Coats for Kids, Memorial Day Parade, Bell Ringing, Foodshare, Seniors in Need, Food Baskets, Flag Placement, Hiking Program, Mother’s Day Flowers for Riverside Health Center, Pollinate your Garden and the Juneteenth Celebration. Alex also noted the members who have joined this year, updated banners which are easier to transport and purchase of OWL for members who attend meetings via ZOOM.

Alex called up his Board Members and presented each with a gift. Members were Bob Buettner, Sue Klock, Laura Floyd, George Schoen, Neal Cunningham, Jack Sayre, Anwar Hossain. Dan Firestone, Wes Willett and Connor Martin were unable to attend. Alex also thanked Guy LaBella for Lunches at Goodwin College, Anwar Hossain for arranging Speakers for the meetings, Ceil Collins for “everything she does”, Sue Klock and Bob Buettner for advice and assistance and Connor Martin for information and coordination with the Town of East Hartford. On a personal note, he thanked his Dad for “all he taught me” and his wife, Dawn, for her support.

Mark Glass came to the podium and thanked Alex for his service. He called Bob Buettner up for his installation with lots of humor. Bob accepted the responsibility. Alex then joined them to “pass the gavel”.

Bob Buettner called up his Board comprised of Sue Klock, George Schoen, Neal Cunningham, Anwar Hossain, Bill Saunders, Jim Watts, Jack Sayre and Alex Wisz. George has accepted the position of Treasurer. The Board all accepted the responsibility.

Bob gave a short acceptance speech and listed his goals for the upcoming year. He mentioned Prioritizing Donations, Increasing Fundraising, International Relations, Food Insecurity, Expanding Membership, Raising Rotary Awareness and working with other East Hartford Clubs for Projects. He gave Dawn Wisz a Past Presidents Pin to pin on Alex and presented him with a Thank You gift.

Bob made the following Annoucements:

• The Senior Barbecue is next Wednesday at the East Hartford Senior Center. Volunteers are welcome and this event will replace the weekly meeting.

• Bob’s first Board Meeting with be on July 6, 6 PM at Evergreen.

Bob ended the presentation at 8:40 PM. Everyone had a very enjoyable evening.

Rosemary Hogan & Neal Cunningham