High Gear, March 12, 2014

Let me start by saying how great it is for a citadel of learning such as Goodwin College opening its doors to a service organization such as Rotary. Not only did Goodwin College provide the space for our meeting but bestowed upon us gifts for the new members, a US flag on a stand and beverages for all. Thank you Goodwin College and thank you, President Scheinberg.

It was a new meeting format. We mingled for a while enjoying wine and soft drinks while waiting for pizza delivery. Marc Glass was pacing the room with the cell phone glued to his ear trying to locate the delivery person. Then someone noticed through the glass window a parked car and a panicky young man trying to figure out which of the many entrances he is supposed to use to deliver a boat load of giant pizza boxes. Dan Larson, following the hospitality traits of his college, graciously became the door man for a smooth flow of our nourishment from the delivery car to the serving table.

With pizza, salad and cookies securely in place, I noticed a sigh of relief on President George’s face, for he was anxious to ring the bell, and he did, to get the ball rolling. After the Rotary Song, the Pledge of Allegiance and the Invocation by President George, we lined up for you know what. There was enough pizza and salad to feed about twice as many as the 30 or so attendees.

Brian Liss brought Mike Carrigan, from the local YMCA, while Susan Hansen, the town’s Head Librarian, came as Mary Martin’s guest. President George, perhaps in appreciation of their great work, decided that Brian and Mary deserved the honor of leading the welcome song. We hope that if nothing else, the singing ability of the club will convince them to join East Hartford Rotary Club.

CARING MOMENTS:

1.         Dan Larson provided an update that Ned Lynch, who shattered his lower leg bone while skiing, now has had his third surgery. Despite being in a wheelchair and using a walker, Ned is maintaining a very positive attitude. He sends his thanks for all the phone calls and cards he has received. Please keep your phone calls and cards going since Ned might not be on his feet for many months. Larry Hangland extended his services to help Ned out with his business chores.

2.         Al Turner will be going through a hip surgery on 3/17/2014.

ANNOUNCEMENTS

1.         Dan Larson switched gears and gave us happy news. Our own Ruth Sheehan will be receiving the “St. Joseph Medal” this Sunday at St. Joseph Cathedral.

2.         Sue Klock, wearing her other hat as the Y board member, is taking part in a fundraising for the “Strides for Strong Kids” program. She was able to raise, during the next few minutes, just a few dollars short of the $250 needed for the donor’s name on the event tee shirt.

Gift Certificates were handed over by Marc to the two prospective new members. President George then picked ....719 as the winning weekly raffle ticket number. Brian Liss the winner graciously donated his winning to the Y.

There was no Sergeant-at-Arms report at this meeting as a result of the executive order issued by President George last week.

President George then walked us through a slide presentation prepared by Brian Liss. The theme was what Rotary does internationally, nationally and locally. A great job, showing E.H. Rotary in a nutshell!

The meeting adjourned at 7:30 PM.