High Gear, March 19, 2014

Posted by Anwar Hossain 
 

Compared to last week, it felt like spring today. No need to get too excited. Winter is not over yet. Our usual Rotary Song was followed by the Pledge of Allegiance. In honor of St. Patrick’s Day, President George picked an Irishman to deliver the invocation. Dan Larson stood up to the challenge and reminded us that no matter what our personal faith traditions are, our ability to give thanks for the bounties of life binds us all together.

 

We sat down to a traditional Irish meal of corned beef, cabbage, potatoes and carrots, followed by shamrock ice cream slices.

 

Judge Henry Cohn, our guest today, was warmly welcomed by Neil Cunningham and Jack Martin.

 

Dick McCarthy, fresh from the break in his duty last week, bestowed by President George, admitted that it was slow day. People paid for the St. Joseph award Ruth Sheehan received last Sunday. Brian Liss paid for the Y reaching its fund raising goals and for the Big East win by Providence College, his Alma Mater. Brian Gorman paid for his club anniversary. Neil Cunningham paid handsomely for his birthday and paid another handsome amount for Dan LarsonImage to sing “O Danny Boy....” Folks I am not kidding when I say that I always knew that Dan had a loud voice but I never knew he had a great singing voice. We were all spellbound as he sang without any musical accompaniment. A standing ovation followed.

 

ANNOUNCEMENTS:

 

1.  Image       Brian Liss got a job offer from the Y in Simsbury, where he lives, that he could notImage turn down. So with a heavy heart he had to let us know that he won’t be able to transition from President Elect to President. The good news is that Mary Martin, when asked, did not hesitate to step in. The Board has taken action and Mary will be our President for the Year 2014-2015.

 

2.         Sign up for hotel rooms for the District Conference by the end of the month to avoid not being able to get a room in the Conference Hotel.

 

3.         Last day to sign up and pay for Paul Harris Dinner is this Friday. Please contact Ceil Collins.

 

4.         Sue Klock thanked all for the the donations. She can use use some assistance in walking the circle at the High School gymnasium. Best time is after the school is over to avoid conflict with school activities.

 

5.         There will not be any lunch meeting next week because of the Paul Harris Dinner at the Gallery at 6:00 PM (or until the “energy” runs out)a. That is not exactly what President George said.


6.         Somers Rotary Club is celebrating their 50th on 4/12/2014 at Twin Hills Country Club, Longmeadow, MA. Call David Reed at 860-749-5364 or email at david.reed@cox.net for more information.

 

Brian Liss picked the winning Raffle ticket #....9774 belonging to Larry Hangland.

 

CARING MOMENTS:

 

Rev. Al Turner had a successful surgery. Now the recuperation begins. Ned Lynch had a bone replacement surgery and is maintaining a positive attitude.

 

GUEST SPEAKER

Judge Cohn delivered a talk on “Prohibition”. For history buffsImage like me, it was fascinating to learn so many new facts about an interesting era in the life of our nation. For those of us curious to know more about this period, he recommended a book with an appropriate title “Last Call”.

 

MAKEUPS

Peter & Sue Klock: NE PETS March 6, 7 & 8

Hope Firestone: Bloomfield Rotary Club

Frank & Ceil Collins: NE PETS March 6, 7 & 8

 

And that’s all…..Anwar