High Gear, May 22, 2013
Publisher's Note: Hope this version is a little easier to read. D.W.
ATTENTION! ATTENTION! – READ ALL ABOUT IT!
I’M SKIPPING AROUND A BIT BUT THIS NEWS IS WORTH IT!
OUR VERY OWN YVETTE ROMING 
IS PREGNANT!!! She announced this during the meeting, but this is such great news – let’s start this party right!!
For the weather, let’s just say rain is good for the grass. Not the most gorgeous day, but certainly not the worst. Menu for the day was a hot open roast beef sandwich with gravy, potatoes au gratin, mixed veggies & strawberry shortcake for dessert – (best part of the meal!). The invocation was given by Dan Larson.
Our Foundation minute was changed up – since we had the unveiling of our Book Mobile (very awesome & beautiful) President Sheryl clued us in on how the Global Grants with the Foundation helped raise the funds ($17,500.00 to be exact) for our cherished project. And how “Every Rotarian, Every Year” affects us all – So keep giving, it comes round full circle.
One guest today, Brian Gorman from Boy Scouts of America who came back for more. He sat in with Frank & Ceil Collins this morning for “Rotary Information” and we plan on his induction as a new member on June 12th.
Jack Sayre & Guy LaBella led us in the Welcome Song.
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| President Sheryl presents Mayor the keys! | Our friends from Rotary Club of Central Calcutta on Skype |
Dan Firestone was Sergeant-at-Arms, Doug Willett paid for his 33rd Anniversary – CONGRATULATIONS, Doug! Pat Gately paid for her 8th Anniversary, for which she treated herself to a BRAND NEW CAR! Sweet! George Agnelli paid handsomely for his handsomeness, really for his 83rd birthday, and requested all those 83 & over sing the Bday song. (He would like a refund if he doesn’t make it to May 27th (the actual B-day). John O’Connor paid because he is the proudest husband in Rotary especially after this morning’s unveiling (awww , can I take him home?). Brian Liss paid for the great job of the announcement in the paper of the book mobile, Mo Moshovos’s granddaughter received a Girl Scout award equivilent to Eagle Scout, Dan & Hope Firestone’s grandson received an academic achievement award signed by President Obama. Jay Stewart’s granddaughter graduated from Bryant College. Nick Cecere notified me that I had last week’s announcement incorrect – so here it is again (2nd time the charm?) He was in the company of fellow Rotarian Andy Andreo for his 85th Birthday recently, he was feeling extra philanthropic and paid $85 x 3 ($255.00 to the scholarship fund) for his birthday & Roger Nicholson’s AND for the Club’s 85th Anniversary. When Nick tried to hit him up for Duck Race tickets, he gave an additional $200.00!
Caring moments: Jay Stewart announced Ruth Sheehan is recovering from planned surgery, and asked all to sign the card she passed around.
Announcements:
A Thank you from Chuck Clarke, for all the people who showed up to help place American flags for our Veterans in Hillside Cemetery, on Saturday, May 18th at 8am – He said “biggest turnout ever & we finished in record time.”
We will be having a Memorial Day float so whoever is up to walking or riding during the parade, bring your long arm to wave & your best voice to sing! It will be held on Monday, May 27. Larry Frazier asks to please meet at the Middle School on Burnside Ave no later than 9:30 – roads will be closed at 9:45. It is the same route as last year. We will have signs to promote Duck Race & our Club, and we will be having a booth at the end to help sell Duck Race Tickets. Dan Larson also suggested to park at Stone Academy.
Registration for the District Installation Dinner on June 5th @ Maneeley’s in South Windsor can still be made online or see Pres. Sheryl for sign-up sheet.
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| The people who made it happen! | Jack Sayre unveils the Bookmobile | A good crowd at the unveiling |
Our Club Installation Dinner is to be held June 19th, 6pm at the Gallery in Glastonbury – cost is $45.00 (no meeting that afternoon). See Ceil Collins or Janice Freschlin for sign up.
Brian Liss announced we still have more Duck Race books of tickets to sell! For any of those who wish to sell tickets at Augie & Rays on Friday (24th & 31st), please let Brian or Yvette know you are available. Ernie Hutt has agreed to give away a free hotdog for every ticket purchased!
Sergeant-At –Arms party is to be held June 26th at Wickham Park Wigs Pavilion – sign up sheet to be passed around next week, BBQ picnic provided by Maneeleys!
Tim Coppage wanted to remind us of the East Hartford Chamber of Commerce golf outing on June 10th – anyone interested in a EH Rotary team? Contact Bill Saunders to join a foursome.
EHCC will also be having a business after hours on June 4th 6-8PM at Hoffman Audi/Lexus. Please RSVP – Guy LaBella promises great food & entertainment.
Career Day – Thank you to all those who participated, Stuart Harris complimented Pres. Sheryl for her keynote speech.
Sign up to help out on Duck Race Day – June 2nd – we need everyone to help – and especially to stick around for clean up. Corporate sponsor posters available until next Wedneday – Only $100!
The winners of the drawing this week were Jay Stewart & Dan Russell!
The presentation today was “One Old & One New” a chance for us to get to know our own newbee member Fred Issakhani & our seasoned member Doug Willett.
Fred was born & raised in New Britain, his mother still lives there, he attended local schools, and earned his Associate’s Degree from Tunxis Community College, has his CDL & is a certified Diesel & Automotive Mechanic.
He has had his business in East Hartford for the past 12 years. He along with his wife Dorothy (the backbone of the family) their three kids (the business executive, the spitfire & the comedian) live in Burlington. Fred enjoys racing, all sports especially baseball (Red Sox Fan). He met Dan Firestone through work, and is very thankful for all he has gained from everyone here at Rotary.
Our “Seasoned” Rotarian Doug Willett has been a member for 33 years, was introduced to EH Rotary back in 1980. Doug’s family has roots in VT, he is one of 7 children. He grew up in Mayberry Village, while his dad worked at Pratt & Whitney (at – not for P&W!)
His parents decided to pack most of everything & move to Putney VT., but that only lasted a 1 1/2, then they moved back to EH. Doug attended EHHS, & UConn. He aspired to become a lawyer but instead became a teacher in 1966 at Penney HS earning $5,400.00/yr. He spent 18 years in the school system as a teacher, principal & administrator. In 1984 he changed careers and started working for The Travelers Insurance Co. as head of the Data Processing Training program under Joe Brophy. He stayed at Travelers until his retirement in 2002. He now splits his time between FL& CT.
Doug met his sweetheart in kindergarten, they went to the prom together & the rest is history, He & Diane will be celebrating 47 years of marital bliss this year. They have three sons & five grandchildren whom they are very proud of. Doug, Diane & two granddaughters are taking a trip to Europe this summer (Doug you need a male backup!)
In his spare time he enjoys traveling, sports, especially golfing & fast pitch baseball. Doug’s a Yankee Fan!! His hobby is photography & he is President of the Fort Myers Camera Club.
Doug shared a picture of his St. Mary’s Little League Team of 1953 with Jack Martin – Those were the days! And he is in the CT Softball Hall of Fame.
One of his accomplishments – He was President of EH Rotary in 1988-1989, he brought in the FIRST woman EH Rotarian – MARY MARTIN!! Doug was Assistant District Governor as well. He left the club for a bit in 1995-2002, but came back after retirement from Travelers.
We closed just about 1:35pm –
Respectfully,
Jan Freschlin