High Gear, May 7, 2014
All was well on the hill today, the sun was shining, and I felt like this was my welcoming home after a long 7 week expedition away.
We were delighted with grinders from Roma’s, along with chips & cookies which filled our growling stomachs. 
President George is on a much deserved vacation in Italy, so we were graced with our incoming President Mary Martin to lead us today.
Rev. Ted Mosebach started the meeting with an invocation.
We were reminded of very sad news that today was Brian Liss’s last day. I don’t think this will be the last we hear of him though.
No guests to grace us, BUT Steve Jacoby was EARLY, so that has to count for something!
Sergeant at arms Dan Larson had a FEW fines (he is creative)
Birthdays: Jim Watts, Mayer Marcia Leclerc, Bob Buettner’s two granddaughters, Nick Cecere’s grandson turned 19.
Anniversaries: Mike Derr 3 years, Neal Cunningham - wait for it… 23 years!
Dave Amberg – his golf team is doing well, Ned Lynch - Red Sox are doing well, Jay Stewart - the doors in the ladies room were fixed, Brian Liss – just thankful (awwww), George Agnelli - birthday? Anniversary? Late? All of the above?
Thank you to Ceil & Bob B. for coordinating today’s lunch!
Alex gave a status of the duck race: Posters are available, please post them in your businesses and all around town! Everyone is invited to the annual counting of the ducks at Dave Russell’s house Tuesday May 13, in the evening. #PARTY
Past President Sheryl O’Conner recapped membership statistics of Rotary from the seminar given at the District Conference – just a few highlights:
1. US membership decreased by 15%, District 7890 decreased from 65 to 62 clubs
2. Retention suggestions: focus on fellowship, programs, weekly meeting times (we are all responsible to help retain members!
Trifolds available as you leave today that highlight what WE do! Please take some and distribute!!
Jim Fallon “opened the envelope” revealing the 6 deserving students who are the recipients of our scholarships. Drum roll please…
1. Colins Nwafor from EHHS
2. Monique Atkinson from EHHS
3. Kevi Oatway from CIBA
4. Mackenzie Satalino from CIBA
5. Nikeya Carter from HCT
6. Andre Bent from HCT
The key element of discernment process is the demonstration of “Service above self”
We hope to have them as guests at future meetings.
Rock Cats game on Jun 13 – Please contact Gil if you want to attend. Cost is $22 per person, this includes dinner & a movie (no wait A BASEBALL GAME). For every ticket purchased, we receive $4 as a donation from the Rock Cats! It’s always a great time! Please make checks payable to East Hartford Rotary Club.
East Hartford Chamber of Commerce golf tournament is Monday, June 9. Cost is $225 per person, or $850/foursome. Please register by June 2nd.
Jack Sayer is still collecting funds to purchase back to school supplies for our East Hartford students. Cash, check, spare change – all accepted.
OK, so he’s leaving us with a heavy… wallet. Brian Liss was the winner of the raffle today! Congratulations, is it enough for a box of diapers?
Our speaker today was our very own MAYOR Marcia Leclerc! She enlightened us with some very exciting of news of what’s going on in our great town.
1. Maintenance improvements of streets, potholes, emergency management, shelters, communication systems.
2. Budget of 173 million, with only an increase of 1.7% from last year
3. UTC reinvestment announcement (our largest taxpayer). They will be building a new corporate HQ, and a new addition to the Research Engineering building to reflect a 10000 sqft. Footprint.
4. There has been a sparked interest in Rentschler Field; outlet shops opportunity is a possibility
5. Chain link fence to be removed & a wrought iron fence in its place to make the field more presentable, even granite curbs have been requested!
6. Big Y plaza has Cardio Express moving in soon, and the owners have said they will make visual improvements to the storefronts.
7. Main St. has had regular maintenance done to keep it appealing (plantings, etc.)
8. Town website will be redesigned
9. The town has committed to investing in the golf course; repurchasing all equipment, improve landscaping, add decorative fencing, repairing the house on the property. They are also looking to stock the pro shop, open the restaurant and apply chemicals to the greens to improve appearance/performance.
10. Goodwin College is a huge contributor to the appearance & reshaping of East Hartford. They are to improve the landscaping at the Town Hall this year!
She is supported by 13 talented Directors, whom she encourages us to invite as speakers to give us highlights of their own divisions.
Respectfully,
Janice Freschlin