High Gear, November 20, 2013

When I walked into the Ridge the first thing I noticed was that the kitchen was empty.  I thought, “Oh no! Someone forgot the pay the Krause bill!” But then I remembered¾ its cold cut sandwich day!  Some people call such sliced cold meat in a bun creations grinders, or submarines, or gyros.  Those of us who know better call them hoagies.   Southeastern Pennsylvania has made four tremendous contributions to the world: The United States Declaration of Independence, the Liberty Bell, cheese steaks, and hoagies.  In that order.  (By the way, if you want a good cheese steak in the Philadelphia style, go to Krause Market¾ not to be confused with the caterer¾ on Main Street in East Hartford, across from the Coca Cola building.  There is a little deli and grill in there and they actually know how to make a cheese steak.  And for goodness sakes, don’t get one with mayo!)

Kudos to Bob Buettner for organizing the lunch and ordering the hoagies!  They assumed about half the cost of our fifteen dollars lunch fee and that allowed about seven dollars per person to be donated by the club to the Rotary Foundation. Hence, it was a nifty little Foundation fund-raiser. Everyone at our table was pleased with the idea, and the meal, and would be open to doing it again. (If only this writer could next time remember what kind he ordered.  I took one that said ham and didn’t hear any complaints so I guess it was all right.)

Rev. Hangland led us in prayer.  He did a great job!  Beautifully expressing words of thanks and a heartfelt petition for recent victims of natural disasters, the club silently joined him in asking for the Great Presence as we do our best to be helpful people in these difficult times.

Mary Martin came over to our table and said, “Did you get desert, sweetie?”  I said, “Yes,” but she was speaking to Jack.  I think it’s nice that she looks out for him and we all said so. He responded with a wave of his hand but I’m glad we said something.  He’s married to the Empress!

Indicating that Art Bradbury and Jay Stewart were celebrating birthdays, Sgt @ Arms, Jack Sayre, said they requested that the club sing Happy Birthday to them.  As usual, we needed Art to start us off; yes, for his own birthday song!  It was for Jay too, but still.  A man should not have to sing any part of his own birthday song.  I think we owe Art another one. Maybe Frank Collins could start it. Bill Saunders paid for an anniversary, Bob Buettner in honor of Art’s birthday, and Ned Lynch…still celebrating the Red Sox.  Jack seemed surprised at that, but a lot of us are still celebrating.  We’re just too tight to pay.  Thanks for picking us up, Ned.

Bill Saunders and Neal Cunningham led the Welcome Song.  I thought Bill looked fine but after the song a bidding war started for his sweater.  Rotarians are always looking for a way to make a buck.

There will be another Rotary Sponsored dance exhibition at Holiday Fest this year, Saturday, December 7.  Volunteers are needed to pass out programs and such.  If you can help , please contact Herb Barall.

There are slots available on the sign-up sheets for bell ringing for the Salvation Army, for four Saturdays, November 30 through December 21.  If you and/or family and friends can commit to more than one hour (not necessarily one right after the other) that would be helpful.

This was the last day the envelope will be passed for toys for low-income children through East Hartford town social services. If you would like to make a donation, please do so in the next few days by contacting Neal Cunningham.

There will be wine and cheese next Wednesday at 11:30 AM before the meeting.  It is the day before Thanksgiving and the meeting speaker will be Rev. Gary Richards, pastor of New Covenant United Methodist Church on Burnside Avenue in East Hartford.  Gary is a dedicated, intelligent pastor committed to meeting human need through the ministries of the church.  He will describe some of the extensive renovations that you may have noticed taking place at the church and the plans that are forming to use the upgraded facilities for the benefit of the Burnside community. Gary also leads the recently formed Hunger Action Committee of East Hartford.  And he’s a good preacher too! So, go easy on the wine.  You won’t want to miss anything he says.

The Membership Committee will meet on Wednesday, December 4, 11:30 AM.

The club Holiday Party will be Wednesday, December 18.  Please mark your calendars now.  Details to follow.

Ruth Sheehan won the Raffle.  She’s such a nice person the club did not even groan.

Joanne Bullo, the office manager for some years at the East Hartford YMCA, lost her battle with cancer a few days ago.  Brian Liss and everyone connected with the Y is greatly saddened by her loss. Brian, you and the Y were in our thoughts and prayers today.

Tom Anderson of the Connecticut Audubon Society spoke to the club about the great work of the Society in support of bird natural habitat, environmental concerns in general, and outdoor science education.  The Society is putting particular effort now into the restoration of Stratford Sound at the mouth of the Housatonic River.  He also commented on the successful replenishing of eagles and osprey in Connecticut, and timely enough¾wild turkeys too.  He said there are presently 35,000 turkeys in Connecticut.  Who might argue?

Go Sox!