High Gear, November 27,2013

After wine for an appetizer and a good heavy meal of spaghetti and meatballs followed with spice cake, President George had the courage to ring the bell and expect attention.  Rotarians being the well-healed experienced sort that they are, he got it. 

            Guests were introduced as Bob Dugger from the Glastonbury club, and Patrick and Brady Liss from the East Hartford 2040 club. President George then had the temerity to call on said brothers to join Dan Larson in leading the Welcome Song.  This may be the first time that guests needed to welcome their own selves. Dad at first came out on the floor with Patrick and Brady but then sat down and left them with Dan.  Okay, that was risky, I know, but it worked.  Dan seemed to know the words, the boys shook hands around the room and looked cute, and the club sang with gusto (I guess, you know, the wine and all).  

            Jack Sayre called the club’s attention to the loss we suffered this past week, Spurgeon Stokes.  A humanitarian, a committed Rotarian, but most of all a wonderful friend, we will miss Spurge the rest of our days.  A visitation with the family is scheduled for this Friday, November 29, 4:00 PM – 7:00 PM, at Taylor and Modeen Funeral Home, 136 South Main Street, West Hartford.  Worship of God and celebration of Spurge’s life will be Saturday, 11:00 AM, at Westminster Presbyterian Church, West Hartford. 

            Sergeant at Arms, Jack Sayre proclaimed that there were no fines but many voluntary contributions to the kitty.  Usually getting members to pay up takes a bit more than expecting the best of them, but Jack is a gentle sort and finds the normal arm-twisting distasteful. And maybe it was the Thanksgiving spirit, or maybe it was the wine, but the all-volunteer method worked today.  Here are the generous free offerings:

            George Agnelli for his picture in the paper. (Jack relayed that George said his picture would be in the paper on a regular basis for the next few weeks and George wondered if he could get out of paying each time.  There was no spoken response heard from the club upon receiving this intelligence, but from the incredulous looks I saw on many faces I’d say the answer is no, George.

            Patrick and Brady made a donation in gratitude for being here with their Dad as guests.

            Ned Lynch anted again for the Red Sox but this week included the Patriots.  Sometimes we fans of New England sports teams find it difficult to keep up with all their success. I like Yankee fans, and Giants fans and Jets fans and all, but I sort of feel sorry for them, too.  

            Janice Freschlin paid in celebration of her and her niece running in the Manchester Road Race tomorrow.  Fantastic!  Good luck, Janice!

            Past member and continuing friend, John Mozzicato has been ill recently, was hospitalized, and is now recuperating back home. He would love to hear from us. His phone is 860-299-6067.

            Jim Reik has had walking difficulties and spent some time in therapy.  Along with others, let’s keep Jim in our thoughts and prayers during the holiday seasons.

            Nate Quesnell was presented his permanent Rotary membership name badge.  Welcome again, Nate!

            George Agnelli read a moving letter from honorary member Bill Flynn through which Bill expressed his thanksgiving for the East Hartford Rotary Club and all that it does for the East Hartford community. Bill generously donated $1,000 to the club to be used for the Scholarship Fund, Polio Plus, Rotary Foundation, and General Purposes.  Bill, thank you for the letter and for your warm hearted generosity, and most of all for your thoughtfulness in staying in touch with us.  Hopefully, when the warm weather again returns, it will be time for you to journey back north and we can see you again!

            The club campaign for Toys for low-income East Hartford children too collected $421.  This will be given to the fund for holiday toys through East Hartford Town Hall, Social Services. Thank you, Neal Cunningham, for organizing the campaign and inviting the club to participate.

            The Holiday Party will be December 18.  Please mark your calendars. A great program is being planned, including some excellent live music provided through Goodwin College and Guy LaBella.  Not to miss!  Please continue to check Club Runner as details develop.

            There are openings for Ringing the Bell for Salvation Army on the Saturdays of Dec 7, 14, and 21.  Please use the sign-up sheet at Wednesday meetings or contact Jack Sayre.

            Loretta and Dan Dienst send their greetings!

            There were two raffle prizes this afternoon, one of which was a beautiful bouquet donated by Bob Buettner Florist Shop and won by Guy LaBella.  The same guy who runs the raffle won the money.  Is that legal?  Whatever, it was a good day for guys.

            Rev. Gary Richards, Pastor of New Covenant United Methodist Church on Burnside Avenue, was the speaker. Rev. Richards shared what some of the recent facility renovations have been at the church and how the congregation is working to connect with the neighborhood to be of service to soul and body.  He suggested that we all remember Thanksgiving as a time for initiating or keeping the connections that make life rich, with family, friend, neighborhood, and religious congregation. 

Make ups:  Mike Derr (2)—  St. Louis

                      Hope Firestone---- Bloomfield

Happy Thanksgiving!

            Go Sox!