High Gear, November 6, 2013

President George rang the bell right on time. I thought it was nice of him to give Gil Wishart a heads up beforehand, the bell being located about a foot to Gil’s left and I think that’s his good ear. But thus being warned, Gil put his hand over that ear when the bell was struck and he seemed to be hearing fine for the rest of the meeting.

Soon thereafter Marc Glass was announced for the invocation but he was nowhere to be seen. However, his voice traveled from somewhere in the building for we all heard “I’m coming!” and felt great relief. There were many guests with us today and the club did not want to appear to them as ungrateful heathens. After making his way to the podium, Marc expressed appreciation for the way Rotary accepts people of all religions as well as folks of no religion. He then extended our gratitude to the divine for the opportunity to live meaningful lives through service to others.

The Holy One, apparently much pleased with our prayer, we were able to quickly form a line for a buffet of stuffed peppers, assorted vegetables, and coleslaw. It is my understanding that Krause is going to be offering a buffet for most of our Wednesday lunches now! Fantastic! Was this President George’s doing? I say, President George for life!!!

We had many Brazilian guests today about which more will be said a bit later on. As their native language is Portuguese, and their names being hard to pronounce, President George welcomed them altogether and asked Dan Larson and Art Bradbury to lead the Welcome Song. I thought it was a particularly rousing rendition! (At first, for this writing, I could not even spell Portuguese. Why is there a u after the g?)

November is Rotary Foundation month and Brian Liss spoke briefly about the importance of the Foundation and shared his belief (which I share) that we should each contribute something to it every year. Opportunities to make a donation will be explained throughout the month.

Next, while President George announced that I am the High Gear editor for this month, Dan Russell was busy writing it. Or was it the other way around? I’m not sure anymore but the point is that Dan and I both thought the job was ours. Never one to take another person’s job (heck, some might say that for forty years I never had any real job), I said that I was much obliged to Dan if he would do it. But being the gentleman that he is, Dan said the same to me. For a moment we stared at each other with pens in our hands, and the tension built throughout the room. High Gear isn’t big enough for the both of us. (Well, actually, maybe it is. This one is going on long enough.) Nevertheless, after a bit, it was settled that I should do it.

Jack Sayre was Sgt @Arms and a few members were tapped for payment. Of note was Ned Lynch who came in his Halloween costume consisting of a Red Sox shirt and cap. I think he takes it off at night. Also, Sheryl O’Connor paid a happy dollar for her report that she had an exceptionally cute and sexy nurse during her recent recovery from surgery. I think he just reminded her of all the guys at Rotary.

Marc Glass announced as a proud father that his son was picked by NBC for an internship with the network for the Olympics! You should be proud, Marc! Congratulations!

New member Mike Costa is recovering well from surgery for kidney stones.

Jack Sayre reminded the club that we will again be ringing the bell for the Salvation Army starting the Saturday after Thanksgiving. Sign up sheets are available now at each Wednesday meeting. If some members can take more than one hour, that would be helpful.

Neal Cunningham announced that the club would again be cooperating with East Hartford Town Social Services providing Christmas toys for low-income children in East Hartford. Last year 710 children received gifts. An envelope will be passed around beginning next Wednesday for cash or checks made payable to, Town of East Hartford Special Program.

George Agnelli won the raffle⎯ again. How many tickets does he buy? And it’s not like he needs the money, you know? I mean, he’s a nice guy, but, Geeeez! Actually, he gave it right back, I’m not sure whether to the Scholarship Fund or the Foundation. Some people talk the talk. George walks the walk.

The program was very good. Our many guests represented an organization of leaders and officials of 17 cities/counties in an area in central Brazil. The organization name is, Cities of Medio Piracicaba Micro-region Association. Eight mayors of these counties were in attendance and a representative of their organization described for the club their work of cooperating together for the benefit and progress of the entire area. Perhaps in our parlance we might call it Regionalism. They are visiting Hartford, Boston, and New York to learn and share with officials here. Two stops along their way were a conversation with East Hartford Mayor Leclerc and a visit and tour of Goodwin College. If we learn nothing else from them but the value of political cooperation we might forever be in their debt.

It was a beautiful day to be at the Ridge and enjoy company of our Rotary friends!