High Gear, November 7, 2012
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It was a blustery, snowy, wet, cold (in short—the weather was just miserable) afternoon as we arrived at the Ridge for our weekly luncheon. But as Rotarians have a way of doing no matter what, the friendship inside was sincere and warm and fun. President Sheryl asked that everyone wear the hat of a famous person and club members would guess the person represented by each hat. For the most correct answers, Ceil Collins took the prize. But what was the prize? 
Someone said it was dinner and a movie on Herb Barall. But I think that was just a rumor.
Thank you to everyone who brought a bag or box of canned goods along to meeting today. They will be distributed to those in need through the Food Bank here at First Congregational Church. There are five church Food Banks throughout town and they are active each day. There is so much need out there. Thank you to everyone who brought food.
In recognition of Veteran’s Day, all club vets stood up and received a round of applause. It was a good moment and yet we owe all veterans so much more.
We were graced with two guests today, Cynthia Reik and Peggy Schoen, the wives of members Jim and George. It was wonderful to have the ladies with us but I think it would be nice for Jim and George to take their wives out to a little fancier restaurant now and then.
Perhaps thinking the gathering could use a bit of a pick-me-up given the dreary weather, President Sheryl appointed a dynamic duo, otherwise known as the two Georges, to lead the Welcome Song. Misters Schoen and Agnelli did not exactly shake a da booty, but they got us through the song without incident.
Sergeant at Arms, Jim Watts, collected for more infractions than I could record. Here are some of them:
· Dan Russell, 39th Rotary Anniversary (Congratulations Dan!)
Dan also paid to mention that the East Hartford Historical Society is selling 18th- and 19th century East Hartford pictorial calendars for 2013. The cost is $12.00.
· Ruth Sheehan honored Jim’s birthday
· Yvette Romig announced that the Thrift Store for the South End Senior Center (70 Canterbury Street) needs donations
· Sheryl O’Connor put in a happy dollar for Art Bradbury’s performance in 1776. It must have been fantastic! Sheryl is pretty good with a buck!
· Frank Collins paid because he forgot to wear a hat. The thing is, Ceil wore one. Don’t they talk?
· Dave Amberg puffed up his chest, digging into his wallet because Notre Dame is 9 – 0.
Caring Moments:
Jack Ghagan returned briefly to the hospital on Monday but is back in Riverside. He is fatigued and it might be best to wait a few days until visiting.
George Finch had surgery this week. Cards to his home would be great.
Jean Wishart is finally home and doing well. What a brave and patient woman! I guess she takes after Gil.
Spurge Stokes is now home and doing well. Spurge, too, has been through so much! Come back soon Spurge!
Roy Spiller reports feeling better than he has in six years.
Kathy McCabe is having Chemo therapy.
Let’s keep all these friends in our prayers. If you are not the praying type, well, start!
Sue Klock reported on the Zone Institute which she and Peter attended recently, held in Vancouver. 
There are 21 districts in our Zone 32. She shared with us a moving vignette about an important Rotary memory she has of the first time she chaired the committee for the Senior Citizen’s Prom. She related the same story at the Institute. Thanks, Sue, for the story and your leadership for many years of the Senior Citizen’s Prom!
Reggie Barall sent a note of gratitude for the $500 gift from the club to Circle of Life, Arts for All.
The annual Holiday Toy Programs, sponsored by the East Hartford Social Services Department, is in full swing. New unwrapped toys, hats, and mittens for children ages 0 top 10 will be distributed by them later in December. Donations should be received by Wednesday, December 5th. East Hartford Rotary will collect your donation at our lunchtime meeting or you can bring the item directly to Town Hall. Needed items include: gifts for babies up to 18 months, hats and mitten for children up to five years, and gift cards to places such as Wal-Mart or Target. Social Services will use the gift cards to fill-in items in categories that are lacking donations. Checks are welcome too and can be made out to “Town of East Hartford Special Program”. For additional info, please speak with Mary Martin.
Next Wednesday, Golf Committee, Wednesday, 11:30 AM at the Ridge.
Next Wednesday, Board of Directors, 5:30 PM at the Y.
The club will be ringing the bell again for the Salvation Army. Sign-up sheets will be available soon at club meetings.
There are extra oranges from the fruit sale. Contact Peter Klock.
The afternoon program emphasized the importance of the Rotary Foundation to so many throughout the world whose lives it touches. 
Frank Wargo, past District Governor, shared some moving experiences he has had volunteering with the Foundation. I have heard many presentations about the Foundation over the years. Mostly, I listened politely. This one was really good. Rotary International is an extraordinary force for good around the world. At the conclusion of Frank’s remarks, he was given a standing ovation. Now, that’s a Foundation speech!
This High Gear is way too long but I won’t accept the blame. What a busy club!
Ted Mosebach