High Gear, Novermber 21, 2012
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It was wine and cheese today courtesy of President Sheryl and thus the club was in a fine mood when the bell rang. We were a little late getting going until word got around that members could bring their wine glasses into the dining room. I thought that in deference to the speaker there should be a one glass limit. I got the feeling I was overruled.
Lunch was very good—chicken and mushrooms, broccoli and cheese, mixed rice, and followed by custard with maple syrup.
Guests were Ted Shu, possible member, and Jackie and Tom O’Connor—daughter and son of John and Sheryl. 
The Welcome Song was led by father John and Art Bradbury to a healthy volume from the club.
Sergeant at Arms Jim Watts announced birthdays for Jay Stewart, Art Bradbury, and Larry Frazier and the club sang for them to be happy. Brian Liss paid just because; because he’s just a nice guy, because of the wine? I don’t know. Mike Derr paid for the sign-in system. That’s right, I almost forgot. No more green cards! Now there is a sheet at the reception table for each of us to put a check mark after our names after paying for lunch. Seems simple enough. At least now I won’t have to borrow a pen from someone at my table in order to sign the card.
There were a whole lot of thankful dollars paid so that members could say something for which they are thankful. Many things were mentioned and the Sergeant at Arms money pouch grew fat with dollars. We are a thankful club—and we have so much to be thankful for!
Dan Russell reminded us of the East Hartford Historical Society 18th and 19th century pictorial calendars for sale at $12.00 each.
Caring Moment:
· George Finch – recovering as well as can be expected
· Roy Spiller – cancer in remission and feeling better all over
· Peg Spiller – fell and broke her nose
· Jack Ghagan – in hospice care at St. Francis (loves when Rotarian friends visit!)
· Loren Andreo’s wife is healing well at home
· Kathy McCabe – chemo seems to be working
· Jean Wishart a little better and looking forward to Thanksgiving
Let’s keep all these folks in our thoughts and prayers this holiday season!
Mary Martin reminded us that the annual Holiday Toy Program, 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”. This coming week is the last week to bring toys. For additional info, please speak with Mary Martin.
The Club Holiday Party is on Wednesday, December 5, at the Gallery. Dinner choices are Prime Rib, Chicken Marcela, or Stuffed Shrimp. The cost is $45.00. A Reservation Sheet is going around at club meetings or contact Ceil Collins.
Next Wednesday at 11:30AM New Generations Committee (Rotarian clubs for young people) will meet at the Ridge.
The club is ringing the bell for Salvation Army again this year for the four Saturdays in December. Sign-up sheets are on the courtesy table each Wednesday meeting. Family members and friends of Rotarians are welcome to participate.
President Sheryl announced a program called ‘star base’ which works with middle school age children to enhance their learning in science, technology, and math. The program needs volunteers. For more information, please contact Sheryl.
The Fruit Sale produce has arrived. If you can help distribute some fruit which still needs to be delivered, please contact Peter Klock.
Also, Peter received as a prize a few meetings ago two tickets to the Connecticut Forum. They are for Saturday evening, December 1, at 8:00 PM. The subject is Vision and Brilliance. Peter and Sue can not attend. If you would like to use the tickets please contact me as Peter will not be at the next club meeting. I would use them myself but Debbie and I are already season ticket holders for the Forum. If you have never attended a Forum, I think you would enjoy it. Great discussions!
Brian Liss announced that an East Hartford family which has lost everything in the house fire recently on Broad Street is in need of help for the holidays. The YMCA, East Hartford Interfaith Ministries, local religious congregations and our Rotary club will be helping the family back unto its feet. Brian will share more with us in coming days.
The Friends of Center Cemetery is soliciting sponsors for a walking tour of historical markers. Our club will be sponsoring a site narration by Art Bradbury (the voice of Rotary)
of a site which Art deems best. Site sponsorship is $250 which is used to defray the expense of the listening devices and continuing maintenance and improvements to the cemetery.
The club is participating in a fund raising effort for relief of Hurricane Sandy victims on Long Island through a local Rotary club there of which area has been especially devastated. Let’s be as generous as can be!
There was a two part Raffle this afternoon, the money plus a beautiful bouquet of flowers donated by Bob Buettner. The money was won by Frank Collins, the flowers by Ned Lynch. Once again beauty and money going to those who already have it!
Yours truly was the Thanksgiving speaker today. Thankful for good things beyond measure, grateful for all the blessings I enjoy which are mine in spite of anything I have done much more than because of it. I am,
Ted Mosebach
Publisher's Note: Today's edition of High Gear represents a rare double effort - Ted is both our main speaker and our High Gear writer. Neither task is easy and doing both on the same day is above and beyond. Thanks, Ted. Service Above Self. (From pool side here in Florida, "Happy Thanksgiving to our Rotary Family" - The Willetts)