High Gear, Novermber 28, 2012

            So I arrived a little early, wanted to settle in with a cup of coffee and pad and pen, when there at the reception table ahead of me was Steve Jacoby.  To repeat, it was early!  And we were back to green cards today, the usually punctual Brian Liss having gotten the roster sheets to the table a bit late.  Now, let’s see.  Brian late, Steve early.  What is the club coming to?

            Pasta and meatballs today, with some fresh fruit sections for dessert.  This is the favorite dessert of a very bright man at my table with the initials Jim Fallon.  Not really.  From what I understand Jim likes fruit and he likes dessert.  He just doesn’t like to mix them.  Maybe in a pie.  I did look over and notice that after a while his fruit dish was empty.  I’m not sure what that means.  I don’t think Jim Reik took it.

            Guests were Pat Kennedy from the South Windsor club and Mindy Duval, daughter and business partner of proud father, Bob Buettner.  The Welcome Song was led by Bill Saunders and Dave Amberg and they kept us all in tune.

            Sergeant at Arms Jim Watts collected form Bob Buettner for his wife’s birthday, John O’Connor for no pin, George Schoen for something, Ruth Shehan on honor of Jack Ghagan, Dave Amberg because Notre Dame is first in football and first in team graduation rate, Dan Firestone for his trip to Florida over Thanksgiving and for getting his toenails painted there by his eight year old granddaughter, and Brian Liss for his wife’s birthday.  I need to ask, are we supposed to pay for our spouses’ birthdays now too, or are Bob and Brian just like that?  I’m tight, but still.

            President Sheryl paid for announcing the Hartford Chorale Chamber Singers concert at First Congregational Church in South Windsor at 3:00 PM this Sunday.  It will be crowded so come early to get a good pew.  I don’t think I have ever said that before.

            We took some time to remember Jack Ghagan and share some memories. Many stories were told reflecting Jack’s generous nature, dedication to the club, and the example he was of how good and full a person’s life can be when lived in keeping with the Rotary motto and Four Way Test.  How we will miss him!  The club gathered last night at D’esepo funeral home for visiting hours and we sang the Welcome Song at the family’s request.  It was a wonderful moment. We are still a great Rotary club, but now without Jack, not as good as we were a week ago.

            Annual Meeting for the club will be December 12.  President Sheryl forewarned us that we will be seated in the infamous U formation. We have better club-wide discussions that way and get more things done.  Maybe Congress should try it.

            Our time for ringing the bell for Salvation Army begins this Saturday and continues for the next three Saturdays in December.  There are still some openings for this Saturday.  Contact Jack Sayre.

            Mary Sullivan reported that the dictionaries for the schools have been ordered and will probably be handed to the students early next year.

            No afternoon meeting next Wednesday in deference to the Club Holiday Party at the Gallery.  Dinner choices are Prime Rib, Chicken Marcela, or Stuffed Shrimp.  The cost is $45.00.  If you have not yet made a reservation contact Ceil Collins.

            The YMCA Strong Kids annual campaign will have a meeting at  the home of Dan and Betty Russell, Tuesday, December 11 at 7:00 PM.  Drinks and hors d’oeuvres will be served.  Dan will sing and do the movements to the YMCA song. Please RSVP to 860-289-6612 by December 7.

            Steve Jacoby announced that once again this year the club will be helping with the Dance Fest for East Hartford Holiday Fest. This program is led by Reggie and Herb Barall.  Two couples are needed to host and serve refreshments. One child or adult is needed to work the curtain for the performances.

            The Raffle was won by Ned Lynch. Ned has won the raffle so many times lately that everyone sort of looks in his direction now when the number is called.  Apparently he’s not embarrassed. He still takes the envelope with a smile and says thank you, proving that any talk of a redistribution of wealth is unfounded.

            Nate Quesnel, Superintendent of East Hartford Schools was the speaker.  He shared his vision of plans, people, and perception for the district.  He is an impressive person who communicates his strong commitment to public education and our student’s success.  He follows in the footsteps of some great Superintendents from whose service our schools have benefitted over the years. One was mentioned a little earlier in this writing in connection with fruit for dessert.

Ted Mosebach