High Gear, October 12, 2011
We arrived under cloudy skies in the midst of a warm breeze but not comparing to the warmth of Rotary friendship which waited for us inside. All of us upon finding seats were immediately presented with samples of Rotary table cards and special pins, which if I understand it right, will be used as a designation of our own Sue Klock’s present year as District Governor. Pretty pins. Nice job Sue!
Gratitude to God was beautifully spoken by Larry Hangland for the food and the nation and Rotary. Lunch was good; nice pork slices, some red beat cabbage, and these little doughy things. I liked them. The apple pie was good too! It is great to have a good lunch when we have so many guests. They were:
Alex Wisz – American Eagle Credit Union
Dave Canaparl – from the Glastonbury Club
John Hendersen – a guest of George Finch and a neighbor of Frank and Ceil Collins. Wow! Double Dose! Do you think John might be a member soon?
Mike Barnett – present Assistant District Governor and District Governor elect 2013
Even though George Finch brought a guest he was still selected to lead the Welcome Song. I guess President Peter thought it a privilege for George to get up from the table early and choral conduct. President Peter did then get Mary Sullivan to help out and she sings fairly well on key. I don’t know, I think it would have been alright to let George finish his pie this week.
Jack Sayre, Sergeant at Arms, tagged some long time members for club anniversaries: Larry Frazier for 44 years, and Neal Cunningham for 20, and Bob Buettner for 1.
Sheryl O’Connor first encountered the world around this time of year just a little while ago. All the men sang Happy Birthday.
Everyone received a Polio Plus envelope in hopes that we will each put some money in it. Come on, Polio’s almost beaten!
For Veteran’s Day the club is arranging to take 10 veterans to lunch and a movie at the Manchester theaters. The idea is for there to be one club member for each veteran. If you would like to participate please speak with President Peter.
The Mini Fruit Sale list was passed from table to table. If you would like to buy fruit and/or sell fruit to others be sure to put the amount on the list. The sale will continue for at least four more weeks.
There is still plenty of room on the Mystery Bus Ride. Thirty Eight have signed up so far but that’s not a bus full. Sign the list or see Guy Labella. My guess is that the bus is going to his house. I heard he throws a fantastic party!
The club will be serving at a water station again for the Hartford Marathon this year on this Saturday, October 15. Meet at 7:15AM at the Commerce Building on East River Drive at the glass cubicle.
George Agnelli reported that Bill Flynn remains informed about club events and Bill sent a $110 donation for the golf tournament and $50 for Polio Plus.
George also reported that an organization called Voices Against Brain Cancer will hold their 2011 “Sounding Off For A Cure” event at the Irish American Home Ballroom in Glastonbury. At the dinner four people will be honored including this year our own Bill Leone. Tickets are $150 for dinner and cocktail reception with Jim Calhoun, or $75 for the dinner. You can reserve tickets through George.
The raffle was won by Bob Buettner. As this day was his first year club anniversary I thought that winning the raffle was sort of appropriate for him, until I remembered that he must have won it five times already this year!!! Of course, as Buettner’s is now the florist for First Church maybe we’ll get a deal now?! I have always thought it best to see the vase half full.
The speaker was Tim Barthiel of Monrovia Evergreen, the first wholesale plant supplier to grow plants in containers for ease of shipping, selling, and planting. He had some nice ideas for home landscaping and green living.
I need to go home now and cut my grass.