High Gear, September 28, 2011
I’m tempted to call it Indian Summer, but guess that’s only after the first frost; it’s been like a summer day, though. When we closed the pool yesterday, the water temp was 70 degrees, really quite swimmable! President Peter stroked the bell at precise
ly 12:15 and we were off to the races. “The song,” “the Pledge,” and a most thoughtful invocation from Ruthie Sheehan in which she “humbly and wisely” asked that we follow the Four Way Test in our lives as Rotarians. We were then served a full course turkey dinner by the Krause Krew, with an apple strudel for dessert. Mighty tasty!
ANNOUNCEMENTS:
- With October being the month in which we make a special pitch for Polio Plus, we were all handed empty envelops bearing our RI ID numbers, with the request that we put some ($) in them for the P.P. effort, and forward on to the Treasurer. We were also reminded that such a gift does not fulfill the Rotary Foundation giving requirement (needed from each member in order to receive a Presidential Citation). So do that, too!
- Fireside Chats – They started last night at Host Steve Jacoby’s, continuing twice a week for the next three. Call or email Doug Willett for your assigned gathering if in doubt. These are important get-togethers and every Rotarian should make an effort to go where assigned or request a change.
- Yvette Roming told of plans (remember, it’s a MYSTERY Ride!), like the date –Nov.5th-, and leaving from the Ridge, at 5:00PM, with a cost of $55-60 per person. So, if you haven’t already, sign up next week and don’t be left behind! Yvette also shared with us the news that her company has been selected as (one of, actually the 4th) best workplaces in the state. Good job, Yvette!
- Steve Jacoby held forth with news of the Leadership Institute at the Mass Mutual Conference Ctr. on October 15th. A great opportunity for new(er) Rotarians to learn more about Rotary. Our club will “pay to play” and you can register on line.
- The high school Interact Club will be conducting a cleanup project on Oct.1st on the Hockanum River. Anyone interested in being a part of this effort should sign up by calling their advisor, Rachel Buck, at 203 530-1171.
- John Kelleher said that the Job Shadowing project on Oct.26 still needs participants.
- Paul Harris Recognition will get underway soon, per Jim Watts. Applications are on our website. Anyone can nominate; present P.H. holders will then meet to consider nominees to recommend.
- George Schoen spoke movingly about the many volunteers who did yeoman-like work at the golf tournament; including not only many Rotarians, but also lots of spouses and significant others.
- George Agnelli told of a special upcoming benefit being held for Bill & Bev Leone and others suffering the effects of brain cancer. To be held on Oct.29 at the Irish American Home in Glastonbury; dinner @ 7:00PM, $75 pp; VIP’s @ 6:00PM, hors d’oeuvres & dinner $150 pp. George will have tickets and more info next week.
- Angele Read told of the E.H. Chamber’s silent auction and dinner, Nov.4 at the Marco Polo.
- And Neal Cunningham told of the Gtr Htfd Marathon water station on Oct.15. Still need workers!
Guests today, for which Nick Cecere and Jim Watts led the Welcome Song, included boyhood friend of Brian Liss, Mike Kerrigan; a Broadbrook Rotarian, Gus Large; and former E.H.Rotarian Kathy McCabe.
Sgt-at-Arms Jack Ghagan told of birthday observances for Scott Nozik, Louise Mazzoli, President Peter Klock, and Ned Lynch. A song was sung for all. And, with anniversaries, were: John Mozzicato, Glen Peterson, Sam Leone, Dan Russell, and himself, Jack Ghagan!.....and then, Mary Sullivan, herself, was the winner of our week
ly raffle. What’s that they say about the “luck of the Irish!” A make-up was reported (not many happening these days!) for Bob Wood up in lovely Bridgton, Maine.
Speaker today was Bob Brell, colorful President of the Valley Railroad Company, who told us with a flourish of the Essex Steam Train & Riverboat. (Do you older Rotarians remember when former District Governor Arnie Frieze had that position?).Once considered more of a “museum,” this venture has turned itself into a first rate entertainment complex, selling out on an all around basis to adults (the May thru October “Essex Clipper Dinner train”) and youngsters alike (the late October “Fright Train”). It was good to hear of this successful venture in our state (perhaps just the right birthday/anniversary gift you may be seeking for your favorite guy or gal) and we thank our program committee for bringing it to us!
Yep, it was good we could get together………………………………………………………………………………….Arthur