With the snow behind us and the prospect of spring in front of us, we gathered for our weekly fellowship. Weather was more seasonable. We went through our weekly ritual of singing the Rotary Song, reciting the Pledge-of-Allegiance and listening to the Invocation which was delivered by Bill Saunders.

 

Just when we were getting fully trained to go through the buffet lunch routine, we were hit with a new challenge which was a table served lunch. We accepted the challenge and devoured the meal consisting of tossed salad, chicken breast topped with red sauce, ziti, mixed veggies, bread and pecan pie.

 

Among the guests, and about to lose the guest status, were Marty Finn, Bob Dunn, Christine Lessard and our guest speaker, Len Besthoff. Chuck and Jessica serenaded us with the Welcome Song. Gil Wishart, not a guest, but just back from Florida, also received a warm welcome. Gil, it’s nice to have you back.

 

President Marc, this week, did call upon George Schoen first to deliver the Sergeant-at-Arms report. George noted the following:

• Many paid fines in honor of Gil coming back from Florida.
• Kevin paid for a Happy Easter.
• John O'Connor paid for the great vacation he and Sheryl had in Curacao.
• One early leaver.                                        

 

Announcements and Caring Moments:

 

• Volunteer work at the Shelter Sat March 26. Mike will email directions and other details.
• Paul Harris Dinner on April 13, 2016
• District Conference on April 29, 2016
• Mystery Ride on May 7, 2016
• Susan Hansen is having a surgery on her hand. We will keep her in our thoughts and prayers.
• Duck Race is in the planning phase.
• Gil presented the Rotary flag from the Spring Hill Rotary Club where he attended meetings while in Florida.

 

Assistant District Governor Marty Finn and President Marc formally inducted Christine in our club. Marty informed us that our club was one of the two in the District to receive the Presidential Citation. Happy Jack asked Neal, last week's winner, to pull out and read aloud the winning ticket. Neal did what he was asked. Jack, however, had to jump in. Before the holder of ticket # 245 could get too excited, Jack announced that actually Neal picked # 345, making Hope our winner of the week.

 

President Marc introduced the Guest Speaker. Len Besthoff, Chief Investigative Reporter from NBC Connecticut, gave us an interesting account of his career path from the time he was a young man and always wanted to be on TV to his current position with NBC. He showed us a video that summarized the type of reporting they do. One of the hot topics they are pursuing is a story about the crumbling concrete foundations at many homes in certain sections of Connecticut. Please stay tuned.