The Ridge was hot today. The windows and doors were ajar but the heat leaked in and made this seem like a summer gathering. Dan Firestone was holding court for the Program Committee. They were sweating it out but they always come through with great speakers that are informative and entertaining. Kudos to them.

 

It is fun writing this column as three Rotarian’s approach me as I write notes and attempt to give me Sargeant of Arms money. Being honest, I deferred to Bob Buettner.

 

I strolled through the gathering masses, 36 in all today, and found a few notable offerings for you. The Empress was a “lil” cranky at first, but then she gazed into Happy Jack’s eyes and all was back to normal again. I looked in his eyes but got no such feelings.

 

Mark Glass made a bee line to me to tell me something and upon arrival he promptly forgot what he wanted to say. We pinned a note on his chest with his name/number on it and showed him where his car was after the meeting.

 

Art Bradbury is always engaging and we shared a few laughs about the VW diesel fiasco. In a short conversation with Bill Saunders, he informed (bragged) me about how he had cleaned the house for Bev as she had her bridge group coming in later. What a guy.

 

If you hadn’t seen it, you must call up the Hartford Courant website and see the lovely article on Sunday about Dan and Betty Russell. What a wonderful couple.

 

I did make my way over to the podium to see if the microphone was working. As you know from my prior writing, our speakers have found a way to vocalize mud. Upon a proper “test, test, test”, it was determine there is no hardware problem. What next you ask? President Bill shuffled me aside and rang the bell. Like Pavlov’s dogs, the throng of Rotarian’s stand, sings harmoniously and celebrate our freedom and independence with a proper saying of the Pledge. Hope Firestone found a simple invocation that befits our fortunate lives and how we should live.

 

It was lunch time with a Mexican flare. There were all of the makings for tacos. You could have it with the corn shell, or simply pile the “stuff” on a plate or over a salad. I cannot vouch for this entrée but the throng seemed happy. Cookies complimented the meal.

 

The Welcome Song was rehearsed promptly at 12:40 PM with the proper key provided by George Schoen. Still no dancers and this is starting to bother me.

 

 

 

So much for the kind offerings.

 

Peter Klock reminded us of the MCC Science Series next Wednesday, topic Hartford flood controls.

 

Ceil reminded everyone about the pot luck dinner next week. Need a count for the chickens. Late RSVP= bring your own chicken. Costumes and clothing are optional. I love Ceil’s parties.

 

Board meeting next Monday. Foundation dinner on 11/3/16. Paul Harris committee meeting on 11/9 at 11 AM, before the weekly meeting. Rotary Leadership Institute “RLI” being held in Chicopee on 11/12. We received our grant of $12,000 from Pratt—now that is a very good thing. 

 

Doug Willett expressed his gratitude for the Fireside Chat participants, hosts, cooks, house cleaners, valet parking attendants and the Sommeliers’ at the fireside chats.

 

The raffle was announced and in excess of $450 was raised for Polio. This is a generous bunch—imagine if we served booze at lunch?? Our own Dan Russell was awarded the honor of picking the winner and deftly picked this writers ticket, and the husband of the cook. Now who would have thought? I could not take home a pie I had just lugged in the door so I chose a ticket with Jim Fallon’s hand attached to it. Good for him and bring back the plate and basket please.

 

Sheryl O’Connor addressed the crowd with some stats on Polio, its cost and how little it takes to make a difference. Peter Klock also spoke about the worldwide impact of Rotary’s work and it’s fundraising to combat this scourge. He gave a synopsis of the composition of the inoculation and how it has been tailored to be better in application.

 

Susan Hansen, our President in waiting, spoke of the work of the Treasurer and how we are looking to streamline the billing and collecting of dues and donations. This will go on line possibly as we try to lessen the burden on this position.

 

Sue Klock spoke of the Rotary Action Groups and how they will be represented at the Annual Meeting in Atlanta next year. Rotarians with similar interests getting together to share their passions. Steve Jacoby was quick to point out that the alcoholics in the group can join the wine folks and imbibe on fine wines. We are also working through the satellite club and how to make this a viable option.

 

So I leave you with this final thought that President Bill raised to a hushed crowd. That in and of itself spoke volumes of its weight. How to address the leadership void our club is facing? Many jobs to do and a dwindling membership base of new faces. Is there a viable plan and is merging an item that should be seriously considered? There is much to ponder as we move forward but there is no lack of dedication and comradery in this fine fellowship, so we will prevail.

 

Until next week—I sing---WE ARE ROTARTY, IT’S A GREAT PLACE TO BE……………………………………….

 

Kevin Kickery