Another sparkling evening of East Hartford Rotary’s celebration of all that’s good in this world-wide organization. From the bone-chilling deep-frozen months of winter’s woes, came the spring-laden delight of a Paul Harris Recognition gala. Yep, we met once again at The Gallery in Glastonbury to pay tribute to this annual fun-filled event.

 

Messrs. Larson and Bradbury led the assembled in a rousing rendition of the R-O-T-A-R-Y song, followed by PDG Sue Klock’s thoughtful invocation. President Mary Martin welcomed our guests for the evening; while not as many as in former years, we were double the number normally on hand for a Wednesday luncheon. All seemed in a festive mood as we greeted each other with the club’s own Welcome Song, written by former East Hartford Rotarian Tom Westbrook, but led by Larson & Bradbury.

 

And The Gallery stayed true to its reputation in serving us delicious entrees, most of them large enough to warrant taking home, there to feed us for the next three days! The Gallery staff is most attentive; several have been around long enough to be greeted as old friends, so it is, indeed, like going home.

 

Assuming this missive will arrive before the weekend, we were reminded that the memorial service for Gil Wishart’s wife, Jean, will happen at South Congregational Church, in East Hartford on Forbes St., this Saturday morning at 11:00AM.)

 

As a sort of progress report on her Club’s trek through the year, President Mary spoke proudly of the 111% attainment of Foundation goals achieved by our club in the first nine months. Go, East Hartford - Go Mary!!!

 

Jim Watts, as Chair of the Paul Harris Committee which gives recommendations to the Board, gave a nice explanation of the Committee’s process leading up to the Recognition Ceremony. Then, each of the presenters gave brief summations of the write-ups included in the printed program.

 

 Ruth Sheehan spoke eloquently on behalf of Rita Brown; and in Rita’s acceptance remarks, we were reminded of the fun times we had with the Browns at their home, at District Conferences, and at the 27 Golf Tournaments in which she has worked so diligently as a volunteer.

 

George Schoen, speaking on behalf of awardee Mike Derr, told of the way in which Mike, on returning to East Hartford with wife Janet, immediately assumed active membership as an East Hartford Rotarian, and re-established himself as a contributing member of South Congregational Church. Mike himself spoke modestly of his participation and the role which his Rotary membership has played in his life.

 

In similar fashion, Peg Schoen introduced Charlotte Turner and told something of her dedication as a friend, mother, wife and committed partner of husband Al Turner, pastor of South Church. In her own right, Charlotte related something of her journey as an artist, describing for us the ways in which she is using her talents to enrich the lives of patients at the Hospital for Special Care in New Britain.

 

It was readily apparent that the Committee and Board had done a good job in selecting this year’s Paul Harris Fellows. Visiting Assistant District Governor Marty Fins, in concert with our own President Mary, presented the certificates, and pins of achievement.

 

As a harbinger of springtime growth in our membership rolls, we were told by President Mary that Anthony (Tony) Sweet, an officer in United Bank, has been proposed as a new member. Acceptance of his membership, of course, is 2 weeks down the road, in accordance with club protocol.

 

And so, filling in for the absent Ted Mosebach, it’s been a pleasure, as always, to be with you……