This week’s meeting was the special evening dinner and celebration acknowledging the East Hartford Rotary Club’s (EHRC) Paul Harris Fellow recognitions for 2023. It was also an opportunity to recognize seven sponsors of our annual Golf tournament for their continued major contributions which support the Club’s community outreach. We met at the Wethersfield Country Club for a dinner gathering of 112 guests and club members. The meeting was opened with the EHRC welcome song, the Pledge Allegiance to the Flag, and invocations given by Sue and Peter Klock, Dan Firestone, and Anwar Hossain. The Dinner was a choice of Chicken Plicata, Salmon, steak or vegetarian dish, and carrot cake for dessert.
Dan Larson gave a meaningful message about the Rotary Club and its origin, mission and accomplishments throughout communities around the world. He highlighted efforts to eradicate polio, noting that there were individuals within the room who had been directly involved in administering the polio vaccine in impoverished countries. He further noted the work being done to improve water access in remote Guatemala villages. Dan’s comments impressively described the good works of world-wide Rotary Clubs.
Prior to the Paul Harris recognitions, the Club acknowledged American Eagle Financial Credit Union, Andreo Family Enterprises, D’Esopo East Hartford Memorial Chapel, Goodwin University, Congressman John Larson, Pratt & Whitney, and Rosebud 1876, LLC. These organizations and individuals were presented with a plaque of appreciation by the EHRC, with a hearty round of applause for their generous support of the EHRC’s Golf Tournament fund raiser for its community service efforts.
Club members Jim Watts, Chairman of the Paul Harris Committee and Marc Glass, Past District Governor, along with Randi Saboski, Assistant Governor all joined to present those being honored with Paul Harris Fellowships. First acknowledged were Answar Hossain, Guy LaBella and Timothy Larson, all with write-ups in the Program on each of their accomplishments in their professions as well as long-serving volunteerism in the community. In addition to these three individuals, Dan Larson and Bob Buettner were called forward and presented with Paul Harris Fellow recognitions for their outstanding contributions toward the successful 2022 Golf Tournament. In a separate moment of appreciation, Ceil Collins was called forth and presented with a floral recognition of her dedicated work in planning and carrying through with many of the EHRC’s activities.
In conclusion, it was a pleasure to note a room full of men and women dedicated to the EHRC’s pledge of “Service Above Self.” -- George Schoen
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