So 33 strong gathered at Hilltop for the weekly chance to eat, converse and rag on each other. Not a bad way to spend Wednesday lunch period.

 

I was a little distracted upon my arrival as I brought a guest and needed to ensure that he was comfortable in the surroundings. Fortunately, EH Rotarians are a welcoming bunch and Matt slipped right into warm and friendly conversation.

 

We took our places among the throng of Rotarians, stood and bellowed out a very rousing rendition of song and Pledge of Allegiance.

 

During certain parts of the song I heard Mo Moshovos make a noise. The odd noise made me think of my uncle showing his pleasure of a good meal with a hearty burp but I was assured that the timeliness of the sound was meant to enhance the song---OK, but I’m sitting several seats away from him next time.

 

Dave Amberg gave special meaning to the invocation by listing the life commandments that governed the lives of our original American ancestors, the American Indians. Their concept of respect for the land and each other should be instilled in all current and future generations.

 

Someone yelled "lunch time" and off we went to the buffet. Wow—chicken, roasted potatoes, carrots and salad. It was a hearty meal that met with much pleasure from the group, including this writer.

 

During dinner I could not discern what was happening at the other tables that would make this writing meaningful and funny. My table was full of exuberance and chit chat. Notice I didn’t say meaningful or funny so no need to share it here.

 

Guests were introduced, Jeff Curry, local State Representative, and my guest, Matt Cuddy. He’s the new Branch Manager in West Hartford.

 

Jessica LeRoy and Alex Wisz were called for the welcome song and they attempted to discuss what side of the room they would welcome. Suggestion, maybe walk down the center and high five anyone willing to put their hand up. Once they had a plan, they welcomed most everyone who wasn’t in line for desert (cookies and ice cream).

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Dan Firestone who is still tasked with shaking us down as Sargeant of Arms had a meager showing. The Red Sox fans were missing and the Yankee fans are underground. There were a few early leavers, a few late arrivers and lost pins.

 

Ok, so here’s the roundup of notices that we were provided and I’ll share with you.

1.     Coats for Kids went well. 84 coats purchased ($3,320), a District Grant of 1/3 ($1,129) for a net cost to us of $2,191. Burlington gave a 15% discount. Volunteers were Dick and Jeanne McCarthy, Esther and Chuck Clarke, Susan Hansen, Mary Martin and Bill Saunders.

2.     Golf Tournament yielded a net income of $17,583 plus $4,000 from Pratt. There were 88 golfers. Nice work to this committee.

3.     Satellite Information meeting at Savvis on 10/6/16.

4.     Meet at 7 AM for the Hartford Marathon water station support this Saturday.

5.     Fireside chats are all set to  kick off next Monday.

6.     Club Assembly on 10/19

7.     Pot Luck dinner on 10/26 at the Ridge.

8.     Emphasis on Polio this month.

9.     Foundation Committee meeting next Wednesday at 11:30 AM

10.                        Intercommunity event this Friday at the Ridge to discuss the Opioid epidemic. Panel discussion.

 

Then, Mike Kerrigan announced his news about a promotion at the Y and he will be leaving our club. He will join the Plainville Rotary Club. He’s a good man and will be dearly missed. Congrats on the promotion. We were introduced to our newest member by Mike, coincidently also with the Y. Jennifer Odorczyk was pinned and introduced to the group. She will be a fine addition to our membership.

 

A few caring moments: Bob Buettner is recovering at home after sinus surgery. Herb Tischofer is back home recovering from stomach surgery. And, sadly, we learned that Gil Wishart’s son was diagnosed with Lou Gehrig’s disease. Keep him in your prayers.

 

Ahhhh---and finally the raffle. Anticipation was rampant to learn the new millionaire (yea right). Upon reading the number, our newest member, Jennifer announced she was the winner. After she realized that this was not her number she smiled and realized this is not Family Feud whereby you ring the bell before knowing the answer. She’ll learn. Bob Wood won and I did hear some hisses but they will go unnamed.

 

Holy cow—did we have a speaker after all this? What did they say? Did the group stay awake as time was leaking into most members’ nap time?

And then Mr. Firestone took the podium and announced our speaker for the day.

 

Josh Ritter, Education Manager and Library Director for the Goodspeed Opera House in Haddam, was our speaker today. He captivated the Rotarians with information, and snippets of the current show, Chasing Rainbows. This musical, about the life of Judy Garland, pre Wizard of Oz, looked like a great show for all ages.

 

He also gave us a walkthrough of the historic landmark and the facilities offerings. The education programs, costume rentals, writer’s workshops, dance and choreography training were unknown to this writer and I’m sure a few of the attendees.  This was a pleasant and informative session.

 

Well this writer is beyond my word limit and possibly your attention span. So I shall move on and wish you all well. Until next week—be well my friends!