Back in the day, the first meeting after the installation of new President of our Rotary Club would see gentle but creative harassing of the new leader. We witnessed over the years such shenanigans as people ignoring the ringing of the bell with loud ongoing conversations; everyone standing up and turning their chair away from the podium; and even, on more than one occasion, the group getting up and walking out the door. It was up to the new leader to deal with the situation and to reestablish order and decorum, to demonstrate he/she was in charge. I miss those days.
This was the first meeting with new
President Marc Glass presiding. He is a big guy and an imposing presence. He was well organized and
ready to get right to it. The meeting began with the opening song, the invocation and the introduction of guests.
Assistant Governor Marty Fin was here as were about to be new member,
Tony Sweet and two prospective new members,
Jessica Leroy and Oliva Henze. Our two immediate Past Presidents,
George Schoen and
Mary Martin, led the Welcome Song.
Lunch was preparation for our Fourth of July family affairs upcoming this weekend with an indoor “cookout.” Hot dogs, hamburgers, salads, coleslaw and all the fixings were on the buffet tables. Dessert was a nicely
sized piece of cheese cake, something Jack Sayre was only too happy to consume.
Jay Stewart is our Fine Master this month and she wants to soften her blows by reminding everyone that all proceeds from this coercive tradition go to the Scholarship Fund. New President Marc started it off by making a contribution for all the fines he will exempt from during his year as our leader. What Marc apparently doesn’t realize is that if he screws up while President, it costs him a wine and cheese party, not some cheap two dollar fine. A whole bunch of folks contributed a dollar to endorse the sentiment that they “were happy to be an American.” Susan Hansen is celebrating 11 years of wedded bliss (not sure how long she and Matthew have been married); Gil Wishart is back on the road and driving once again (you’ve been warned); Sue and Peter Klock enjoyed their first Greek Wedding last week (Mo Moshovos has been to a few of these) and finally, in the sports world, Mark and Bob Buettner paid to celebrate last night’s thrilling World Cup win by the US girls and George Schoen paid because he is excited by the recent suspension of ineptitude displayed by the Red Sox. (I’m sure Ruthie is wearing a big grin as well.)
In the announcements department:
Dick McCarthy reminded one and all that the annual Sergeant at Arms Party will be held in two weeks, July 15 starting at 5 p.m. at the Ridge. No noon meeting that day. There is no charge for this event. Significant others are welcomed. Dick needs a count of attendees for the caterer by Friday, July 10th so if you are going and haven’t signed up, call Dick at 860-918-5626 by that date.
Jack Sayre is still collecting for the Back to School Supplies effort. Donations of back packs and other school supplies will be accepted ending next meeting. Cash is welcome as well.
Sue Klock provided the Foundation Minute with her sidekick, the ceramic pig we have come to know and love. The pig welcomes pocket change each week and any donations to the Foundation are eligible for a two for one match from the Gates Foundation in support of Polio Plus. Sue also brought back a certification awarded to us from the Manchester Rotary Club for our support of its Water Projects in Guatemala.
The District Golf Tournament will be at Twin Hills CC in Longmeadow, MA on August 3rd.
The Golf Committee will meet next Wednesday at 11:30 a.m. at the Ridge.
Old buddy (pushing 87 lately)
Roger Nicholson, a Rotarian since 1957, send a nice thank you note for our phone call during the Installation Dinner last week. He and Anne send greetings from their new home at 231 Overlook Drive, Verona, PA 15147. His phone there is 412-826-5904. His email is
rgranne3@gmail.com.
We had two further presentations today. First, Assistant Governor Marty Fin presented Immediate Past President Mary Martin with the
Presidential Citation marking her achievements in the 2014-2015 Rotary year. Only 12 clubs in our 63 Club District achieved this honor this past year. Well done, Empress. Also our Interact Club at the local high school also received one of the few awarded at that level this year. Congratulations to all the kids involved.
The second presentation was the induction of our newest member, Tony Sweet, the branch manager for the new United Bank branch in Glastonbury across from Katz Hardware. Tony is an East Hartford
resident and he and his wife are looking forward to the birth of their second daughter next month. She will join her four year old sister. Tony is looking forward to getting involved in Rotary and community activities and is sponsored by
Steve Jacoby.
Bob Boutonniere won the raffle.
No program today and our wet behind the ears new President informed us that this was one meeting down and only 51 to go. It sounds like he is beginning the countdown a little prematurely.
So, as of this meeting, we have a new leader, the Yanks are in first, the Sox remain in the basement, God’s in his heaven and all is right with the world. Let’s see what next week brings. In the meantime, Be a Gift to the World.
