Under sunny but somewhat cool weather we gathered at the Ridge to take part in our weekly Rotary camaraderie . The opening bell sounded somewhat muted because President Marc moved the podium to the opposite side of the room from where I was. The Rotary Song and Pledge-of-Allegiance were followed by a  slightly different invocation by Kevin Kickery. March is the month for his daughters’ birthdays as well as the passing of his mother in the years past. He read a nice poem in remembrance of his mother.
We were back to the buffet lunch with mashed potatoes, pulled pork, mixed vegetable, rolls, salad and apple crisp with vanilla ice cream.
No guest today other than our speaker. Dave Amberg and Steve Jacoby, who was about to take a forkful of lunch into his mouth, were called on by President Marc to get up and get the show on the road. This duo must have done a good job with the welcome song for our guest to mention that in his opening remarks.
George Schoen, our Sergeant-at-Arms, reported a healthy collection of fines for the following:
- Bob Buettner for being on TV Easter Sunday talking about, what else, flowers.
- The continuing saga of the ongoing feud between Danny Boy and Happy Jack; this time Dan accusing Jack of stealing his Rotary badge which Jack claims he found in the ladies room. There are more details, but I am sorry to say I cannot put them in writing.
- In the above commotion, I missed who paid for the UConn Women being in the Final Four.
- Kevin Kickery paid for his wife and daughter's birthdays.
- Jay Stewart acknowledged an act of kindness from the postal clerk at the Silver Lane post office. The offer by this clerk to rewrap Jay's package so that she can save money is rare.
 Dan Larson contributed for his 20th anniversary with the Club.
- Jim Watts stood up after we thought George had closed shop, waving a five dollar bill, announcing and marching towards the podium at the same time, saying something like he was sorry that 20 years ago when he was the president, he allowed Dan to join the Club.
Announcements and Caring Moments:
- President Marc graciously admitted that he made a mistake at last week's induction ceremony for our newest member, Christine Lessard. This week he had Mary Martin, her sponsor, do the honor. George Schoen chimed in that there will not be any refund in fees for the one week that she was not an
.jpg) official member.
- The Board decided to donate $500 for vocational training and $4,000 to the YMCA.
- Paul Harris Dinner on April 13, 2016
- District Conference on April 29, 2016
- Mystery Ride on May 7, 2016
- District Assembly on May 11, 2016
- Social Committee will meet at 11:30 a.m. next Wed at the Ridge.
- Volunteers from the Club helped Mike Kerrigan at the shelter with painting.
- Sheryl O'Connor reported attending the Rotary Club in Curacao and enjoying their hospitality and fellowship, a common trait of Rotarians throughout the world.
Since our last week's Raffle winner, Hope Firestone, was not present, Happy Jack asked her lesser half, Dan to pick the winning number. No one raised their hand when # 256 was announced. Perhaps it belonged to the Mike Kerrigan who left early. The second pick of # 251 made Alex Wisz our winner of the week.
 Our guest speaker was introduced as the "Ice Man". Bob McClellan is the third generation owner of the Burnside Ice Company, a business which started making ice in a local pond in East Hartford. He narrated how in the years past the company had to evolve and reinvent itself to survive and continue. Right now they have a successful beer brewing operation with active participation by his sons which may lead to the business in the hands of the fourth generation. Have a great week.
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