Although a song lyric says, “June is busting out all over,” I think May is giving June a run for its money. The view from The Ridge has trees in their full greenery, clouds rolling by, and birds singing merrily as they fly. The view inside the Clubhouse was even better than that: Gil Wishart was back, and we were all in good spirits at his return. There was much happy chatter until President Mary rang the bell to start the meeting. After saying our pledge to the Stars and Stripes, Hope Firestone read Emily Dickinson’s “Prayer is the little implement” poem as the invocation.

 

Several guests joined us today. Nick Cecere introduced Loretta and Dan Dienst who came from Texas to visit their old neighborhood (and Rotary Club.) Bob Wood introduced Nevalee Wood, Gil’s home health aide (who graciously acknowledged a brief serenade from Dan Larson. He couldn’t resist singing her name to the tune of My Fair Lady’s “Wouldn’t It Be Loverly!”) Neal Cunningham introduced Bob Dugger from the Glastonbury Club. Neal and Bob are the club softball game coordinators; mark your calendars for the big game July 27. Today’s welcome song was sung by Marc Glass and Ted Mosebach.

 

Sergeant-at-Arms Report: Dan Larson thanked Jack Martin for filling in for him last week. Dan said people were very generous today. Many people paid for being glad to have Gil Wishart back; Marc Glass paid $2 for his haircut (and said that was more than he paid the barber!) Dan Russell paid for being late and forgetting his badge; Herb Barall paid for his 23^rd anniversary; Neal Cunningham paid for his 24^th anniversary; Art Bradbury paid for his granddaughter going to England; George Schoen paid for his granddaughter going to Washington. Larry Frazier paid for his grandson serving on the USS Farragut in the Persian Gulf; Chuck Clarke paid for Ruth Sheehan’s “poor Red Sox.” Dan and Hope Firestone paid for their grandson putting 19” wheels on the 1993 Lexus. And Dick McCarthy paid for his 54^th wedding anniversary.

 

 

Announcements: Bob Wood said today was the last day to get tickets to the End Polio Now Rock Cats game. Gil Wishart will order the tickets.  Bob Buettner had more details on the club’s installation dinner, June 24 at the Gallery. Tickets are $50 and the dinner choices will be Prime Rib, Filet Mignon, Salmon or Chicken Francaise. Empress Mary read a thank you note from Superintendent of Schools (and club member) Nate Quesnel thanking us for providing scholarships to six students.

 

Ted Mosebach still has some openings for people to sell Duck Race tickets. Contact him for more information. Dave Amberg is the chairman of the Memorial Day parade float. Sign up if you want to help decorate the float or march in the parade. Dan Larson reminded everyone to wish Mayor Marcia Leclerc a happy birthday today (but will the ever-vigilant Sergeant-at-Arms make her pay for that?) And Gil Wishart thanked everyone for their cards, calls, visits, prayers and most of all -- the caring.

 

Raffle master Jack Martin had Ceil Collins draw the winning ticket and George Agnelli was today’s winner.

 

Today’s guest speaker, in full dress uniform, was Chief John Oates of the East Hartford Fire Department. The Chief came to East Hartford in 2008 after 20 years with the West Hartford Fire Department. He had so much to share about our fire department that I think the club needs to invite him back again soon to tell us more. Did you know that our fire department responds to over 10,000 emergency response calls a year? That’s quite a large number for a town of our size. Last year over 5000 calls were medical, 3000 fire and the rest for general services. This past winter the fire department responded to 7 fires in a two-week period during the coldest part of the year. It was clear from the Chief’s talk that he is extremely proud of the 133 people on his team who strive every day to deliver the highest quality service to the people of East Hartford.

 

Chief Oates had two important messages to share with us today, and he wants us to help spread the word. First, the town has a program called East Hartford Alert that residents can sign up for through the town’s website. By opting into the program you allow the town to communicate with you, by phone, text or email, about emergency situations, storm preparedness and other times of need. This is a free service and an efficient way for the town to reach its residents and keep them informed. Second, the Chief told us that anyone can stop by the Fire Marshall’s Office and get a free smoke detector. He called smoke detectors the “cheapest insurance” you can buy, often for as little as $8, and reminded everyone not to make the mistake of thinking they would wake up or know if their house was on fire. And now you don’t even need to buy one! Please tell your friends and neighbors, and let’s help every home in East Hartford have a smoke detector. When it comes to service above self, our Fire Department leads the way.

 

I always leave our meetings feeling inspired and proud to be in Rotary. I’m looking forward to next week already!

 

Onward and upward ~

Susan