Meteorlogical Summer maybe over, but calendar Summer surely remains with temperature near 90 and a high degree of humidity thrown in to make it truly hot! So walking into the Ridge's air-conditioned meeting space was a welcome relief. Inside, the golf committee was hard at work trying to pull the annual event together, noting that there is little time remaining to gather the necessary golfers and raffle prizes to make this event a continuing success! A reminder to all - support the event and get prizes, gift certificates and golfers to the committee!! Inside the main hall Doug Willett was trying to set up the computer and projector in preparation for his talk. He needed some help from Son, Wes, and Susan Hansen who supplied the necessary support. The rest of us gathered in animated groups and gabbed about any and all things, relevant or irrelevant!
Slightly late,
President Mark called us to order. We pledged, we sang, and listened to
Gil Wishart's apt Invocation thanking the Almighty for all great gifts and Rotary for work in improving many aspects of life around the world. We were sent off to the buffet table to fill our plates with a tasty piece of chicken, with a strange accompaniment of
rice, and of all things possible, broccoli in a semi mashed state - how original. A side dish of spinach salad and a desert of Philadelphia Water Ice completed the meal, President Mark said the water ice was indeed a Philadelphia delicacy, much like the Kool-aid ice pops we made our kids - too bad we didn't think of it as a delicacy then!
Next on the Agenda was the introduction of guests.
Wes Willett was introduced by his Dad, Doug, for the last time as a guest, and
Susan and Peter Klock introduced their
friends
Mel and Brenda Butke. They were serenaded with the Welcome Song led by
Yvette Roming and
Kevin Kickery. We truly missed
Art Bradbury giving us the opening key!
Dan Firestone was called up as the reigning Sgt. at Arms and spoke of a great day - Frank Collins for a Rotary Anniversary; Jack Martin paying (in advance) for the Empress's Friday birthday; Bill Saunders for his Granddaughter Kate's Wedding, Granddaughter Kristina's passing the Physician's Assistant exam, and Granddaughter Nicole’s visit before returning to Spain to continue her teaching career; Ned Lynch for his sons' return to college at Mass. Maritime and Wesleyan; and Hope Firestone for a late arrival and Yvette Roming and Michael Kerrigan for leaving early! President Mark noted the passing of former Rotarian Bill Berner, and Lionel Lessard's Dad.
Susan Hansen gave a very thoughtful Foundation Moment. The growth from $26.50 to a Billion dollars has been tremendous, and the monies are constantly being used around the world to foster goodwill and advance peace. She strongly suggests that each of us visit the Foundation website to see all that is accomplished. Sue Klock talked of the Rotary Leadership Conference and encouraged us to attend the next one scheduled for November 7th. Ask her about it. Doug Willett talked about Fireside Chats. He needs 5 hosts and 5 leaders. The Chats are to be scheduled in early October. He'll have a sign up sheet next week. Important dates - Greater Hartford Marathon -October 10th.
Neal will keep us informed. September 30th - Noon meeting to be held at the newly renovated Raymond Library. Hot off the Press, the Mystery Ride has been changed from 10/10/15 to 5/7/16 so as not to conflict with the major Fall Foliage weekend. And finally,
Happy Jack's raffle winner - the Judge,
Herb Barall.
Perhaps the most important part of today's meeting was the introduction and induction of our newest member, Wes Willett, by his proud father, Doug. Welcome Wes! Wes is an IT Consultant. Not able to leave the podium, Doug was introduced as today's speaker, pinch hitting at the request of the Empress. I wish the Red Sox pinch hitters could do as well. Doug introduced the Club to the wonders of River Cruising, the fastest growing segment of the travel industry. Doug spoke from his experiences of traveling on 5 of the world's great rivers. He spoke of the riverboats as being a barge with a world class
hotel on top, and being a great vehicle to travel the rivers. The boats come up to the great cities and towns and afford an easy approach to seeing these places up close and personal with excellent guides and well arranged tours. The boats are all inclusive, with accommodations, meals, wine and beer, and most side trips included. He noted that some are pricey, upwards to $10,000 with air, insurance, and most expenses covered. But for the most part they are a great value, and an even greater way to see the world's great cities and cultures. Nice program, Doug, and a nice selection of pictures to enhance your talk.
'til nex week, Bob Wood
