Today was a typical, cool, damp, almost wintery day - not great, not bad.On arriving early I noticed quite a few more cars in the parking lot than is normal. What's going on, I thought? Upon entering the Ridge, the reason was apparent - a meeting of the Duck Race Committee was deep in discussion.More about that later!As others came, we dared not go into the main dining room for fear of disturbing this ongoing committee meeting.
MAKING THE MOST OF EACH DAY'S GIFT
Marc Glass was acting as treasurer to take our money as the Empress was busy with the aforementioned group.But as the meeting broke up we took our usual assigned seats and waited patiently for President Bill to approach the podium and ring The Bell.
That done, we sang and pledged, and listened to Jay Stewart's thoughtful Invocation as she spoke about the sharing of Rotary friendship, and all that Rotary does to make the world a better place.She ended by saying "today is a gift. It is up to us to make the most of this gift!"
We then approached the buffet table and found our luncheon of tilapia, rice, mixed vegetables, bread, and the usual tossed salad.It was OK. The dessert table was laid out with a colorful assortment of cupcakes.
Upon reconvening, no guests were noticed, but Art Bradbury and George Schoen were still called upon to lead the Welcome Song.Art's comment was that it actually sounded quite good, and there were no guests to enjoy it!
PRESIDENT ELECT HAS HEARD ENOUGH
Following our usual script, Jim Watts was next up, listing today's donors - Chuck Clarke -for leaving early (Chuck also thanked the many Rotarians who have kept the family in their prayers and thoughts throughout their Son's bout with lung cancer), Susan Hansen - for a birthday, and not wanting to be sung to, as she has heard us sing before, Marc Glass - for his weekly "wanted" poster in the Gazette.
Ned Lynch contributed for the Patriots upcoming 5th championship and a tribute to the Red Sox, Kevin Kickery gave in honor of his granddaughter's birthday, Christine Lessard honored Lionel's being Honored as Marshal for the St. Patrick's Day Parade, Lionel Lessard paid for being late, Dan Larson tossed some in because president Bill says we need to collect more money, and last, Steve Jacoby for being late again, probably establishing a district record for lateness!And the raffle winner - Peter Klock!
DUCKS FLAILING IN THE HOCKANUM
We then started a Club Assembly with president Bill outlining this month's Board actions.The Board approved the following - transferring $9414.84 from a long existing savings account to our charitable account, $1000 for the East Hartford Fire Department to purchase smoke detectors to be given out to needy families, $500 for Intercommunity Health, $300 for the EH Summer Concert series, $200 for the Abelon Walk ( Mike Abelon, along with former Rotarian Bill Secord, started the International Baccalaureate Academy), and the purchase of a portable printer for Attorney Cruz who uses the Library for pro bono legal work for East Hartford citizens. The Board discussed several other funding requests which are awaiting further information.
Next on the agenda was a discussion of a possible Mystery Ride.Hope and Dan Firestone presented a proposal to the Board which was now brought before the Club.The ride would take place on a Wednesday, the first week in April.It would consist of a bus ride, entertainment, and a meal. The cost would be about $ 35 -40 for entertainment, food $20, and bus $20-25 or about $75-80 per person, depending upon the number of participants.A vote of the Club supported a go ahead with this ride, so we have committed to the project.
Next, president Bill brought up the subject of membership.For a variety of reasons we have recently lost some members. The success of our Club is dependent upon an active and involved group of Rotarians. It is our responsibility to get Rotary's story to the community and encourage our friends to join us. We hope to encourage entities such as the Police Department, Fire Department, and the School System, as well as other local businesses, to become involved in a new corporate membership where they can have up to four representatives, with one attending each meeting. There is also some thought to developing a satellite club which would meet separately, yet be a part of our Club.
We also have the issue of not having a president -elect on board for the year following Susan Hansen's presidency. This is an important issue to which we all must give serious thought if our Club is to continue to be an active and viable organization. Think about it.
Finally, the discussion of the Duck Race was presented. It has been a successful fund raiser taking in about $13,000. There is much work and preparation needed to do the Duck Race and fewer people available to be involved. With this in mind, the recommendation is to turn the Duck Race into a Raffle using the same prize structure. Several suggestions were heard, with one holding the raffle in conjunction with a wine tasting evening. Consensus seems to be leaning to a Raffle rather than the actual Duck Race.
On a happy note, president Bill read a letter from one of our Scholarship winners, Adrianna Sowell, showing her appreciation for our having had faith and believing in her.She is now debt free and is on the fast track to attend UCONN upon her graduation from MCC.
'Til next time, I know not when!Bob Wood
(Publisher's Note: Thanks to Bob Wood for two solid months of High Gear writing. Service above Self!)
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listened to Jay Stewart's thoughtful Invocation as she spoke about the sharing of Rotary friendship, and all that Rotary does to make the world a better place.
