Rotary Club
of East Hartford
   High Gear

Volume 72 | Issue 38, March 20, 2019

 

 

 

Spring has sprung. The first day of spring has arrived and with it warmer weather and the sun. The wind whipped around us all as we entered the Gallery Restaurant for our annual Paul Harris Recognition Dinner. Thanks to Ceil Collins for doing all the work to organize the dinner, menu, tickets and greeting everyone as they came in. Thanks also to Peggy Schoen for putting together the brochure and to Larry Hangland for printing them.

Chris The Omniscient Presides at Bar

President Kevin Kickery announced that over $5000.00 has been donated for the George Agnelli Memorial Fund.  The Agnelli Family will decide what project this money is to be used for.

 

By six p.m. most had arrived, and the Rotarian camaraderie was in full swing.  Groups were formed and reformed as the crowd moved from one conversation to another.

 

As in the past, bartender Chris knew everyone’s preference and poured the libations without hesitation. His memory is incredible.

Gallery servers passed among all of us with appetizers.

The conversations were lively, and the Rotarian spirit was felt in the room.

 

President Kevin called the "meeting " to order at 7 p.m. opening with the Pledge and an invocation by Bob Wood. Art Bradbury and George Schoen lead the Rotary Welcoming Song.

 

Dinner as usual was excellent. Salad, Choice of Prime Rib, Filet and Salmon were served, and dessert was ice cream and brownies.  Coffee and tea were available for those who wanted.

Club Honors Bill, George and Happy Jack

Promptly at eight p.m. Paul Harris Committee Chair Jim Watts started the formal program.  He called Sue Klock up who introduced our first two Paul Harris recipients, Bill Saunders and George Schoen. Bill and George were given Paul Harris recognition for all they have contributed to East Hartford Rotary as co-chairmen of our annual golf tournament going back to the 1980’s. This golf tournament has been our major fundraiser and is responsible for most of the funds we are able to donate to the community. Sue gave a short history or her Rotary relationship with both Bill and George.  Both gave short acceptance speeches, thanking the club and introducing their family and guests. 

 

Jim next called upon Dan Firestone to introduce the next recipient, John (Happy Jack) Martin. Dan recounted all of Jack's many contributions to East Hartford Rotary. Then Jack read the acceptance speech written by the Empress.  As Jack put it, the comments were “short and sweet.”  Jack in his usual manner introduced his table.

Bill Doak our Community Honoree

Our community Paul Harris recipient, Bill Doak, was introduced by Steve Jacoby.  Bill as editor of the East Hartford Gazette has been leader in East Hartford for many years and is known by all.  He is at innumerable functions involving residents, taking pictures, writing stories and publishing them in his weekly newspaper, an East Hartford tradition. Bill is a big supporter of Rotary, going back to receiving a Rotary Scholarship in high school.  Bill spoke briefly about his commitment to East Hartford and following the Rotary Four Way Test in his business dealings.  Recently, Bill has been selected to serve on the East Hartford Economic Development Commission.

 

District Governor Nominee Marc Glass called all four recipients up to the podium to receive their medallions and noted that the Paul Harris Award is an important recognition of efforts in building a better community. With that the evening concluded.

 

Another great social and recognition event was in the books.

 

Bob Buettner

 

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