It was another good day at East Hartford Rotary as we sat down to a hearty meal of pasta and meatballs, carrots, salad, and cookies.
Christina Lessard was once more introduced as a guest today. She told me in the hallway as we entered the dining room that she invited Lionel again this week but we must wait and see. She is a person of great patience and she will make a great Rotarian. I kept looking over at her table, but no Lionel. Maybe he ate at Augie and Ray’s?President Marc started the meeting off with a joke, I think. It had to do with his mother-in-law. But now I’m wondering, wasn’t his father-in-law coming to the club’s lunches for a while. I’m just saying.
Mayor Marcia Leclerc and George Schoen led the Welcome Song. At first the Mayor had her right arm swinging a little to the beat and 
perhaps seemed a bit uncomfortable. But then she started shaking hands and looked right at home.
Nick Cecere served as Sgt @ Arms. Being the nice guy that he is, he went easy on the fines, collecting only for good things. I like that. Herb Barall anteed up for taking tap dance lessons and Tai Chi. He‘s going to start a new craze called Tai Chi Tap. When he gets it mastered he’ll show us. Bill Saunders announced that his niece, Phoebe Simmington, is a semifinalist for teacher of the year in her middle school in the 
Philadelphia suburbs! Kevin Kickery announced the arrival of new granddaughter, Edie Mae, 10lb 10 oz. Woah! Congratulations, Kevin! Wes Willett paid just because he was happy to be here. How ‘bout that?! And Jim Fallon paid in celebration of Jay Stewart being back among us, which when reported received a hearty ‘Here! Here!’ from the whole club!
Now it was Nick’s turn to tell a joke! It was funny, but you’ll have to ask him. I’m embarrassed.
It’s the 111th anniversary of Rotary. Happy Anniversary!!!
Here’s a review of upcoming Rotary events.
Board Meeting next Monday night at the Y.
Next Wednesday – Job Shadowing.
PETS March 10 - 12.
Paul Harris dinner, April 13.
District Conference, April 29 – May 1.
Mystery Bus Ride, May 7.
And the Mayor’s Charity Ball is March 12. Please put on your reservation card that you wish to sit at the Rotary table!
President Marc read two thank you notes. One from Dave and Chickie Amberg. Let’s continue to keep them and their son in our thoughts and prayers. The second was from Brendan Brewer, son of Susan Hansen. It is a wonderful and moving letter that will be emailed to all shortly. Please don’t miss reading it!
The Raffle was won by Jim Watts. He came close to not collecting. Apparently he did not have his glasses on and the people at his table kindly read his numbers for him and they finally got it right!
Adam von Gootkin was the speaker. He is the co-founder and CEO of Onyx Moonshine, an East Hartford spirit producer. President Marc won a bottle for knowing when Prohibition was. He knows everything .jpg)
important like that. The factory is open for tastings at 64D Oakland Avenue, just off of Park Avenue. You can meet President Marc there.
Pat Gately, Brian Gorman, and Nick Cecere all reported make ups.
Have a fantastic week!
