A real nice cold winter’s day – sunny, calm, and in the mid-20s.See what the “Snow Birds” are missing?But just behind this gentle façade lurks “STORM BRODY”, whose Winter’s wrath is expected to descend upon those of us left up in the North country and leave us cold, frostbitten, and snowbound. That is, at least according to Channels 3, 4, and 8!Among the first to arrive were members of the Scholarship Committee who met to get organized for the 2018 Scholarship program.Others drifted in slowly and in very small numbers, bringing today’s attendance to 22 Rotarians and 1 speaker.Where Have all the Rotarians Gone?
Reflect on the Past, Look to the Future
President Dave didn’t have any trouble getting this small group together to sing, pledge, and listen to Dan Firestone deliver the first Invocation of 2018. Dan wished all a Happy New Year and mentioned that this is a time to reflect on the past and look to the future.He then reflected on several lessons learned from his parents.Most of us could truly relate to them! It wasn’t quite a stampede to the buffet table – it takes more than 23 to form a stampede! Noodles, Swedish meatballs, mixed vegetables, rolls and salad made for a good lunch.Frozen apple pie and beverages completed the repast.
Birthdays For Sayre and Cecere
We reconvened with a rousing Happy New Year from president Dave.First on the agenda was Sgt. at Arms pinch hitter Nick Cecere.He said the day started well as he corralled Bob Buettner, Art Bradbury, Frank Collins. Dan Larson, and Dan Firestone for a Happy Dollar for just being here and being alive. Other significant contributions came from Happy Jack Martin for a Happy New Year, Dave Amberg as his Notre Dame team lucked out over his grandson’s LSU team, Bob Wood for 57 years of wedded bliss, Marc Glass for his precious “Eggles”, Kevin Kickery wishing all to stay healthy during this cold Winter, Jack Sayre for his 83rd, and finally, Nick, himself, for his birthday.
Following a so,so renditionof Happy Birthday, Happy Jack held the Raffle and announced the winner -Dan Firestone.Did he get a 1099 to go with it?
East Hartford Senior Center Eyes New Home
Marc Glass introduced the speaker, Susan Lather, Program Director for the East Hartford Senior Center.She is also Marc’s neighbor, and somewhat of a replacement for Jack Sayre’s wife.It was difficult to explain!She mentioned that there are 11,000 senior Centers in the USA.Her aim is to get more seniors involved, and with the promise of a new center, this will make it easier.She spoke briefly about acquiring Blessed Sacrament for the new center.
Plans will have to be developed for the center, and once construction is started, it will be about an 18 month project.She mentioned that they were developing a “Silver Sneakers” program and several Community Outreach opportunities. The center has three transportation programs – Dial A Ride, a Disability van, and a regular bus to help with trips, to stores, restaurants, and other interesting activities.She also mentioned the Thrift Shop as a place that is always looking for donations to put on their shelves and sell to the public.If you have items you no longer need/use. donate them to the store! The store profits of about $3000 a month go to help senior activities.Nice program.
‘Til next week - Bob Wood
Club’s Generosity Marks Holiday Season
The Empress has requested special recognition of the Club for its generous support of the Holiday Adopt-A-Family Program. Our Club budgeted $ $2,200 to support two families identified to us by the Town of East Hartford's Social Services Department. There were a total of 11 people. Club members gave us another $626 by passing
around an envelope or through the notice sent via ClubRunner. And two
members donated the cost of Thanksgiving dinners ($200).
We provided $100 to each family for food on Thanksgiving and again at
Christmas. We then spent $2,582.47 on gifts. We had a balance of
$243.53 because some donations came in after we had delivered. That
money will go into our Charitable Fund.
Many thanks to the Elves who worked on this project: Bob Buettner,
Marc Glass, Kevin Kickery, Jack & Mary Martin, Bill Saunders, and Alex
Wisz.
