A dreary sky and a light rain shrouded the Ridge today, but the trek up the back staircase led us to a warm kitchen where we were comforted by the aroma of chicken pot pie wafting through the air.
All seemed well until I approached the sign-in table and saw East Hartford’s Deputy Chief of Police looming behind Jack Martin. Had Happy Jack’s notorious floating raffle been busted at last?? Would the Empress post bail for him? I need not have worried: Beau Thurnauer was our guest speaker today, and he was merely reminiscing with Jack about old times.
Larry Hangland gave today’s invocation, giving thanks that the election is behind us and expressing optimism for the future if our elected officials will follow the Four-Way test as we in Rotary fellowship do. Then it was off to the buffet where an abundant spread awaited: the chicken pot pies, grilled cheese sandwiches, salad, rolls, and hot apple crisp with vanilla ice cream. Did someone say “comfort food?”
Do you hear what I hear?
Jack Sayre was proudly wearing the Sergeant-at-Arms red arm band today and dutifully gave his report: Sign-up sheets are available now for the annual ringing of the bells for the Salvation Army. Join us if you can on Saturdays Nov. 26, Dec 3, Dec. 10 or Dec. 17.
Jack S. also donated for his granddaughter Alice Wetterlund having a role in the TBS series “People of the Earth;” George Schoen celebrates a 15th anniversary in the club; George Agnelli is proud (or was that relieved?) that his daughter is moving to France; Frank Collins donated in honor of Veterans Day this Friday; Bob Buettner for needing to miss one of the upcoming bell-ringing days (Bob always volunteers for all four.)
Kevin and Sue Kickery are celebrating their 37th wedding anniversary; President Bill Saunders paid for his grandson being one of the final 10 candidates for Teacher of the Year.
Caring Moments: Please keep Ruth Sheehan’s son-in-law in your thoughts and prayers. Tom Westbrook is settling in with his son and says “Hi!” to all.
Our favorite Rotary paparazzi and former DG Kyong Wilson was at lunch today and presented our club with an award for having the highest member retention rate in the district from 2013-16. Last week at the Foundation Dinner the club was recognized for its contribution to the Polio Plus Fund. Club members donated $756 dollars to end polio now, with the help of a long-distance assist: Bill Flynn in Florida sent a check for $100 by mail.
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dues notice is in the mail
Announcements: November 16 at 11:30 there will be a dedication of the Buddy Benches that the club donated to the EH elementary schools. Let Marc Glass know if you will attend the photo op at Langford School.
Dues notices were emailed to everyone this week; RLI is this Saturday in Chicopee, MA. There will be a Foundation meeting next Wednesday, 11/16, at 11:30.
Susan Hansen shared an announcement about Goodwin College’s participation in “A Turkey and $30” to help Foodshare. The event will be held on November 14 (Monday) from 7 a.m. – 10 a.m. Individuals in the club who would like to donate a frozen turkey (or two) and/or $30 (or more!) please meet in the Goodwin parking lot at 9:15 a.m. Monday with your donations and we will present them from the club. There will be a photo op with the president of Foodshare and with Goodwin’s president Mark Sheinberg.
Bill Saunders read a very sweet thank you note to the club for Koats for Kids, and he also reminded us to remember our Veterans on Friday. Hope Firestone drew the winning ticket for today’s raffle and your humble High Gear writer got to pad her rainy-day fund. (Thanks, Hope! I’ll return the favor one day.)
Domestic violence Affects community
Happy Jack Martin introduced our very special guest of honor, Deputy Chief Beau Thurnauer. Beau has been in East Hartford for 10 years. He was Coventry’s police chief for nine years before that, and he served on the Manchester PD for 24 years before leaving there as a captain.
Beau spoke to us today about family violence and explained how the statutes required mandatory arrests in these cases. He described the historical perspectives that influenced changes in procedure, discussed the statutes, and emphasized how his officers effectively manage the many nuances of domestic violence crimes in their commitment to provide assistance to the victims.
He gave us a true appreciation of how difficult their job is, and spoke proudly about the well-trained, caring, and professional officers of the East Hartford PD.
The clouds seemed a little less gloomy as the meeting ended, or maybe listening to the Deputy Chief had brightened the day. We returned to our jobs, our homes and families, and some of us even got to take the leftover chicken pot pies for later!
Susan Hansen
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