High Gear – Wednesday September 17, 2025
Goodwin University, 417 Main St., East Hartford, CT
Noon—President Rob rang the big bell and, rather than attempting to call us to order, announced we would be starting off by singing Happy Birthday to one of our most esteemed members, Club Treasurer George Schoen who was celebrating his 88th birthday today. He chose to spend it with this wild bunch. He was also given a special tiramisu cake, which may have been the real attraction.
Once everyone settled down, President Rob led us reciting the pledge and the Four-way Test. Marc Glass provided a very thoughtful invocation. He reminded us of Rotary’s being non-sectarian and non-political. His message concluded with these words:
With our friends beside us,
And no person beneath us,
And our worries behind us,
With our goals before us,
And no task beyond us, …
And a dream of a Polio, Covid and a peaceful free world,
We are thankful for our Rotary friends and the meal we are about to share.
Definitely a great segway for Guy LaBella to describe today’s lunch which consisted of penne carbonara, chicken Milanese, a mixed green salad, and a cheese pizze.
Our guest, Todd Gibbs, Major Gifts Officer for Malta House of Care, led the lineup. While the group began enjoying lunch, Rob pointed out there was “unfinished business” from last week’s meeting. Jim Watts couldn’t pick a card despite winning last week’s raffle, since all 9 cards were in safe keeping back at George’s home. As of the beginning of the meeting, pot to win was $870 for individual and $870 for the club. Unfortunately, Jim picked a club; so, we played this fun game again at the end of today’s meeting.
Rob continued the fun with this week’s trivia contest. Peter and Guy were the winners. Peter continued the flow of info on all things scientific by mentioning thar yesterday, 9/16/25, is related to angles in a right triangle and only occurs once each century. You had to be there!
Various dates related to service opportunities this fall were mentioned. One date to keep in mind right now are Rotary in Motion on October 4th, when Bob Buettner is hoping to be joined at Charter Oak Park either in the morning between 8 and 10 AM or the afternoon between 1 and 3 PM. Let Bob know if you can help – contact Bob by email blbbuettner29@aol.com or. phone (860) 416-7433. Another fun, service opportunity will be helping with our water station during the Hartford Marathon on October 11th. To help contact Neal Cunningham (860) 604-8227.
Jim Watts is accepting nominations for this year’s Paul Harris Recognition. Any questions, contact Jim (860) 982-0278.
Anwar introduced today’s speaker, Todd Gibbs. This was a fascinating program since most of us had never heard of the Malta House of Care and many of us were unaware of the need for its services in our own community. This is a two-decades old non-profit providing primary health services to individuals over 18 who have no health insurance. Aside from the relatively new permanent facility this organization operates in Hartford, recently Malta House began operating a mobile clinic two days a week at St. Mary’s Church in East Hartford. Based on the presentation I recommend visiting their new website maltahouseofcare.org and viewing a video “The Magic or Our New Clinic”. Thanks again, to Anwar, for bringing us another informative speaker!
Since Jim Watts did not choose the Ace of Spades during today’s unusual, postponed conclusion to last week’s raffle, we wound up today with a second raffle. This time the pot had grown to $901 for a possible winner. Bill Saunders was the lucky person whose ticket was pulled, but as we all held our collective breaths Bill chose the two of clubs.
With that, President Rob ended the meeting at 1:01 PM
Submitted by Sue Klock, scribe for a day.
