It was a cold dreary day as we entered the Ridge this afternoon, (a bit cool inside as well - did the town not pay its fuel bill?) but Rotary friendship was warm and the Rotary spirit was high! At the ringing of the bell I noticed the placement of the podium changed once again, this time to audience right. We might think that President Marc just can’t make up his mind but Mary Martin filled in for President Marc today and I don’t know about you, but I think the Empress’s choice should settle the issue. I mean, what do we have an Empress
for? (I know, that’s a dangling participle, but you get the point.)
The club welcomed once more guest Christina Lessard and we were privileged to have her at our table this week. In private conversation there with my tablemates and me, she confided that she was to meet husband Lionel for lunch at Rotary today but that he didn’t show. We told her not to feel too badly for no one else in the club has been able recently to get Lionel to join them for lunch at Rotary either. We feel your pain, Christina. (I’m not taking sides or anything, but, personally, I think Lionel now owes her a really nice lunch somewhere plus maybe some jewelry or something, but that’s just me. And Bob Buettner could help with flowers.)
Mary Martin, noblewoman that she is, was herself willing to serve as a Welcome song leader so that she needed to designate only one other, Wes Willett, and along with Art Bradbury who joined in as a volunteer, they made a fine energetic team.
Nick Cecere filled in for Neal Cunningham as Sgt @ Arms and had a busy day. I paid a dollar each for the two errors in last week’s High Gear: Sue Klock is not
going to be District Governor, she already was, and the raffle was not won by Jack Sayre but now I can’t remember who did win it. I guess that will cost be a buck again next week. Dan
Larson asked the Sgt @ Arms to fine Jack Martin for messing with Dan’s car in the Goodwin College parking lot. Dan passed around picture proof of the incident! In contrition, Jack said that if he won the raffle he would give the money to Dan. Dan thought that was fair but then Jack didn’t win.
Jack’s a clever guy. Several club members paid in celebration of the UConn Women beating South Carolina! Peter Klock paid in celebration of wife Sue’s birthday! Bob “Boutonnière” Buettner chipped in to wish the club a Happy Valentine’s Day and to remind us where we can get flowers. Some wisenheimer gave money to wish the Patriots a good time playing golf. Larry Frazier gave up a buck for Lent. And Art Bradbury made a Gratitude Contribution for Jay Stewart’s improvement in health which we
all celebrate. Hope to see you soon, Jay!
Michael Kerrigan reported that the Homeless Shelter renovation workday for this Saturday is cancelled because residents must remain inside due to the cold weather. However, needed materials for the work are being purchased and new times for work crews from the club will be scheduled when the weather gets warmer.
Susan Hansen reminded us that the Mayor’s Charity Ball is March 12th. If you would like to attend and sit at a Rotary table let Susan know. You might also indicate your table preference on your reservation! Might we have a good representation from the club for this worthy semi-annual event that supports important local charities? If you did not receive an invitation, you can obtain one at the mayor’s office.
Bill Saunders reminds the club that he is looking for each member to choose for her or himself preferred committees on which to serve. The list is posted on Club Runner.
Guy LaBella won the raffle. I’m sure!
The program was an interesting presentation by Dr. Robert (Mick) Bedard, a Hartford allergist and
immunologist, who is also a civil war historian and who participates in Civil War battle reenactments. He outlined the life and contributions of Dr. Nathan Mayer, a Civil War surgeon who served with the regiment from central Connecticut.
Have a fantastic week!
Ted Mosebach
