Today’s lunch was an interesting combination of saffron rice or plain pasta, which could be combined with shrimp scampi or chicken alfredo, roasted brussels sprouts, a salad of mixed greens and cherry tomatoes with a choice of dressings, rolls and butter.  Dessert was some large cookies, which my table suspected had been attacked by the Cookie Monster, since there was only one left when some of us went looking.

At 12:40, President Kevin bid us good afternoon with a request that we all stand for a thank you to everyone who helped during a recent, busy three days, manning the water station, helping with Koats for Kids, and working at Food Share in Bloomfield.

During caring moments, Wes Willett shared with us that George Agnelli will not be with us for the next few weeks as he struggles through a round of chemotherapy.

Folks who led the various service efforts last Saturday, Sunday and Monday, gave some details and had an opportunity to thank those who helped.

First, Neal Cunningham reported on the water station at Saturday’s marathon.  He noted it was a cold, rainy morning, but nineteen hearty Rotarians and their relatives once again delivered beverages to marathon runners.  Apparently, we also were provided with a porta potty, and Marc Glass was congratulated for overseeing its perfect placement.  You had to be there!  Neal was thankful for help from Kevin Kickery, Marc Glass, Art Bradbury, George & Peggy Schoen, Dan Larson, Dan Firestone, Bob Buettner, Anwar Hossain, Ceil and Frank Collins, Dave Amberg, Wes Willett, Bill Saunders, Jack Martin, Rosemary Hogan, and, finally, Karen Cunningham, Neil’s daughter, who has already volunteered to help again next year.

Next, Dick McCarthy spoke with pride about our club’s 10^th year overseeing Koats for Kids, in cooperation with the town’s social services department. Those helping Dick the day of the event at Burlington Coat Factory were Jack & Jan Sayre, Anwar Hossain, Jeanne McCarthy, and President Kevin Kickery.  Dick reported the total cost to the club was $3551.08.  We were able to provide 87 coats averaging $41 per coat.  The club received $1000 as a District Grant, money from The Rotary Foundation.  Also, Burlington Coat Factory gives us 15% off the price of each coat, amounting to $589.22 off our total cost.  George Agnelli also has a contribution can on the counter at his store which brings in several hundred dollars to help with the cost to the club.

Rounding out this three-days of club service were eight club members helping Monday afternoon at the Food Share facility in Bloomfield.  Anwar Hossain brought this opportunity to the attention of our club’s leadership and led this effort.   He reported these volunteers from our club who helped him hefting/sorting 9,450 pounds of bread: Bob Buettner, Bill Saunders, Dave Amberg, Laura Floyd, Jack Sayer, Ruth Sheehan, and Dan Firestone.  AMAZING!

I must admit struggling to decipher our Sergeant-at-Arms report.  So, forgive this reporter for omitting some important contributions which celebrated or decried various sports achievements.  Also, various Rotarians contributed to thank those who participated in all our service projects this last week.  Ceil Collins is celebrating 22 years in Rotary.  There was an announcement about the re-dedication of the doughboy monument in front of the Raymond Library this Saturday at 1:30 PM.  Everyone is invited to attend.

Jim Watts wants to remind everyone to consider nominating Rotarians and others in our community for a Paul Harris recognition.  He plans to hold the meeting for reviewing these nominations on Wednesday, October 31^st prior to our regular club meeting that day.

Raffle winners today:  for our regular raffle, Jairo Lemos, and for the beautiful rose bouquet contributed by Bob Buettner, Peter Klock.

Our speaker today was Robert Miller, who is a certified court reporter and co-owner of Niziankiewicz & Miller, located at 972 Tolland Street in East Hartford.  His firm now employs 48 court reporters who provide services locally and abroad.  Mr. Miller gave us a quick history of reporters from ancient times, when they were referred to as scribes, to more recent times when reporters went from using quill pens to now using a computerized version of a machine invented a century ago, which allows the human brain to quickly render spoken words more accurately than would be the case with a transcription of a tape recording.  Needless to say, all he shared with us was fascinating.  Thanks to program committee chair, Jairo, for bringing Mr. Miller to our club today.

Submitted by Sue Klock