'Twas a great Summer evening as the East Hartford Rotarians gathered at their favorite off-campus venue to celebrate the changing of the guard.  Ceil Collins was in her usual spot in the lobby greeting and handing out the tickets of choice for a full course meal soon to be devoured or partially taken home.  Inside, Chris - the Amazing Bartender - greeted most Rotarians by name and even remembered the beverage of choice!  How does he do it???  Next, a trip around the hors- d'oeuvre table ladened with fruit, cheese, crackers, pepperoni, meatballs, brie and chutney, and a delicious artichoke dip gave one too many choices to fit on the small plates provided. To complete the dilemma of what to choose, along came the passed plate of stuffed mushrooms and another with cocktail franks!  The crowd seemed to be truly enjoying this opportunity to imbibe, graze, and visit!

 

But, alas, the time came to get down to business.  President Marc, for the last time, called us to order. We sang, George Schoen led us in the Pledge to the American Flag, and Bob Wood gave the Invocation offering Thanks to Marc and Blessings for Bill!  Guests were introduced and District Governor Frank Wargo was acknowledged.   The meal was served - a salad, and several different entrees of choice were delivered - Salmon, Chicken, Roast Beef, and Filet of Beef - all off the supersized menu!  This was topped off by a king sized slice of ice cream pie!

 

 After dinner Marc started his final lap with a song by Frank Sinatra -"I Did It My Way".  Yes. Marc, you did it your way, and we thank you for a job well done, and for heeding Mary Martin's charge to "Not screw up the Club!  Marc then gave a brief review of the Club's accomplishments - $52,000 in charitable endeavors, being the first and one of only four clubs to be selected for a Gold Presidential Citation, and for being the supportive and caring club that it is! He then thanked the present Board and all who helped in the Club's successful year. That being done, the Medallion was passed to incoming president Bill Saunders.

 

Bill also thanked all for their efforts, particularly the Social Committee of Ceil Collins and Bob Buettner for the arrangements for tonight’s gala, Peggy Schoen and Larry Hangland for the program, and Pam and her staff for the great service.  He gave credit to Marc for a great year and his great communication skills, and last, but not least, a thanks to Lori for sharing Marc with us!  Bill then gave a brief summary of his planned agenda for the year and thanked all the committees for becoming involved and submitting a comprehensive outline of their intentions for the new Rotary year.  These will be discussed at a Club Assembly on July 13. Some dates to remember - 7/25 Glastonbury meeting, 7/27 - Picnic at the Ambergs.  Some things in the planning stages - a water safety co-op program with the YMCA, a Global Grant Program, a senior citizen dinner, and a continuation of our Christmas adopt a family program.  But - MOST IMPORTANTLY - he asks us to come up with things we think our Club should be doing, and to bring them to his attention, or to the Club Assembly om 7/13!!

 

Frank Wargo was then called upon to swear in the new Club Officers.  He then stressed the importance of being involved in our Club's activities and helping to make a difference in our community, our country, and our world!  He will continue with his thoughts on 8/3 when he has his official visit to our Club.  Following Frank's talk, now president Bill called up Lori and Marc and presented them with a thank you for their service to the East Hartford Rotary Club gift - a gift certificate to the Water's Edge Resort!  Enjoy!!!  Not to be out done, Jay Stewart  presented an official Commander in Chief's hat to Bill!  Wow, What a night!  Thanks to all who made it possible - to Marc for a great year, to Bill for a successful continuation, and to the Club for the support given to its leaders.

 

 

Pinch-hitting for the vacationing Doug, Bob Wood