April may be the cruelest month but it wasn’t mean enough to deter a greater than usual number of Rotarians and guests from convening at the Ridge today. This included our speaker, Congressman and former Rotary member John Larson, his assistant Amanda Schoen, Amanda’s grandmother and somebody’s wife, Peggy Schoen, Gil Wishart’s health “assistant” – Rebecca Martin (no relation), and Penny Brice, the administrator of the East Hartford School/Business Partnership.
Our full house quieted down to hear a thoughtful invocation by Dan Larson followed by an orderly attack on the buffet line. We were glad to have Dan as he
had just been released the night before from Mass General Hospital due to another attack of cellulitis.
As I walked into the kitchen today, our caterer, Pablo, gave me a quiz. “What goes with cornbread?” he asked. “Uh, barbeque?” I answered. Bingo! Passed the test! Ribs, mac & cheese, the aforementioned cornbread, and cheesecake with optional strawberry topping described today’s meal. What am I going to do when bikini season hits? Guess I’ll just cut down on the salad.
President Marc politely requested that darling Ruth Sheehan and consistent raffle winner (see below), Guy LaBella, lead us in the Welcome Song. Really glad Art Bradbury was in the audience to save us from a very shaky start. Could swear I heard a dog howling.
Many of us opened our wallets to Sergeant-at-Arms George Schoen in giddy recognition of the UConn Womens’ basketball perfect season and historic fourth title. As a matter of fact, Mary Martin gave a buck because Happy Jack
Martin was flying home from Indy where he ran into Doug and Diane Willett and Bill Saunder’s daughter, Tracy Liner. Ceil Collins was so happy she donated in advance for next year’s title!
Other fines and happy dollars were collected: Bob Buettner happy that Nick Cecere was back in attendance; Ruth for Villanova’s round ball efforts; George for Amanda Schoen’s birthday; Yvette Roming celebrating her seventh Club anniversary; and Susan Hansen in honor of her new job as Library Director of Goodwin College and for her daughter (and former guest speaker) Stephanie visiting home from her residence in Mexico.
Jim Fallon took to the podium to speak briefly of Larry Frazier’s move to Maine to be nearer to family. He noted Larry’s strong contributions to the Club, particularly his work on our Scholarship Committee and Golf Tournament auction. Larry, please come back for a formal send-off.
Many thanks to Michael Kerrigan for his supreme organizing efforts on our Homeless Shelter renovation project!
Both Nick Cecere and Congressman John spoke of the passing of former member, Harry James’ wife, Mary Ann. Please keep the James family in your thoughts and prayers. Condolences may be forwarded on-line through D’Esopo’s.
Announcements from President Marc: No lunch meeting next week due to our Paul Harris Banquet at The Gallery. See Bob Buettner to pay ($50 per person).
April 29 is the District Conference in Hyannis; May 7 is the Mystery Ride to someplace mysterious (see Sue Klock if interested); May 11 is the District Training Conference in Enfield for in-coming officers and anyone wishing to learn about the workings of Rotary. Let Bill Saunders know if you want to go. The Club will pay your way.
Guest Penny Brice ran a short video for us on the great things the Academy of Finance is doing for East Hartford students. She then received a $2,000 donation
from us to help with the continued support of both the Academy and the School/Business Partnership.
With Happy Jack jet-setting his way back from Indy, Ceil Collins took over as Raffle Mistress. Wouldn’t you know it! Guy LaBella, the guy who makes every sixth meeting, won the raffle again! What are the odds?!
Dan Larson did the honors of introducing his brother, the Honorable John B. Larson, of the U.S. House of Representatives, as our guest speaker. The Congressman first took us down memory lane by recalling his history as a Club member, the camaraderie he has enjoyed, and his background as an East Hartford High School teacher and Rotary Exchange Team member with Sweden.
He then got down to the business of describing his efforts working on the Social Security 2100 proposal. He patiently explained how this proposal meets the promise of an “earned benefit” (not entitlement) for retirees while ensuring that Social Security remains sustainably solvent into the 21
st century. John also spoke of a National Service Plan he is working on with other members of Congress which is intended to forgive post-high school education debt for participants who give at least two years of voluntary service in areas such as VISTA, the military, or the Peace Corps. He is obviously hard at work representing our interests in Washington and trying to work through the
gridlock which has characterized our political system of late.
Climbing off my soapbox now,
Empress of the World
