The weather was a rather normal cold pre-winter evening with a forecast for a fast approaching extreme cold front and snow developing just in time for Saturday's Bell Ringing activity! Bob Buettner and Ceil Collins finally wised up and moved their reception table from the cold entry way to the warm dining room.
Again, Bob and Ceil put together a great Holiday party. We truly thank them for their efforts. As usual, a trip to the bar resulted in Chris's friendly "Hi, Bob, will that be a Bud Light and a Pinot Grigio?" He is really amazing to remember names and beverages. Beverage in hand, a trip to a rather full snack table loaded with meat balls, bruschetta, olives, assorted cheeses and meats, and crackers was more than enough to satisfy one's inner hunger. But that wasn't the end - stuffed mushrooms and bacon wrapped scallops were generously passed to those who gathered together to converse and enjoy the company of fellow Rotarians, their spouses, and guests. The Holiday gathering is always a special evening, although this year, the attendance was seemingly smaller.
Celebrate this joyous season
As the "Happy Hour" came to an end, President Bill Saunders brought us all together for our traditional opening ceremonies, a song, a pledge to our great flag, and a thoughtful Invocation from Dan Larson.
Dan brought back memories from the past and asked that we celebrate this joyous season, enjoy the gift of each other, and through "Service above Self" light up and bring peace to the world!
Bill then proceeded with a limited agenda, thanking Ceil and Bob for their efforts, then calling upon Jack Sayre for a bell ringing up date. We have averaged about $550 for each Saturday, and are running behind in our total collections based on the previous several years. Still a most worthy project and an opportunity to work with our Interact students at CIBA. One volunteer is needed for Saturday from 5-6. Call Jack to volunteer.
Bill then called up Susan and Matt Hansen to thank them for their contribution to the Rotary Foundation's Permanent Endowment Fund. Thanks, too, from all of us, Susan!
To highlight the "Season of Giving" President Bill outlined our Club's recent efforts in the community. We donated 12 turkeys and $650 to Food Share, donated over $2500 in individual and club funds to our "adopted families" and thanks to elves Mary and Jack Martin, Susan and Matt Hansen, Sue and Peter Klock, these families had a great Thanksgiving and will enjoy a great Christmas.
We have donated $400 to each of the town's foodbanks, provided 84 Coats for Kids, and just today we presented $3200 to the East Hartford Police Department to purchase 4 special Kevlar vests and helmets for the 4 School Resource Officers. Wow, we can certainly be proud of our East Hartford Rotary Club!!!
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Lessard, Glass, Kickery to Be this years Paul Harris Fellows
The highlight of the evening was the announcement of our annual Paul Harris awards. The three for this year - Lionel Lessard, Marc Glass, and Kevin Kickery - all deserving! These will be officially presented in March.
And finally, Dan Russell won the big raffle prize of lottery tickets, and Charlotte Bradbury and Jean McCarthy won the runner up gift baskets!
Some thoughts on our meal. As usual, the beef represented half a cow, the salmon and chicken looked great, and the number of take out containers indicated an abundant serving.
A breakdown of our $50 charge and a comparison of an evening at a local steak house indicates a great bargain. A fillet would run at least $32, soup $5, 2 glasses of wine $14, dessert $7, specialty coffee $8, tax $4.20, 20% tip $13.20 for a total of $83.40. We thank Ceil and Bob for keeping the cost reasonable, and Pam at the Gallery for supporting our Club's events. We also thank Bob for the poinsettia center pieces.
Bill then called up Susan and Matt Hansen to thank them for their contribution to the Rotary Foundation's Permanent Endowment Fund. Thanks, too, from all of us, Susan! 
