Spring is here; so, though there was a bit of a chill in the air, we gathered for our annual Paul Harris Recognition event before sunset and were able to appreciate the beautiful view from the dining room windows. Thanks to Jim Watts membership in the Wethersfield Country Club, we enjoyed our first event at the club. Immediate Past President Bob and Jim were thanked for their efforts zeroing in on a good location for the event.
The event opened at 6 PM with a social hour including a cash bar and passed hors d’oeuvres. At 7 PM, President Sue rang the bell to open our meeting. President-elect Alex led us in the pledge, followed by Sue’s request for a moment of silence for everyone to think of the plight of those in Ukraine suffering from the Russian invasion, the refugees in neighboring countries as well as many girls in Afghanistan now experiencing broken Taliban promises to allow them to remain in school. After the silence, Sue walked to our Seven Areas of Focus banner to stress peacebuilding and conflict resolution. This led to her invocation, a child’s prayer for peace, which reads:
“From here on earth, from my small place, I ask of You way out in space: Please tell all men in every land what You and I both understand. Please tell all men that peace is good. That’s all that need be understood in every world in Your great sky. We understand. Both You and I.”
Sue welcomed our special guest, Assistant Governor Randi Saboski, and then asked each of our Paul Harris recipients to introduce their guests. We were especially honored to have Mayor Mike join us as Connor’s guest, to have a full table of Sandie Buettner family supporters, and beyond that several tables of Women’s Club members who were there to show their support for Ruth Sheehan.
New Members Inducted
As we waited to have the salad course served, Sue invited two new members, Deirdre Stolte and Johnny Mo Mozzicato, to come forward with their sponsors, Guy Labella and Marc Glass, then with assistance from AG Randi, Johnny Mo and Deirdre were each presented with a new member’s kit, including a certificate of membership, as well as a gift bag which held a badge, various magnets, and a small brass bell engraved with our club’s name. Randi gave the new members this year’s theme pin, while Sue gave both sponsors a special pin honoring them for their role bringing new members into our club.
After a delicious meal, including Caesar salad and various main courses, the meeting resumed with a rousing rendition of our Welcome Song led by George Schoen and Dan Larson. Then Sue invited Bob Buettner to come forward. Bob was presented with his Paul Harris+4 pin, acknowledging his having donated four-thousand dollars, over time, to the Rotary Foundation of Rotary International. Since tonight was a celebration of our club’s support of the Foundation, this was especially appropriate.
Paul Harris Recognitions
Then, Jim Watts came forward to emcee the Paul Harris Recognition portion of the evening. Jim briefly explained the history behind these recognitions, including the fact that our club has made a donation of $1,000 to The Rotary Foundation in honor of each of the recipients.
Marc Glass and Randi Saboski were up front to assist with presenting each recipient with a pin (what else; it’s Rotary after all) and to Connor and Sandie, a certificate honoring their first recognition.
We began with Bob introducing Sandie, and Sandie’s explanation to our club of how she has become so involved in her husband’s passion for service through Rotary.
Club Secretary, Laura Floyd, gave a very warm introduction for Connor Martin, concluding with her respect for him and her willingness to serve in any way Connor requested. I’m not sure Connor picked up on that, but personally, I did. Connor’s remarks conveyed his appreciation for the recognition in his usual modest way.
Finally, Ruthie, introduced by longtime friend, Ceil Collins, was both appreciative for this honor, but also so happy to have so many of her dear friends from the East Hartford Women’s’ Club joining her for this special evening.
Throughout the meeting, our Club Treasurer took many photographs which he will share with us in future.
President Sue thanked Jim for all his hard work chairing the Paul Harris Committee.
Before ending the meeting, Sue mentioned that our scholarship applications have been sent around to area schools and links will be available via our club’s website. Also, she reminded Board members that the monthly board meeting will occur Tuesday evening via Zoom. All club members are welcome to tune in, though only officers and directors may vote on proposed actions. Next week’s regular club meeting will be in person at Goodwin, meeting in Room 311 in order to test our ability to have a hybrid, in person plus Zoom, meeting. Anyone planning to attend should email Guy LaBella (glabella@goodwin.edu) to let him know you plan to be there by Monday afternoon, April 4th
Sue concluded by thanking everyone involved in making the evening a success, and, with help from the group, she remembered to thank Ceil Collins for all she did registering attendees and Peggy Schoen for her excellent work creating the program for tonight’s event.
Notes submitted by Sue Klock, substituting for Anwar this week.
We began with Bob introducing Sandie, and Sandie’s explanation to our club of how she has become so involved in her husband’s passion for service through Rotary. 
Club Secretary, Laura Floyd, gave a very warm introduction for Connor Martin, concluding with her respect for him and her willingness to serve in any way Connor requested. I’m not sure Connor picked up on that, but personally, I did. Connor’s remarks conveyed his appreciation for the recognition in his usual modest way. 
Finally, Ruthie, introduced by longtime friend, Ceil Collins, was both appreciative for this honor, but also so happy to have so many of her dear friends from the East Hartford Women’s’ Club joining her for this special evening..png)
