High Gear Wednesday, June 26, 2024
2024-2025 Installation Dinner
Wethersfield Country Club

The Magic Of Rotary

It’s tempting to say President Bob rang the bell early, and the entire evening whizzed by so fast, I took no notes. In fact, things did move along quickly, and I am surely missing some highlights, but we all had a great time celebrating another great Rotary year and welcoming our awesome new club president, Rob Rosa.

Before the pledge, Bob invited George Schoen to lead us singing This is Rotary.

Mentioning that protecting the environment is the seventh area of focus for Rotarians, Sue Klock read

A Prayer for the Trees by Trees—

I am the handle of your hoe, the door of your homestead, the wood of your cradle, and the shell of your coffin.
When you tire, I am the slat of your bed and the seat of your bench.
As a child, you swing from my branches and play in my leaves.
I am the heat of your hearth and your shade from summer sun, the beam of your boat and foundation of your home.
Those who pass by, harm me not!

Bob then moved on to the introduction of guests. This is always a highlight of our meetings, but it is especially exciting when there are so many guests. Incoming President Rob Rosa had an amazing turnout of family and friends. Here are some highlights: Rob introduced his beautiful wife, Jannette, their daughter, Julia, and his parents, Cynthia and Robert Rosa, along with siblings and their partners. Peter and I had the opportunity to sit with all five of Rob’s sons plus son Nathan’s two children. Our table was rounded out by John Forrest and his wife, Rose.

In addition to all our guests, it was great to see Ruthie Sheehan and Deirdre Stolte, who continues the club’s healthy hygiene project nearly single-handedly.

Following the introduction of guests, Bob mentioned some highlights of this year. He acknowledged Ceil Collins for once again managing arrangements for this club evening meeting.

With salads served, Bob invited all to enjoy dinner. Based on our table, the food was great.

Marc Glass was emcee for this event. Stars of the show, though, were outgoing President Bob and incoming President Rob. Bob asked his Board to stand and thanked them for their support and attendance at his weekly meetings. He did not mention that he lures everyone there with some great pizza. He also gave gifts to each of them at a recent board meeting.

There really is no way to adequately thank an outgoing president who has served way above self. This year, we broke a long tradition of giving the outgoing president a personal gift, but hopefully began a new tradition of making a significant donation in the president’s name to the charity of his choice.

Rob gave us an inspiring talk about his goals and initiatives for 2024-2025. He stressed the importance of working together to achieve more, the club’s similarity to a family, sharing talents and supporting each other, and Rotarians making a difference by thinking globally. He certainly has charisma, and, if anyone can bring on The Magic Of Rotary, it’s Rob!

Marc Glass presided over the installation of Rob and the 2024-2025 officers and directors. The Board will be joined by one of our newer members, Charles McGinnis.

As his last official act, President Bob rang the bell, winding up the meeting.

A great time was had by all!

Submitted by Sue Klock.