The color scheme of our lunch was predominantly white. Fares were laid out on the table starting with white serving plates, semi white sliced bread, white rice, white chicken Alfredo, boiled mixed vegetables, tossed green salad and ending with two bottles of white salad dressing. Sliced chocolate cake somewhat balanced the color scheme. I know many of us have expressed that some improvement is needed. I want to assure you that the Lunch Committee has heard you.

Steve Jacoby, breaking the tradition of late arrival, was present on time to introduce our only guest, local Realtor Gifford Jensen. Welcome Song was led by President Dave.

Like your scribe, Dan Firestone did his last Sergeant-at-Arms’ duty from the podium. It appeared that he did a better than average collection despite our less than average attendance. Peter Klock and Ned Lynch paid for their birthdays, Ned paying a dollar/year, George Schoen wished good luck to the Red Sox, Bob Buettner and Ceil Collins paid for “just because” and Mo Moshovos paid for his niece winning a golf tournament. If I missed anyone it is because deciphering Dan’s hieroglyphic could be challenging at times.

1.      The Club donated $1,000 to Shelter Box through collections at our weekly meetings.

2.      The Social Committee’s Dinner at East Side Restaurant in New Britain went well. Folks enjoyed the food and the company, not necessarily in that order.

3.      Board at their last meeting, responding to a request from the E.H.H.S. biology teacher, donated $250 towards a matching grant for the purchase of laptops. President Dave was happy to report that the goal was met.

4.      Social Committee will meet next Wed 10/4/17 at 11:30 AM.

5.      Book Club will hold its first meeting at the Bob and Debbie Woods’ residence on 10/25/17 at 7:00 PM. One Summer America 1927 by Bill Bryson will be discussed.

6.      George Schoen informed us that the Golf Tournament was a great success. The Club netted about $22,000. He thanked all participants, volunteers and donors who contributed to the success. Doug Willett, who won the crystal bowl, indicated that it has already been claimed by his daughter-in-law as part of their inheritance.

7.      Neil Cunningham reminded us to turn in the registration forms for those who want to volunteer at the Water Station event on Sat 10/14/2017 at Two Rivers Magnet School. It is best to arrive before 7:00 AM to avoid going through the police blockade.

8.      Belated Halloween Party/Game Night will be held at the Ridge on 11/3/2017. Call Bob Buettner for details.

9.      President Dave reminded volunteers for the Habitat for Humanity’s event on 11/4/2017 to register online.

10.   Fireside Chats still needs a few more participants for the west of the river location (Farmington or Rocky Hill).

Happy Jack Martin, who was last week’s winner, broke tradition for the sake of transparency, and asked his tablemate Honest Dick McCarthy to pick this week’s winner who turned out to be Bob Buettner from the neighboring table.

Dan Firestone introduced our Guest Speaker, Craig Johnson, president of East Hartford Historical Society. Founded in 1964, the Society operates from the Goodwin Schoolhouse, the Huguenot House and the Blacksmith Shop at Martin Park. These buildings were moved from their original locations to Martin Park and were painstakingly restored. Paranormal events at the Huguenot House have gained such notoriety that it is now included in the “Haunted Place Bus Tour”. Check this out. It is in our own backyard.

Anwar Hossain