It was a cold dreary day as we entered the Ridge this afternoon, (a bit cool inside as well - did the town not pay its fuel bill?) but Rotary friendship was warm and the Rotary spirit was high!  At the ringing of the bell I noticed the placement of the podium changed once again, this time to audience right. We might think that President Marc just can’t make up his mind but Mary Martin filled in for President Marc today and I don’t know about you, but I think the Empress’s choice should settle the issue.  I mean, what do we have an Empress for? (I know, that’s a dangling participle, but you get the point.)                                                                            

 

               The club welcomed once more guest Christina Lessard and we were privileged to have her at our table this week. In private conversation there with my tablemates and me, she confided that she was to meet husband Lionel for lunch at Rotary today but that he didn’t show.  We told her not to feel too badly for no one else in the club has been able recently to get Lionel to join them for lunch at Rotary either. We feel your pain, Christina. (I’m not taking sides or anything, but, personally, I think Lionel now owes her a really nice lunch somewhere plus maybe some jewelry or something, but that’s just me.  And Bob Buettner could help with flowers.)

 

               Mary Martin, noblewoman that she is, was herself willing to serve as a Welcome song leader so that she needed to designate only one other, Wes Willett, and along with Art Bradbury who joined in as a volunteer, they made a fine energetic team.

 

               Nick Cecere filled in for Neal Cunningham as Sgt @ Arms and had a busy day. I paid a dollar each for the two errors in last week’s High Gear: Sue Klock is not going to be District Governor, she already was, and the raffle was not won by Jack Sayre but now I can’t remember who did win it.  I guess that will cost be a buck again next week. Dan Larson asked the Sgt @ Arms to fine Jack Martin for messing with Dan’s car in the Goodwin College parking lot.  Dan passed around picture proof of the incident! In contrition, Jack said that if he won the raffle he would give the money to Dan.  Dan thought that was fair but then Jack didn’t win.  Jack’s a clever guy. Several club members paid in celebration of the UConn Women beating South Carolina!  Peter Klock paid in celebration of wife Sue’s birthday! Bob “Boutonnière” Buettner chipped in to wish the club a Happy Valentine’s Day and to remind us where we can get flowers. Some wisenheimer gave money to wish the Patriots a good time playing golf. Larry Frazier gave up a buck for Lent. And Art Bradbury made a Gratitude Contribution for Jay Stewart’s improvement in health which we all celebrate. Hope to see you soon, Jay!

 

               Michael Kerrigan reported that the Homeless Shelter renovation workday for this Saturday is cancelled because residents must remain inside due to the cold weather.  However, needed materials for the work are being purchased and new times for work crews from the club will be scheduled when the weather gets warmer.

 

               Susan Hansen reminded us that the Mayor’s Charity Ball is March 12^th. If you would like to attend and sit at a Rotary table let Susan know.  You might also indicate your table preference on your reservation! Might we have a good representation from the club for this worthy semi-annual event that supports important local charities? If you did not receive an invitation, you can obtain one at the mayor’s office.

 

               Bill Saunders reminds the club that he is looking for each member to choose for her or himself preferred committees on which to serve. The list is posted on Club Runner.

 

               Guy LaBella won the raffle.  I’m sure!

 

               The program was an interesting presentation by Dr. Robert (Mick) Bedard, a Hartford allergist and immunologist, who is also a civil war historian and who participates in Civil War battle reenactments. He outlined the life and contributions of Dr. Nathan Mayer, a Civil War surgeon who served with the regiment from central Connecticut.

 

               Have a fantastic week!

 

               Ted Mosebach

 

              

 

 

 

                

               From out of a cool drizzling rain today, we hurried inside to the warm and congenial atmosphere of Rotary friendship!

 

               I thought I ought start off the afternoon on solid moral ground by confessing to Sgt. At Arms, Neal Cunningham, that I was wearing no pin, and that as a Rotarian certainly, but as High Gear editor especially, I would honestly confess the transgression, voluntarily pay a fine, and set the proper example.  But rather than receiving commendation for my integrity, said Sgt at Arms responded aloud with a question about whether that was a new experience for me.  Now I am aware that there have been some issues with club members disrespecting the Sgt at Arms, but what about the High Gear editor?  To the Sgt at Arms may be the power of the armband, but to me this month is the power of the pen. We shall see where disrespecting the High Gear editor leads.

 

               It was on to the ringing of the bell and then to the Rotary Song which started off rather uncertainly.  Actually, it sounded a bit like one of Dan Firestone’s Hudsons trying to start with a weak battery. Art, we needed you! We eventually persevered through the song, then pledged allegiance to our nation’s flag, followed by Empress Martin asking the Transcendent for peace and kindness in the world after she called attention to the various religious traditions represented in the club.

 

               We were served a hearty lunch at our places which included meat loaf, mashed potatoes and carrots.  Comfort food!

 

               Jessica Leroy introduced guest Christina Lessard (fair bride of Lionel) and prospective member of the club. Christina works for Inter-Community as Director of Development and Communication.

 

               Dan Russell and Nate Queznel led the Welcome Song and kept us all on tempo.

 

               Most respectable Sgt at Arms, Neal Cunningham (see I am not vindictive), listed too many miscreants to name here, but I will try to mention the most outstanding.

 

               Nick Cecere had a birthday or anniversary, the Sgt at Arms wasn’t quite sure, but then we sang Nick “Happy Birthday” so I guess that was it.

 

               For Larry Hangland it was surely an anniversary unless he just looks old for 15.

 

               Herb Barall paid for taking two new dance lessons!

 

               Frank Collins, Bob Buettner, and Jack Sayre were fined...for nothing!  The Sgt at Arms can apparently do anything as well as say anything with impunity!  I might call it was abuse of power but I don’t want to sound like I’m holding a grudge.

 

Dan Russell has had a piece of Art accepted and on display for the 72^nd Connecticut Artists Juried Exhibition, running at the Converse Art Gallery, February 7 – March 18.  Congratulations Dan!

 

Ned Lynch’s son made the Dean’s list at Wesleyan University.  Congratulations Ned! 

 

Caring Moments included Andy Andreo who sends his best to the club and hopes be back with us soon, and Jay Stewart who is recovering at home after a time in the hospital with fluid in her lungs. Also, Mary Martin passed around a Valentine’s card for Brendan Hansen, Susan’s son, who is beginning cancer treatment.  Let’s keep all these people of our club family in our thoughts and prayers!

 

President Marc called the following dates to our attention:

 

March 10 – PETS

 

April 13 – Paul Harris Dinner

 

April 29 – District Conference in Hyannis, Massachusetts

 

May 7 – Mystery bus Ride

 

Bill Saunders is looking for club input for Committees for next year and also for uses for next year’s District Grant. Opportunities for sharing our opinions about each issue will be posted in Club Runner.

 

Jim Fallon reported that the Scholarship Committee is active and will be awarding six $2,000 scholarships this year to six graduating High School seniors who are residents of East Hartford. Applications were given to each member of the club today and applications are also available from High School Guidance Counselors.

 

Right before the raffle President Marc told an old joke about sex, or was it a joke about old sex.  One or the other, or maybe both. It was sort of funny.

 

The Raffle was won by Jack Sayre, who calmly received the envelope and put the money into his pocket. No need to get excited, there’s already plenty there.

 

Sue and Peter Klock reported on the Governor Training Seminar in San Diego.  Great speeches and great relationships were made, and great stories about the life and mission of Rotary were given. Sue Klock will be serving as our next District Governor.  We’re proud of you Sue!

 

It really is a good thing to be a Rotarian!

 

Enjoy Super Bowl 50 this Sunday and see you next week.