High Gear, March 26, 2014 - PAUL HARRIS FELLOW RECOGNITION CEREMONY

Special events for special people deserve a special High Gear.  Here’s hoping this rendition of last night’s banquet at The Gallery in Glastonbury does justice to those we were honoring:  Robert “Bob” Buettner, Laurence “Larry” Hangland, and Peggy Schoen.

Probably the first special aspect of the night was that President George had no bell to ring or Rotary banners to point to.  He was lucky enough to have an American flag propped up in the corner, though.  Maybe he got nervous knowing his “Better Half” was a Paul Harris recipient.

Art Bradbury, thoroughly prepared in contrast, took the microphone to give the Invocation.  As Art reminded us, we were there to give thanks for, among other things, the “opportunity to recognize our recipients’ noteworthy achievements and the manner in which they lead their lives every day”.

Special guests at our special event included District Governor Mike Barnett, and Assistant D.G. for Area 6 Marty Fins with his lovely wife, Carol.

Art probably didn’t get a chance to even sit down when President George called on him and Dan Larson to lead everybody in our “Welcome Song”.   Can we make these two gentlemen (OK, at least for one of them I am using the term loosely) our permanent song leaders?  They really are the best of the bunch, especially when we are left to sing a cappella, and sometimes without music, even.

By this time Happy Hour was really over and the able staff of The Gallery went into action with serving the 66 or so folks in attendance.  Kudos to Celia Collins for single-handedly putting the banquet together.  We were served a mixed Spring greens salad with mandarin oranges, our choice of prime “brontosaurus-sized” rib, filet mignon, baked chicken, or salmon.  Doggie bag containers for these generous portions were already being distributed when dessert was served:  a white and black warm brownie with ice cream and chocolate sauce.  Bartender Chris also provided table service throughout. 

With that description you shouldn’t be surprised that we are already planning our Installation Banquet at The Gallery for Wednesday, June 18.  Mark your calendars!

While I’m singling out people for thank yous, let’s not forget that one of tonight’s recipients, Larry Hangland, again created and printed the programme.  Very nicely done.  It’s the kind of pamphlet one wants to keep as a memento of the event.

Jim Watts, our Paul Harris Committee Chairman responsible for shepherding us through the process of choosing our recipients, was unable to make the actual event.  Sue Klock very ably jumped in and gave a succinct description of the work Jim and the Committee undertook to get us to this point.  Paul Harris, founder of Rotary in 1905, is the name given in 1957 in his memory to the recognition of both Rotary Club members and members of the community at large who best exemplify our motto of “Service Above Self”.  For each recipient named, a $1,000 contribution is made to the Rotary International Foundation to be pooled with other funds to support humanitarian and educational projects that are aimed at building world peace and understanding.

The time arrived to acknowledge the event’s special guests.  Frank Collins, following Bob’s instruction to be brief, was still able to give us a good understanding of why Bob Buettner was singled out this year for a Paul Harris.  In short, Bob is always doing things for his family and the community as the perfect illustration of “Service Above Self”.  Many more examples of service by Bob, as well as Larry and Peggy, are listed in the programme.  Don’t miss the opportunity to read up on these folks in more detail.

Bob says he owes thanks to our former member, George Finch, for introducing him to Rotary.  He also made a telling statement when he pointed out that when we look at everything Rotary does locally and globally, we become aware of how each of us can play a small part in a larger effort by coming together over projects such as eradicating polio or purchasing a Bookmobile.

Larry Hangland’s praises were enunciated for us by his presenter, Dan Russell.  Dan’s analogy of thinking of Larry as our own Benjamin Franklin was the perfect way to sum up his characteristics:  Larry is a printer with a sense of humor who gives sage advice while quietly solving problems and acting as a world diplomat through programs such as the Group Study Exchange.

When Larry got up to say his thanks (sans notes) he aptly pointed out his pride at being associated with a Club that just the other night, at the Mayor’s Charity Ball, was well-represented by other honored community activists such as Brian Liss, Ted Mosebach, and Yvette Roming.

Finally, the current First Lady of the East Hartford Rotary Club (two times over, by the way), was presented by Sue Klock.  Peggy Schoen’s work on multiple community, church, and Rotary activities has created strong ties with many worthy causes in our midst.  Her personal traits of intelligence, creativity, honesty, and loyalty, not to mention hi-jinx that kept Sue in stitches as the Hospitality Cart circled our annual Golf Tournament, all contribute to the perfect mix desired of a Paul Harris Recipient.

Peggy graciously thanked the many friends and relatives who have supported her endeavors and gave a special shout-out to our own Sheryl O’Connor, Brian Liss, and Art and Charlotte Bradbury.  And, oh yeah, that fella named George.

Speaking of Brian Liss, his cell phone was near and dear to him as word had come out earlier in the evening that Mrs. Liss was possibly going to be making her way to the Maternity Ward for the third time very shortly.  We didn’t see Brian run for the door but let’s hope Hubby made it home in time.  If he didn’t, he better name the newest family member either Rotary Ann or Rotary Andy and enjoy living in the Dog House for awhile!  Brian, dude, we are really going to miss you in so many ways.

Thanks go out to District Governor Mike for distributing certificates to Peggy, Larry, and Bob and allowing family members to do the honor of ‘pinning’ each with their Paul Harris.  Bob, for his additional support of the Foundation, actually got two pins and is officially known as a “One Plus” for it.

The night came to a close and we exited into the far-too-brisk for late March evening.  Congratulations to all for a wonderful night and for the work we all do under the Rotary banner to make this world a better place.

Thanks, Art Bradbury, for being tonight’s High Gear photographer. 

-       Mary Martin, Empress of the World