High Gear, May 3, 2017 (May 03, 2017)

Rotary Club

of East Hartford

High Gear

Volume 1 | Issue 44

I’ve driven back to my office amongst the beauty of spring in New England. The flowering trees that grace our presence once per year are worth the sniffles and eye itching that accompanies the annual pollen release. And my editor in chief, Doug Willett, informed me at lunch today that his 24 hour layover in Connecticut, between his trips far and wide, means I need to get this done so he can look it over and publish before his next boarding pass is issued. It was a busy lunch meeting so here is my effort under pressure.

Yankees in First Place!

When I first arrived the room was bustling, but being summoned to the buffet room for a Scholarship Meeting, left me wanting for material for this article. The good news is we have six solid awardees of this year’s scholarship and letters will go out shortly.

Now back to the social room to see who is ripe for some humor or sarcasm? Ring—there goes the bell! Too late for any meaningful dirt. We sang in perfect key and said the pledge.

Dan Firestone shared an invocation about why we should do things that all may not agree with but we do them because it’s the right thing to do. I felt a feeling in the room that all felt motivated by his wise words.

Off to lunch for chicken thighs/legs, mixed veggies, rice and salad. An assortment of cookies was enjoyed by all. I saw some stuffed pockets of Rotarians that would make a mouse happy with the crumbs.

There was a good crowd of thirty one Rotarians and two guests, Jim Balcomb (Manchester Rotary Paul Harris.) and his assistant, Paul Gibson. More to follow on why they visited us today.

Our lunch was quickly consumed and we sang the Welcome Song. I have renamed this the Welcome (Oh Yea) Song as more Rotarians are bellowing out this phrase at appropriate times. It is a great tradition.

Jack Martin was the substitute for no show Dan Larson at the podium with the Sergeant at Arms report. Bob Buettner was gloating over his 1971 Jaguar being on the road again as was Happy Jack with his 1980 Corvette. Not to be out done by cars, John O’Connor was sporting some new wheels after his VW TDI was bought back.

Sue Klock was appreciative of the attendance by the club’s representatives at the recent District Conference. Bob Wood was happy the scholarship process was such a success. Mr. Travel, Doug Willett, raided his dollar jar and announced so many things that this writer could not keep up. He did say he was happy to be here visiting old friends (he’s off to France tomorrow), the Yankees are great (writer embellishment) and he was very supportive of Adam Jones and the statement he made after the unfortunate occurrence at Boston Fenway Park on Monday night. Moe Moshovos donated in honor of Herb Barall.

Lots of Car Talk Today

Announcements followed: There were 21 qualified applicants this year for the Rotary Scholarship and a difficult decision came down to 6 awardees. There was an announcement about our own Anwar Hossain and his award at the recently held 20^th Annual Connecticut Immigrant Day. This award is well-deserved and see attachment to this writing for the program info on Anwar.

There is a district training assembly next week so Jack Sayre will carry the gavel and Jim Watts will ensure the integrity of the cash collections while our President and Treasurer attend. The New Britain Bees sign up was extended to this weekend for the May 13^th game/ event to support End Polio Now. Steve Jacoby is doing well after his hernia surgery and Dick McCarthy is recovering at home after a short stint in the hospital with a UTI.

One note about the District Conference that President Bill Saunders shared with us. The topic of attracting millennials was discussed and the culture shift from traditional lunch meetings and volunteer work to the new paradigm of loose get-togethers, information sharing and connectivity. More will follow from this discussion as we all look to drive new members into our club. The old way of doing things will change. But, doesn’t it always from generation to generation?

The raffle was held and the Collins family won and will be dining at an exclusive restaurant based on the HUGE take.

Manchester Road Race - A Community Event

Our speaker today was the Manchester Road Race Director, Jim Balcomb. He was warmly introduced by Dan Firestone. Jim was accompanied by his 25 year assistant, Paul Gibson. Jim’s resume also includes his dedication and assistance in forming the International Baccalaureate Academy now on the grounds as East Hartford High School. Jim’s talk was focused on the history of the race, how he got involved, the logistics of this event and the good the funds raised does in the local communities.

Plain and simple—this race does NOT just happen! There are hours and hours of planning throughout the year to support this activity that began in 1927. The combination of 15,000+ runners (12 runners in 1927) and spectators is a logistical challenge to pull off seamlessly for all involved. Each year the race raises over $100,000 for distribution to local charities. And, 85% of the operating funds comes from runners entry fees.

His power point presentation, if allowed to be shown in its entirety, would have kept us rapt through dinner. His statistics were mind boggling to this casual observer. Those that stuck were, 18,000 bottles of water and 175 port o lets. This race is a tradition that stretches worldwide as runners have mapped this on their Thanksgiving schedule for its competitiveness and fun. A job well done by Jim as he enters his 40^th year as the race director.

I hope you enjoyed the show. And as Porky Pig would say at the end of the Looney tunes conclusion of the show “Th-th-th-that's all folks!"

Kevin Kickery

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