The sun was struggling to put the clouds behind it today as we gathered for our weekly session at the Ridge. Lots of cars in the parking lot, a welcome sight as we came up the hill. Turns out today we were hosting a number of East Hartford’s senior citizens who, according to one wag, served to lower our average age in the room by a significant amount.
Seniors Add Spice to Our Meeting
After our traditional opening song and pledge, President Bill began with a welcome to our guests followed by our weekly invocation, this week by the Empress, Mary Martin.
That done, we all headed for the buffet consisting of grilled chicken, rice, vegetable medley, and salad, with pastries for dessert.
Once the meeting resumed, President Bill asked our guests to individually introduce themselves. Wes’s mom, Diane Willett, was also one of our guests today. Art Bradbury and George Schoen then led us in the Welcome Song.
Next up was Nick Cecere’s Sergeant At Arms Report. Bob Buettner contributed because he is feeling much better and to push attendance at the June 28 Installation Dinner. Jack Martin wanted to recognize the outstanding contribution to the Club by his bride, Mary, in running the Duck Raffle and its success. Kevin Kickery paid for his enjoyment of a reunion of 15 of his college fraternity brothers in Boston last Friday. Yvette Roming paid for her birthday, leaving early, and just for being here today. It was great to see her again. President Bill paid in recognition of our senior guests. Ned Lynch is happy the Red Sox had a win against the Yankees and that his son will be playing for the state championship in lacrosse for Somers this Saturday. Nick finished with leading a Happy Birthday song for Yvette and Diane Willett.
In our Caring Moment, President Bill reported that Dick McCarthy is on the mend, and about to get behind the wheels of the car.
Turning $4,000 into $77,000 With Global Grant
For Announcements, we heard that Rotarians were invited to gather at EHHS at 11 a.m. to recognize our contributions to their charity efforts. The District Installation Dinner is scheduled for June 22 and information can be found on the District Website. Our local Club Installation Dinner is set for June 28 at the Gallery and sign-ups are underway.
We received a Thank You letter from Beth Harlow for our contributions to the East Hartford Interfaith Ministries.
Our Global Grant request for the Eye Clinic in India has been approved, turning our grant of $4,000 into $77,000. And we have been notified that we will be receiving the Centennial Award from the District for our efforts. The Golf Committee will be meeting in two weeks.
At this point, Neal Cunningham and several helpers distributed gift bags to all our senior guests which included lotions, colognes, and Visa Gift Cards with a value of $25 each.
Duck Raffle Comes to Close
Our program today was the drawing of the winning tickets for the Duck Raffle. Alex Wisz and Mary Martin led this exercise. In reverse order, our winners were Rick Lawrence ($250), Mo Moshovos ($250), Peter Klock ($1,000 Gift Certificate – Anderson Jewelers), Mary Sports, Springhill, FL ($1,000), and Jack Liner (Top Prize $5,000.) Mary extended thanks to all involved in raising Raffle funds with particular recognition to our big time seller, George Agnelli, who once again out sold all others once again.
We closed with President Bill suggesting that the beautiful flower arrangements (donated by Bob Buettner’s Flower Shop) at each table should be taken home by the guest with the nearest birthday.
All in all, a good start to President Bill’s final month in office.
