Nick Cecere 1932 - 2019 -- 32 Years in East Hartford Rotary
.jpg) God's Speed, Old Friend | .jpg) .jpg) Age 87, in Aruba at the Casino, playing poker. Well played, buddy. |
Nothing special about today’s weather - cloudy and cool, not cold, not windy, just an average so-so Winter’s day! The first to arrive were members of the Scholarship Committee. It was their kick off meeting to plan the process of awarding our six $2000 scholarships. A redesign of our cover page was necessary because our Club was fortunate to have received a $100,000 bequest from the estate of Gioconda B. McGettigan. This money was put into our scholarship trust of which Sheryl O’Connor is a Trustee. We will be designating one of our winners as a McGettigan Scholar per the terms of the bequest. Again, Larry Hangland will print the applications and prepare the final submissions for all members of the committee to read and evaluate. The committee is grateful and appreciative of Larry’s expertise and willingness to tend to this most important job!!
The usual hustle and bustle were present around the vestibule, but order was quickly restored when president Kevin rang the ceremonial Rotary Bell. We sang and pledged, and Bill 
Saunders offered a thoughtful Invocation and ended with thoughts of Nick Cecere. We were promptly dispatched to the buffet as Jack Sayre was ready for us today. Our Lunch consisted of two kinds of Lasagna, one a meat based, the other a vegetable combination. A nice salad and fresh Italian bread rounded out the table. Reports were that both Lasagnas were quite good. I would second those comments. Cookies and beverages were available in the main hall. Sue Klock commented that she and Peter would supply regular silverware to replace the environmentally unfriendly plastic ware provided. Ceil Collins had similar thoughts. One small step for a better future for our planet!
Sgt at Arms Neal Cunningham was next to report on his duties. By far the most money was received by those who were thankful that the “Mighty Eagle” no longer soared. Those contributing were Bob Buettner, Bob Wood, Neal Cunningham, Jack Martin, Dick McCarthy, Ned Lynch, and Dan Larson. Could you imagine putting up with Marc Glass if they had won??? Ruth Sheehan, Dan Larson and Bob Buettner paid for leaving early. Wes Willett paid for his mother’s successful surgery. Jairo Lemos, Ned, and Neal paid for no pins. Kevin paid for his father’s ending a 10 day stay in the hospital, and Steve Jacoby paid for a birthday - thus ended Neal’s weekly shakedown. A word of explanation – these collections all go to the Scholarship Fund. Thus far this year, about $1800 has found its way into the fund! Again, thanks. The flowers were again won by Jim Fallon – 2 weeks in a row – good thing he’s leaving for Florida on Sunday!.jpg)
in 1991 it was 76, and today it is in the 80’s. Her agency supplies companions for $18 an hour, homemakers for $19 an hour, and personal care for $22 per hour, and 24-hour care for about $200-240 a day. Her care givers are trained and subjected to a rigorous background check. The need for recognition and better trained aides is an issue that needs attention. This presentation gives us all a look at an issue that could hit any one of us. Thanks, Jairo for another informative program.