Hello fellow Rotarians and friends. This will likely qualify as the shortest High Gear ever. The meeting was last evening, I had morning work meetings and I’m leaving for Maine in the hour. BTW, there is no internet or computers available where I stay so what you see here is what you get. But, if you attended the meeting, you got it (fellowship and fun). Eighteen Rotarians and four guests joined us tonight. Peg Solimene and her husband Steve from the St. Rose Food Pantry and our speakers (and singer) Bill and Janine Thomas.
Art Bradbury gave us one of the most sincere invocations I have heard in some time. He eloquently incorporated so many facets of life to be thankful for. I would ask anyone who didn’t attend to see Art and get a copy. Very inspiring—Thanks Art.
The food was as good as advertised—chicken, smashed potatoes, carrots, green beans and cookies. The balance of the 
chicken was given to the St. Rose food pantry.
Upon introduction, Peg Solimene explained the value of our grant to the St. Rose Food Pantry and her joy and surprised in receiving it again this year. This was one of six East Hartford food pantry donations made by the Club this year. Rotary doing what we do best—helping the unfortunate.
Sargeant of Arms Marc Glass had collected a tidy sum. How do I know? Well I won the raffle. It’s not a life changer but enough for the 1st glass of scotch. Notable givings as abbreviated here:
1. Steve Jacoby, Bob Wood and Ned Lynch celebrated Wesleyan graduations of children/grandchildren and the upcoming NCAA finals this Sunday in Lacrosse. Ned’s son and Steve Jacoby’s grandson will be key players for Wesleyan in the game at Gillette Stadium. Good luck.
2. Marc said something but I didn’t hear him.
3. Bob Buettner is hoping for a Lord Stanley win by a hockey team in Las Vegas (really Bob?).
4. Bill Saunders, or was it Bev, thanked us for the good food. She’s got the night off from cooking.
5.
Announcements this week:
Steve Jacoby announced he has parking and possibly tickets for the upcoming Travelers Golf tournament in late June. If you need to know the date your probably not interested. He is also asking if anyone wants a paver in his/her name at a 
memorial sponsored by the American Legion. See Steve if interested in the $100-150 bricks.
Upcoming singers (I mean speakers) are Rick Lawrence—Guatemala Water, Chris Stone—where your MDC money goes and Joe Jaconetta –Chamber of Commerce.
Mystery ride is $75 PP and is June 2nd from 5 p.m. sharp until 10:30 ish p.m.
If anyone wants a ride to a future evening meeting, Bob Buettner, Marc Glass and this writer can get you there. There is a charge to get you home.
The EH Rotary installation of officers is in Kevin’s back yard on the 27th of June. Pizza party with a BYOB.
We’re targeting August 1st for the Sargeant of Arms picnic. Same venue as last year.
The Golf Committee’s kick off meeting is next Wednesday, May 30th at 11:30 AM.
Anwar Hossain introduced our guests from The CT Coalition for Race Amity, Bill and Janine Thomas. Bill’s speech was focused on diversity and our need to embrace it for all to benefit. Their major initiative is to have the state of CT. pass legislation to.jpg)
have a proclamation issued for the 2nd Sunday of June each year to celebrate this initiative. Janine finished with a song. For more info, if you are interested, here is their Facebook page, CT. Coalition for Race Amity.
Gotta go—Maine is waiting—Please remember our veterans this weekend for without them our way of life would not be possible. Peace to all. Kevin Kickery