High Gear, January 2, 2019 (Jan 02, 2019)

Rotary Club

Of East Hartford

High Gear

Volume 72| Issue 27, January 2, 2019

It seems as if we haven’t met since last year, but the reality is, that’s true! Our trek into the New Year was supported by a fine, warm and sunny, Winter’s day. Hope that becomes the norm!!! Upon entering the aging doors of the Ridge, we were exposed to the usual financial center, but additionally, to a welcoming Wine and Hors d’oeuvres spread prepared by Bob Buettner and Ceil Collins.

The two were also busy acting as caterers for today’s Luncheon. Great work and many thanks. Many “Happy New Year’s” were exchanged among the Rotarians actively engaged in conversations throughout the Hall. It’s nice to be together again.

Pizza fills Interlude Between Caterers

President Kevin called us together to sing and pledge. Jim Watts followed with an invocation asking our God to help us continue make 2019 a better year. He asked us to wish the best for our new Governor and those elected to guide us through whatever is to be a part of this new year.

We were then invited to the table to enjoy a variety of Pizzas, with salad, and cookies made by the Kickery Kitchen. One question heard while in line – ‘where’s the rice?” It was a nice interlude between caterers. Next week we begin with Congress Rotisserie as our caterer. They are the outfit that provided meals for our Wednesday Evening venture at Goodwin College. They supply all the materials – plastic and paper goods, all disposable for an easy clean up. I think it will be a fine upgrade!!

Mr. Rotary Collecting Get Well Cards

The president called us back into session and we welcomed our guest speaker with Dan Larson leading us in the Welcome Song to impress the unsuspecting guest.

Pres. Kevin mentioned that Frank Collins has been in St Francis Hospital since Christmas with congestive heart issues. Ceil mentioned that he has lost 21 pounds of fluid during that stay and that as soon as the retention issue is solved, he will be coming home. Hopefully soon, as he is becoming quite bored with the process!!!

Frank's direct number at St Francis is 860-714-6250 and cards and well wishes can be sent to 64 Phillips Farm Road, East Hartford, CT 06118.

Larry Frazier has had his accounts hacked and has had to change several items. For an update check the EH Rotary password protected site.

A final figure for our Bell Ringing activities - $2961. Pres. Kevin will be meeting with Agnelli family when Eleanor returns from California to determine how to use the Donations made in his memory. A nice” Thank You” was received from Norris School for the generous contribution of toys made by our Club members.

Next on the Agenda was Sgt. at Arms Neal Cunningham who reported much disrespect for the position. It must have been personal, as last month’s Sgt. at Arms, Jim Watts, had no such issue! Among the miscreants were Bob Wood – just because, Kevin for a great holiday, Mark Glass for his Iggles – still defending Champs, Jim Watts for his hasty Invocation, Bill Saunders for the success of the UConn Women’s basketball team, Dan Larson for his disrespect, Alex Wisz for a good year, Ned Lynch for his Red Sox still defending Champs, Nick Cecere for a birthday(which one was not determined), Larry Hangland for an anniversary, and Jairo Lemos for the greatest Christmas present, a new baby. Raffle winner was Bob Buettner, and the Buettner flower winner was again Dick McCarthy!

Domestic Violence Affects One in Three Women

Jairo then introduced our speaker, Susan Gallardo, who talked about the issue of Domestic Violence. She was a victim of an abusive husband but was fortunate to be able to survive the prolonged abuse administered during their marriage. She and her daughter escaped an attempted murder and have gone on to help others in similar situations.

She founded “Sarah Speaks Up” as a support group to encourage and empower victims to overcome these abusive situations. She is a powerful, enlightened speaker. Her statistics were very revealing – one in three women have been in an abusive relationship, many women are murdered by an intimate partner, and one in seven men experience some sort of domestic issue. It was a very enlightening but disconcerting program. Thanks, Jairo, for arranging for the speaker.

‘til next week, Bob Wood

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