Rotary Club
of East Hartford
   High Gear

Volume 73 /Issue30, January 29, 2020

 
Again, today was not a typical January winter’s day – sunny, clear, and in the 40s with no snow on the ground or in the forecast!  Nice!!! See what you’re missing in Florida, Wes!  The usual chaos was present in the Ridge – Ceil was on a cruise and Lunch Master Jack was on his own setting up the beverage and buffet table.  DGE Marc was charged with bringing the cold soda which was left over from his many tailgating outings.  He claimed if you dug down deeply enough in the cooler you might find a few beers.  Several Rotarians had cold wet hands, but no visible beer! George and Jack were at their usual spot doing a very capable job and spreading the Rotary Goodwill while emptying our pockets!
"Cookie Monster" preys on weak-willed
As the clock struck 12:15 President Bob, as he does so well, struck the bell and called us to order.  The usual song, the pledge, and a thoughtful Invocation by Dan Firestone reminding us of our Bounty and asking us to provide help to others who are in need, and to share our leadership and creditability in helping to make the world to be a better place.  Off to the buffet table where the Lunch Master was quickly uncovering our repast.  Today’s feast was roast chicken and guess which one- peas, carrots, green beans, or corn?  If you chose corn you were the winner! A nice mixed green salad completed the table.  Ned Lynch finally had a job to complete – as the official cookie” Monster” Ned had a chance to distribute a fine selection of cookies to each table, even bringing seconds and begging us to break our New Year’s resolutions of shedding a few unneeded pounds.
 
Guy in Florida finally pays up
With our nourishment taken care of President Bob called us back into session with the introduction of three guests and a few announcements.
Guests were Bruce Donald, and Bill O’Neil, speakers, and Bob Rodner from the Manchester Club.  Art and George led us in the Welcome Song.
Announcements:
  1.  District and East Hartford Installation at Maneely’s on 6/17/2020
  2. Paul Harris Dinner at the Gallery on March 25, 2020
  3. Board meeting at the YMCA at 5:30 on 2/4/2020
  4. Goodwin Pantry food collections will be received each week
  5. Next Food Share event will be 2/17/ 2020.  Contact Anwar if interested.
  6. Soup Kitchen on Saturdays is a possibility.  Contact president Bob.
  7. A Thank you from Polio Plus for our $1000 donation
  8. There will be a Scholarship Committee Meeting next week at 11:30
 
Marc Glass then told us about his Governor’s Education in San Diego. He had a good learning Experience and had Fun – Especially mentioned was the “Top Gun Bar”!!!
 
Marc was followed by Sgt. at Arms Neal Cunningham who had a long list and an excellent take! Our Prez Bob led off with no badge, Dan Firestone to atone for last week, several “Ruthie’s Back” contributions - Bill Saunders, Ned Lynch, Dan Larson (Rumor has it that she has been in contact with the Red Sox management about the selection of new manager who might be capable of beating that unmentionable team from New York). Dan Russell for no badge, Bob Wood for KC on Sunday, Marc Glass for being glad to be back from the Left Coast. And a special haul from Doug who paid for a 76th birthday, a 54th wedding anniversary, and a 40th Rotary anniversary – a nice way for Neal to end his Sgt. at Arms stint!  Even better, Neal won the raffle, and Alex Wisz the Flowers!!!!
Appalachian Trail little sister takes shape
Anwar was then called upon to introduce the Program on “The East Coast Greenway” a plan to connect local trails to create a continuous 2900-mile route, an urban “Sister” to the Appalachian Trail which will span from Canada to the Florida Keys along the Eastern Seaboard. This trail would allow for walkers, cyclists, skaters, equestrians, and wheelchair users to enjoy the great outdoors. The speakers indicated the idea got started about 50 years ago but began to develop about 28 years ago.  Many obstacles still exist such as State and Local government inaction, money, planning, and private property issues.  The current state of Connecticut’s finances and bonding is making state grants not too promising.  An interesting note – a Greenway plate, similar to the Save Long Island Sound plate was issued and raised money for the project, but the money was later directed to the General Fund!  Connecticut now has about 50% of the multiuse trail up and running.  It is a great project, and many details were discussed – more than need be relayed in this venue!
 
Anwar is on deck for February – so ‘til my next shift, Bob Wood
 
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