High Gear, July 11, 2018 (Jul 12, 2018)

High Gear, July 11, 2018

Posted by Doug Willett

For this proud Rotarian of almost 40 years, tonight was an unsettling meeting of the East Hartford Rotary Club. Incoming President Kevin Kickery signaled last week at his induction ceremony that change was in the air, and tonight, we began to realize the full import of those words.

The small group of 22 Rotarians began with the usual Opening song. Usual in that this song has been sung to start our meetings for over fifty years. Our new President later informed us of his plan to replace this opening song with a recitation of the Four Way Test. Change is in the air.

Immediate Past President Dave Amberg then delivered the invocation and the march to the buffet table commenced. Chicken Parm and Eggplant Parm were the featured dishes with ziti, salad and bread in a supporting role. An assortment of cookies and brownies were available as well. There was far more food than there were Rotarians and guests to consume it all, so since all serving trays were opened, the waste receptacles were full by evening’s end.

If the Board’s hope was that holding evening meetings twice a month would entice both potential new members to visit and to draw current members who seldom attend our lunch meetings to take advantage of the presumably more convenient evening time slot, it was clear that at least for tonight, this was one change not having the desired effect.

The ever-gracious bride of Larry, Janet Hangland, was our only guest and we welcomed her warmly.

President Kevin then began the meeting with an unsettling announcement. Seems the Empress, Mary Martin, the heart and soul of this Club for so many years, has resigned. One of our two first women members back in 1988, Mary served the Club as President on two different occasions, has been our Treasury for the past few years, has run the raffle, mothered the plastic ducks, eloquently written High Gear, raised money, reported on the Fireside Chats, in short done and done well everything asked of her. Her loss creates a huge hole in the Club, but we respect her decision and wish her all of life’s blessings. She will always be the Empress and an East Hartford Rotarian in our minds. Unwelcome change is in the air.

President Kevin proceeded to discuss some of his plans for the year. He wants to take a close look at the Club committee structure and eliminate those who are no longer relevant and seldom if ever have meetings. Members were asked to indicate which committees they wish to participate in and a list will be circulated shortly. He also indicated that he has posted a list of Club goals for the year on the Rotary International website in compliance with R.I.’s instructions. The traditional review of these goals by the new Board before approval has been bypassed. Change is in the air.

President Kevin then discussed scheduling the annual District Governor’s Visit which we traditionally host in the fall season. Turns out the new DG Kate Sims has plans to limit her visits to only some of the clubs in the district and prefers to attend a club event rather than a regular meeting when she does. DG Elect Marc Glass than told us he doesn’t plan to visit every club in his upcoming year either. Change is in the air.

Under announcements, George Schoen reminded us that it is all golf tournament, all the time from now until September. Raffle prizes, sponsorships, foursomes are all needed, and everyone is expected to contribute in some fashion, whether you attend meetings or not. Some things don’t change. Marc reminded us that the District Golf Tournament is on August 6^th and we already have 10 members signed up. Others interested can find the registration information on the District 7890 website. The President reminded us that the July 25^th meeting will be held on Monday, July 23^rd at the Glastonbury Elks Club.

Having not yet appointed any Sargent at Arms, our new president declared it was a “Happy Moments” evening and proceeded to circle the room collecting comments and money. Since no one was keeping a list, no details will appear here.

Since there will be no speakers for the summer months, Kevin asked if there were any other items to discuss. One member spoke up and inquired about the thinking behind eliminating the Opening song. Both Kevin and Marc proceeded to tell us that there was much discussion at the District Level that singing at meetings was a turn off to potential younger members. They also indicated that the feeling was that speakers at Club meetings were also a negative factor in attracting Gen Xers and Millennials. Apparently, they would prefer to be doing something rather than singing and listening to presentations. And just like that, traditions this Club has held dear for the 90 years of its existence were suddenly in play. Let me reiterate, change is in the air.

In looking around the room, the observer would note that of the twenty-two members present, 80% were over the age of seventy. Could this be a more logical reason why it is increasingly difficult to attract younger members, than suppositions about singing or speakers? And do we really want to abandon our dearly held traditions in the hopes of attracting a younger cohort and running the risk of alienating more of our current dwindling membership? These are questions with no easy answers and I don’t envy our leaders who must grapple with them. But change is in the air and, I for one, find it unsettling.

Think of me next week at the Ridge. I’ll be in an even more unsettling location. (I have a colonoscopy scheduled.)

Doug Willett