High Gear Archive 01042006-12272006
High Gear -- December 27, 2006
Wine + EH Rotarians = lots of noise.
Snow flurries surprised all that paid attention.
Hardly anyone paid attention to the inspirational song that Pres Dan played, “The Gift”. I’d say, play it again Sam.
Kathy McCabe took high honors today for the fur of unknown origin that graced her shoulders.
George Schoen asked for peace throughout the world today in his prayer.
If you like pot roast, potatoes and butternut squash, then you would have enjoyed today’s bill of fare.
Guests today included Michael Kowalczyzk, son-in-law of Mo Moshovos, John O’Connor, the not so handsome Fred Campbell, Scott and Roger Sayre, sons of Jack and Charlotte Bradbury. Pres Dan saluted our good friend Jerry who has maintained the Ridge in good order and has been employed for 49 years.
Irish tenors Carmen “The Hit Man” Piscatello and ”Dixie” Dean Roland welcomed one and all.
Our diligent and quick witted Sergeant-at-arms, Tim Larson nailed Larry Frazier and Don Pitkin for photos. There were many Rotary anniversaries and one anonymous birthday. Bill Saunders coughed up a lot of dough for his 45th wedding anniversary.
Jack Sayre announced nominations are open for the 2007 Vocational Service Award. He claims there is no form associated with the award. He stands corrected.
Roy Spiller is reported still taking chemo but doing well. Moe Belanger is due home today.
Pres Dan read a note of thanks from Jerry Cohen for the $1000 to support Talking Books.
Roger Nicholson sent a letter congratulating the club on making a donation to his favorite charity, Heifer project. He also sent a check for $300 to support the scholarship fund.
Bill Saunders has received only half of the committee preference sheets. Get ’em in!
Three proposed members are being referred to Rotary Info. They include Sheryl O’Connor, John Kelleher, and Guy LaBella. If you have any comments to make regarding their membership, please forward them to the membership committee.
Dave Amberg announced an upcoming ski trip to Proctorville VT on Feb 6-8.
Pres Dan initiated Chinese lessons with some simple English to Chinese translations.
Pres Dan could hardly wait to get to the raffle won by Jim Fallon.
The annual meeting was called to order at 1:05 pm.
Bill Leone led us through a torturous by-law amendment.
Pres Dan discussed our progress toward District goals.
Our great Presidential orator reviewed the last 6 months and reviewed the next six. Hats off to a terrific first six.
We said goodbye to the past year and welcomed in the new year at 1:30pm.
Happy New Year and may God bless.
Johnny Dangerously
High Gear -- December 20, 2006
High Gear
December 20, 2006
The halls were decked and so were our fellow Rotarians with fashionable attire. Great to see Sir Scott (Scotty Howat) who was sporting the “money” tie. Andy Andreo gets top prize for his carefully selected holiday necktie and suspenders. Lots of colorful red sweaters to add to the festive atmosphere. Paul Krantz was lost without his new Ferragamo shoes. Too bad his better half didn’t bother to do a sweep under the bed before departing their hotel room in Aruba. I can tell you (Paul) what you will not be getting for Christmas this year.
Dorothy Larson did a masterful job in providing a very thoughtful prayer to preface our meal.
Pres Dan provided each table with some holiday brain teasers to add to the already free flowing chatter. The Rotary four way test may have been violated as Nick Cecere was implicated with cheating.
Special guests included Lucille Bailey, Fred and Jeanette Campbell and Don and June Cramer.
The tried and true trio of Hallquist, Westbrook and Bradbury welcomed everyone with great showmanship.
A photo was unveiled capturing our President in one of his rare moments impersonating Porky the Pig. Quote of the day: “I may be a swine but Danny’s lips are mine”.
Dan was presented with a well deserved gift, a donation of a pig to the Heifer Project.
In the spirit of the holidays, amnesty was granted by the Sgt-at-arms.
Last week’s bell-ringing brought in $686. Sir Scott will take his turn at the bell this Saturday.
Paul Harris winners this year -- non-Rotarian, Reggie Barall with dancing partner, Rotarian, Herb Barall.
(Not shown, Rotarian, Dan Firestone.)
Paul Harris award winners were announced. Congratulations to Dan Firestone and Herb and Reggie Barall.
Thanks to Kathy McCabe for the wonderful centerpieces and Ruth Sheehan for ensuring no cranky elves would sneak past the front door.
Willet, Larson and Galvin were decorated as Christmas trees in front of a live audience. Winner: Doug Willett with a ball lodged in his mouth Second place: Larson with a collection of ornamental balls hanging from the front of his pants. An explanation for the choice of winners was provided at the scribe’s table which did not warrant inclusion in High Gear.
The DJ started off with a Garth Brooks favorite, “Friends in Low Places” Classiest dance act: Leo Christmas, hands down.
See you next week for wine and cheese.
Best wishes for a happy and safe holiday.
Johnny Dangerously
High Gear -- December 13, 2006
Don Hallquist greeted Rotarians with several holiday tunes including WinterWonderland, Jingle Bells and a snappy version of White Christmas. Lots of gifts adorned the vestibule today. Male attire today was generally drab with Apostol, Brown, and Shemo sticking with the camel hair. Some notable Christmas ties were worn by Hallquist and Shemo. H Barrall sported a notable floral arrangement necktie. Best sweaters worn by Danise and C Collins.
Mary Magdelene Martin looking fit and trim provided today’s prayer.
Guests: Joan Brow, Esther Clarke, DGE Dick Borden, Dave Flanagan, and Emil Kopcha. Marcia LeClerc will write “Borden” on the blackboard 100 times.
A fleet-footed Jack Sayre beat Spurge Stokes for first place in the buffet line.
Covering both ends of the age spectrum, Lori Göckler and Esther Clarke led the Welcome Song before another full house.
Our shaky hands president carefully pinned Lori Göckler with her permanent name badge.
A feisty Sgt-at arms Tim Larson noted fines for the President’s 40 ++ birthday and Don Pitkin for a Susan “I left my heart on Roberts St” Kniep remark.
Steve Jacoby announced the availability of EH Rotary apparel.
Keep the cards a-coming to Moe “the Grinch” Belanger.
Our club is in the mix to host the Italian Group Study Exchange team coming in April-May 2007. Get ready to man the pasta stations.
Jack Sayre reported the first two weeks of bell ringing netted $575 and $638 respectively. Andy Andreo was acknowledged for a very generous donation to the Salvation Army.
Bob Richmond announced a count of 103 for the holiday party Wednesday at Mt Carmel Hall, Roberts St. Cocktails at 6:00 and Dinner at 7:00.
President Dan acknowledged our wait staff Helen and Sue for their good work throughout the year. Dan is successfully working his way up from kissing livestock.
As of Wednesday, the Klocks had some extra boxes of fruit available.
Pres-elect Bill Saunders asked for Rotarians to return their committee preference sheets by the end of the month. Don’t make him call you.
Board meeting Monday at the Collins’ at 7:00.
A very complimentary District Governor Elect Dick Borden presented the club with a $1000 check from the District Foundation for the recently erected scoreboard at McKenna Field.
Andrew Matos was welcomed as a new member. Andrew represents the youngest member ever to join the club at age 25. This reduces the club’s median age from 67.6 to 67.5.
Dementia Dan nearly forgot today’s raffle won by upstart brother Tim.
A huge contingent from EHHS including a slice of their orchestra and their “New Edition” graced the halls with holiday melodies from Angels We Have Heard on High to Billy Joe’s Lullabye. Pres Dan’s niece, Joan Brow’s granddaughter and several others with family ties were represented.
God blessed America at 1:35.
Johnny Dangerously
High Gear -- December 6, 2006
Even all the hot air emitted by EH Rotarians didn’t warm up the arctic air temperatures at the clubhouse today.
Dress report: Lots of well worn turtlenecks, sweaters, sports jackets and Christmas ties. George Agnelli wins the prize today for the best tie. Camel hair jackets have replaced blue blazers as the club’s dress code for men for the ensuing cold weather months. The mystery of the decline of the mid-east camel population has now been solved. Let’s try to be more courageous next week guys. My money is on fashion hound Dan Russell to lead the way.
Prayer: delivered by the very right reverend Art Bradbury.
President-elect Bill Saunders attempted to show up recent past presidents by distributing
committee sign up sheets for the 2007-8 Rotary year far in advance. The ever efficient computer guru Sue Klock distributed club rosters. Dues invoices were distributed as well.
Previewing next week’s lunch, Miss Daisy, a handsome black pig was escorted into the room in a baby stroller to court President Dan. Dan looking for follow up foreplay (from last week) with Miss Daisy sensuously stroked Miss Daisy and sang a heart warming ballad. In spite of formidable resistance by the swine, Dan finally managed to slip her the tongue to the delight of the audience. A true Kodak moment if not the makings of a future Boar’s Head commercial.
Luncheon fare: hockey pucks to start followed by gas evoking Thanksgiving day leftovers. How do you spell relief? R O L A I D S.
Today’s guests: included several prospective members, Cheryl O’Connor, Andy Matos, Guy LaBella, and John Kelleher.
Welcome Song: was led by the fashionable Larry Churchill
Sgt–at–Arms Report: Dan “Marathon Man” Larson’s report singled out Andy Matos paying to not be blackballed, Stu Harris for being an angel, Dick McCarthy for a clear conscience. (This is getting boring) Dan Russell and Tom Galvin paid for Dan Larson’s heavy petting with local swine, Art Bradbury for correcting the pronunciation of George “Schoen”
Holiday Fest: Kudos to the Ambergs, Schoens, L Göckler, Dorothy Larson, and S Jacoby and host Baralls.
Salvation Army bell ringing: Sayre thanks last week’s ringers ($570 collected) and was looking for someone to fill next Saturday’s 3:00 time slot.
Fruit sale: It’s here. Contact the Klock’s for pick up. Midnight pick ups – unacceptable.
Toys for tots: McCabe wants donations next Wednesday. Ages 1-12.
Dec 27 meeting: wine and cheese, guests welcome.
Car raffle: Galvin would like ideas on the best ways to sell tickets for the Toyota Prius.
Holiday Party Dec. 20, 6:00 cocktails, 7:00 dinner: 92 signed up, Checks next week please, $35 pp, open bar, DJ. Contact Richmond or McCabe
Nominating committee report: delivered by a dark skinned Carol Krantz. Officers for 2007-8:
President, Bill Saunders; Pres-elect, Sue Klock; Sec’y, George Schoen; Treas, Bill Secord; Dir, Glen Peterson; Dir, Ceil Collins; Dir, Jim Fallon.
Raffle: Won by a sleepy Republican, Don Pitkin
Make-ups: no clue
Today’s Speaker: Bob Galvin (brother of Tom), CT Commissioner of Health. Oversees 890 employees and a $77M budget. Spoke of pandemic flu, flu shots and health insurance.
Notice of annual meeting:Notice is hereby given that the annual meeting of the Rotary Club of East Hartford will be held on December 27, 2006 at 12:15 pm at the Veteran’s Memorial Clubhouse, Sunset Ridge Drive, East Hartford, CT for the purpose of electing officers for the 2007-2008 Rotary year, for the purpose of adopting a new club constitution and amended by-laws and for any other purpose that may legally come before the meeting.
At approximately 1:30pm. God blessed America.
Please be on guard next week. I will be singling out all misfits.
Back by popular demand, Johnny Dangerously
High Gear -- November 29, 2006
A medley of Christmas music was Don Hallquist’s forte today. His music is always noteworthy. John Shemo offered a fitting invocation. President Dan, in mufti, that is, without his pig’s tail and ears, had a difficult time getting our attention so that he could announce that the jugs of brew on the tables were compliments of Olde Burnside Brewing Company. Cold Ten Penny Ale is dark, bitter, delicious.
Lunch was a green salad, ziti with mushroomed tomato sauce, a zesty sausage, all followed by dishes of tapioca pudding. Guests today included our speaker, Bob McClellan of Ten Penny Beer, Gerry Cohen from Talking Books, Sheryl O’Connor, guest of Tim Larson, Cate Evans (a former GSE Team member) from the South Windsor Club, and Andrew Matos, guest of Tim Larson. Andrew went through “Rotary Information” before the meeting and has been proposed as a new member.
President Dan called Donna Bys, Phyllis Demers, Tim Larson and Brian Liss to the podium, and presented them with their permanent name badges. He then instructed them to lead us in the Welcome Song, which they did with gusto.
Sergeant-at-Arms Mike Malinguaggio, standing in for Tom Galvin, reported no anniversaries, no birthdays, practically nothing to laugh at at all. There was some confusion about where the fine monies go—to scholarship, is case you did not remember. President Dan clarified.
Gerry Cohen, from Talking Books, was presented with a check for $1,000 for the recording program. She said that she was deeply grateful.
Reports on our members include that fact the Moe Belanger is still grouchy, which perhaps is a good sign. Jack Sayre said that Roy Spiller is still feeling the effects of chemotherapy. Jack is collecting bell ringers for the Salvation Army. He reported that even Scotty Howat wants to participate. Former member Rocky Alexander died recently. Steve Jacoby reminded us that Holiday Fest is this weekend, and that Herb and Reggie Barall will be showcased on Saturday evening. Our Holiday Party is Wednesday, December 20th. Call Bob Richmond or Kathy McCabe for menu selections. We are urged to have our gifts for kids under the aegis of the Department of Social Services available by the 13th. Suggestions, for kids from 1 to 12 years, include: car model kits and jewelry making kits for older children, Red Sox clothing (sweatshirts, caps, tee shirts) sports games, telescopes, microscopes, hand held electronic games, CD players, arts and crafts sets, drawing kits, blow dryers, curling irons, clock radios. Also: gift cards from Bob’s Stores, Dick’s Sporting Goods, and Wal-Mart. Be sure to include batteries for toys that require them. Marcia Leclerc is selling a cookbook to benefit seniors. The Membership Committee will meet next Wednesday at 11:45 a.m. And remember that the Kiss a Pig Event is this Friday. President Dan wound up the announcements with his weekly joke. The raffle was won by Tim Larson.
Don Pitkin introduced Bob McClellan, our speaker. Bob owns and runs what used to be Burnside Ice, but which is now known, at least in part, as Olde Burnside Brewing Company, located on Tolland Street. Bob and his family got into the brewing business when they discovered that the well water they used for cooling part of the ice making operation was exceptional—it does not come from the Hockanum River—for its purity. Taste his beer and you’ll know that the water has to be good. Their products are Scottish style brews, made in equipment which came from Wyoming. It took them six months to assemble the four truck loads of parts and get the operation up and running. Using malt imported from England, they produce four seasonal brews, and well as a number of standbys. They are stocked at M&R Package Stores, among other retail outlets. The beers—ales, actually—are not filtered, not pasteurized, they are clear and clean. Olde Burnside initiated the summertime “Pipes in the Valley” a music and beer celebration, held on the banks of the Connecticut. Bob and his business is one of East Hartford’s treasures.
It’s time for me to pass the pen and pad to next month’s reporter. Thanks for reading my words. Dan Russell
High Gear -- November 22, 2006
A variety of cheeses, mini cold cuts, olives, and crackers, all to accompany generous glasses of wine, made the reception time before today’s meeting enjoyable. Conversation flowed. We finally made our way into the dining room, and sang, pledged our flag, and listened to the appropriate words of Gil Wishart who offered the invocation. The lunch menu included chicken breasts Marsala, risotto, green peas with tiny onions, and carrot cake.