New Canaan Rotary Club Bulletin January 3

New Canaan Rotary Club Bulletin                                                     January 3, 2008

 

As the first meeting of the new year commenced, there was panic surrounding the effect the changing of the year would have on everyone’s computer and whether cars would stop running and airplanes fall from the sky while hospitals and police stations went dark.  The Y2008K phenomenon was on our collective minds.  The evidence of the first several days of the year was encouraging, leading some among us to bemoan the time and money expended to avert a catastrophe.  Whether these efforts were the cause of the currently sanguine situation or a complete waste will be a call for the historians.  Of course, next year we may be in for a repeat performance!  Call the Geek Squad!

 

Overcoming the group’s angst, President Amy, who seems to be quietly neutralizing the prejudice against female presidents so evident in Nancy’s reign, called the meeting to order and called on Chaplain Ad who, after several weeks absence, was once again in the house [although aided by a cane], to ask the Lord’s blessing on our efforts and our meal.  Ad, in the shortest and least embellished grace in memory, did as he was asked, and then bolted for the front of the chow line with speed and agility that belied the presence of the cane.  For the unfortunate few who had grown careless in his absence, the carnage was gruesome.  For the future, always look before moving toward the buffet to ensure that Ad either is not present or has a clear path.  It’s like looking both ways before crossing the street.  Because, in his uniform, Fireman Fred Baker looks like a crossing guard, he will be in charge of enforcing this ordinance.

 

Innkeeper Tom was in attendance and cast doubt on the advisibility of partaking of the day’s bounty.  While most diners had plates piled high with beef, tilapia, potatoes, rice and veggies,  Tom had half a bowl of chowder.  Draw your own conclusions.  Speaking of Roger Sherman scuttlebutt, Didier has returned to Switzerland for good.  We will miss him and his efficiency and elegant demeanor.

 

With virtually no business to conduct, Amy once again thanked Tom for his generosity and those who worked the Christmas Dinner for their efforts.  No financial accounting has yet been prepared.  It is rumored that Frank Bernardo is negotiating for all his tips above 15% because he believes such generosity is engendered by the superior service he provides.  That is as opposed to someone like…oh I don’t know…Steve Risbridger.  We’ll see.

 

Speaking of Steve, he rose and rose and rose [you get the idea] and produced his golf material.  What do you call two in the bunker?  An Adolph Hitler.  And such like.  The group pleaded with him to accept more money in lieu of more material.  He took the money, but kept going.  Not an auspicious beginning to the new year.

 

Amy then called on Leo 111 to introduce Jeff Cole, CEO of Norwalk Hospital, to give us a state of the hospital report as of the end of 2007.  His first comments concerned his relief that the lights in the operating and delivery rooms had indeed not gone dark at the stroke of midnight on 12/31/07.  He then gave us a confidence inspiring half hour talk about the positive changes, best practices, patient safety, and staff and facility upgrades at our local hospital.  We are fortunate to have this wonderful facility available to us, and also fortunate to have Jeff at the helm as he strives for daily improvement in every area.  Thanks to Leo for a real treat!

 

McDreamy