New Canaan Rotary Club Bulletin                                                    July 31, 2008

 

On the last Thursday in July, a warm and sultry mid-summer day, a surprisingly large number of Rotarians and a few visitors and guests gathered at the now under contract Roger Sherman Inn for a delicious repast, stimulating conversation, a fascinating program and a healthy serving of service above self.  President David, still a work in progress, called the meeting to order, located the flag and commenced the Pledge before calling on visiting chaplain Ron Barlow from our neighboring club in Wilton for a thoughtful and satisfying blessing.  Some were disappointed that Ron suffered no Tourette’s outburst at the end of his grace as is so often the case when Ad does the honors.

 

In a grievous breach of etiquette new member John Winterle and his lovely bride Cindy beat Ad to the buffet table and helped themselves.  There was a brief tense moment during which it appeared that Ad would either assault the unwary couple or collapse into a catatonic sulk.  Fortunately his self-discipline prevented the former and his hunger overcame the latter.  For those of you who worry about such things, Ad wound up well fed and content.

 

Visiting Rotarians included Paul Burnham and Ron Barlow from the Wilton club and guests in attendance were the aforementioned Cindy Winterle, Nancy Belon and Leo’s friend Ron Balzano.

 

President David, still a work in process, then reported on the recent board meeting, a large portion of which apparently focused on the Lobsterfest.  Get your tickets sold and your checks in at your earliest opportunity.  In fact, get your checks in now and sell your tickets later.  You are responsible for $360 worth of tickets.  The hope is, of course, that everyone will sell more.  A sheet assigning work shifts will be forthcoming.  As pointed out at last year’s Lobsterfest post mortem, we need a greater commitment to these two days.  With the Christmas dinner now likely history, our one fund raiser becomes even more important.  Regardless of the assignment sheet, each Rotarian should make every effort to commit time on Friday evening and all day Saturday, especially at closing/cleanup time.  We all show up for the allocations lunch.  This weekend is what makes that day possible.

 

Sounding very much like the school principal, President David, still a work in process, informed the club that serious attendance recording will commence immediately under the eagle eye of new member Rob Avery,  Make sure to introduce yourself to Rob so he knows who you are.  Kevin McLaughlin offered to assist Rob.  On the basis of his annual attendance of three meetings, all of which include a late arrival, his offer was spurned.  Perhaps at next week’s meeting Rob can review the current attendance rules.

 

Frank McBrearity, apparently unaware that we had a speaker, went on at some length about inviting Lizzie Dahill to a farewell luncheon next week as she heads off for a year in Africa, and her impending setup of a blog where we can track her progress through the year.  Address forthcoming.

 

Sgt. Steve, having experienced a sufficient hiatus to dull the memories of the membership, rose as sgt-at-arms and delivered a story that Ron Barlow stated he could not repeat at the more staid Wilton club regarding his golfing adventures with the absent Bill Walbert.  Probably the less said the better.  It will be interesting to see the next encounter between Steve and Laura Walbert.  Peter Santella presented Steve with a $100 check representing a dollar per year on his birthday.

 

Ex-President Amy, a finely finished product, announced receipt of the Highest Membership Retention award for the district last year.  Kudos to the record keeper.

 

Lame duck innkeeper Tom Weilenmann then arose to introduce the day’s speaker, none other than John Alexander, nee Pogacnik, son of world renowned architect Boris “the Slovenian Phillip Johnson” Pogacnik.  John, a photographer, was educated at Drew University, the Tisch School of the Arts at NYU, the International Center of Photography, and the School of Visual Arts, both in New York City.  He entertained us with a Cuban Power Point presentation of the month he spent in Cuba.  A fascinating commentary with stunning visuals.  Great program!

 

Remember, commitment not conflicts for September 19 and 20!

 

Sponge Bob Squarepants

New Canaan Rotary Club Bulletin                                                      June 26, 2008

 

On a lovely summer evening the members and significant others gathered at the Roger to celebrate the successful conclusion of Amy’s  presidential year and to get a preview of the year to come under the tyrannical reign of Rucci The Younger.  The happiest person in the room was Amy’s doting husband, Bruce, who scored perfect attendance at every service project and fund raiser during Amy’s year.

 

As Amy brought the meeting to order for the final time, she led the Pledge and then called on Tomaselli, Helen not Ad, for the blessing.  Helen delivered a prayer worthy of a seasoned preacher.  It was beautifully delivered, thoughtful, on point [even drawing in the Rotary theme for the coming year], and induced in the group a wish to put service above self.  All in all a highlight of the evening.

 

Amy called for the introduction of our guests and the normal lame old saws once again reared their heads.  In addition, this year, leaving no doubt about the aging of the membership, a contest emerged to see what couple had been married the longest.  Ad and Helen, at one hundred ten, took the prize.  Robert Mugabe was the fact checker.

 

Amy then walked us through a synopsis of her very active year.  She even took time to lament the absence of old Desert Dave, to which various members queried, “Who?”  She received a warm round of applause for a year well led and a job well done.  It was deemed especially significant in light of the virtually unanimous resolve not to have another woman president after Nancy.  Just kidding, Nancy.

 

With the elder Rucci and the lady to be referred to during David’s tenure as “The Queen Mother” in the audience, President David brought up all the Rotary arcana he has learned at the numerous leadership confabs he has attended to prepare him for this challenging assignment.  Most of the membership seemed simply baffled by his remarks, but the wine was good so no one left.  There was a subtle undertone of threat in David’s remarks and more than one Rotarian was heard to question the wisdom of not living up to our new leader’s expectations.  It is always interesting to see whether the new president will lead the Club or be overwhelmed with the task of herding the group of independent, outspoken, strong willed, and largely ignorant fools who comprise the membership.  David took the first tentative steps in establishing hegemony over the Balkanized rabble. Good luck David.

 

Happy Birthday America!

 

George Washington