New Canaan Rotary Club Bulletin                                                    August 28, 2008

 

It was with great relief and gratitude that we welcomed our esteemed president back from the wilds of Rhode Island.  Having wandered aimlessly and with only ad hoc leadership in recent weeks it was comforting to feel the command and control vibrations emanating from David’s Olympian brow.  We were once again the carefree, but effective, bunch that we wish to be.  Fireman Fred, cleverly disguised as Flagpole Fred, held a NC Rotary banner, cleverly disguised as an American flag, David led the Pledge and called on Ad, who seemed somewhat out of sorts after being separated from the fair Helen for almost two weeks, to ask the blessing.

 

Demonstrating a certain lack of respect and affection for our club on the part of our fellow members of Rotary International, there were no visitors today.

 

David reported on Lobsterfest preparations.  He has secured support from Bank of NC, Kevin Megrue, still famous as one of the all time great party hosts in local lore, of Vitamin Water, and, I believe Andy Kerchoff, as well as some unexpectedly proferred help from the new owners of the Roger Sherman.  His message was sell, sell, sell.  Scott then arrived bearing an official looking sign up sheet for Friday and Saturday, September 19 and 20.  Everyone is encouraged to sign up for as many shifts as he/she can, but not to feel constrained to work only those shifts.  This is the time to remind one and all that each member is responsible for two dozen deserts.  They should be delivered to the Historical Society on Friday morning after 11:00.

 

Ben “Eagle Eye” Bilus then reported that he and his dog had noticed a hole in the sidewalk on Cherry Street adjacent to the Library with a plaque dedicated to our esteemed former member Paul Griffin.  There used to be a tree in that hole, but it is, alas, missing.  Andy Kerchoff volunteered to discuss this matter with his mother who happens to run the Garden Club.  Paul was a great friend to many of the members and a terrific Rotarian whose life was cut tragically short by cancer.  We need to ensure that the tree is replaced.

 

President David then announced two Board meetings at 4:00 pm at his office, one each on September 2 and 16.

 

Voracious reader Skip Sisson commented on the Letter to the Editor complaining about the condition of the Rotary bench in front of the Post Office.  Scott Hobbs volunteered to deal with the offending item.

 

Appropriately on a day when the speaker was to deal with Alzheimer’s, Sgt. Scott began his schtick with an historical vignette that he had presented a scant few weeks ago.  Chastened, he recovered with a quaint fishing tale.  The only admission of note was Skip Sisson paying up for his forty-forth wedding anniversary.  Condolences for Margo were heard from all corners of the room.

 

The Flagpole then introduced Anna Nelson from the Alzheimer’s Association who presented an informative and thought-provoking discussion about that horrible disease.  Her remarks elicited numerous questions for which she had well informed answers.  There is still no cure for this devastating affliction which now affects some five million people, with a projected growth, if a cure is not found, to over fourteen million by 2050.  Very important and sobering stuff.

 

Tune in next week for the first number composed, printed and distributed by fledgeling scribe George “John Adams” Baker.  It is sure to be a crowd pleaser.

 

Thomas Jefferson

 

P.S. Lizzie Dahill’s corrected blog address is:  http://elizabethhill.blogspot.com