New Canaan Rotary Club Bulletin May 7, 2009
Short timer President David took a relaxed approach to calling the meeting to order and leading the Pledge. He then called on Pastor John Kerchoff for an inspired and eloquent blessing which put the membership in full Rotary mode, searching for a service above self opportunity. The meal was outstanding, even by the Roger’s high standards.
Engendering the loudest burst of applause of the day, President David announced his expected absence from next week’s meeting which will include the Wilton Club and the visiting exchange group from Nicaragua. He is anticipating that President-elect Bill Walbert, who by this time had evaporated from the hall, will reconstitute himself in time to run said meeting.
May 28 will be the Grant Awards luncheon and Wednesday evening, June 24 will be the eagerly awaited transition dinner at which President David hands off the heavy mantel of leadership to President-elect Bill. We have all seen the before and after photographs of U.S. presidents, chronicling the effects of the awesome responsibilities of that high office on the visage of the occupants of the Oval Office. Recent terms of service in the president’s chair at the New Canaan Rotary Club have taken a similar toll. I mean, have you seen Nancy recently! It is a relief to see David’s term end before his hair turns completely white. Bill hopes to avoid this syndrome by planning to sing the role of president next year. No talk, just songs. Wait until you get a listen to the introduction of visiting Rotarians and guests set to “Somewhere Over the Rainbow.”
David announced the welcome news that members had kicked in almost $2,000 toward Polio Plus in recognition of our club’s 50th anniversary.
Roy Riggio was chastised for violating an obscure point of order before being allowed to announce the relocation of the New Canaan club archives from the YMCA to the newly designated file room in the basement of the Roger next week.
Sergeant Scott then told another of his much beloved inspirational religious fables before passing among us with his collection basket. Fireman Fred placed a happy two in the basket in recognition of his son’s impeccable planning aptitude as he managed to incorporate all aspects of his Eagle Scout project at least a full hour before the inviolate deadline of his 18th birthday. Fred was a proud dad indeed!
Our president, doubling as the day’s program chair, then introduced Ceci Maher from Person to Person, a remarkable Darien based group associated with St. Luke’s parish providing varied kinds of assistance to more than 22,000 area men, women and children. The services, which include emergency shelter, financial aid to pay for utilities, rent and security deposits, camperships, clothing, food pantry, budget counseling and more, are provided by a full time staff of six, six part timers and 2,500 volunteers from area towns, including a number of middle and high school students. Their budget includes about $2,000,000 in cash and $5,000,000 in in-kind donations, with this year’s contributions having fallen about 30% while demand has risen an even greater percentage. This is a truly remarkable organization which is needed even more in these challenging times. Thanks to David for arranging a terrific program.
Loaves and Fishes
