New Canaan Rotary Club Bulletin                                                      August 13, 2009

 

As Pogo would say, “Friday the thirteenth came on a Thursday this month.”  Perhaps it was Pogo masquerading as President Bill who arrived early, distributed copies of the Club Assembly agenda and commenced the meeting at the appointed hour.  It clearly could not have been Bill himself!  He then called on Ad who invoked the blessing of the Almighty on our humble band and then had everyone straining to hear the inevitable post script as his voice trailed off to almost nothing.  Your scrivener was able only to determine that it was another bogus quote from the Bard, but not the content.  Perhaps, just as well.

 

Bringing further doubt as to the true identity of the person who looked like Bill, our leader rose at 12:47 [the approved moment] to ask for the introduction of visiting Rotarians and/or guests.  There being only one, the hirsute Paul Burnham from Wilton, the meeting progressed to the Sergeant-at-arms segment with Scott explaining the Professor Gates situation according to Dave Chappell.  Very enlightening.

 

President Bill then explained that he did not like to be rushed and had, therefore, not revealed the names of any of the officers or directors for the 2009-2010 Rotary year.  Having become comfortable in his role as supreme leader, now, he opined was the time.  Scott Hobbs is the president-elect, Jim Kreitler the treasurer, Marty Skrelunas the secretary, Roy Riggio membership, Sandy Parks NC Rotary Foundation, Caroline Clark public relations, Ben Bilus Rotary International Foundation, Ken Campbell programs, Andy Kerchoff webmaster, Phil McLain literacy chair, Fred Baker service projects, floating directors [whatever that means] Ron Balzano and Rob Avery, and, most importantly, bulletin editors Hobbs, Sisson, Robinson and the gracefully aging President John Adams. Quite a cast of characters!

 

Treasurer Jim gave the treasurer’s report and entertained no questions, suggesting instead that they be aimed directly at the SEC.  The upshot is that we all need to pay our dues promptly.

 

Scott then led a discussion regarding the upcoming 2009 edition of the Lobsterfest.  We are still trying to enlist non-profit [intentionally, not like Tomaselli Associates] partners to aid in the sale of tickets for the modest bribe of $10 per .  Long tall Steve volunteered to attract 6-8 sponsors who will be recognized on tray liners at the event.  For a larger fee additional sponsors will be recognized in press releases and, perhaps, signage at the venue.  Everyone was reminded to, “Sell, sell, sell.”  In addition Scott reminded the membership that a single shift by each member will not get it done.  We need multiple shifts from everyone and at least one of those will need to be Friday and/or Saturday evening.

 

President Pogo [or whoever he was] then initiated a discussion of alternatives for a second fundraiser which led to John Engel and Ron Balzano volunteering to investigate the possibility of a reasonably priced golf tournament and raffle.  They will determine a time, place and price and report back.

 

Bill mentioned a couple of important dates:  September 14 meeting re membership in Westport, October 3 meeting re Foundation in Westport, and October 31 meeting for new Rotarians somewhere.  This led to a spirited call for members to discuss with their significant others attending the Montreal Rotary International Convention June 20-23, 2010.  Trish Messina is quarterbacking this effort.  All we will have to do is show up at the appointed place and get on the bus which she will have waiting for us, get our bags from the bus to our hotel rooms which she will have reserved and, three days later, reverse the process.  Past Rotary trips, whether to District Conventions or to Europe have been great bonding experiences and the source of endless stories [some actually true].  The first of several “Montreal Moments:”  In June, Rotarians at the R.I. Convention in Montreal, Que., Canada will find the city to be warm – with an average temperature of about 70 degrees – and inviting.  And as its 1,000 parks and 1.5 million balconies attest, this is a city that’s best experienced en plein air.  Take a stroll through its ethnic enclaves and shopping meccas, or relax and people-watch from a park bench or sidewalk café.  More to come.

 

Guy Lafleur