President Bill, resplendent in suede saddle shoes, kicked the meeting into high gear at precisely 12:15. After leading the Pledge in a strong and confident voice, he called on his guest, recently arrived Methodist minister Eric Fjeldal, for an inspirational blessing. As Bill later pointed out, on Eric’s first visit he was asked to speak, on his second to ask the blessing and next time to cook the meal. It’s not easy being the Walberts’ pastor. Eric appears to be cut from the same bolt of cloth as our all time favorite clergyman, Pastor Paul Sartorio. One can only hope.
Guests, in addition to Pastor Eric, included the hirsute Paul Burnham and a very interesting
Frank Bernardo was called on to fulfill the sgt-at-arms’ duties and responded with Long Tall Steve’s copyrighted response, “I got nuthin’.” Which turned out to be an understatement. Nevertheless, matching Frankie the Claw’s gesture of last week, Peter M. Santella, resplendent in titanium hip, dropped a cool $100 on Frank for having missed his first Lobsterfest while recuperating at Waveny. President Bill countered with a happy $10 which he lamely claimed was all his 26th anniversary with the fair Laura warranted. Difficult to understand, really. Frank completed his rounds with an overflowing collection plate, a feat not overlooked by Pastor Eric who appeared ready to make a proselytising move on Frank using the example of Italian Methodist Pastor Paul.
There was an eerie silence regarding the outcome of the Lobsterfest. Co-Lobster Czar David Rucci sat mute while his partner, Scott Hobbs, was last seen boarding an aircraft bound for the Twin Cities. None of this may have significance. Time will tell.
A respectful hush overcame the normally raucus assemblage as Firemen Fred rose and announced that National Fire Prevention Week is upon us. Change all smoke and fire detector batteries and make plans to attend the open house at Fire Company no. 1 this weekend.
President Bill, whose multicolored and patterned costume was evocative of Johnny Miller in the 70’s, then reviewed plans for Wednesday’s first annual Rotary Golf Extravaganza. There will be no meeting on Thursday, October 15. Instead all Rotarian golfers are to appear at the highly exclusive Country Club of New Canaan at 11:45 on Wednesday, the 14th, to register, purchase miscellaneous mulligans, raffle tickets, etc., have lunch, warm up and be on the tee at 1:00 sharp. Following a stimulating 18 holes the golfers will be joined in the ballroom by their non-golfing compatriots for cocktails, hors d’oeuvres, raffle prize drawings and witty repartee. All members are encouraged to participate in as many of the activities as possible since all proceeds are targeted to completing the worldwide polio eradication effort audaciously launched by Rotary International back in 1985. The vision of President Bill in plus-fours and tam-o-shanter alone should be worth the price of admission.
Ron Balzano then, in a blatant effort to secure more playing time for his son, introduced NCHS Head Football Coach Lou Marinelli. In truth, the introduction listing Lou’s many accomplishments over a 27 year career here, took a good part of his allocated speaking time. His tenure has been extraordinary and his last few years have been the stuff of legends. Lou informed and entertained us with observations about the athletes, coaches and administrators he has encountered while at NCHS , some of his teams’ more memorable events, and some comments about the contemporary athlete and his/her parents. Lou is a community resource and, as he was assured several times during lunch, we are squarely behind him, win or tie.
Joe Pa
posted by Jengel199 at 4:37 PM
0 Comments:
Post a Comment
<< Home