Rotary Club of New Canaan - Oct 1 09

Rotary Club of New Canaan

October 1, 2009

 

In a stentorian tone, President Walbert opened the meeting. Looking around for guests, he asked Ex Pres. Robinson, if she was a guest, leaving her even more confused than ever. After a convoluted synopsis of the LobsterFest, Pres. Walbert asked if everyone understood him, not realizing that no one understands him, ever. He thanked the Unholy Trinity … Andy Kerchoff, David Rucci and Scott Hobbs for their extraordinary effort. Unaware that flying below the radar is time-honored and acceptable strategy, Andy was stunned to realize that his well-meaning and herculean efforts resulted in his being crowned King of LobsterFest 2010. Long live the King!!!

In the interest of accumulating additional funds next year, committees are being set up to seek out corporate sponsors and to provide community outreach that will encourage other organizations to buy tickets for the event. It was reported that over 1,000 lobsters donated their lives for the cause.

John Engle spoke about the Golf Outing on October 14^th. Andy Kerchoff, with the glow that comes from a job well done, indicated that he would be there and then asked if anyone had golf clubs he could borrow. Tiger apparently has little to fear. Lunch is followed by a 1:00 tee off time and a cocktail party beginning around 5:30.  Golfing fee is $250/per golfer and checks should be made out to the New Canaan Rotary Club. The party is $50, will include a raffle for $5 in which no prizes will be offered, and all proceeds going to Rotary International’s Eradication of Polio. Contact everyone you know who might be interested.

IN ANTICIPATION OF A FUN COCKTAIL HOUR THERE WILL BE NO MEETING ON OCTOBER 15^TH.

Under the category of exciting news, Frank Bernardo noted that he made a donation of $100 due to his first absence in 19 years from the LobsterFest. “Beer Here!!” concession. Frank was missed. I don’t care what anyone says.

Thanks were given to Fred Baker for providing jet-fueled burners and a new stainless steel lobster pot which facilitated the endless wait for the pot to boil.

President Walbert gleefully reported that the Phillies, for a third year in a row, clinched the division championship. Philadelphia is also the town that has recently welcomed Michael (he’s now an Eagle, so hide your beagle) Vick to the City of Brotherly Love.

In one of the most inept and startlingly inaccurate introductions ever, George Baker introduced Select Person Sally Hines. George noted that Sally is a graduate of Amherst, a 12 year survivor of the Board of Education and that her husband is a phrenologist, a somewhat obscure 19^th century pseudo-science that involved analyzing the bumps on one’s head; which left most of us scratching ours. Sally enlightened us by explaining that her husband is a nephrologist.  George redeemed himself by adding that Sally has brought a new level of cordiality, helpfulness and professionalism to Town Hall, no doubt as a result of her being a Democrat, a group known for their social skills.

A 20 year resident of New Canaan, Sally said that the town faces some complex issues and that we live in unsettled times, including economic and health issues that reverberate at a local level. Opening the floor for questions the topic of Zone D was discussed and the possibility of it being made into a vital business area. Studies have shown that a mixed use of space which includes business, residential, cultural and entertainment are what most people want in a downtown area.

An intriguing question asked Sally why she was a Democrat, a breed as indigenous to New Canaan as gazelles. She spoke of the philosophy that we are all in this together which she believes is prevalent in her party and that she was raised by a Rockefeller Republican (fiscally conservative and socially liberal). She spoke of her early and continuing support for President Obama, a statement which precipitated the question from yet another member as to did she seriously expect to be elected in this town while supporting the President. It was timely pointed out to this individual that Sally Hines has already been elected, and will be again … as a Democrat, supporting Obama.

Someone find a phrenologist.

 

Respectfully submitted,

Franz Joseph Gall