March 14, 2013

New Canaan Rotary Club Bulletin                                        March 14, 2013

At 12:12 Jim Cole’s I-phone rang and it was President Marty on the line explaining that a plumbing problem [he didn’t elaborate whether it was client or personal] would prevent his appearance at the Roger today.  Without batting an eye newly trained President-Elect Fred stepped into the breach and rang Rob Avery’s inadequate boat bell [we are assured that the official bell will return next week after “having some work done”] before calling on President John Adams to ask an inspirational blessing on our small gathering.

Demonstrating his comfort in the President’s role, Fred asked for the introduction of Visiting Rotarians and guests with no prompting from the peanut gallery.  There were none of either.  He then recognized Friendship Dinner doyenne Amy whose final request was for one couple for March 19, two for April 6, two for April 20, and two for April 27.  Adopting the reservation policy from Per Se and the French Laundry, she announced that reservations would not be accepted after March 21.

Keith Simpson, whose earlier suggestion that a white-smoke-emitting-chemical be added to the fireplace in the buffet room had been ignored, rose and placed his feet firmly in the enormous shoes of Dictionary Project originator and administrator Phil McClain and announced that 400 dictionaries are on order and should be ready for delivery to every third grader in New Canaan before the end of March.  Volunteers, normally two per school, are needed as are donations, made out to the New Canaan Rotary Club Foundation, to fund this off-books expense.

Confusing his roles as Treasurer of the Rotary and Gridiron Clubs, Rob Avery rose and entreated all Rotarians to join the Gridiron Club in time to participate in an evening of fellowship and fun at Fall Guy Jim Cole’s expense at the Country Club on April 12.  The annual event is one of the traditions that makes NC the special community it is.  Fred then invited Rob to take his seat and reminded everyone that our Clean Your Mile effort will kick off from the parking circle at Saxe at 0900 on April 20.  While he failed to mention it, tradition requires that the chair supply a box of coffee and a box of donuts to sustain the participants.

Assistant District Governor Ben and President-Elect Fred reported on their attendance at last week’s PETS Conference for incoming presidents.  Much to Ben’s amazement and chagrin, he learned that his one year gig had, because of extraordinarily meritorious service, been extended to three years [he is the Michael Bloomberg of Assistant District Governors!].  In spite of the proclivity of the audience to mock any attempt at sincere comment, Fred explained how educational and inspirational he had found the conference.

In spite of his obvious motivation, his imposing physical presence and his uniform and badge, Fred had trouble maintaining order among the unruly members.  While some blamed the lack of decorum on rude and inconsiderate attendees, others expressed confidence that good manners would prevail with the return of the bell.  Stay tuned. 

As the fair Carolyn “Tiger” Clark entered the room, John Engel sprang to his feet exclaiming that “every time I see Carolyn I think of golf” and reminded one and all that this year’s version of the Engel Open will take place at the Country Club of NC on May 9 and that all golfers should be assembling their foursomes and forwarding their auction items to Carolyn.  This is a group event and, in spite of long-standing tradition, we should not let the organizers twist slowly in the wind waiting for members to step up.  John made the surprise announcement that David Klenk has been appointed treasurer for the event.  This prompted Rucci the Elder to comment that David was not yet worthy of an audit, but that he still wanted one on Rob

At that point a figure rose from the rear table resplendent in the scarlet tunic and bearskin hat of a sergeant in the British Army and recited an example of British humor to a smattering of polite chuckles before moving among us, plate in outstretched hand.  Notable fines came from Rucci who had spent last week in high level Americares strategic planning meetings in North Palm Beach, A. Kerchoff for the dirty pictures J. Kerchoff had sent him from the nude beach in St. Martens, Jim Cole for something, John Burns for a new grandchild, Skip Sisson for a grandchild’s fifth, and sergeant Keith himself for having been surprised with a 70^th birthday bash in the wine cellar of the Roger last week.

And that led to Jim Cole ‘s introduction of NC resident and head of the Women’s Campaign School domiciled at the Yale Law School, Patricia Russo.  It is a non-partisan training program for potential women political candidates and campaign managers which was founded in 1993.  The Year of the Woman in 1992 saw many new women candidates elected to office, but the gains were not repeated the following year.  Members of Congress Chris Shays, Nancy Johnson and Rosa Delauro initiated the program and installed Patricia as its head.  She is disappointed that at this time there are only 78 out of 435 female members of Congress and 20 out of 100 Senators.  The School runs an intensive five day case study program which, though fairly short, she assured us is transformative.  Some of her graduates are Congresswoman Gabby Gifford, U.S. Senator Kristen Gillibrand, Sally Hines and Penny Rashin.  A lively Q and A followed.  A fine presentation by an excellent speaker.  You have to love anyone who singles out Margo Sisson as one of her most effective collaborators.

Hilary Clinton