conference call May 14, 2015

Rotary Bulletin May 14, 2015 

Doubleheader – District Conference weekend 7980

 

            It was 12:15 and no A team (Eric) so the B team (Fireman Fred and Pastor John Kerchoff did the honors with aplomb.  Leo and John Engel arrived AFTER Kevin giving a respectable attendance number.  Fred allowed all to bask in the nice weather, and then pounced on the bell.   No visitors or guests but the return of Chris Nyalis was duly noted and celebrated.   A serious round of announcements ensued.  Brock stood (thinking it was his swan song) and thanked everyone for participation in the golden putter golf outing of the previous week.  Special thanks went to Scott Hobbs for dredging up his tobacco auction skills to reap untold wealth from pedestrian offerings, save the astronomical sum proffered for a foursome with Gridiron celebrity Bill Walbert. Sandy Graf wore her green eyeshade ass Brock thanked her for moving the club into the 21^st century with an IPAD pay pal and credit swipe- Lobsterfest, here we come.  Next, this is where Fred was to jump in to promote a call for hands to pack food boxes for the Pura Vida effort.  We hope to field a raft of volunteers on June 5-7 at the High School.  This is similar to last year's performance in Wilton.  We have pictures of Hazel and Mike from that event and they are signed up for this June.  Valerie then revved everyone's engine with the Va Va Vroom exhibit at the Carriage Barn, sponsored by, among others, Karl Chevrolet.  On Thursday, June 11, she and Ben will reprise the wine beer and cheese tasting event of last year and previewed this past Saturday at the District Conference in Norwalk. Your check for $35 to the NC Society for the Arts will wet your whistle and stamp the final out on Polio.  Sandy might even bring her IPAD pay pal device.  Amy announced the Allocations Committee will host the best lunch meeting of the year on May 20.  That is the day when you know your fund raising efforts delivered.  Keith is on the downhill of the dictionary project, but I think he is still waiting for Pope Francis to give him an audience at St. Aloysius. 

            Sgt@Arms Scott was moved to recall the foursome story as the funeral cortege slid past the group on the green at the second hole.  The happys flowed.  Brock for something, Ben for the passing of his favorite Aunt, Valerie for a trip to Wisconsin, Fred for 10 days in Slovenia (without Boris). Scott who has coordinated his gavel with chatter, and Leo plus a sad for the depths of despair at Tom Brady's four game banishment.

            Long time resident Julie Stauffer spoke about her passion, photography.  Her most recent visit to Havana in 2014, after her first trip in 2004, afforded her seven days to wander, shoot and relate to our new found friends, after fifty years.   Her impressions and photos reached an enthusiastic audience as she conveyed images of energy and acceptance.  Do not miss her exhibit at the Carriage Barn.

 Dr. Cynthia Barnett's theme at the Paul Harris lunch on Friday was being focused and stay pumped up.                                                                    (s)                    Jim McNally

The responsibility for the weather at Rotary’s outdoor events . . . May 7, 2015

New Canaan Rotary Club Bulletin [Golf Edition]                       May 7, 2015

 

The responsibility for the weather at Rotary's outdoor events is the clear responsibility of our Club President, the Methodist Pastor Eric Fjeldal.  He completed that task for the 2014-2015 year with an unblemished record by ordering up a perfect day for golf, following his clear and crisp September weekend for the Lobsterfest.  One shudders to contemplate the meteorological consequences of selecting a Blue Devil to succeed this holy man!!

 

Kudos to founder and initial pitch man John Engel for conceiving the idea of a separate fund-raiser whose proceeds would be directed only to the success of R.I.'s Polio Plus initiative and then executing his vision for several years.  His partner in crime, the talented and glamorous Caroline Clark, joined him to quarterback the auction/raffle/cocktail portion of the event which provides the perfect cap to a fun day.

 

A number of willing, able, pleasant and attractive administrators, this year Rob, Sandy and Amy, have worked tirelessly to welcome the contestants and encourage them to register while separating them from large chunks of their bankroles for cash and goods raffle prizes.  In addition, thanks to the many members who contributed those prizes and/or solicited them from the local purveyors of goods and services.  Note:  Upon his return from golfing in Portugal Treasurer Tom will realize just how generous he has been and will likely not miss another meeting.

 

Should Scott's day job as a contractor fail he clearly has a future as an auctioneer.  From his impassioned review of the effectiveness and progress of Polio Plus and its cost and contributors to his manic energy as he flogs hinged seven irons and whale head covers to the partially lubricated audience he gets the maximum possible return for the cause.  The event would not be as profitable or as much fun without him.

 

Then there is New Canaan Rotary Golf Tournament Chair Brock "Tiger" Saxe!!!  As John aged and wilted under the pressure of his tournament's growth and popularity new and younger blood was urgently required to realize its full potential.  Enter Brock.  Not only did he seize the reigns of the tournament, he also took on Caroline's role as she required a sabbatical year.  Realizing that a committee would only hamper his effectiveness [particularly a NC Rotary committee] Brock worked by himself to choose the date, negotiate the tournament details with the CCNC golf staff, quarterback the raffle acquisition items, organize the registration and lunch menu, play a round of golf, and work as the auctioneer's second banana!!  A truly great effort, great execution and great result.  As we glow in the aftermath of a wonderful event the thought that keeps coming to mind is, "Four more years!!"

 

Billy Horschel [Dressed by Joy Cronin – check him out]

 

 

The magnolias and forsythia are in full bloom . . . April 30, 2015

April 30, 2015

 

The magnolias and forsythia are in full bloom, the crocuses, daffodils and jonquils have bloomed, the temperature has turned balmy and President Eric is a short-timer.  A great day for a Rotary meeting!  As we approached the Roger we were greeted by a new pressed concrete sidewalk replacing its unsafe and unsightly deteriorating flagstone predecessor.  Realizing that we would not meet formally for two weeks [Golden Putter Golf Tournament at CCNC next week] a sizeable crowd showed up.

 

Four guests joined us.  Carolyn Clark brought Christina Blair for the second week, Leo lll brought Peter Beyarti, Bill Walbert brought Duncan Chisholm, and the piece de resistance, John Burns brought the godmother of Waveny LifeCare Network's Swinging For Seniors fund raising event, Barbara Burns. 

 

Rob Avery was bedridden recovering from overexertion after Saturday's Clean Your Mile effort.  It apparently was not the physical challenge that laid Rob low, but the emotional strain of providing leadership to a group of Rotarians, Ben Skrelunas, a couple of Boy Scouts [thank you Bemis family], Christina Blair and her son Christopher was just too stressful.  We wish him a speedy recovery.  An enthusiastic B.T. then waxed euphoric about the recent Darien meeting of Rotary Means Business and announced that the next gathering will occur at the Rotary Pavilion of the new YMCA in Westport on May 28.

 

Amy reported that she has recruited nine Rotarians to assist her in evaluating 28 applications for an aggregate $57,000 and then allocating the roughly $25,000 we have available in a way that makes the biggest positive impact in the coming year.  The volunteers will meet at the Methodist Church at 7:00 PM on May 11.  The results of their efforts will be revealed at our annual Allocations Luncheon on May 28.  Brock then announced that there is currently room for an additional five or six golfers and a requirement for more raffle items for next week's golf outing.  Help him add some contestants and put a subtle arm on your favorite restaurant, retailer or service provider to help make this year's event the most successful yet.  Remember that the proceeds go to the final push to eradicate polio from the planet – and we're this close! [My fingers are really close together].

 

Eric and John Bemis then gave a brief update on the District Conference which will be held on May 15, 16 and 17 at the Dolce Hotel and Resort in Norwalk.  John has been busy quarterbacking our contributions and participation in this important annual event.  He will send out an email dedicated to informing the membership of the schedule and  inspiring each of us to attend, thereby reinforcing the District's choice of venue in our neighborhood for the first time in memory.  Notify your spam filters to accept correspondence from John.

 

Keith and two volunteers distributed dictionaries to the enthusiastic and grateful third graders at the New Canaan Country School on Tuesday.  Future events are scheduled for East School on May 11 at 2:30, West School on May 14 at 2:50, and South School on May 15 at 2:00.  Pope Francis is still mulling the St. A's date and time.  To participate as one of Keith's elves contact him at [redacted] [don't overlook the 'e'].  As reported many times by previous participants, this is a really fun and rewarding activity.

 

Pastor Eric of the local Methodist Church then rose with his annual request for your pants!  His congregation will be making a Midnight Run to the homeless of New York City late in May and he is soliciting spring/summer weight pants and any extra shoes you may have lying around.  Actually any clothing items you think might be useful can be donated and, should they not be selected, they will be donated by him to Person To Person.

 

The Sergeant then rose and related a nuanced psychiatric anecdote.  Fines were volunteered by Fireman Fred on the occasion of his 39^th consecutive yearly climb up Mt. Washington; Amy for her daughter who is completing her third year of medical school before heading off to Wake Forest and Albert Einstein for her fourth year; Keith for a sense of the Town resolution that the movie theater building appearance not change whatever its eventual function; New Canaan Community Foundation Board Chair Leo for  yesterday's hugely successful and inspirational oversubscribed annual Spirit of New Canaan Luncheon; Fall Guy Bill Walbert in gratitude to all who contributed to and/or attended last week's Gridiron Club show; Gentle Ben for walking an initial nine holes while attempting to break the world record for a round of golf completed with the most spare body parts; B.T. for his talented 10 and 12 year old daughters' participation in a Ridgefield Theater production; Skip on the occasion of the 42^nd anniversary of his 39^th birthday; John Burns for a week in Paris without encountering any outraged Muslims; Mike Hobbs, Ken, Leo and Valerie for a wonderful Friendship Dinner evening with hosts Sandy and Mike Graf; and Scott for the transcendental experience of plucking garbage from the woods adjacent to Farm Road with Dr. John, Marty and Ben, and volunteers Christina and son Christopher Blair on Saturday.

 

For the second consecutive week Program Chair Ken rose and introduced a female graduate of Salve Regina College as our speaker.  This week it was Courtney Cotsonas Litowitz, a Victim Specialist with the New Haven FBI Office.  Twelve years ago the Bureau initiated the Victim Specialist concept with 11 trainees, four of whom remain among the 110 Bureau-wide today.  They work with victims of survivors of federal crimes such as bank robberies, shootings, terrorism, lone wolf attacks, large scale fraud, human trafficking, etc.  She has assisted in familiar situations in Sandy Hook, the Boston Marathon and Virginia Tech as well as less infamous cases.  The Bureau maintains a rapid deployment force for responding to the bigger events.  The idea is that, in addition to being the right thing to do, a well cared for witness will be more likely to be cooperative in building a case against, and convicting, a perpetrator.  She offers a helpful, supportive and sympathetic face to victims at their most vulnerable moments.  A well-delivered and informative presentation about a subject most of us had never heard of.

 

Agent Joe Rucci

 

colors in jazz . . . April 23, 2015

New Canaan Rotary Club Bulletin                                                 April 23, 2015

 

President Eric got the meeting off on a good foot by praying for an increase in the outside temperature and acknowledging the response to last week's observation that more and more of the membership was migrating closer and closer to the buffet thereby precluding attention to the Blessing.  Most were able to hear this statement.

 

We had no Visiting Rotarians but Christina Blair, New Canaan resident and Norwalk-based commercial real estate broker, was a guest of Carolyn Clark.  Brock distributed sign-up sheets for golfers and auction item donations to each table.  The May 7 date is rapidly approaching, the event has proven enjoyable and successful in the past, and he is counting on maximum participation again this year.  Should you be unable or unwilling to golf, plan to attend the cocktail reception/raffle portion of the festivities commencing at 6:00 PM at the Country Club for the ludicrously low price of only $50.  B.T. will attempt to drum up more golfers from attendees at tonight's gathering of Rotary Means Business hosted by the Darien Club at 6:00 PM, 150 Post Road, Darien [HSBC offices].

 

Rob Avery announced that the YMCA has co-opted our usual Clean Your Mile territory on both sides of South Avenue from Farm Road to the Parkway.  Alternatively we have been assigned both sides of Farm Road from Waveny Care Center across South Avenue down to Main Street.  This necessitates a change in meeting venue from the Saxe Circle to the NCHS lower lot [There will be no excuse accepted that you could not find the meeting spot.  Look around!].  While Rob had the floor he thanked all the Rotarians who collaborated on the record-setting Gridiron Club presentation honoring our own Fall Guy, Bill Walbert, as well as those many Rotarian women and men who contributed to the attendance records of 134 women and 158 men.  Rob singled out the contribution of Teleprompter stand-in Ben Bilus who performed flawlessly [according to Ben], but who was not able to actually see either performance from his command bunker.

 

Librarian Lisa gave short notice that the Library is the beneficiary of this week's Celebrity Bartender series which will occur this evening at Barolo commencing at 6:00 PM with First Selectman Rob Mallozzi mixing Pink Squirrels for the assembled patrons.  A cut of the profits and all of the tips will benefit the Library, so Lisa encourages everyone to attend and drink to excess.  If you don't consider yourself a Pink Squirrel kind of guy/gal Lisa and her merry band of librarians have invented a concoction made of bourbon, lemon juice and maple syrup which she guarantees will increase your circulation.  Ben then allowed as how the Carriage Barn has mounted their new exhibit on car art titled Va-Va-Vroom, which will be on display for our wine and cheese [and beer] event on June 11.

 

John Marlow then expressed his appreciation to the team which has worked, and continues to work, so diligently to bring our rejuvenated Exchange Program to its current state of success with one short term outgoing student to Spain and one incoming long term student from Denmark.  Those he identified were Lisa, Alex, Ben, Ann, Eric and Treasurer Tom.  It is gratifying to see the important and immediate contributions of so many new members.

 

Keith has two distribution dates for third grade dictionaries:  April 28 at 1:30 at New Canaan Country School and May 11 at 2:30 at West.  Anyone wishing to assist Keith should contact him.  Just a reminder that everyone who has ever participated in one of these activities has rated it as an A-plus experience.

 

Sergeant Scott then gave a brief grammar lesson before passing among us.  His father had a happy for the inspiring edition of the TV program George To The Rescue featuring Hobbs, Inc. providing a hand up to a Port Chester family trying to play a tough hand [their son had a stroke which rendered the right half of his body pretty useless at birth] without whining; three fines as the result of the Rucci, Sr. Friendship Dinner – happy from Joe that his house had not been trashed and happies from John B. and F. Baker who apparently enjoyed the Irish/Italian hospitality of the host and hostess; Keith was happy that among the exotic cars on display at Sunday's Caffeine and Carburetors event the apparition of Fred on a tractor proved grounding; John B. a happy for his son being named a Wilburn Scholar in honor of revered former Presbyterian Minister Gary Wilburn for his essay "Colors In Jazz;" and Cynthia contributed the toll money she would have paid over the weekend if the Pay It Forward driver from the nation's heartland had not paid her toll for her.

 

Program Chair Ken then rose and gave another stirring extemporaneous introduction of Visiting Nurse and Hospice President CEO Sharon Bradley and her colleague Julia Bartholomew.  They enlightened us regarding the history and operation of their vital organization, its founders, growth and challenges in the restructuring world of healthcare.  VNH has grown to 200 employees caring for 400 patients each day with an $11,000,000 annual budget which comes from Medicare, Medicaid, private insurance and private contributions [$500,000].  Their market area is primarily New Canaan and Wilton and they provide hospice care, home intravenous therapy, public health, wellness and safe-at-home education, as well as acting as Wilton's public health nursing resource.  While this past winter was tough on many, it was particularly hard on the nurses who were out visiting patients every day in spite of the elements.  They see their mission as helping people stay in their home.  They must be doing it well because they have received the prestigious Elite Home Care Award.  They punctuated their talk with a brief video which gave faces and emotions to the beneficiaries of their dedicated care.  Inspiring program!

 

Florence Nightingale

a modest group of semi-losers April 2, 2015

New Canaan Rotary Club Bulletin                                             April 2, 2015

 

On the first day of 2015 that actually felt like spring a modest group of semi-losers, what with the Easter break imminent, gathered at the Roger for the weekly meeting with full hearts and hopeful heads.  President Eric called the meeting to order, led the Pledge and then Pastor Eric offered a prayer of gratitude for the change in the weather before asking for God's blessing on the members and their rations.

 

Thank goodness for John Bemis who was the only leader of one of our local efforts to actually be in the room.  The rest, apparently in fear of being branded as semi-losers, had departed for sand or slopes.  President Eric, standing in for Bill Walbert, announced that Bill had published the Friendship Dinner dates and is in the process of receiving responses from non-host members.  When all who wish to participate have been assigned, Bill will reveal the identity of the hosts and the makeup of the guest list for each evening.

 

President Eric, standing in for dictionary impresario Keith Simpson, informed us that the situation is unchanged from last week.  The books have been received, the labels adhered, the tab is largely covered, and Keith is negotiating delivery dates with the various schools.  Apparently Pope Francis has to sign off on the St. A's date.

 

President Eric, standing in for Rob Avery, reminded us that our Clean Your Mile effort will occur on Saturday morning, April 25^th.  Fred Baker was pictured in the Advertiser holding an example of the bags we will be expected to fill with roadside detritus from South Avenue between Farm Road and the Parkway.  Mark your calendars.

 

John Bemis, who did not need President Eric to stand in for him [what a semi-loser!], discussed the District Conference to be held at the Dolce Hotel and Resort in Norwalk on the weekend of May 14 – 17.  In recent years our attendance at these events has been sparse.  With this year's event being in the next station to the next station to heaven President Eric is hoping [expecting] a larger and more enthusiastic delegation from New Canaan.  John Bemis will not be among the group as he will be attending a daughter's college graduation.  Nevertheless he encouraged all Paul Harris Fellows who will be in town to attend the Paul Harris Luncheon on the 14^th.  To this end, President Eric recognized new Fellow Gene Tonkovich and, in absentia, Mr. Magoo for his designation as a Paul Harris Fellow + two, and, in a revelation explaining multiple presidents' forebearance when Kevin treats the 12:15 start time as a mere suggestion, Dr. Kevin McLaughlin as a Paul Harris Fellow + seven!!  Our president is looking for a volunteer to help coordinate our participation at the Conference.  If you are looking for a way to enhance your reputation in the Club and wish to be viewed as someone other than a burden on the membership step up and help our overworked and underappreciated president get the troops to the Dolce.

 

Sergeant Scott then served up a little IRS humor in honor of the imminence of Tax Day and moved among us with plate in hand.  George "President John Adams" Baker had a happy for encountering long-time New Canaan Tax Assessor and Rotarian Gordon Donley following a gig in Bath, Maine; John Engel a happy for daughter Lillian who has received a prestigious Communication Fellowship at Elon College in North Carolina; B.T. a happy for his son having inherited his athletic ability from his mother who made the varsity tennis team as a freshman; and a happy from Scott who is pleased with the men's tournament Final Four and assumes that Duke will move on to the championship game where they should have little trouble with either Wisconsin or Kentucky.

 

Then President Eric, standing in for Program Chair Ken Campbell, introduced our speakers, Columbia Presbyterian Hospital oncologist Dr. Gregory Mears and New Canaan resident journalist/yoga instructor Leigh Leibel who work together in a venture named Ashta Yoga.  Dr. Mears encountered Ms. Leibel when he sought her out to help him with his golf game.  While that was apparently unsuccessful he thought that perhaps his  patients, many of whom were in very difficult physical and emotional situations, could benefit from Leigh's ministrations.  The two have teamed up with her accompanying him on rounds and collaborating in the infusion center where patients receive their chemo.  The results, which are being recorded in a high level peer-reviewed study, leave no doubt that those patients who are being treated with traditional medicine plus yoga are doing much better than those receiving only traditional medical treatment.  They recommended a number of factors for forestalling or preventing cancer:  do yoga and meditate, decrease fat, be physically active, decrease carbs, take aspirin [anti-inflammatory], consume olive oil, consume turmeric, consume green tea, and don't microwave food in plastic containers.  Anyone wishing more information may contact Leigh Leibel at  203-920-1181.  Really informative and interesting program.

 

Mehmet Oz

“Don’t make a Methodist mad!” March 26, 2015

New Canaan Rotary Club Bulletin                                        March 26, 2015

 

President Eric called the meeting to order promptly at 12:15 and led the Pledge.  He used his grace offering platform to comment on the disturbing slip in discipline which is resulting in members straggling in after the bell has been struck.  Remember that profound wisdom, "Don't make a Methodist mad!"  Forewarned is forearmed.  Evidently Kevin McLaughlin has worn Eric down over the first 11 months of his tenure as the President failed to even look up from his lunch when Kevin appeared at 12:30.

 

Familiar Wilton Rotarian Paul Burnham and Assistant District Governor Arysleyda Riehl  [Gentle Ben aided your humble scrivener with the spelling without even having to look it up – very impressive!] were Visiting Rotarians and Lisa the Librarian brought as her guest recent Library hire Laurin Howard.

 

There were many announcements starting with Bill Walbert who was limping, apparently as a consequence of his vasectomy, discussing the confusing mechanics of the Friendship Dinners.  As he read the proposed dates someone who was paying attention noted that one of those was on a weekend evening during the District Conference in Norwalk.  Bill will reconsider and email a more carefully considered list of dates to the membership for selection and approval of the social directors.

 

Brock announced that the annual Engel Open Golf Tournament will be held at the Country Club of New Canaan course on Thursday, May 7 featuring the spirited competition for the coveted Golden Putter amongst golfers from the NC, Stamford and Wilton Clubs.  Sponsorships and auction items are still needed.

 

Keith reported that the dictionaries are ready for distribution to NC third graders thanks to the hospitality of Rich Townsend and Rangeley Capital as well as the efforts of Keith, Rich, Valerie, Mike, Marty and son Ben.  The only untoward moment occurred when Ben, arriving after the action was in full swing, discovered when reaching for one of the senior Hobbs's books that the old gentlemen does not play well with others.  While the dictionaries are largely paid for, anyone wishing to contribute the last few dollars would be welcome.

 

Ann then informed the audience that we now have a short-term outgoing exchange student as well as a long-term incoming student from Denmark.  From NC we are recommending NCHS student Caleigh Murray who is hoping to go to Spain.  From Eisbjerghus International School in Smidstrup, Denmark we look forward to welcoming Rikke Sten Holst.  Ann distributed copies of letters from each student demonstrating that both are exceptional young people with a desire to further their world views.  We now have to identify and qualify three host families for Rikke.  Ideally they would have a daughter around 16 years of age, but that is not a requirement.

 

Lisa then reminded everyone that the joint one-time-only Power House/Library production of The Murder and Booze Cabaret will occur on Saturday, March 28 from 6:00 – 8:00 PM at the Power House.  Only a few tickets remain.

 

It was then Jim Cole's turn to make sure all New Canaan Rotarians are planning to attend the Gridiron Fall Guy review targeting our own Bill Walbert on April 15 for women and April 17 for men.  Get your reservations made.  Jim then circulated the newly created Vineyard Vines version of the Fall Guy tie for inspection and purchase.  VERY upscale.  For the more traditionally oriented, official Gridiron haberdasher Skip Sisson still has approximately 10 of the original designs which are clearly destined to become collector's items.  It is rumored that Skip could be persuaded to part with these soon-to-be-priceless items if offered an appropriate premium.

 

Sergeant Scott, in the interest of moving the meeting along, suggested we skip his schtick and simply put our money in the plate without comment.  This robbed the many members who had planned to offer happy dollars for the return of a happy and healthy Boris Pogacnik whose visit to Norwalk Hospital was thankfully brief and successful their opportunity.  With or without comment it was good to have him back.

 

The Pres then introduced Stamford Rotarian Rick Meyer, a former Rotary out-going exchange student to Sweden, to talk about his new initiative, Firebird Health International, an organization founded to attempt to eradicate extreme poverty, and working to provide clean water, healthcare and education to needy citizens while building strong communities.  The organization is starting work in Mongolia, an area that would span from Maine to Michigan south to Tennessee and South Carolina, with a population of only 3,000,000, half of whom live on 88 cents a day.  Rick is trying to organize a Marshall Plan-like effort starting with an $80,000 project to drill potable water wells for the benefit of the bottom third of the population.  Really interesting, if slightly disjointed, presentation.  We should invite him back in the future for a progress report.

 

Genghis

let us listen in on another of his intimate little conversations with God . . . Feb 26, 2015

New Canaan Rotary Club Bulletin                                              February 26, 2015

 

President Eric called the meeting to order, led the Pledge, and then let us listen in on another of his intimate little conversations with God before the hoard attacked the buffet.  John Engel brought his guest Chris Schipper who apparently was responsible for the Great Tulip Bubble and Lisa Oldham introduced New Canaan Library Director of Development Ellen Crovatto.

 

The many-hatted Rob Avery announced that our Clean Your Mile effort will occur on the morning of April 25.  Mark your calendars.  More details will be revealed as the date nears.  He then proceeded to make a plea for a TelePrompter operator to replace the virtuoso Dr. John who apparently will be absent for the Gridiron Club extravaganza honoring our own Bill Walbert on the evenings of April 15 [the womens] and 17 [the mens]. 

 

Keith Simpson, the dictionary king, let us know that 460 of the useful little books and attribution labels have been ordered and, when received, he will host a party to marry the two at the international offices of Rangeley Capital [Note to Rich:  This is what happens when you miss a meeting].  Keith pledged the first individual contribution of $100 toward the $1,200 total bill which has traditionally been funded "off the books."  We need $1,100 more so …

 

Sergeant Scott stayed long enough to praise the intelligence of the President and Vice President before departing for parts north.  Fines were forthcoming from Leo in anticipation of the Best Practices for Non-Profit Organizations program at the Library at 7:30 PM next Thursday evening; Ben in appreciation for guest Chris and Lisa putting on Sermons in Stone last night at the Library; Ken for what sounded like a stag party without a groom; Scott for a Hobbs, Inc. recognition award; and the President for a Bill O'Reilly fopah [No happy dollar for Notre Dame losing another basketball game so we can infer that it is either ND losing or a Republican screwing up, but not both].

 

Ken then introduced ex-IBMer and serial entrepreneur Carol Vincie who currently runs Productivity Tools and Insights, a firm which helps individuals discover their passions and aptitudes and companies find individuals likely to thrive if hired.  She uses a tool called Pathway Planner developed by Dr. Scott Hamilton which is filled out by both employer and prospective employee to identify both a skills and character fit.  She recommends the Pathway Planner to anyone over 17 years of age who wishes to discover what he/she is interested in and good at and wants to be pointed toward an educational major or vocational choice.  A particularly valuable service as the universe of jobs expands at a dizzying rate.  Another interesting and thought-provoking program.

 

Johnson O'Connor

 

 

chill out . . . Feb 19, 2015

ROTARY BULLETIN

February 19, 2015

 

            School vacation week sent many of us to the villas, chalets and golden beaches while the polar vortex maintained its sixteen degree grip on the strivers forced to toil in New Canaan.  Nevertheless, a quorum of nine was present when Prexy Eric commenced things with a gong and thoughtful blessing.  In due course, we numbered enough to occupy three tables.   

 

            When Eric announced today's meeting was a quarterly assembly, it was too late to escape.  In fact, one cell phone levitated and said owner answered and completed a conversation before nonchalantly retiring the device. Rob introduced our only guest, son James Avery, by now a veteran performer on the local stage.  Still auditioning for the slot, B.T. stepped up as Sgt@Arms.  He cited the saga of the misdirected Email which was as shaggy as any creature at the just concluded Westminster Kennel Club function.  Exhausted by the performance, he turned the plate over to Eric who coursed the room for alms.  Don

McIvor had a happy five, probably for his PHD granddaughter. Ben was delighted to report no doctor visits this week.  Rob was celebrating, too, and he tossed a fin.  Ann had a fin and a deuce because she was glad to be back.  More fives followed:  Fred for a new transmission ( not Sue's fault), Scott for Duke, B.T. for being Sgt@Arms, Lisa who is for keeping up appearances, and Skip for the passing of his brother.

 

            Ben is proposing to embellish the wine and cheese event with a craft beer table. That idea started a chant for Charter Oak.  This led to a reprise of Sgt@Arms, only this time some details on the next Rotary  Means Business gathering in March at the NC Library.  It
 is five bucks to attend but you get invited to share libations with attendees at a subsequent venue.

 

            Well, we were promised an assembly, and, in a first, there was a printed agenda.  Item one. Finances.  Fortunately, Treasurer Tom, not being a striver, was not present.  Ditto for Keith and Brock, who might have said words about dictionaries and golf (May 7) outings.  Amy elaborated on the allocations committee of John, Tom.Eric, and Fred and their upcoming deliberations.  The silence was deafening when Eric asked for a fellowship dinner coordinator.  Finally, Bill Walbert raised his paddle, and Sandie cried with joy.  Now, we must scurry to anoint a webmaster.  Scott proposed Skip, who quickly demurred... Next Board meeting February 26, 2015.  All are welcome. Nuff banter for one day.

David Carr

To the membership’s great relief President Eric and his perfect . . . Feb. 12, 2015

New Canaan Rotary Club Bulletin                                  February 12, 2015

 

To the membership's great relief President Eric and his perfect [sacred] heart was in the room after a lovely and restful three day stay on the hill in beautiful downtown Norwalk.  He presided with his usual aplomb over the opening of the meeting before retiring early to see yet another doctor.  Great to have him in our midst.  Fireman Fred was out of character as Florist Fred passing out roses to the female spouses in the room.  I did not check on the males to ascertain whether or not they received equal attention.

 

Hoping not to miss any of our guests I offer the following roster:  Fred's wife Sue, John B's wife Nancy, B.T.'s wife Paige, John Burns' wife Barbara, Ken's wife Cathy, Eric's wife Renee, Sandy's husband Mike, Mike's wife Hazel and date Helen Tomaselli, Leo's wife Janet, Ed's wife Nita, Lisa's husband Mathew, Steve's wife [oh, Steve was all alone], Keith's wife Deborah, Skip's wife Margo, Rich's wife Cathy, and Bill's wife Laura.  If I have overlooked anyone I offer my most sincere apologies.  It was a decorative and mostly well-behaved crowd.

 

B.T. made a brief announcement concerning this evening's Rotary Means Business meeting in Greenwich, the nub of which was that he is blowing it off for a better deal.  Paige is taking him to the Inn at Pound Ridge for a 47^th birthday dinner.  Apparently New Canaan will have at least two representatives to offset B.T.'s absence.

 

Ben announced that this year's Wine and Cheese event in partnership with the Carriage Barn will feature their exhibit titled The Art of the Vehicle Va Va Vroom and will be held on the evening of Thursday, June 11.  One of the exhibit sponsors is none other than Karl Chevrolet.  More details will be forthcoming as the calendar progresses.

 

Marty then rose to his full height wearing his New Canaan Library Art Committee hat to announce the opening of the Jennifer Davies exhibit in the gallery at the Library with a wine and cheese reception from 6 – 8:00 PM tonight.

 

In an example of discretion being the better part of valor Acting Sergeant Bill stepped in for real Sergeant Scott and related an apocryphal IRS tale before passing among us with plate in hand.  He met a largely reluctant congregation as only a few fines were forthcoming.  One was for his stint in the hospital from Eric, one for B.T. having survived another year, and one for the presence in our midst of the fair Helen Tomaselli [who in keeping with tradition led the way through the chow line].

 

Further fueling the Program Chair controversy pretender Ken stood to introduce another of Cathy's Ladies Who Launch speakers, this time the lovely and charismatic Kitt Shapiro whose mother was show business royalty Eartha Kitt.  Kitt spoke lovingly about her mother who succumbed to colon cancer on Christmas Day in 2008.  Colon cancer, she told us is the second largest killer of all the cancers.  She has become very involved in the fight against the disease.  She pointed out that it is treatable and beatable if detected in its early stages.  March is Colon Cancer Awareness Month and blue is the color of their campaign [as compared to pink for breast cancer].  One will be able to purchase on-line at www.simplyeartha.com a designer scarf featuring one of Eartha's heart designs and the lovely message "Embrace Your Butt."  Kitt blended loving memoir, amusing and profound anecdotes, a vision for life and love, and a daughter's devotion to her mother's life in a memorable presentation.   Your humble scrivener is ready to throw in the towel and simply turn our programs over to Cathy.  If she can keep coming up with the caliber of speaker she has showcased the past few weeks we would be fortunate indeed.  The gauntlet has clearly been thrown in front of her beleagured spouse.  It remains to be seen  how he responds. 

 

Santa Baby

The warm fellowship of Rotary was most welcome . . . Feb. 5, 2015

New Canaan Rotary Club Bulletin                                               February 5, 2015

 

The warm fellowship of Rotary was most welcome on this frigid February Thursday as we gathered together at the Roger.  President Eric was prompt with the bell and the Pledge and pithy with the blessing.  The food was, as usual, delicious and for the soup-skippers in the line you missed an outstanding rendition of that old French stand-by – turkey chili.

 

Apparently Eric's carpel tunnel is abating as he struck the bell with extraordinary vigor and effect.  In the absence of Program Chair Ken Campbell the lovely Cathy McShane, who is actually Ken's wife though the names are a bit confusing, joined us as both a guest and acting Program Chair.  Guest Alex Cranshaw was in attendance for the fourth time.

 

B.T. reported that this month's Rotary Means Business meeting is being hosted by the Greenwich Rotary Club at The Greenwich Club, 39 Strickland Street in Cos Cob at 6:00 PM on February 12.  He is expecting another strong showing from New Canaan.  Eric reminded the audience that we will be hosting spouses/significant others at our annual Valentine's Day Luncheon next week.  Kindly RSVP to Eric at your earliest opportunity.

 

There appears to be a dearth of agenda items for the Club Assembly meeting scheduled during the school vacation.  This meeting has become known as The Losers Lunch as it is attended only by those members insufficiently flush and/or cool to still be in New Canaan when the average resident has taken his/her blonde head and straight teeth to either the beach or ski slopes.  This year, adding insult to injury, the Losers will be regaled with a Club Assembly.  Any ideas for agenda items to spice up the proceedings should be forwarded to the President.

 

Sergeant Scott then related an anecdote that would impress even sales guru Tony Robbins.  As he passed among us he collected fines from John Marlow for a speaking engagement at the Darien Club; Joe Rucci for his 48^th wedding anniversary which just goes to show that Debbie's mother was wrong when she said it would never last; Bill Walbert a sympathetic dollar for NC resident and NBC Nightly News Anchor Brian Williams who apparently had trouble recalling whether he was on the helicopter that was hit by an Iraqi RPG or in the unscathed following helicopter; and Scott had a happy for getting quick and painless approval for the Housing Authority application from an alternate-heavy P&Z on a snowy evening.

 

The aforementioned Acting Program Chair Cathy McShane then introduced her friend and Ladies Who Launch colleague radio talk-show hostess Debbie Nigro.  Debbie went around the room asking each member his/her first name and area of genius.  At least everyone answered the first question correctly.  The level of self-deception on the second was troubling.  Having completed the exercise Debbie continued with her talk without acknowledging any of our answers.  She did however offer a high energy and enlightening look at the business of talk radio in the Internet age.  She owns her show which means she is responsible for the content, the advertising revenues, and arranging distribution across the many platforms available in the digital age.  She acknowledged that the latter was the most challenging task.  Should any member wish to appear on her show, contact her at debbienigro@mac.com and see if you can convince her of your genius.  An excellent program from an enthusiastic and knowledgeable speaker who described herself as "a glass of cabernet half-full" kind of girl.

 

Rush Limbaugh

 

 

The meeting at winter’s half-way point got off to a prompt and efficient start . . .Jan 29, 2015

New Canaan Rotary Club Bulletin                                          January 29, 2015

 

The meeting at winter's half-way point got off to a prompt and efficient start.  President Eric changed up the traditional sequence of first introducing Visiting Rotarians and guests and jumped right into the brief committee report portion of the meeting.  He informed the audience that the District is hoping for a silent auction item worth in excess of $100 for the District Conference at the Dolce Hotel and Resort in Norwalk during the weekend of May 14 – 17.  Who can fulfill the District's wish?  Let Eric know.

 

The Pres then asked for introductions and, while there were no Visiting Rotarians in our midst, Amy's guest Cynthia Gorey, someone's guest Alex Cranshaw, and the speaker's mother Deena Keeffe were all welcomed to our humble gathering.

 

Sergeant Scott then related the tale of a selfless daughter breaking some news to her father.  Very moving.  Fines followed from George Baker – one happy and one sad – for his son's engagement to Mata Hari and for his cracked wrist; from Eric because Notre Dame beat Duke and he hates Notre Dame more than he hates Republicans; and from the Duke-educated sergeant in honor of Coach K's 1,000^th career victory.

 

Ken then introduced the very poised, articulate and attractive 2008 NCHS classmate of his son Andrew, Elizabeth Keeffe, to address us on the subject of the two years she has just spent on a Bridges to Community stint in Nicaragua.  Bridges is a 20 year old organization which dispatches young American volunteers to work in Nicaragua in the fields of education, housing and health.  Liz showed slides of her work building schools and clinics, building potable water systems and latrines, and working with the native population on housing.  She discussed what she had learned during her tour in Central America – that people everywhere want similar things like a better life for their children, but that the difference in opportunities often leads to different outcomes.  She answered a number of questions from the audience including one from John Burns about the Chinese having started digging a canal to rival the one in Panama in December 2014.  The program ended with George Baker telling Liz that she had mightily impressed the Club and predicting great things from her in the future.

 

Daniel Ortega

 

 

 

 

Bring the mountain to Mohammed . . . Jan 22, 2015

New Canaan Rotary Club Bulletin                                 January 22, 2015

 

Following the bell and the Pledge we had our own "je suis Charlie" moment when the President offered to "bring the mountain to Mohammed" as he moved from the dining room to the fireplace room in response to criticism that the audience in the latter space could seldom hear the blessing.  No shots were fired and the meeting proceeded without incident.

 

Two guests graced us with their presence.  John Engel brought architectural photographer Michael Bionda and Chris Nyilas  introduced Alex Cranshaw.  I believe I spied a relative of Marty Skrelunas but, if he was introduced, my mind must have wandered off.  President Eric then recognized B.T. Bowler to report on last Thursday evening's initial Rotary Means Business meeting at the Ferguson Library in Stamford.  B.T. informed us that of the 23 attendees seven were from NC with the balance representing Greenwich, Stamford, Darien and Westport.  The vibe was constructive and positive and all present committed to keeping the effort going with an eye toward increasing participation from all Clubs.  The only cautionary remark came from Keith Simpson who was all for Rotarians doing business with one another, but warned against diluting Rotary's primary mission, which is Service Above Self.

 

Eric then clarified last week's announcement that John Bemis would be his successor because Laura's circumstances have changed and she is moving to Norwalk.  She will  remain a member and hopes to resume active engagement as she settles into her new normal.  He followed that with the news that John Marlow will be the 2015-2016  President-Elect, thus fulfilling the ruler's obligation to produce "an heir and a spare."

 

John Bemis, still wearing his Foundation Officer hat, informed the audience that the grant request for the Philippine Young Pioneers had been joined by the Darien and Westport Clubs and that any donations made before the application is submitted will be matched dollar for dollar by the District.  Anyone wishing to contribute should get your check to John ASAP.

 

Bill Walbert pointed out that the New Canaan Community Foundation Annual Meeting will be held this evening at 7:00 PM at Waveny House.  Among other business to be handled will be the induction of our own Leo III as the incoming President.  Congratulations and our thanks to Leo for yet another generous and note-worthy contribution to the Next Station To Heaven.  Valerie and Ben are in the process of arranging this year's version of the Wine and Cheese Evening at the Carriage Barn with representatives from the Carriage Barn, New Canaan Wine Merchants and Darien Cheese Shop.  Date and details to come.  Finally, Eric reported the disappointing news that no one has yet volunteered to quarterback the Friendship Dinner initiative.  Who needs a project??

 

Stand-in Sergeant-At-Arms Bill Walbert set up a clever story, but had the punchline stepped on by John Engel and Chris Snyder.  For those who missed it, the punchline was, "Whose phone is this anyway?]  Fireman Fred had a sad for a bad out-of-town fire in a housing complex which led to another sad from John Bemis for a colleague who lost her home in that fire and a happy from Jim Cole whose friend had moved out two weeks before the fire.  Ben had a happy because son # 2 is moving back east from LA to DC, and John Engel had a happy because he missed his Mommy and she is coming home.  B.T. closed out the fines with some money for no apparent reason.

 

Former Assistant District Governor Ben rose and introduced current Assistant District Governor for Area 1 [NC,  Darien, Greenwich and Stamford] and Area 2 [Norwalk, Westport and Wilton] Jane Smith.  Her real name is Arisleyda Riehl, but Jane Smith is so much easier.  She has held her office since July of last year and, having voluntarily agreed to take over Area 2, was sand-bagged by Ben, who was anticipating the replacement of numerous body parts in the coming months, and saddled with the responsibility for Area 1 as well.  She briefly reviewed her time in office and encouraged a significant Club presence at this year's District Conference, the first held in Fairfield County in 25 years, May 14-17 at the Dolce Hotel and Resort in Norwalk.  Going forward she is excited about all Area 1 and 2 Clubs participating in the Vision Program designed to help them create a positive and specific vision for each going forward.  Also she is encouraged and wishes to reinforce the collaboration she has seen among her Clubs on fund-raisers, Rotary Means Business, grant requests, etc.  Spirited and enthusiastic presentation.

 

Tony Robbins

Keith Simpson . . . January 22, 2015

Just in case anyone is interested in some New Canaan history, I gave a talk two weeks ago to the New Canaan Beautification League and Channel 79 has been running it at various times of the afternoon and evening.

 
The history of the evolution of the Connecticut, and New Canaan, landscape is a very interesting topic to me and I will probably do a similar talk to the Senior Men's Club in June.
 
The maps of old New Canaan that I used at the beginning of the presentation are a little hard to read over the television, but there are many more photographs as the talk continues, so if you stick with it there are some familiar scenes of New Canaan, and I trust some observations of interest.
 
Keith.
 

On a lovely crisp January day in New England . . . January 15, 2015

New Canaan Rotary Club Bulletin                                         January 15, 2015

 

On a lovely crisp January day in New England a spirited group of Rotarians gathered at the Roger already in the full spirit of 2015.  Demonstrating none of the rust which marked his initial performance of the new year, President Eric hammered the bell into submission and called for the introduction of Visiting Rotarians and guests.  B.T. rose and introduced "visiting guest"  Alex Cranshaw who is attempting to fill the shoes of Camner Rubin at the local Edward Jones office, Lisa Oldham proudly introduced her son Chris who is matriculating as a freshman physics and computer science major at UCONN Storrs, and Amy introduced New Canaan Community Foundation Executive Director Cynthia Gorey as both her guest and dragooned speaker for the day.

 

Apparently our President was sufficiently chastened by last week's rebuff by the Lobstermeister that he totally ignored Rob Avery this week.  He did however, after first taking him to task for his "visiting guest" gaffe, recognize B.T. to expand on last week's thumbnail re Rotary Means Business.  The inaugural meeting of the area group will occur this very evening in Stamford at the fair Alice's emporium under the organizational auspices of Stamford Rotarian Dan Morris with a little guidance from experienced RMB'er Bill Fishman from the Westchester group.   The Club was relieved to know that B.T. would be chaperoned by several other NC members who would attempt to ensure that the May 7 Golden Putter golf competition between the Stamford and NC Clubs was not put in jeopardy by the behavior of the aforementioned B.T.  We eagerly await a report on this interesting endeavor.

 

Next week we will be visited by Assistant District Governor ________ Ricle.  Following his arrogant dismissal of your humble scrivener, who had the temerity to request the correct spelling of her exotic name, Gentle Ben slunk from the meeting without providing guidance on the matter.  Hence, the embarrassing void in today's narrative.

 

Treasurer Tom announced that quarterly bills have been distributed through Club Runner which has created some confusion.  Here is all you need to know – GET IT UP!  Tom will try to get bills to each of us in his familiar format and requests that they be paid tout suite.  There are eight members who have yet to pay last quarter's bill.  Big Ben suggested a Wall of Shame for the recalcitrants, but a week of grace has been granted before that draconian step is taken.  To avoid inclusion on the Wall, GET IT UP!

 

Sergeant Scott, bemoaning the low quality of available material, demonstrated his point by telling a very low quality joke.  We need a more inspiring effort for 2015.  In an extremely quiet fine environment [perhaps a reaction to the joke] only Amy came across with some bucks in anticipation of the New Canaan Community Foundation Annual Meeting, featuring free wine and cheese, next Thursday evening, January 22, at 7:00 at Waveny House.

 

As foreshadowed in the lead paragraph, Cynthia Gorey rose on short notice to address the membership on the remarkable accomplishments of the NC Community Foundation, of which she has been Executive Director for 13 years.  She performed with considerable poise considering that her new boss, the intimidating Leo III, was in the audience.  In her first year the Foundation awarded about $300,000 in grants.  In 2014 that number was $1,200,000.  Their corpus is $16,000,000.  Approximately half their grants come from the Community Impact Fund and go to non-profits either in NC or who service the NC population.  The other half go to scholarships [NCCF awards more scholarships than any other NC organization] largely from the Sapienza Scholarship Fund.  Every donated dollar goes to grants as 100% of the overhead is paid out of endowment earnings.  Cynthia highlighted a number of initiatives including the establishment of a development organization for NC non-profit executive director professionals, a financial literacy for young adults program in partnership with JPMorganChase, a workshop sharing best practices on board leadership in the non-profit world, the Young Philanthropists group which is now in its eighth year, and the annual Touch A Life and/or Spirit of New Canaan Luncheons.  She particularly mentioned the joint sponsorship with the Dorrico family and our Club of the annual Joe Dorrico Scholarship award in memory of the former NC Postmaster and Rotary Club President.  She mentioned that the three honorees at this year's Spirit of NC Luncheon will be Kathy Giusti, Dr. Tom Flynn, and Pat and Hud Stoddard – giants of the local [and beyond] non-profit world.  Informative and inspiring program delivered with conviction and justifiable pride.

 

Andrew Carnegie

 

 

While it is undoubtedly politically incorrect . . . Dec 18, 2014

New Canaan Rotary Club Bulletin                                       December 18, 2014

 

While it is undoubtedly politically incorrect to refer to a chaotic situation as a "Chinese fire drill," that would be an apt description of our President trying to lead the Pledge and start the meeting at this, our last meeting of 2014.  While he and the small number of members in the dining room started briskly and on time the balance of the group in the fireplace room was talking loudly and ignored him completely until he was forced to use his outside voice to gain control of the mob and complete the recitation.  Then, in his weekly conversation with God, he opined that it must be hard for Him to recognize our group as leaders in the community before requesting the Almighty's blessing on His flock and their food.

 

We had three visitors at the meeting.  Leo brought Cynthia Gorey from the New Canaan Community Foundation as his guest.  Then former owner and proprietor of the Roger Sherman as well as President of the New Canaan Rotary Club and tour guide nonpareil Tom Weilenmann was welcomed back in spite of having brought with him former New Canaan Rotarian and international traveler Rob Passero who, as Santa noted, can be a disruptive presence.  Good meeting to attend and nice to see old friends.

 

As noted above, this was the last meeting of the year.  We will NOT meet on either Christmas or New Year's Day.  We will reconvene on January 8, 2015.  Thanks by acclamation was registered by the Club to John  and Melissa Engel and organizer Amy for the wonderful Christmas party at the Engels' lovely home last Thursday evening.

 

A courageous Santa showed up and played hurt earning even more respect and admiration from the membership.  The second string Elf, though showing limited imagination in the couture department, gained stature as he performed beyond expectations.  This may be the start of an Elf controversy when/if Nancy intends to reclaim the job which she virtually invented.  Time will tell.  Certainly Nancy was missed and the Club sends best wishes for husband Ron's health.

 

In a bold journalistic endeavor your humble scrivener has attempted to record the entire list of presents selected in an effort to alert spouses this year and members next year to re-gifting weasels.  Cynthia Gorey led off with a bottle of pinot noir, followed by Jim Cole with a small olive oil, then Carolyn with a Be Happy mug, and Fireman Fred with the most appropriate gift of the day – a package of fire-starting fat wood, before the Elf himself opened a coveted Ugly Sweater Kit which amazingly was not trade for a single time.  Laura opened a bottle of white port, followed by Tom Weilenmann's talking outhouse whose provenance he improbably knew, and then Skip opened the most unexpected gift of the day – an electronic yodeling pickle.  Treasurer Tom then selected what turned out to be the most traded item of the day – a bottle of very good bourbon, before Sandy Graf opened her 17 piece bar set, and Bill Walbert picked a merman Christmas tree ornament that looked as though he had modeled for it.  John Burns followed with a quality selection of a pair of binoculars, and a late-arriving Chis Nyilas was baffled by a package of mac and cheese plus some unmentionable item which he quickly off-loaded,  and then John Bemis found himself the proud owner of a package of cocktail napkins.  The senior Hobbs, pinch hitting for his absent son, then selected a large white stuffed Hello Kitty, Pete Santella fulfilled a fantasy with a desk-top drum set, and Amy inexplicably received a Dad coffee mug.  Mike Franco followed with a snappy pair of antlers, Boris thought he had opened a can of excelsior packing before discovering an envelope containing a $50 annual membership in the New Canaan Land Trust, and Dr. John scored an automatic cork screw.  Scott Cluett, always a conscientious worker but never the Lobstermeister, somehow received a lobster T shirt wrapped in a lobster net, Valerie loved her dancing stuffed Snoopy, Eric was chagrined to open a Giants garden gnome in this down year for the team, and John Marlow opened a utilitarian mobile phone charger.  Santa Rucci scored a box of golf balls and his son opened what turned out to be a popular dancing wiener dog.  Rob Avery was confused by a package of Blue Balls as well as a box of chocolate covered Gummy Bears, Leo received a container of juggling balls, before Mike Hobbs, selecting for himself, selected what was obviously a Slovenian Army hat.  In what he interpreted as a personal hygiene slight Rob Passero received a package of smelly soap, Gene Tonkovich scored a large bottle of olive oil, and Marty came away with a parent's travel necessity, Six Games To Go.  John Engel seemed pleased with his sexy Santa undies, and Ken Campbell finished off the selection portion of the event by selecting a package of garden/cheese tags.

 

Moving to the auction section Santa reiterated the rules and announced the disappointing news that, in spite of Santa having contacted Spider Sovich about serving as Spider's surrogate, the legendary auction participant demurred alleging that he already had deprived others of too many treasures.  Winning bidders included Gene for an animated Santa, Fred for a small bottle of Crown Royal, Mike Franco for bacon soap and bandages, Dr. John for a mason jar of Old Smokey white lightning, Bill Walbert for a piano-playing Santa, John Bemis for a 2015 Lighthouse Poster Calendar, Ton Weilenmann for a dried fruit display and Jim Cole for a scented candle.  Including the $5.00 antes and the auction proceeds the Club will be sending a check for $527 to the Salvation Army.  All in all a virtuoso performance by a Santa flying on one wing and his OCD Elf.  Kudos to them both.  Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to all.  We will reconvene in 2015.

 

Dick Clark

Richmond Hill Special Edition . . . Dec. 11, 2014

New Canaan Rotary Club Bulletin                                 December 11, 2014

 

                                     Richmond Hill Special Edition

 

With tremendous gratitude to our host and hostess who generously offered their lovely home [with the best parking in town] for the second consecutive year members whose surnames began with the letters A – R arrived at the seasonally decorated Chez Engel promptly at 1900 hours, appetizers in hand, to discover a bevy of appropriately uniformed comely young women who seamlessly handled the bar-tending,  preparation and serving chores while holiday music was provided by the budding Harry Connick, Jr. on the piano and the coat check girl turned out to be the super efficient Max.  The S – Z crowd straggled in over the next hour or so bearing decadent, but delicious desserts which eventually proved irresistible as the diners who were grazing at the eastern table slowly migrated to the west and congregated around the goodie-laden kitchen island.  Fortunately for the rest of us Boston-bred John Burns departed before the Boston cream pie was cut and distributed.

 

Amy, working with Melissa and her staff, made it all look easy to the assembled revelers.  We all know it is never easy and we owe her our gratitude for her planning and preparation.  Her wonderful spouse Bruce, who shows up whenever there is work to be done more regularly than most members, I suspect deserves our thanks as well.

 

As always, leadership matters.  President Eric was an early arrival, accompanied by the fair Renee, and honored the little people by circulating and spending a few of his precious minutes with each of us.  The effect was similar to what occurred at the Brooklyn Nets/Cleveland Cavaliers game when William and Kate were shown to their court-side seats.  The man has industrial strength charisma which is ratcheted up when he is accompanied by Renee.  We are fortunate indeed to have such a gifted and benevolent leader.

 

John Bemis arrived sans bride as she is recuperating from hip replacement surgery.  Joe Rucci and Gentle Ben did not arrive at all.  They were both indisposed at their respective homes being nursed back to health by their Florence Nightingale-inspired wives following their own surgeries.  While there were several unexcused absences, the attendance was quite strong and a rollicking good time was had by all.  Thanks again to the Engels and Amy.

 

A reminder that there will be a noon meeting next week, Thursday, December 18 at the Roger.  Assuming that Santa has sufficiently recovered, it will be the traditional and much-loved Grab Bag luncheon.  Consider this: with the first string Elf unavailable, the highly suspect second string Elf is one heartbeat away from presiding over this fine tradition.  If Rucci is unable to go, it is conceivable that B.T. could do to the Grab Bag what B.O. has done to the country!!!  Show up with your wrapped gift and $5 ante to see how this anxious situation plays out.

 

When one looks around the world, even the Scrooges among us cannot ignore the fact that we are the most fortunate people on the planet.  Let us all make it a point to be grateful for all that we have, not least the friendship and fellowship of our fellow Rotarians.  Each of us can have a goal over the next few weeks to try to lighten the burden of someone suffering, to do something nice for someone who has no reason to expect it, and to pay forward any kindness done to us.  There is too much suffering and ugliness in the world.  It feels especially good at this time of year to be a part an organization that is trying to make it better.  Merry Christmas to Rotarians all around the world; and to all a good night.

 

Joe "Santa" Rucci

heard on the street - Nov. 6, 2014

ROTARY BULLETIN-November 6, 2014

            

A nasty day, it was, with a driving rain and temperature hovering in the mid-forties, but we flocked to the Sherman in hopes of camaraderie.  At 12:15, Eric glanced about the room and saw twelve bodies.  Pressing on, he led the pledge and constructed a patriotic blessing, grateful the election din had ceased.  When the loaves and fishes had been passed out, our band had swelled to three tables. There was no dolly table.  In fact, there were no dollies.  Besides us, Pace Collister was the only visitor, and he, again, appeared without his sponsor, John Engel.  On the subject of weather, the elements and circumstances were ideal for an old fashioned cracker barrel sit around the pot bellied and Mother Nature be dammed.  The topics varied among the tables but a sampling ensues.  Chris Snyder opened a can of worms with his query regarding the Post Office. Everybody had an opinion, but the bottom line appears to depend on the whims of the twelve anointed postal gurus.  In the absence of a consensus, our fate is to stand in line at Main and East- that is, if you can park within 100 meters.  The marauding deer population raised a few hackles and one suggested that a bear might find a deer quite edible.  Scotch that!  Fireman Fred opined that bear refrained from deer.  Now, as it was increasingly obvious we had no speaker, the subject turned to introductions.  Ken Campbell defended his practice of adhering to the scripted biography for every occasion, despite seriously curtailing the allotted time for the message.  Next week's Police Turkey Shoot in which the Town Fathers vie for the coveted Richard Perkin Trophy set off speculation that Penny Young could easily sweep the field. 

            Enough, said Eric, as he stood to dispense with the business at hand.  Two items of note for next Thursday:  The Richard B. White Piazza will be dedicated at Waveny Care at 5:30 and the Annual Boy Scout Testimonial honoring William Walbert will take place later in Stamford. Mike Hobbs is assembling a table for the occasion.  Let him know if you plan to attend MHobbs@optonline.net. 

            Eric reported he had gained access to our club's website and downloaded and printed a club roster.  Maybe so, but access is possible, the roster is available and printing same does not fly.    John Marlowe states we are inching forward with the student exchange program.  He hopes to identify a host family by March and we will learn the country of origination and gender of our student in January. Sgt@Arms Scott failed miserably with his second attempt in four weeks to arouse interest in a lemans class at Greenwich Obstetrics.  Fines fared better.  Jim Cole had a ten for Bill Walbert's moral support at the four car collision on Silvermine.  John Bemis celebrated daughter's 21^st birthday.  "Ol four way test Walbert coughed up a fin for his late arrival.  And Keith Simpson regaled us with a Dickens tale of the English Grande Dame who devoted the latter part of her days to the Boy Scouts.  Not all the world's problems were solved but we strode out of the Tavern with renewed vigor.                   (s)            Town Crier

skip sisson
esisson15@aol.com