The Essex Rotary Holiday Log

First of all, Kudos to Susan for not calling this the Holiday Yule!

Essex Rotarians and their guests enjoyed a holiday feast at Gabrielle’s on December 4th and wish to thank Joe Shea and his staff for a delicious meal. Joining us for the evening’s festivities was Mary Jones and Joanne O’Neill – both Rotary Anns for many years. For those of you who don’t remember Dave O’Neill, he was the blessed Rotarian who eliminated the rule about wearing a necktie to meetings. President Diana honored the members of the Board this year including Dick Levene, Carolyn Blicharz, Wayne D’Amico, Geraldine Ficarra, and Membership Chair Tom Salvo. Glenn Hermann could not attend but was touted for helping us with our new direction, goals, and vision. Treasurer Stephen Brinkmann was either described as a breath of fresh air, or a wind gust – depending on where you were sitting. David Newbegin had an honorable mention for the tremendous role he played is this year’s Ivoryton Illuminations celebration. Dr. Peter Pool was honored as our prayer God and Jeff Mehler was recognized for his role as International Committee Chair. Diana commented that it is not lonely at the top. She appreciates all the support and participation and feels that her Presidency has renewed and enhanced her appreciation for who we are as human beings and our spirit of giving.

On December 18th we enjoyed Tuba Christmas at the Essex Yacht Club with Dr. Tim Tobin and friends. Who knew there were so many different types of tubas and that we actually remembered so few words to well-known Christmas carols? President Diana organized a holiday collection for our wait staff and presented our gift following our annual prime rib dinner. President Diana thanked Judy Clark for her service as Program Chair and Judy and Beth remind us that we will be traveling for the next few weeks at the EYC closes for the month of January. International Chair Jeff Mehler encouraged us all to mark our calendars for the annual Tri Club Meeting at Camp Hazen on January 15, 2013. The program will feature the new Haiti Sister Cities documentary by Brenda Floyd and an update from our Valley Interact Club. Special thanks to our wine and beer angle Herb Clark! Speaking of Interact, John Mulligan’s daughter and her fellow Interactors collected more than 100 coats for the homeless and also staged a Homelessness Awareness Sleep Out event which raised both money and awareness. The Valley Regional Interact Club is looking to begin meeting year-round in 2013 and is currently looking for meeting space outside the high school. Please contact John if you can help or have an idea. President Diana gave us all an opportunity to share our thoughts and feelings on the tragedy in Newtown the previous week. For more information on how you can help, please visit the the Newtown Rotary Club website. The evening ended with holiday music and treats upstairs. A very special thank you to Tim and his fellow tubists or tubaists (spelling dependent on your preference) for helping us sing in the old year and ring in the New Year!

2013 Meeting Schedule

January 8th
VFW, Centerbrook

6 p.m.
Cocktails and hors d’oeuvres courtesy of the Board of Directors
$22.00 donation to benefit the VFW and Essex Elementary School lunch program

January 15th
Camp Hazen, Chester

6 p.m.
Tri Club International Meeting with special guest Brenda Floyd & Alison Clark
Sister Cities Essex Haiti Documentary and special Interact Update
$25.00 donation to benefit the Tri Club International Projects for 2013
Cash bar – beer, wine, and soft drinks available
50/50 raffle to benefit the Valley Regional Interact Club

January 22nd
L&E in Chester

6 p.m.
Beth and Judy will be circulating more information and menu options
$25.00

January 29th
Tri Club Rotary Breakfast at Essex Meadows

9 a.m.
Informal fellowship and presentation to SCEH
$10.00 donation to benefit the Tri Club International Projects for 2013