October 24, 2009
TODAY’S INTRINGUING QUOTE
“He gave her a look you could have poured on a waffle.”
--Ring Lardner
THIS DAY IN HISTORY.
On October 24th, 1861, the first transatlantic telegraph system—pioneered by Samuel F.B. Morse went into service, making it possible to transmit messages from coast-to-coast. This was followed by the telephone. Then the computer. Then the—Oh, Gawd!!
*******
.
MEETING OPENING: President Seiden opened our weekly meeting to the sounds of a Trumpet Voluntary and wild applause precisely at 12:15 pm.
SALUTE TO OUR FLAG, PATRIOTIC ANTHEM, AND PRAYER: The Salute to Our Flag was headed by our national anthem was rendered wrenchingly by our very own Sy Yuter, and Bishop John ..
PRESIDENTIAL COMMENTS: President Seiden started off his section of the meeting off by saluting our guest speaker, Mr. Scott Craven, of the Ossining Police Force He then announced that our membership stood at 32. Our goal is 37. For God’s sake, get cracking!
MEMBER’S COMMENTS: Marie Fuesy reminded us that there are “good buys” at the local Stop ‘n Shop. Frances Chu announced the upcoming Rotary dinner ($30 dollars apiece), and urged us all to attend. Bob Maher, who was sorry that he was not present,
revealed by proxy that the Harlem Magic Masters basketball team would be appearing soon at the Briarcliff High School. President Seiden stated that Briarcliff Rotary shirts were now available at a laughably low $25, that a Rotary Fellowship Dinner, supporting
AIDS research relating to newborn infants, was planned but was seeking a new available date, and that Long-Range Calendars were now being offered for $8--the proceeds of which would be donated to charity.
NEXT WEEK’S SPEAKER: Our speaker the October 30th, will be Mr. Tom Vincent, Historical Society President, whose topic will be the “History of Briarcliff.”
A few of the highpoints of his talk: The Hudson is one of the largest and most highly-traveled rivers in the country. Croton Point has changed dramatically, as can be seen in aerial photographs taken over the years. The “Harmon” in Croton-Harmon wanted to create an Artists’ Community and gave the land for that unfulfilled purpose. That an ice glacier had a profound affect on the river, as can be seen by the huge rocks it left behind. That fishermen can still find a few striped bass and sturgeon in the river, if they are patient enough. That at one time there was an earthen dam across the Hudson. That in 1835, New York City was dying and was saved by water from the Hudson. And that the river is being dredged constantly for the sake of ship passage. (What he didn’t mention was that the Hudson River was a subject for many skilled painters and an inspiration and a source of solace for the rest of us.)
It was a fascinating talk. Congratulations, Mr. Craven!
###
THE DRAWING: The results of the weekly drawing: First-place winner, Julio Salazar; second-place, Marie Fuesy.
Bishop John heaved himself out of a window.
THE CONCLUSION OF OUR MEETING: Our weekly meeting ended precisely at 1:30 pm., at which point, the assembled Rotarians carried President Seiden around on their shoulders, singing “For He’s A Jolly Good Fellow!”.
Respectfully submitted by
Recording Secretary, Don Wilde
###
10/23/09 Attendance - Robert Amsterdam, Lee Carozzi, Frances Chu, Antonia Conte, Dean Dykeman, Rodney Ertischek, Marie Fuesy, Peter Garth, John Herzog, Rachel Leihbacher, Seth Leitman, Shelley Lotter, Geraldine Mahoney, Ernest Pacchiana, Mike Risko, Paul Rosen, Mark Seiden, Julio Salazar, Ken-Ichi Shimazu, Donald Wilde, Frances Wills, Elinor Yuter, Sy Yuter
###
