Nice article in the R-J about Rotary member...

Plantsville Pharmacy has had success despite emergence of chains
By Rachel K. Raczka, Record-Journal staff
 
SOUTHINGTON — In the age of the chain pharmacy, it is a true rarity. Plantsville Pharmacy, appro­priately situated among the vil­lage’s many antique shops, is marking its 60th year of contin­uous ownership by the same family. Pharmacist James Potrepka calls it “a quiet celebration.” The store, previously named Hallahan’s Pharmacy, was pur­chased by siblings Frank, Bernadine and Chester Potrep­ka Sr. in April 1946 and re­named Plantsville Pharmacy. “It’s an icon. When you men­tion Plantsville you think of the pharmacy. It has been the one place everyone gathers around,” said Art Secondo, president of the Greater Southington Chamber of Com­merce. The building has functioned as a pharmacy under different names since the 1800s. Today, Plantsville Pharmacy is run by cousins and pharma­cists Chester and James Potrep­ka, both of Southington.

“It’s an unofficial historic landmark,” said Chester Potrepka, who began working for his father in 1980, after graduating from the University of Connecticut Pharmacy School in 1977. Creaky wooden floors and antique light fixtures are the first things one notices setting foot in the pharmacy. The racks of candy have handwritten price tags. Shelves of medica­tions and rustic wooden filing cabinets with phone numbers written on aging Post-it notes line the backroom, in obvious contrast to the atmosphere of the CVS or Walgreens up the road. “The fixtures may look an­tique, but we have up-to-date computer filing systems,” Chester Potrepka said. The pharmacy uses a QS­1 Pharmacy System that continu­ously updates itself.
 
“We’re very satisfied,” James Potrepka said of the computer system. The store’s timework ap­pearance, however, is deliber­ate. “It’s a village atmosphere and historically pharmacies have always looked like this,” he said. James Potrepka also graduat­ed from UConn Pharmacy School in 1970 and abandoned his original plans to be a veteri­narian to work in the family business. “I am very happy with my decision,” he said.


Competing with chain phar­macies that offer services such as drive-through prescription pickup and 24-hour service does not intimidate Plantsville Pharmacy. “What’s kept it here is the loyalty of the customers,” Chester Potrepka said. “We’re a hometown business, basically run by your neighbors.” Secondo said the reason for its longevity is the personalized service that only a family­owned pharmacy provides. Customers also like the idea of patronizing the same establish­ment where their parents shopped. “While many things in the world have changed, chain pharmacies have come and gone in the town, but Plantsville Pharmacy is still there,” he said.

Both pharmacists said they would not consider another job with a commercial pharmacy. “I enjoy working with the community. I love this commu­nity and I love the people in this town,” James Potrepka said. “Customers feel safer getting something from someone who cares,” said Chester Potrepka’s daughter, Jessica Potrepka, 20, a clerk at the pharmacy. “They get to know the pharmacists and form a bond.”

rraczka@record-journal.com 203.235.1661

Thank You!!!!

Thank you, everyone who participated in this event, for supporting the Southington Rotary Club projects for another year.

Golf foursomes pictures

Golf pictures

Dinner pictures

Golf awards

Thomson Scholar announced by Rotary (Record-Journal)

Senior Aaron Laviana, of Notre Dame Univer­sity, has been selected the 2006 Southington Ro­tary William S. Thomson Scholar and will be honored at the annual William S. Thomson Golf Scramble Dinner Aqua Turf Club on Wednes­day, July 12. The Thomson scholarships are for post-secondary (graduate or undergraduate) students who as seniors, were recipients of Southington Rotary Club scholarships.
 
Aaron Alan Laviana, a 2003 Southington High School graduate, will receive a $3,000 scholar­ship. Aaron is a senior at the University of Notre Dame double majoring in biology and econom­ics with a 3.77 grade point average. He plans to attend medical school with the aspiration of be­coming a doctor specializing in oncology. Aaron has interned at the UConn Health Center con­ducting colon cancer research as part of their graduate school fellowship program. He has had previous research experience at Yale University conducting skin cancer research.

“Part of the reason being a doctor appeals to me also deals with the field’s dualistic nature of combining intellectualism and humanism. Studying genomes to explain the fundamental principles of cancer is one thing: being able to apply this and deal with the delicate side of helping an individual is quite another. In a sense, being a doctor is exploring the artistic side of science, and my experiences of working in clinics have only reinforced this point.  Through interacting with numerous cancer pa­tients, some grasping for their last breaths of air and others indistinguishable from your average healthy teenager, I have learned the need to care for all aspects of a patient’s health. By attending medical school I hope to further learn how to meet the concerns of the patients and treat them according to their individual needs.”

Lifetime Member Induction- William Taylor...

William (Wild Willie) Taylor, Southington Rotary Lifetime Member Inductee
(John Kennedy, Presenter)

I am proud have been selected to present Bill Taylor as a Lifetime Member of the Rotary Club of Southington. I feel a bit put out about being passed up for the John Mullett or Tom McKnerney gig, but we are all team players here and you do what you’re asked to do. S0 here we go….(some of the following was taken from sketchy notes of a Dolores Fanelli biographical interview with Mr. Taylor about one month ago. Any inaccuracies can be blamed on my reading of the notes)

Born and raised in the streets of New York City, Bill early on fell in with ruffians and the like, living out the rough and tumble West Side Story. In his teens, while running numbers for the Mob under the moniker “Willie the Tailor,” he actually served some ‘hard time’ at Attica.

Yet, being the complex guy that he is, Bill also loved to sing streetcorner harmony- accapella, forming Dion & the Belmonts with his buddy, Dion DiMucci. Yes, it’s Bill’s soaring background falcetto you hear on “Why Must I Be A Teenager in Love.” The album jacket shows a tall, skinny kid with a greased-back DA haircut, cigarette dangling from his scowling lips, looking something like a 50’s Kevin Mezzanotte.

And in the early 60’s, yes, it was Bill, who, while traveling and co-writing with a young poet-folksinger named Bob Dylan, whom Bill had met down in the Village coffeehouses while reciting his fiery ‘beat’ verses, urged a reluctant Dylan to ‘go-electric’ at the 1964 Newport Folk Festival, telling him, ‘Bobby, trust me, they’ll love it!”

After winning the Heisman trophy at the University of Alabama and editing the Harvard Law Review, Bill decided it was time to focus on his real passion- banking. And bank he did…......bank, bank, bank, bank, bank......Even as he married his lovely and talented wife, Rita, and raised their two boys, Brian and Jeffrey, he continued to bank.....

It was at this point in his career, 1984, that Bill joined the Southington Rotary, garnering a solid 58% approval rating by the Club membership. He immediately made his mark, teaming with Tom McKnerney to pass legislation that every Club event be an open bar, even breakfast meetings. He rose through the chairs eventually becoming President in 1990, succeeding a true Rotary legend (whose name escapes me at the moment), using the campaign slogan ‘Hey, back off, it’s MY turn!’ Unfortunately, during his term as President, Bill hurt his back and, according to legend, was out of action for 6 YEARS! But, regardless, Bill left his mark on our Club:

During his reign, Bill focused on making education the primary focus of the Club, with scholarships increasing from $1,000 to $6,000.

In addition to serving as President, Bill was the voice of reason as the chair, for over six years, of the sometimes-stormy Gifts & Grants committee.

He also chaired the Scholarship Committee for two years.

He was a silky-smooth voice of the airwaves on Rotary Radio Days

and the deadpan sidekick to yours truly in some truly memorable (many would say, and have said, truly forgettable) Rotary skits and tributes.

Bill Taylor has been what a Rotarian should be- someone who works hard for the good of the Club, someone who has a vision of what can be done and needs to be done, and, most importantly, someone who has the character/intellect/leadership skills to make that vision reality.

I am honored to introduce one of the three new Lifetime Members of the Southington Rotary Club - my fellow Rotarian – and my friend – Bill Taylor.

Who Will Be The Next Rotarian IDOL????

SOUTHINGTON ROTARY CLUB 2006 SPRING MEMBERSHIP DRIVE

Being a Rotarian means being a part of an organization that changes millions of lives around the globe every day. The talents you share with others make a huge difference to those in need.

Some of the ways that lives are changed include:

§ Eradicating polio
§ Building sanitation services in Third World countries
§ Preparing youth for leadership throughout the world
§ Responding to disasters around the world
§ Making a difference, one Rotarian at a time

This year to promote membership our committee is developing the Who Will Be The Next Rotarian Idol membership drive. The goal we have set is to raise membership in our club by 10% before the end of this year. That means adding 4 new members between now and July 1st.

The date we have set for our Membership Recruitment Day is Wednesday May 17th.
Team captains are:

Helen Archangelo Art Blumer, Co Chair Audrey Brown Charlie Cocuzza Rich Corcoran	Matt O’Keefe Steve Parsons Harvey Polansky Chet Potrepka Donn Reilly
Dan Daigle Rosemary DeFeo Joe DePaolo Dolores Fanelli John Gissas	Ginny Roy John Ryan John Salerno Carl Sokolowski Dave Strosahl
Dr. Carol Grant Rod Greaves Dennis Kane Harold Kane John Kennedy	Vicki Triano Audrey Vinci Ruth Warner Trish Walden Dave Zoni
Ron Klein Dan Longo Elaine Maloney Mike Mathieu Robin Morrell

Each team is challenged to recruit one good member to become a “Southington Rotarian Idol.” We encourage you to bring this candidate to the meeting on May 17th because it will be at this meeting that we play the Rotarian Idol game and prospective new members will not only have some fun, they will meet other Rotarian “Idols” in the process. If however, you have a candidate who cannot come to this meeting we encourage you to have them come anytime. Let’s try to make this a great year for bringing in new members!!!!

Mardi Gras Night at Anthony Jack's

The Rotary Club of Southington is proud to announce its 2nd annual Mardi Gras Night to be held on Fat Tuesday, February 28, at Anthony Jack's Wood-fired Grill. The proceeds of this fundraiser have been designated for relief efforts for the victims of Hurricane Katrina.

Entertainment will be provided by Guitar George Baker and his band, The George Baker Experience. All Music Guide states that Baker "may be one of the best-kept secrets in the mainstream blues world." Hailing from New Roads, Louisiana, Mr. Baker's impressive resume includes stints as music director/guitarist touring with Marvin Gaye for three years and as a member of the house band at the Apollo Theatre in Harlem. His new CD/DVD, Mojo Lady just received a 3-star rating by Downbeat Magazine.

Chef Barry DePaolo has promised to again serve up some very tasty cuisine, which will be accompanied by several interesting fine wines. Tickets to the event are $65/person and can be obtained at Anthony Jack's, by calling John Ryan at (860) 276-3843, or from any Southington Rotary member. If you were there last year, you know what a great night it was; if you missed out, do NOT allow it to happen again. BE THERE for great fun while aiding the victims of Hurricane Katrina.

View our 2006 Mardi Gras Night page
View our 2005 Mardi Gras Night

EMAIL US!

An invitation from Carol Grant.....

INVITATION
Dr. Carol Grant and her staff warmly invite you and your staff to celebrate the grand opening of her new office at 1601 Meriden-Waterbury Tpk Milldale. The celebration is from 5-7 and refreshments will be served. Ribbon cutting at 6 ish. We are located at the corner of Clark Street and Meriden-Wtby Tpk. RSVP regrets only at 860-620-9523. See you there.

(note: as soon as Carol tells me the DATE, I will gladly pass it along to you; otherwise, just pick a day and go there, but be sure to go between 5-7pm.)

Birthday boy is luncheon speaker

John Ryan gave an overview of a new program to stimulate reading in our community. The following is reprinted from the Southington Library website.

Southington Reads – A Community Gets on the Same Page

Get on the Same Page with your friends, coworkers and neighbors. Visit the Southington Library and charge out your copy of Dalton Conley’s, Honky (check availability). The Southington Reads Committee under the auspices of The Southington Library and Museum are spearheading, a One Town One Book project – SOUTHINGTON READS (SR).

The Southington Reads Committee is excited by the concept of a large, town wide, heterogeneous group within our community all of whom will read the same book. The community then has the opportunity to attend a program where the book's author will speak about his work and answer questions regarding the concepts evoked in the participants' minds while reading his book.

Southington Reads Committee invites you to GET ON THE SAME PAGE come to the Grand Book Discussion with Dalton Conley, professor of Sociology at New York University, March 8, 2006 @ Southington High School Auditorium, 7:00 PM. The author will be available after the discussion to sign your copy of his book. Copies of Honky will be available for purchase the evening of this free event.

2005 Rotary Senior Christmas Luncheon

This year's event was held Wednesday, December 14 at the Plantsville Congregational Church from 12pm - 2pm. View pictures of the Senior Luncheon - here!

Social Services Christmas Party

The Southington Social Services party was held on 12/16/05 with the Rotary & Interact clubs providing/serving the food. Children who attended were able to "shop" for presents for their parents.

Rotarians Audrey Brown, Dolores Fanelli and Dave Zoni help prepare the food and are, therefore, WAY too busy to look up for this photo op.

Southington High School Interact Club

Southington High School Interact Club

Christmas bellringing for Salvation Army

On Saturday, December 17, we once again rang and sang under the direction of Chair John Ryan. - The following is a recap of the team efforts: $ 97 - Dave Z and Chet $111 - Rich and friends $153 - The Family DeFeo $212 - Ginny, Dave S and Kiwi (see photo- s/b self-evident) $155 - Ginny, Mike and Kiwi $169 - Trish and George $ 73 - Joe and Rod (a truly pitiful performance) $202 - Donnnnnnn and JR $940 - SHS Interact Club Grand Total= $2,112

VIEW PICTURES

Thanks to everyone who "rang the bell"

Carl Sokolowski speaks of Rochambeau

Rotarian and Southington Town Historian Carl Sokolowski entertained and educated us at Wednesday's luncheon meeting, with accompanying charts and graphs, about Lt. General comte de Rochambeau's connection to Southington during the Revolutionary War, but disputed Ron Klein's claim that he was giving a first-person account of the events.

Rochambeau commanded the French expeditionary army sent to help the American Revolution during 1780 to 1782. His skillful leadership and professional wisdom were vital to the American-French allied victory at Yorktown in September 1781. The year 2006 represents the 225th anniversary of the French march from Newport, RI, through Southington, to Yorktown, VA. Carl informed us of a project to erect a plaque on the Plantsville green to commemorate the event, which will cost about $1,200. Are we interested in funding this project?

revolutionaryct.org

SouthingtonCARES

John Myers and Janet Mellon spoke about SouthingtonCARES, a new community-based action-oriented task force of members representing agencies, businesses, town officials and individuals who are dedicated to helping victims of Hurricane Katrina and other disasters.

Vision
SouthingtonCARES will act as a conduit with other agencies such as the Red Cross, AmeriCares, Habitat for Humanity, Salvation Army and other service organizations to match available resources with the needs of people affected by this and futures disasters.

Meetings
Meetings will be held every other week for the first three months to develop an organizational structure and identify short-term, mid-term and long-term goals along with an action plan to accomplish those goals.

Objectives

1. Coordination of workers, skilled and unskilled, who want to help in whatever way they can.
   
2. Coordination of training programs to prepare workers to provide services to those in need.
   
3. Coordination of immunizations needed for workers.
   
4. Coordination with the Red Cross for blood drives.
   
5. Coordination of financial resources.
   
6. Coordination of support services for displaced families in Southington.
   
7. Coordination of support groups for those returning from disaster areas.

Group to aid in disasters - Southington CARES a permanent entity
By JESSICA KASTNER, Observor staff writer

When disaster strikes, most people are willing to help. But a group of community leaders calling themselves Southington Cares says it will be a permanent resource for disaster victims for years to come. The group was initially created in the wake of Hurricane Katrina, when representatives from the - article continued

Carl Sokolowski, John Ryan honored

YMCA honors three for their efforts by Jessica Kastner, Observer staff writer

Carl Sokolowski is the Town Historian. Mike Albert is President of Pilgrim Furniture and John Ryan was the coordinator of the Apple Harvest Festival. Although the three men represent different sectors of the community, they have one thing in common- they help people. Sokolowski, Albert and Ryan were honored by the Southington-Cheshire Community YMCA last week for their contributions to the community over the past year.

YMCA Executive Director John Myers said the decision to select Sokolowski as the YMCA Person of the Year was a “no brainer,” since the historian’s reputation precedes him. Myers used terms like “compassionate” “man of high ideals,” “high integrity,” “true friend” and “town resource” to describe him. “Your place in Southington history is secure,” Myers said. “Because history is not only what we are, but who we are.”

Sokolowski’s roots with- - more

Call him Johnny Fest

Despite rainout, apple fest turns profit
By Robert C. Pollack, Record-Journal staff

SOUTHINGTON — Despite fierce rain that caused the second Saturday of this year’s Apple Harvest Festival to be called off, Festival Coordinator John Ryan announced Monday the event had earned a profit of $31,397. He immediately asked that money — minus a few outstanding bills, yet to be paid — be applied to next year’s festival, which was given a quick stamp of approval by the council.

To loud applause, Ryan told the Town Council that his army of volunteers and a number of town departments, led by the Parks and Recreaton Department, the police and the council itself, had combined to bring the festival home — to give it the Southington flavor it featured when it started 37 years ago. Ryan released figures that showed what amounted to a five-day festival had earned $130,617, with expenses totaling $99,310. Beverage sales at the four festival committee booths totaled $27,556; Booth fees were $24,216 and sponsors kicked in $57,200. That figures at $27,200 more than had been anticipated. - complete article

Fest details in place, coordinator hopes for best
By Robert C. Pollack, Record-Journal staff
SOUTHINGTON — They call him Doc, or J.R., in deference to a license plate his two children gave him for Christmas. But what educational consultant John Ryan, 58, hopes people will start calling him after the six-day Apple Harvest Festival that starts tomorrow night and ends next weekend is the coordinator of one of the most successful and "down home" festivals ever held.

Ryan, director of the Future Horizons support center for adolescents and adults with learning disabilities, at 50 Center St., stresses that while he is getting major credit for the way the 37th festival has been put together, it is really the 12 festival committees and more than 100 volunteers who deserve the praise.

Ryan is earning $15,000 as the first town-hired coordinator of the festival, which had been sponsored and managed by the Greater Southington Chamber of Commerce for the previous 36 years, with Daniels Productions of West Hartford managing it for the past two. But Ryan stepped in and applied for the job after the Town Council decided to contribute $80,000 in front money to run it, making it a town-sponsored event for the first time. - complete article

Southington Apple Harvest Fest kicks off with plenty to do - By Jennifer Manes, Record-Journal staff

Our annual Bocci Night at Fran Massucci's Bocci Emporium.

Bocci Night attendees were treated to world-class steaks grilled to perfection by chefs Tom McKnerney and Fran Massucci. Add to that picnic chairperson Helen Archangelo's "potato salad for 550 people", a glass of beer/wine/soda/water, witty conversation, Dr. John in the background and you have a very nice start to the festivities.

Helen Archangelo/Audrey Brown opted out of the bocci competition with curious back ailments. John Ryan left early to attend a 'meeting.'

The Greavous Faults pose smugly after upsetting the two-time defending champion Bocci Ballers. The Faults are: Mike Mathi...whatever Ginny Roy Team Captain Rodney Greaves a guy named Joe

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	...is the loneliest number that you'll ever do. Beaten, but unbowed, the Bocci Ballers are: Ron Klein Bob Potrepka Team Captain John Kennedy John Gissas
	"Oh shutup, Rod. I don't want to hear AGAIN that you were bocci champion three years ago!"

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- 2004 Bocci night highlights

The Doug McLeod Trophy sits amongst reclining repeat champion Bocci Ballers Ron Klein, John Kennedy and Bob Potrepka while Rose (DeTreasurer) DeFeo and John (Good-Shirt, No-Play, Brings-Own-Beer) Ryan closely guard the boxes-o-wine at the 2004 Bocci Night. 'Baller Pauline Levesque was not available for the photo-op.

Rotary clubs get together on centennial parade float

Float pictures and thank you letter from Ginny Roy, committee chair -

Pictures posted by Bristol Rotary

Article by Ken DiMauro, The Southington Citizen

In celebration of Rotary International's 100th anniversary, three area Rotary clubs have joined to sponsor and build a float that will be featured in this Sunday's Mum Festival Parade in downtown Bristol and the Apple Harvest Festival Parade on Oct. 2 in Southington. Dolly Chamberlin, former president of the Plainville Rotary Club and member of the club's parade float committee, said Rotarians in Plainville, Southington and Bristol have been working on the float, which is being stored at Trumbull Restoration Co. in Plainville.

Ginny Roy, chairwoman of the Southington Rotary Club's Centennial Committee, said it was her group's idea to build the float and the members invited Plainville and Bristol to participate. She said the anniversary float was a good way to publicize Rotary and its 100th birthday.

Chamberlin said the three groups have been planning the float since April. Use of a trailer was donated. The float will feature a large mockup of a four-tiered cake. Rotary International is marking its 100th anniversary and Plainville's Rotary is celebrating its 50th birthday, she said.

In addition to the cake and a large banner with the organization's motto, "Service Above Self," the float will have items of note from the three towns, including chrysanthemums and apples. The mums will be placed on the float before the Mum Parade and baskets of apples will be on the float for the Apple Harvest Festival. Covered bales of hay will be at the base of the float. Chamberlin said the float has room for three or four Rotarians, too. - complete article

Rev. Dave Strosahl in the news

Local pastor calls work teaching clergy in Haiti ‘inspirational'

Special to The Southington Citizen

Sweating in a formal suit in 90-degree heat and going to worship services eight hours a day doesn't sound fun to most people. However, for the Rev. David C. Strosahl of First Baptist Church of Southington, having that experience in Haiti was like a breath of fresh air that renewed his soul. Strosahl recently returned from his second trip to the impoverished nation, where he was one of three American pastors who taught Haitian clergymen at the Bethesda Evangelical Mission Annual Pastors Conference.

"Haiti is a beggar nation rife with poverty, brutality and corruption, dependent on international largesse," he said. Violence is not uncommon with bandits preying on rural travelers.

Undaunted by such reports, Strosahl accepted the invitation from two Wallingford pastors, the Rev. William Huegel and the Rev. Jean-Lubin Beaucejour. The prospect of teaching excited Strosahl because it lent a new aspect to his mission trips, which he takes regularly to the Dominican Republic. "This was something I could get into: teaching pastors," he said. - complete article

Rotary hits century mark

By JESSICA KASTNER, Southington Observer staff writer

America is the richest nation in the world, with more opportunities for success today than ever before. But the 1.2 million people who call themselves Rotarians say it isn’t enough to gain success and live for yourself. With great blessing comes great responsibility. Rotary International is worldwide organization business and professional leaders that provides humanitarian service, encourages high ethical standards in all vocations, and helps build goodwill and peace in the world. Southington has about Rotary members, led by new President Rose Marie DeFeo, who is a manager at TDBanknorth downtown Southington.

That may be because not just anyone can join Rotary. The group only consists of business owners, or in DeFeo’s case, managers of a corporate or municipal entity. Also, no more than four percent of the group’s total enrollment can consist of one type of business. That way, members have a wider pool of resources and people to connect with. So is Rotary an elitist group focused networking and socializing? Hardly. When examining the groups goals, values and activities over the last 50 or so years, Rotary is a powerful vehicle for our community’s betterment.

Just ask Aaron Laviana, a junior at Notre Dame University, and Marta Mieczkowska, a 2005 graduate of Boston University, who were both selected to receive the 2005 continued

Programs

Wednesday, September 21 - Walt Hushak's history of Southington Rotary
Walt makes a point about our Club history as John Gissas ponders the fate of his two garbage barrels he gave to John Kennedy for the golf tourney in July.

Southington Rotary Club history





Wednesday, September 7 - Good News Garage
"GOOD NEWS GARAGE CREATES ECONOMIC OPPORTUNITY BY PROVIDING AFFORDABLE AND RELIABLE TRANSPORTATION OPTIONS TO PEOPLE IN NEED." - Website

Wednesday, August 31 - Every Dollar Feeds Kids
Trish Walden, husband George Gorecki and sister Kathy Corcoran presented a program about their trip to Mexico where they visited the project. - - Website

Rosemary DeFeo Installed

By John Kennedy, Campaign Manager- Committee to Elect DeFeo (ed. note: it has been reported that due to sound system problems, many were unable to hear the presentation. For a small fee, Mr. Kennedy will recreate the performance for you.)

Only once in a great while there comes along a person this special - someone who is good-looking, charming, witty, humble, intelligent; someone who really cares about his/her fellow man and works to improve the human condition.

But tonight is not about me - it’s about Rosemary DeFeo, president-elect of the Rotary Club of Southington. Late last December, Rose approached me after a weekly meeting about helping her run for President of the Southington Rotary Club. “John,” she said in an exasperated tone, “Did you hear Rod Greaves has announced that he wants to be president for yet ANOTHER year? My God, that must be like 5 years in a row! He thinks he’s FDR, for Pete’s sake! Someone has GOT to stop him for the sake of the club and I’m just the one to do it. But I need your help. Will you be my campaign manager?”

I said, “Rose, calm down. Rod is a friend of mine, but please don’t hold that against me. We’ve been on the infamous Apple Harvest Booth setup committee together for years. And Rod is the one who sponsored me as a Rotarian. But, I must agree with you, Rod has become quite the little dictator these last few years and I think it’s time for a change. Yes, I will help you unseat the tyrant.”

So I had Rose compose a listing of Rod’s legacy to be used against him in the campaign. Just listen to his legacy!

A partial listing of the Greaves atrocities includes:

First, the overthrow of the Rich Corcoran administration and reinstalling himself as president was unconscionable. And remember when he forced that car raffle on us a few years ago, making us go to the ends of the earth for weeks at a time to sell those damn tickets? Then he had the audacity to take all the credit for himself! And I TOLD him that the Miata was the wrong car to raffle off, but he just ignored me. I remember hearing him mutter under his breath, “What does a dumb broad know about cars.” I could have punched him! Our weekly meetings are chaos, consistently starting late, the singing is pathetic and no one listens when he’s talking (not that you can blame them). And he refuses to learn any of the new members’ names; I thought Mike Mathieu was some distant relation of Walter Mathau for the first 6 months he was a member here. Plaid shirts. I’ve seen so many plaid shirts in the last few years that I thought I was stuck in an awning convention time warp! Gifts & Grants: I think the last straw was the approval of the $50,000 grant to the “New Britain Real Estate Renovation Trust” which Rod told us was going to help the needy in our state get affordable housing. Well, it turns out that the RE Trust was a shell corporation registered in the Caymen Islands and it was owned by none other than “Slumlord Properties, LLC” which, as everyone knows, is Rod Greaves/Steve Parsons’ sleazy real estate empire.

So Rose used these items very effectively in her hard-hitting campaign. I think it opened the eyes of a previously uninformed membership. Next, I told Rose to assemble a cabinet that would show her commitment to reform. She chose:

Treasurer- John Salerno: John would be charged with trying to get some of that $50,000 back from Slumlord Properties, LLC (and maybe get some of his tasty ribs). Secretary- Mike Mathieu: Rose chose Mike because he seems to be, well, kind of a Bulldog, willing to see things through to completion. And I’m going to make it a point to force Rod Greaves to introduce him at every meeting until he gets Mike’s name right. Vice president- John Ryan: This was an important choice. John was chosen for his sensitive and non- confrontational nature, which would be needed to heal the wounds of years of tyranny.

So, with the slate of officers set, Rose commenced her presidential election campaign - giving speeches, kissing babies, wiretapping the Greaves campaign headquarters - the usual campaign trail stuff. It was not easy, for Rod can be very intimidating. Rose told of her supporters being harassed about their attendance and being forced to write letters explaining their absences. Any initiatives, like Rose’s plan to bring back the legendary Rotary grinder for Apple Harvest, were met with staunch resistance from the administration, who wanted to push through its pet project of plaid uniforms for all the school children in Southington.

But Rose was relentless.

One of the most effective campaign tools, was Rose sitting in a corner with her guitar singing protest songs as Rod conducted his usual “I’m Rod Greaves and you’re not” meetings.

Come senators, congressmen Please heed the call
Don't stand in the doorway Don't block up the hall
For he that gets hurt Will be he who has stalled
There's a battle outside And it is ragin'.
It'll soon shake your windows And rattle your walls
For the times they are a-changin'.

Slowly members began to notice; there was revolution in the air.

But when election day came, veteran Club observers didn’t give Rose a chance against the powerful Rod Greaves political machine. Greaves usually got his followers to, as he put it, vote early and vote often. But, in one of the closest elections in Club history, Rosemary DeFeo defeated the incumbent and tonight will be installed as president of the Southington Rotary Club for the year 2005-2006! Congratulations!

Telegram!!!!! I’m aghast! This is a telegram from Rotary International concerning our slate of officers. It reads: Dear President-elect DeFeo: Because your vice presidential candidate, Dr. John Ryan, is still on Rotary International probation for his "Reign of Terror" and uncontrolled spending while president of the Club (a situation from which the Club is still reeling), I must direct you to name Rod Greaves as your vice-president for the coming year. I have passed this information along to the Chair of the Southington Rotary Trust, I forget his name - the guy with the boat. Thank you and have a wonderful Rotary dinner. Ima Reely Bigdeil, Rotary Int'l

Southington Rotary announces 2005 Thomson scholars

Aaron Laviana, a junior at Notre Dame University, and Marta Mieczkowska, a 2005 graduate of Boston University, have been selected to receive the 2005 Southington Rotary William S. Thomson Scholarships and will be honored at the annual William S. Thomson Golf Scramble Dinner at the Aqua Turf Club on Wednesday, July 13. The Thomson scholarships, funded by the William S. Thomson Golf Scramble, are for post-secondary (graduate or undergraduate) students who, as high school seniors, were recipients of Southington Rotary Club scholarships. Complete article...

Annual Dinner & Installation of Officers- Friday, June 10

The 2005 Rotary Club of Southington Annual Dinner and Installation of Officers will be held Friday night, June 10th at Gene's Banquet Room, South Main Street, Plantsville.

The skinny:

6:00pm - Cocktails (open bar) with cheese/veggy table 7:00pm - Dinner (choice of prime rib/stuffed chicken/baked stuffed shrimp 8:00pm - Program $30 per person RSVP by June 3 to co-chairs: A. Brown 860.628.7988 or D. Fanelli 860.276.1045

Incoming officers:

President- Rosemary DeFeo Vice President- Rod Greaves Secretary- Gina D'Ambruoso Treasurer- Mike Mathieu

Interact Club car wash- Saturday, May 14

The Interact kids will be doing a car wash this Saturday from 11 to 3 at Burger King on Queen Street and MacDonald's on Meriden-Waterbury Turnpike. I know the weather is supposed to be marginal with possible rain, but if you get a chance, please drop by one of those sites and support this fundraiser. Thanks.

jryan

Rotary Bowling Night- Elaine Maloney, Chair

Just a reminder! Our annual Bowling Night is Saturday, April 9, 2005, at Brunswick Lanes. John from Topp’s Market will be serving Dinner at 6 p.m. so we all know it will be wonderful. This is a fellowship event, so bring your family and friends for a great night out for Dinner & Bowling… Please bring your check for $15.00 per person to today’s meeting. If you will not be attending the meeting, please contact me at my shop 621-5255 or home 621-7499.

Thanks,

Elaine - EMAIL ELAINE

Circle of Honor recognizes World War II veterans for service

By Harry Kyle, The Southington Citizen

Red, white and blue were the colors of the day last Wednesday, as about 60 of Southington's veterans gathered at the Elks Club to participate in a Circle of Honor luncheon marking their service to our country during World War II. The event honored the town's 100 World War II veterans who registered at Town Hall. Veterans who didn't attend the event will receive their awards at their homes. The honored veterans, together with their families and friends as well as local officials and dignitaries, filled the Elks Club hall, enjoying a buffet lunch hosted by the Southington Rotary Club and provided by Tops Market.

The event was the brainchild of the Southington Town Council and Chairwoman Victoria Triano. "When I first saw on CNN that this was the 60th anniversary of the end of World War II, I began to realize that we as a town have never done anything to formally recognize the service that the men and women who served in the conflict gave to their country and community," she said. "I felt we needed to do something to recognize their services, especially since they were all getting older. They were called the last great generation, a title they really earned. They went above and beyond the call of duty. Those that went off to war and those who stayed behind were all united in the common cause of liberty and freedom," Triano said.

Triano announced the initiative at the Veterans Day observance held at the American Legion. She said she thinks Southington is the only town in the state to do something like this. - complete article

Rotary Centennial Luncheon

Around the world, Rotary celebrates turning 100 By ERIC REED, New Britain Herald Staff Writer

SOUTHINGTON -- A worldwide celebration began Wednesday at noon that heralded the 100-year anniversary of Rotary International. In Southington, District 7890 met at the Aqua Turf Club on Mulberry Street to participate in the event, drawing in current and former members both local and abroad.

The luncheon was held by and for the Rotary clubs within District 7890 of Connecticut, which includes the towns of Avon, Bristol, Farmington, Berlin, New Britain, Plainville, Simsbury, Southington and West Hartford. Complete story... - Pictures...

Fat Tuesday at AJ's

Jambalaya and a crawfish pie and file' gumbo 'Cause tonight I’m gonna see my ma cher amio Pick guitar, fill fruit jar and be gay-o Son of a gun, we’ll have big fun on the bayou Jambalaya, a spicy concoction of rice with crawfish, chicken, ham and sausage, together with a glass of Greg Norman Shiraz, was just one of the gastronomical delights awaiting the Fat Tuesday revelers on Bourbon Street in Southington. Good evening, welcome to Mardi Gras! Story/Pics 1... Pics 2... Pics 3...

-
Jazz 'N Ribs... - New Orleans R&B...

Weekly meeting 1/26/05

Art Blumer conducts the new member induction ceremony for Virginia Roy as her sponsor, Harold Kane, looks on

Interact Club advisor John Ryan presents the fall semester Interact Student of the Month awards as President Rod Greaves checks his lotto tickets

Stuart Estra presents
the 2004 Salvation Army Bellringer Community Fundraising Award (whew!)
to The Rotary/Interact Clubs

2004 Salvation Army Bellringing - 12/18/04

The event, chaired by John Ryan, was wonderfully successful and will be described here when JR is sufficiently inspired to send in a report.



UPDATE- JR's report is finally submitted. View here...

Rotary Senior Lunch

On Wednesday, December 1st, all members rallied at the Plantsville Congregational Church from 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. to serve food and make this affair a happy experience for the attending seniors. Greg Pierce and his great staff at the Orchards provided a delicious holiday meal. Rotary is thankful to the Southington Housing Authority for providing the bus transportation for seniors from four housing facilities and donating $500 to offset the cost of food. Door prizes were provided by the members and friends of Rotary.

Lots of pictures courtesy of Virginia Roy here...

Centennial Community Project

Based on suggested ideas from the Rotary International 100 Ways to Celebrate, the Centennial Committee selected the Memory Garden at Mulberry Gardens as its choice for a Centennial Community Project. The project is to complete Phase II of a garden designed specifically to meet the needs of Alzheimer’s and memory care population. More....

Fall Bocce Picnic at Fran Massucci's - 9/21/04

Bocce Ballers Redux! - Levesque/Klein/Kennedy/Potrepka claim consecutive titles

The vaunted BocceBallers survived scares from Slumlord Properties, LLC and the Bocce Lords, but managed to win their 2nd consecutive Douglas H. McLeod Trophy last Wednesday evening at the beautifully manicured Fran Massucci Bocce Complex.
Event Chair Elaine Maloney presented a magnificent 'steak n fixins' feast, with the wonderful Tops' Market steaks grilled to adequacy by chef Rodney Q. Greaves. The feast was completed with Kevin Mezzanotte's legendary apple betty. More...

2004 William S. Thomson Golf Scramble

Tourney Website...

The 2004 Southington Rotary William S. Thomson was held Wednesday, July 14, 2004 at Southington Country Club. We raised over $26,000 for Southington Rotary projects including the $3,000 William S. Thomson Scholarship. Our first recipient, Jillian Oparowski, was honored at the evening awards dinner.

We would like to give special thanks to our major sponsors:

Banknorth

Connecticare

Thomson Financial

Farmington Savings

Annual Officer Installation Dinner at the Manor Inn Restaurant - 6/4/04

Officers for the year 2004-2005:

Richard Corcoran, President

Rodney Greaves, Vice President

Robin Morrell, Secretary

Rosemary DeFeo, Treasurer

Excerpts from incoming Southington Rotary President Richard Corcoran's Inaugural Address presented to a packed house at the Manor Inn, Milldale, CT on Friday evening, June 4, 2004 - President Corcoran approaches the podium....

Learning altruism abroad on Rotary dime

By JC REINDL, New Britain Herald staff writer

PLAINVILLE --One of the town’s chief welcomers will leave for Australia next summer.
Chamber of Commerce employee Sara Chorzempa was awarded a scholarship by the Southington Rotary Club last Saturday to study abroad. Because her desk is located directly inside the front door of the Chamber of Commerce, Chorzempa is often the first person visitors meet when stopping in town for advice or directions. She is responsible for supporting community functions, handling phone calls, and answering questions from whomever wanders into the office.

"Where can I find waterfalls?" and "how do I get to Norton Park?" are typical questions Chorzempa said she has answered since arriving in July. A Southington resident, Chorzempa admitted she never spent much time in Plainville before this year. "I didn’t know much about Plainville before I worked here," Chorzempa said, "but the people are just terrific." Chorzempa said she will use her $25,000 Ambassadorial Scholarship to study international relations and public policy for a year at the University of Queensland, located on the Eastern edge of the Gold Coast in Brisbane, Australia.

A 1998 graduate of Southington High School and a 2002 graduate of Fordham University in New York, Chorzempa said she will use the opportunity to help further career aspirations in conflict negotiation and peace management. Chorzempa said she was a dual American- and African-American studies major in college, and hopes to someday find employment in a field where she can be idealistic but practical. "I’m looking for something I can help people with, but also something I can work in," Chorzempa said.

Rotary Clubs allow scholarship recipients to submit six universities throughout the world where they would like to study. Southington Rotary chose University of Queensland from her list of schools in Africa, Australia and New Zealand, she said. This will be her second trip to Australia; she spent six months at the University of South Wales in Sydney during her senior year in college. It was then that Chorzempa developed an interest in helping to improve the social and economic conditions for Australian native aboriginal tribes, she said. If her schedule grants sufficient flexibility, Chorzempa said she will try to become involved in aboriginal community service projects during her stay.

Chorzempa said she first heard about the scholarship nine months ago, while speaking to the Southington Rotary about a previous trip they had sponsored for her. While on winter break her sophomore year of college, Chorzempa said she traveled to Kingston, Jamaica with a group of 11 Fordham students to take part in a global outreach program at the Missionary of Charity Shelter. The shelter was founded by Mother Theresa, and serves the needs of the neediest individuals in Kingston, where the citizen already lives in extreme poverty, she said. "Those people didn’t have anything," Chorzempa said. "It was shocking coming from Southington, Connecticut and seeing this really intense stuff."

Once she returned home, Chorzempa said she learned that the outreach program did not allow volunteers to return to a country two years in a row, unless the participant applied to become a group leader. Chorzempa said she knew it would be a challenge, but because of the bonds she developed with Kingston residents during her mission, she decided to assume the added responsibility and apply for the program again during her junior year. "You’re not supposed to go back," Chorzempa said, "(but) I chose to lead it because I really wanted to see those people."

The Kingston trips cost about $1,500 each per person, and many volunteers turned to local businesses for sponsorships. Thanks to the Rotary’s generous donation, Chorzempa said she was able to raise the necessary funds. - complete text

2003 Bocci Night Picnic at Fran Massucci's - 9/17/03

The Winners!!!! - The Bocci Ballers

John (The Artist) Kennedy

Ron (The Strategist) Klein

Pauline (The-First-Woman-in-Southington-Rotary) Levesque

Chet (The Bocci Jet) Potrepka)

more...

2003 William S. Thomson Golf Scramble

The 2003 Southington Rotary William S. Thomson Golf Scramble was held on Wednesday, July 9, 2003 at the Southington Country Club. The event, our major fundraiser, raised $23,000 to support our club projects, including the newly-established William S. Thomson Scholarship.

more...

"Bring a Guest to Lunch" featuring Rotary Jeopardy at The Orchards - 5/28/03

Congratulations to Chet Potrepka for winning our Rotary Jeopardy program over the talented field of Charlie Cocuzza, Rod Greaves and Walt Hushak.

Full Rotary Jeopardy! game board...

William (Wild Willie) Taylor, Southington Rotary Lifetime Member Inductee

I am proud have been asked to induct Bill Taylor as a Lifetime Member of the Rotary Club of Southington.  I feel a bit put out about being passed up for the John Mullett or Tom McKnerney gig, but we are all team players here, and you do what you’re asked to do.

Born and raised in the streets of New York City, Bill early on fell in with ruffians and the like, living the rough and tumble West Side Story, yet taking time to sing streetcorner harmony with one Dion DiMucci in an acapella group which became known as Dion & the Belmonts.  You might be interested to know that it was Bill’s soaring falcetto you heard on the 50’s hit 45 “Why Must I Be A Teenager in Love.” The album jacket shows a tall, skinny kid with a greased-back DA haircut, looking something like a 50’s Kevin Mezzanotte.

After a brief stint doing ‘hard time’ for running numbers for the Mob (he was known as “Willie the Tailor”),  Bill enrolled at Columbia University, you guessed it, just in time for the 1960's student takeover of the University administration building.

He then appeared, Zelig-like, as a guest composer-performer with the Moody Blues, penning “Nights in White Satin” for their ‘Days of Future Past’ LP and then playing bass and being something of a groupie-magnet on their subsequent world-wide tour.

But then Bill decided it was time to focus on his real passion- banking.

Bill joined the Southington Rotary in 1984, garnering a solid 58% approval by the membership.  He immediately made his mark on the Club, teaming with Tom McKnerney to pass legislation that every Club event be an open bar, even breakfast meetings.  He rose through the chairs eventually becoming President in 1990, succeeding a true Rotary legend (whose name escapes me at the moment), using the campaign slogan ‘hey, back off, it’s MY turn!’  Unfortunately, during his term as President, Bill hurt his back and, depending on who you listen to, was out of action, according to legend, for 6 YEARS!  But, regardless, Bill left his mark on our Club:

In addition to serving as President, Bill was the voice of reason as the chair, for over six years, of the sometimes-stormy Gifts & Grants committee.  He also chaired the important Scholarship Committee for two years.  He was a silky-smooth voice of the airwaves on Rotary Radio Days and the deadpan sidekick to yours truly in some truly memorable (some would say truly forgettable) Rotary skits and tributes.

Bill Taylor is what Rotary is meant to be- someone who works hard

I am honored to introduce one of the three new Lifetime Members of the Southington Rotary Club - my fellow Rotarian – and my friend – Bill Taylor.  

John Kennedy, Presenter

Lifetime Member Induction Luncheon at The Orchards - 4/30/03

Lifetime member inductees:

Tom McKnerney presented by Chet Potrepka

Bill Taylor presented by John Kennedy (see above)

John Mullett presented by whom?

Bysiewicz discusses voting reform

By BRIAN FRAGA, New Britain Herald staff writer

SOUTHINGTON -- Secretary of the State Susan Bysiewicz addressed members of the Southington Rotary Club Wednesday in a speech focusing on her office’s voting reform efforts and business development initiatives.

Bysiewicz explained to the 40 Rotary members assembled in the community room at The Orchards retirement community exactly what her job title entails and how she has gone about fulfilling her responsibilities since being elected secretary of the state in 1998. "Since the Florida (voting) debacle in 2000, people seem to have a better idea of what I do," Bysiewicz said. "I’m like the CEO of a $100-million business that turns a profit for the state of Connecticut."

State corporations and LLC’s have to register with her office and update their business profile and information annually. Bysiewicz was the first secretary of the state to post that information on the Internet and says she plans to also have an online file of business documents such as annual reports and merger papers. "The information is good for people with LLC’s and corporations to see what their competition is doing," Bysiewicz said. "Having the information online also makes you sure your information is accurate and that you know it is there."

Election reform has also been a major focus of Bysiewicz’ term, and she detailed to her audience a particular initiative she is championing that would allow three Connecticut municipalities to test electronic voting machines. According to a federal law signed last year by President George W. Bush, each state must update its voting systems by 2006. Known as the Help America Vote Act, Bysiewicz called it "one of the most important voting rights legislation since the National Voting Rights Act of 1965."

Bysiewicz is proposing three towns use electronic voting machinery for the 2003 municipal elections. She said the technology would give voters the option to confirm their votes on a screen and would print a hard copy of each ballot. Bysiewicz was not concerned whether the elderly could handle the technology. - complete article

Car Raffles

Thanks to the efforts of Rod Greaves, our club raised approximately $50,000 over a three-year period by conducting car raffles:
2000 - VW Beetle
2001 - VW Beetle The 2001 Drawing
2002 - Mazda Miata The 2002 Results

Jazz 'N Ribs Fundraiser for PolioPlus at the Mountain Room - 10/3/02

"Great Jazz, Great Food, Great Cause" was the theme of an evening to truly satisfy the soul and senses. In the jazz club setting of Mt. Southington's Mountain Room, the Southington Rotary Club hosted Jazz 'N Ribs, a fundraiser to benefit the Rotary International PolioPlus campaign to eradicate the polio virus worldwide.

Guests enjoyed succulent ribs and fixins' prepared by chef Patrick Noury, served by student volunteers fron the Southington High School Interact Club, then listened to the hot jazz of the Billy Cofrances Quartet featuring New York jazz vocalist Nicole Pasternak.

New haven-based saxophonist Cofrances, who cites Cannonball Adderly, Eric Kloss and Paul Desmond as influences, was backed by Tom Devino-drums, Steve Taylor-bass and Joe McWilliams-keyboards. The musicians seemed inspired by the tasty backdrop of oversized black and white posters of jazz greats such as Louis Armstrong and Miles Davis and delighted the capacity audience with two sets of energized jazz standards. Pasternak, whom Chuck Berg of JAZZTIMES has described as "reminiscent of a young Ella," often traded scat-laced vocals with Cofrances' tenor and alto licks. She even playfully blended in an audience request for Michael Franks' jazz/pop hit, "Popsicle Toes."

Billy's website features some wonderful pictures from the event.
More pictures... courtesy of Trish Walden

2002 Southington Rotary Golf Scramble

The 6th annual Southington Rotary Golf Scramble was held Wednesday, July 24, 2002 at Pine Valley Golf Club.

more...

2002 Annual Installation Dinner at the Mountain Room - 6/21/02

Incoming Officers:

Dolores Fanelli, President

Dan Daigle, Vice President

Victoria Triano

John Salerno, Treasurer

more...

Murder Mystery Cocktail Fundraiser at Carol Grant's House - 6/7/02

Who Put the Eccentric on Ice?

The year is 1953, and the unthinkable has happened! That most popular of private eyes, that gastronomic gumshoe himself, the famous Neron Volt has been murdered in his Manhattan brownstone. Gasp! Who could have committed such a deplorable deed? _ more...

Rotary Club of Southington, 2001 Apple Harvest Booth Awards

Once in a great while, an event occurs which is of such stature that it cannot be ignored.  The Southington Rotary Apple Harvest Booth semi-standing awards committee felt that this year we experienced one such event, and we are here to.....honor it?

I must point out that in the history of the Rotary Apple Harvest Booth, going back to....well, a long, long time... one event stands above all others.  Let me take you back a few years.  It’s late afternoon on the last day of the festival and Rotary has decided to begin dismantling the booth – floors must be unscrewed and disassembled according to some secret formula known only to John Ryan, fryolaters must be emptied and cleaned, refrigerators must be wrestled.

But before that, because the Fritter Booth next door was still doing a brisk business, the crew is in their pre-dismantle relaxation mode -  John Kennedy and Steve Parsons sharing a cola in the front, John ‘Curly’ Mullett going around back to check the propane tanks.   After fiddling around with the propane for a bit, Curly must have muttered out loud, “There seemed to be a leak here and what happens if this thing blows up!” 

All of a sudden all hell breaks loose! Panic sets in at the Fritter Booth!  Workers yelling and screaming, bodies FLYING out of the booth as Messrs Parson/Kennedy look on with bewilderment.  Curly appears around front and announces understatedly that he thinks there might be a problem as the sounds of fire/police sirens and screaming people fleeing for there lives, fill the early Autumn evening air.  Steve Parsons suggests that this might be a wonderful time to hand in the remaining tokens, and the committee conveniently disappears into the crowd.  Legend has it that only a heroic effort by Pauline Levesque saved the Rotary Club from being banished from the Festival forever.  John ‘Curly’ Mullett to this day is forbidden to be anywhere near the propane tanks.

Ladies and Gentlemen, I’d like you all to greet warmly the Southington Rotary Club Apple Harvest Booth Hall of Fame’s only current member – John ‘Curly’ Mullett!!!!

Fast forward to 2001.  The location is different now – churches are not at risk.  We no longer sell grinders or chicken fingers.  But the Southington Rotary spirit remains.  The booth has been set up, refrigerators have been wrestled into place and, on this wonderful Friday afternoon, we are putting on the final touches in preparation for the Festival’s opening.  I, as a seasoned observer (not to be confused with a seasoned curlyfry), am up in the front of the booth doing what I do best – observing.  Ummmm....i observe, fries in exchange for fritters....fries in exchange for chili......and are these wild pigs really officers of the law?    I ponder............

Ron Graves and Charlie Cocuzza are testing the fryolators......seasoned veterans making sure that our famous fries (small order- two tokens, large order-same size, larger container-four tokens) are cooked to perfection.

I hear in the background “Rod, this flame went out, I’m going to light it again.”  Distracted by some passersby, I continue to observe and ponder.....look at the....when BOOM!.....my heart leaps from my chest!  I think I’m having a heart attack!....Gathering myself, I turn around.......Charlie is standing there with a look of shock and amazement, but seems ok.....I turn to Rod......my immediate thoughts go to Santa Claus in the off-season.....covered head to toe with soot!.....hair, eyebrows, ....he looks dazed.....so I can’t tell if anything is wrong – he always looks that way......I yell, “Rod, are you ok,”  not knowing whether to laugh or cry......concerned for Rod’s safety...knowing that he’s in charge of the booth this weekend and not wanting to have to take his place......

Suddenly, to my relief, Charlie and Rod, in the best spirit of Rotary, each start blaming the other for the near-catastrophe, calling the other careless and incompetent.  Kyong Wilson, a fellow observer, rushes in to cool down  the two hot-tempered young bucks, as I thought to myself – Curly, I think we have two winners here!!!!

Ladies and Gentlemen – please welcome the latest inductees into the Southington Rotary Apple Harvest Booth Hall of Fame – Charlie Cocuzza and Rod Greaves!!!!!

2001 Apple Harvest Booth Hall of Fame Inductees

Previous Inductees:

• John 'Curly' Mullett

Current Inductees:

• Charlie Cocuzza
  
• Rod Greaves (a/k/a Ron Graves)

Induction presentation by
Hall of Fame committee chair, John A. Kennedy, Jr. - here...

The "legendary" Carnac the Magnificent skit

Presented at the Southington Rotary Club's annual installation dinner on June 9, 2000 with John Kennedy as Johnny Carson's Carnac and Bill Taylor as Ed McMahon.  It was a noble effort, but it was legendary in how badly it came off.  Trust us, you had to be there.

 

1.  ANSWER.  Cyclone

QUESTION.  What do you get when you clone a guy named Cy?

  

2. ANSWER.  Skalliwags.

QUESTION.  What does Tom McKnerney’s skalli do when it’s happy?

3.          ANSWER:  A, B, C, D, E, F, G

 Question:  Dr. Blumer, can you tell us some of the earlier versions of Preparation H?

4.  ANSWER.  John Karcz

QUESTION.  What will you find impounded at police headquarters the day after a crackdown on prostitution?

5.  ANSWER.  Bible belt.

QUESTION.  What holds up Dave Stroshal’s trousers?

6.         ANSWER.  The plane, boss!...The plane!!

 QUESTION.  What did Richard Corcoran exclaim when Trish Walden asked which kind of M&M’s he wanted.

  

7.  ANSWER.  The gas chamber

 QUESTION.  Describe Pauline Levesque’s office after a hearty Rotary lunch of franks and beans.

 8.  ANSWER.  John Ryan, John Mullett, John Kennedy

            QUESTION.  Name a surly, a curly, and a “shirley”

9.  ANSWER.  Murder, she wrote.

 QUESTION.  Leslie, some thoughts about how to reward Rod Greaves for the job he did this year as President of the Rotary Club?

10.  ANSWER.  Bob Morton, Nanci Jaros and George Costanzo

QUESTION.  Name a lender, a sender and a bender

11.           ANSWER.  Hell if I know

 QUESTION.  What do you get when you cross an elephant with a rhinocerous?            (Elephino)

12.  ANSWER.  Easter, Navy, and Olmstead

 QUESTION.  Name three seals (Ceil).

13.  ANSWER.  There will be hell toupee!!

 QUESTION.  What will happen if Satan ever loses his hair?

14.  ANSWER.  Rosy red cheeks

 QUESTION.  Ms. Walstrom, what do you feel was the your biggest benefit from our recent fireside chat?

15.           ANSWER:  The BIG ten

 QUESTION. What might you call the five finalists in the Miss Rotary Contest?

16.           Answer:  911

 Question:  How do you call for room service at the Parsons/Greaves luxury hotel in beautiful downtown New Britain?

17.           Answer:  Dave Stroshal, Vicki Triano and Steve Parsons

 Question:  Name three parsons

18.           Answer:  Nice Rack!

 Question:  Name a common response to the opening of a bridal shower gift.

19.           Answer:  Numbers are my friends.

 Question:  What was Treasurer Dolores Fanelli’s final dazed, pre-impeachment uttering to the IRS.

20.           Answer:  New Tower of Babel

 Question:  What are the naysayers calling the Florian/Coccuzza Renaissance skyscraper planned for downtown Southington.

Rejected answers

• He who lives in a glass house should not invite he who is without sin for dinner. 
• Today is the last day of your life – so far. 
• Contrary to popular opinion, there’s nothing wrong with sex on TV – as long as you don’t fall off. 
• Red meat is bad for you.  Fuzzy green meat is even worse!

“Glib” Carnac Responses

1.        May the bird of paradise fly up your sister’s hoop skirt.

2.        May the sands of time nestle into your Chicken Francais.

3.    May you be forced to visit a near-sighted proctologist.

4.    May a diseased yak squat in your hot tub.

5.    May Shaquille O’Neill slam-dunk your favorite cat.

6.    May a weird holy man drop a cactus down your shorts.

Southington Bandstand Project - dedicated 9/8/99

In celebration of its 50th anniversary (1948-1998), the Southington Rotary Club decided to spearhead a campaign to raise funds to purchase a self-contained mobile stage unit that would be donated to the Town of Southington for use by the Parks and Recreation Department. Research by John Kennedy pointed to this unit as being something the Parks and Recreation Department wanted for years, but could never fit into their budget. More...