Southington (CT) Rotary Goings On: June 2007

I have been asked to say a few words about our outgoing Southington Rotary Club president, John Ryan. But what can be said about him that has not already been said? And, of that, what could be said in polite company? Such is my task.

“John Ryan will be the new president of the Southington Rotary Club for the Rotary year 2006-2007.” That seemingly simple statement sent shockwaves through a good number of Club members who remembered, quite painfully, his first presidency in the late 1990’s, a presidency often referred to as Ryan’s Reign of Terror. It was an era of reputed fear, chaos, and uncontrolled spending. Those with opposing viewpoints were crushed by Ryan’s Rotary militia. It was, to be frank, not pretty. But time, we are

After the understated, assured, fiscally-responsible presidency of Rose DeFeo, the race between John Ryan and Rod Greaves indicated radical change might be on the horizon. But throughout his election campaign, Ryan claimed he was misunderstood during those early days, but that he had . Detractors scoffed, believing Ryan would say anything to get elected, and that he would, without doubt, return to his old ways if given the opportunity. But he prevailed, edging out a bitterly disappointed Rod Greaves who, running on the election theme I am much more than a lawnchair, also wanted another shot at the presidency. Immediately following his defeat, a bitter Greaves fired Steve Parsons, his campaign manager and former slumlord partner, and set off to the Rotary 7890 District level to seek his political fortune, never to be seen again.

Has there been a recent Rod Greaves sighting? Is he here with us tonight?

John Ryan’s second term as president was not without it’s controversy:

His proposal for a presidential limousine, to be called Ryan’s Express, complete with driver and fully-stocked bar, was soundly defeated by the Club’s board of directors.
His push for investing half of the Rotary Trust funds in CT Lottery scratch tickets was also poorly received.

But, on a serious note,

He is the liaison to the SHS Interact Club
He co-chairs both the Bill Thomson Golf Scramble and the annual Mardi Gras Night at Anthony Jack’s
He has offered his services and has been elected to be permanent Club Recording Secretary, where he will, I’m sure, keep our records and filings up to the minute, or we shall each hear from him personally.

John Ryan stepped up to guide us through a year of change, of reorganization, of rededication. With the help of the entire Club, he oversaw a major restructuring of our management approach, bringing it in line with current needs and attitudes.

Well, enough of this, his already oversized ego is on the verge of bursting. Let’s bring him up here and give a subdued, polite applause - to the outgoing President of the Southington Rotary Club, John Ryan.

John Kennedy
Presented at annual installation dinner, June 2007