CIGAR BOX BULLETIN

Volume No. 51, No. 7   June 18, 2003

President Linn Grim opened the meeting at 10:00. Outdoor conditions were indeed "grim," but Bill Horton then lead us in the Pledge of Allegiance, and we all felt much better. Then songs (including God Bless America, and Hello My Baby) MC'ed by Chuck Livingston, led by Bob Dresel with Bill Lehren at the piano, were sung with gusto by all, making this the start of a good day. Rec Sec Bill Dynan gave a concise account of last week's meeting. Cor Sec Ben Bacon brightened our day, first with a card from Nantucket vacationer Jim Lennox who says he is still thinking about his limericks. Then we were told about a well behaved gorilla in a bar who won't return since they serve $15 drinks?

ANNOUNCEMENTS
 Linn Grim said that several publicity articles of RMA member activities are posted on the bulletin board: A picture and interview with Joe Robinson in last Sunday's Greenwich Times; a picture of Jim Fahy accepting a donation for the Adult Day Care Center; a picture of Emil Smeriglio retiring a faded Old Glory on Flag Day; and an outstanding article by Gene Waggaman relating to Angel Flight Northeast, which was the subject of an RMA program a few weeks ago. Peter Ryan of our RMA is a very active member of Angel Flight. President Grim also asked members to comment to Cliff Woods immediately on any questions about the posted 2003-2004 RMA Budget. Carl Van Aken reported the Investment Club meeting is tomorrow, with a tour of UBS at Stamford (677 Wash. Blvd starting at 11:30.) The Returnees report was: John Schinto (Poconos), Larry Schmitz (Italy), Dick Case (Maritine Provinces), Jim Lennox (Nantucket), Bud Hall (NH & VT), and Dana Low (Czech Republic). Chuck Standard gave his last call for Greenwich Symphony season tickets - see him, some tickets still are available.

COMMITTEE REPORTS
VISITING: Chuck Standard reported a welcome-back-home for Jim Lyons, and that Jim Duncan is back in business from his successful pacemaker experience. PROGRAM: Bill Eustis reported that Chuck Standard would introduce today's guest, Lt. Gov Jodi Rell, who will speak about what she does, and the not-necessarily ended-yet legislative session. Next week, Dick Willstatter will introduce Dr. Nicholas Stroumbakis who will speak about developments in urology. MEMBERSHIP: Doug Taylor reported 169 members, 6 guests: Jim Stafford (Chuck Standard), Dave Williams (Fred Waldron), John Caron (Rich Hopkins), Bill Cleworth (Peter Schieferdecker), Bob Luce (Fred Waldron), and Evan Salmore (Gene Schwartz), and 6 candidates -Tom Menten, John Hoffman, Bob Ward, Bob McKay, Irv Thode, and Frank Flores (today's inductee.) BIRTHDAYS: A rousing Happy Birthday was sung to Daniel Barrett (69), Wesley McEwen (103), Joe Gordon (75), Bob Carey (71), Gerry Reed (82), Walter Lally (79), John Margenot (75), and Walt Kirkman (76). SPECIAL EVENTS Walt Coupe reviewed the events below. VOLUNTEERS: Doug Francefort reported 989 hours to outside agencies by 86 men, and 82 hours to RMA duties by 26 men.

INDUCTEE
Frank Flores was inducted with sponsorship by Carl Van Aken and Andy Acton. Frank lives with his wife, Betty, at 44 Midbrook Lane, Old Greenwich. Tel: 698-3060. Frank is a sailor, and he likes swimming and visiting foreign places. He has dedicated much time to volunteerism and plans to continue to do more.

PLAYTIME
Bridge Pete Jackson commented that "with no marked cards this time," and with nine players, the highest scores were: Hap Heyman (2180), Joe Roe (750), and Sid Milstein (650.) Golf Bob Johnson reported 48 men put in a 5+ hour day with the low gross scores of L. Freeman (87), B. Kitchen (90), and P. Arturi (90). Nearest pin #7 was L. Freeman, nearest pin #15 was T. Healy, and longest drive on the 17th hole was L. Freeman. Sign-up sheets for 7/1 and 7/17 are on the bulletin board, as are starting times on 6/24. There is no golf on July 8th because of the town tournament.

TODAY'S PROGRAM
 Chuck Standard introduced Lt. Governor Jodi Rell. The Lt. Governor provided a very informative description of the duties and responsibilities of her position which include being acting-governor when the governor is out-of-state, a role in the senate (includes power to break a tie vote), and membership in several committees. We were informed on the current status of legislative debate on the budget, and why it has been so difficult. There is a gap of $700 to 900 million projected in the next fiscal year. Eventually, she believes there has to be a resolution (law requires a balanced budget,) and that this resolution would be a little more in taxes and some more cuts in expenses. Also described were several legislative accomplishments related to fire protections (triggered by the RI disco disaster,) identity theft, access to the ballot, driver alcohol DWI tests, a smoking ban, and safe cell phone usage practices.

Harold Frost, Editor

SPECIAL EVENTS

Open to all members, their ladies, candidates and guests.

Jun 30 - Mon. RMA Raft-Up. See bulletin board. Rain date July 1
July 7 - Mon. Yankees/Red Sox. $51. Lv St. C's 10 AM (now 1 or 2 openings)
July 28 - Mon. 10:30am Bridgeport Bluefish/Newark Bears $11 (24 tickets)
July 29 - Tues. Mohegan Sun. $21. Lv. St. C's 9 AM (now a few spots open)
Aug 20 - Wed. Fjord Fisheries boat trip with lobster/chicken dinner. $80 PP.
Sailing from Cos Cob Harbor 6:30 PM, water view fireworks @ Playland.(wait listed)
Sept 11 - Thurs. Goodspeed Opera House, Very Good Eddie, lunch at Bee &
Thistle. $84 PP. (Sold Out)
Sept 18 - Thurs. RMA Annual Picnic at Greenwich Point
Oct 2 - Thurs. Culinary Institute and Old Rhinebeck air show. $59 PP. (Sold out)
Nov 6 - Thurs. Rockwell Museum, Cork & Hearth Rest. Stockbridge, MA, $64 PP. (Still have spaces)
Dec 4 - Thurs. Spinning Wheel Xmas Show. $40. PP. U-Drive.(Still have spaces)
Dec 20 - Sat. Boston Pops,Bridgeport Arena, U-Drive,1:30pm, only 24 tickets.

NEXT WEEK

Dr. Nicholas Stroumbakis -- topic: urology.