THE SENIOR MEN'S CLUB OF NEW CANAAN
Minutes of the Regular Meeting of November 2, 2001
President Lee Hindenach opened the business meeting with 144 members present.
Current membership is 500, with 27 on the waiting list.
Announcements: Dick Depatie reported Lorry Koch is hospitalized. Flu shots will
be given at Waveny House, Wednesday, Nov. 7th, 1-3pm. Jack Murray provided a schedule
for computer classes to be held at Waveny Senior Center. Rick Lyons informed the
members that an open house is scheduled at Lapham Community Center, Saturday,
Nov 3rd., 9-12am. President Hindenach advised us that a Veterans Assembly
celebration for Armistice Day will be held at St. Aloysius Church, Friday,
Nov 9th., 10-11am. Bob Shafter provided information sheets for those members
having a need to identify their voting venue. Charlie Morris announced the
Christmas Luncheon will be at the NCCC, Dec. 7th; wives and significant others
are invited.
Activities: Bowling continues at 1230 today. Bob Nassau finally got a strike
after trying for several years. Walt Hoffman informed us Bridge is ongoing,
but no Bridge refresher course will be held next week. Pinch hitting Bob Witt
invited us to join in Paddle tennis, M/T/TH, 9-11am, in Waveny. Racquetball
is growing with six participants. Phill Toll is in the planning stage for the
November 4F's luncheon. Jack Murray succinctly told us that Trailblazers will
hike to Sleeping Giant on 11/14. Couth: Nov. 14th., "42nd. Street" followed
by dinner at "21 Club". Departure from St. Marks is at 1145am. One ticket is
still available. December 13th., Radio City Christmas show and lunch at City
Island. Thirty two members have signed up, nine have paid. Progress is slow!
January 17th, it's Mohegan Sun. Cost will be minimal according to Bob Wosahla.
Bring plenty of wampum for the Chief!
Resident Humorist: John Berg described the Bhuddist who wished to transcend
dental medication, and the role of cordial fruits. He then went on to describe
Dalmatians and their role in locating fire hydrants.
SPEAKER
Vice President Ron Seger, introduced Christopher C. Swan, General Manager of Connecticut
Light and Power who discussed the operations and activities of CL&P, and provided us
interesting information on the energy situation. He began by telling us that CL&P had
reduced the electricity rates by 10%. The reduction will remain until Jan. 2004, when
the real competitive market will begin. He explained seven charges which make-up our
electricity bill. One charge, "Stranded Assets", is scheduled to end in 10 years.
Good luck! His gut feel was that the cost of energy might increase after Jan 2004,
due to the increased dependence on natural gas to fuel the new generation plants being
added in New England. From 1981 to 2000, residential customers in Southwestern Ct.
increased 16.8%, while consumption per customer increased 30.6%. Peak demand over the
same period has risen from 700MW to 1100MW. Chris described three options for a new
345MW transmission line from Plumtree to Norwalk. Each proposal is being challenged by
the "not in my backyard" opponents. The good news is that restructuring in New England
is working, CT energy consumption is below the national average, 25% of CL&P customers
participate in conservation, and our environment has been spared thousands of tons of
emissions.
Stan Stanziale, Asst. Secretary