THE SENIOR MEN'S CLUB OF NEW CANAAN
Minutes of the Regular Meeting of April 4, 2008
President Dick DePatie opened meeting with 106 members present, 1 guest . Membership Chairman Paul Stein reported membership is 483 and introduced two new members , Roger Langevin and Fred Koch. Due to some SMC members' concern regarding hospitals that the N.C. Emergency Medical Services serve, DePatie asked EMT's Wendy Hilboldt to speak. Wendy explained that by law, EMT's are required to assess people immediately to determine if it is a life threatening situation. If so, people are taken to closest hospital -- Norwalk Hospital (exception could be small section of N.C. that is closer to Stamford). Very important to note that if people are in stable condition, the EMT's will take them to hospital of choice (Stamford or Norwalk).
Bob Moylan reported Herb Warden , retired SMC member died and the obituary for Bill Stack is in this week's N.C. Advertiser.
ACTIVITIES: Bridge, Chefs, Paddle, 4F's, Photography and Racquetball as usual. Skyblazers meet next on May 12th.Trailblazers leave Wed., April 16th at 8:30am for Aspetuck Valley Trail hike. Pete Stair's guided tour of Prospect Park/Brooklyn set for May 7th (details to follow).
COUTH: Philip Johnson Glass House tours booked (14 on waiting list). Bus for New Britain Museum of American Art and lunch at Hawthorn Inn departs 9:30am on Tues. May 13th.
ANNOUNCEMENTS: SMC members asked to update email addresses for this year's SMC directory. Chris Shays speaking at New Canaan Library, 04-04-08, 5:30pm. Sign-up sheet available at today's meeting for SMC members participating in the DVD recording of military service remembrances. Photo Group inviting members to see Philip Johnson documentary at Waveny, Wed. April 16th, 10:30am. Paddle Group throwing "Welcome Back" party at Waveny, May 21st, $5 per person-see George Perkins. Steve Brauer is next week's speaker (Wine Industry)
HUMORIST: Mike Law discussed the many concerns that Americans have today, particularly the jobs that are being sourced to China, Japan, Middle East. Mike read Elliot Spitzer's latest endorsement to make his point.
SPEAKER: Roger Rothballer introduced Buzz Kanter, member of the Motorcycle Hall of Fame and President/Publisher of American Iron Magazine (for people who love Harley-Davidsons) and RoadBike. Buzz said the people that ride motorcycles are the people with no teeth, as well as dentists, and everything in between. Motorcycles have appeal to rich and poor, black and white; appeal is not so much a rebellion issue as freedom. Riding is as close as you can get to flying without leaving the ground. American motorcycles are big compared to European and Japan's. Buzz is not concerned about the internet ruining his publishing/print business and mentioned the three "B"s rule (you can take his magazines to the bathroom, bedroom and on the bus). However, motorcycle sales have softened recently due to economy. Regarding accidents, the expression is not "if you fall" its "when". Fortunately, most times the rider can maneuver to get out of the way. Buzz's description of his major accident during last lap of a race, going 140mph, made most SMC members squirm! The Harley Davidson T Shirt with "If I have to explain, it, you want understand!" slogan is good indicator of Buzz's continued passion for motorcycles. Regarding Helmut laws, Buzz believes riders are foolish to not wear helmets, but he is against requirement laws; concerned that most people will wear helmets not designed properly. Asked about the Indian Motorcycle (he owns one), Buzz explained the Indian was first built in MA., 1901. Bicycle racing was very popular, and the first motorcycles were basically bikes with motor strapped on; they were used as pace vehicles for the bicycle races. The largest motorcycle rally is held in Daytona Beach, Florida in March. Buzz does not think higher gas prices will deter motorcycle enthusiasts; its possible scooter sales may increase. Mopeds do get incredible mileage, but are not safe. It is necessary to have license to operate a motorcycle; test required. When buying motorcycle, many people are brand conscious, but must first determine if they will be touring, cruising or sporting. Today, a lot of people age 50 and above are rediscovering America and traveling on motorcycles that have a/c, stereo, intercoms-the works! - riders are out in the elements, experiencing the air, temperatures, and feeling alive. Asked about the "cole slaw wrestling" sometimes found at rallies/bars, Buzz said there is a good chance Roger Rothballer will have one going in his backyard this summer and perhaps SMC members can go over to find out what actually happens.
Bob Williams, Assistant Secretary