CIGAR BOX BULLETIN

Volume 55, No. 2    May 9, 2007

Relatively new president RICHARD LIMBACHER established a two meeting streak of ringing the bell at precisely 10 A.M. He then called on PHIL HAHN to lead the Pledge. MIKE HAUPTMAN accompanied MORRY HALLOWELL the day’s song leader. America the Beautiful and I Wonder Who’s Kissing Her Now were rendered flawlessly, but My Gal Sal had to be started twice before we got it right. To make up for the lapse MORRY led a spirited rendition of Battle Hymn of the Republic.

ANNOUNCEMENTS: President LIMBACHER reminded the assembled that YMCA dues were due and enjoined the membership to pay the $40 promptly. MIKE RYAN and Betty Conlon representing Greenwich Hospital encouraged more volunteers for the Greenwich Hospital Showhouse program. ERF PORTER asked for volunteers for planting flags on graves for Memorial Day. In BILL DYNAN’s absence, FRED BROOKS, ret. presented the minutes of the previous meeting which was followed by a lawyer story and a short lesson in advanced economics. BOB CHURCH praised the performance by the Greenwich Choral Society last weekend and reminded us that this weekend was the final performances of Broadway Bound. RICHARD LIMBACHER announced a talk by Mario Gabelli at the Library’s Cole Auditorium on Monday, May 15 at 9 AM. He also announced the 59th Wedding Anniversary of DOM COGLIANDRO and wife MILDRED – this announcement was followed by a hearty round of applause.

RETURNEES: DOUG FRANCEFORT from Intercourse (sic) PA, JOHN CRANE from Long Boat Key FL, BURT KLEBANOW from Palm Beach FL, AV RIVEL from Paris, BOB STARR from New Hampshire and PHIL SKIDMORE from Budapest, Vienna and Salzburg.

COMMITTEE REPORTS Visiting: CHUCK STANDARD brought us up-to-date on BOB VIRTUE who is at Nathaniel Witherall. Phone calls are encouraged to Bob at 618-4380. CHUCK reported that ERIC LIMBACH was at Greenwich Hospital and that he would have details in the coming week. Program: JOHN DeCSEPEL announced that today’s speaker would be David Boyle, President of the New Haven County Cutters minor league baseball team and next week’s speaker, Gerard Jones would talk about Teddy Roosevelt. Membership: JIM FAHEY reported 143 in attendance: 137 members, four candidates and two guests, JACK MERRILL (BOB NEGELE) and BOB CALLAHAN (MIKE SMITH) There was only one birthday: BILL ZBORAY (73), BILL was not at the meeting, but we sang Happy Birthday anyway. A vote on the acceptance of MARTIN WAINE, sponsored by BOB OPPENHEIMER and GORDON MACDONALD, as a member was held and in a heartening show of fellowship the vote was unanimous. Special Events: TOM HEALY reviewed the events shown below. Volunteers: ROGER PIERCE reported 796 hours to outside agencies by 74 men, and 72 hours to RMA duties by 29 men.

GAMES PEOPLE PLAY: Bridge: HAP HEYMAN reported 5 players, led by DAVE DOWNS (2630) KEITH HEYMAN (1170) and new member MARTIN WAINE (530). Bowling: there was no report this week. Golf: ROGER PIERCE reported the results of the May 8 outing: Closest to the pin on 7 -- ROS CURTIS, on 15 -- MIKE SMITH, Longest drive: GRANVILLE BURGESS and low gross: DICK BARTHOLEMEW and LEON FREEMAN. ERF PORTER made some administrative announcements of interest to golfers. Tennis: DANA LOW announced that the top scorers for May 4 were: DICK BARTHOLOMEW (16 games) PAUL LEVINE (18 games) TONY RIGGI & JACK SWEGER (tied at 15). Overall on the season, top players JACK SWEGER and WALTER COUPE are only 0.17% apart. The top spot will be decided May 11, the last meeting of the indoor season.

TODAY’S PROGRAM: RICHARD LIMBACHER introduced DAVID BOYLE, President and principal owner of the New Haven Cutters minor league baseball team. Mr. Boyle reviewed his resume which showed many years experience in the financial services field accompanied by a life-long interest in baseball. Following his dream he left financial services and bought into the Cutters becoming the team’s president. He then explained many interesting facets of minor league baseball, its make-up the kinds of teams, leagues, and association or not with major league baseball. He focused on the business model of the Cutters and how he and his associates are trying to build the team into a viable business as well as a player (sic) in its home community. The usual spirited and informed Q & A followed.

AV RIVEL, Editor

SPECIAL EVENTS
Open to all members, their ladies, candidates and guests. Tickets exchanged via Bulletin Board.
Coordinator TOM HEALY

Thursday, June 7, Belmont Race Track – Tix available

Sunday, July 22, Tanglewood – Ticket Exchange

Thursday August 9, Mets vs. Atlanta – Tix available

NEXT WEEK

Gerard Jones – Subject: Teddy Roosevelt