THE SENIOR MEN'S CLUB OF NEW CANAAN
Minutes of the Regular Meeting of August 9, 2002
President Bob Witt opened the business meeting at 10:00 on a sparkling summer morning with
115 members present. He called special attention to the outstanding work of Ralph DiDomenico and his extensive and able staff in preparing the new SMC directory. Total SMC membership is now 499, with one invitee and 34 waiting. We welcomed new member Robert Andresen and guest (and former member) Gene Kallgren.
Membership Concerns: Bob noted with sorrow the passing this week of longtime SMC stalwart Chas Bradley. Hugh Tourney, Walter Richards, and Wally Cooper are convalescing at Waveny. Ron Seger is home with a brand new pacemaker and will join next week's Couth trip. Finally,
Curry Ford spoke a graceful farewell to Wally Robb, one of our three charter members, who is moving to Pittsburgh to be near family. Wally responded with equal grace.
Activities: Bowling is resting, as are the 4F's. Bridge will play at the CC of NC, today and at 10:00 next Friday. The next two golf dates are 9:30 on August 14th at Whitney Farms and September 15th at Ridgefield. There were abundant Racquetballers and tennis players this week. Last week 14 trailblazers became amphibians to kayak the Housatonic, as buoyantly described
by Jack Murray. At 8:30 on the 14th the infantry will walk the Housatonic rail bed in Trumbull.
Couth: 7 spaces remain for the August 15th ride on the Port Jefferson ferry to visit Sagamore
Hill. Perhaps reflecting the market, there are many vacancies for racing at Belmont on September 19th. The October and November events are overbooked, as is the December 4th trek to visit Newport mansions. We are looking to visit NYC on March 121h, 2003, to see "MammaMia"".
Resident Humorist: John Berg enumerated the four secrets of a good relationship, the most important being segregation of the participants. He then described circumcision Texas style, which was like most other things Texas style.
Speaker: VP Jack Murray introduced SMCer Lew Bowman, who in turn introduced Peter
Szabo, executive director of the new Merritt Parkway Conservancy. Peter began by showing a video on the history and significance of the Parkway, a presentation which clearly caught the
spirit of the roadway. Of particular interest were the 47, 000 trees and shrubs planted under the supervision of Thayer Weld Chase, and the 68 bridges individually designed by George Dunkelberger. Peter then explained the need for a private advocacy group to protect this 38 miles of historic highway. The aim is not to go back to the past, but to try to maintain the beauty and atmosphere of this unique corridor in the transition from a few cars at 45 mph to thousands at 70. The conservancy will help revitalize, restore and educate, hopefully in partnership with private philanthropy and the state.
Mr. Szabo next described the need for an operational stake and introduced our NC neighbor (and SMC aspirant) landscape architect Keith Simpson. Keith in turn explained his drawings of work which might be undertaken at Exit 37 and the adjacent service area, pointing out the
options available and the knotty issues involved. Reference was also made to similar projects under way or planned around exits 28 and 34.
In a question session Peter emphasized that the Conservancy welcomes any and all cooperation and active assistance from public and private groups, as well as individuals. Challenges are varied, but the goal of preserving this treasure is surely important to the citizens of New Canaan.
Peter Schurman - Assistant Secretary