SENIOR MEN’S CLUB NEWSLETTER Vol . 33, No. 1 Website: SMCNC.ORG January, 2008

We’re Not Getting Old (with thanks to Walt Bork)

Morris, an 82 year-old man, went to the doctor to get a physical. A few days later, the doctor saw Morris walking down the street with a gorgeous young woman on his arm. A couple of days later, the doctor spoke to Morris and said, “You’re really doing great, aren’t you?”

Morris replied, “Just doing what you said, Doc, “Get a hot momma and be cheerful.’”

The doctor said, “I didn’t say that. I said, ‘You’ve got a heart murmur. Be careful.’”

***************** Three old guys are out walking. First one says, “Windy, isn’t it?” Second one says, “No, it’s Thursday!” Third one says, “So am I. Let’s go get a beer.” ***************** A man was telling his neighbor, “I just bought a new hearing aid. It cost me four thousand dollars, but it’s state of the art. It’s perfect.”

“Really,” answered the neighbor. “What kind is it?”

“Twelve-thirty.”

JANUARY SPEAKERS (Meetings are at 10:00 a.m. in Morrill Hall, St, Mark’s Church)

Jan 4 Frederick Afragola, CEO of both The Bank of New Canaan and The Bank of Fairfield (In Organization), will address such issues as what happened to electronic banking, why we have more banks in our stable town, and what affect housing problems have on local banks. A resident of New Canaan for 37 years, Mr. Afragola was formerly Chairman and President of The Bank of New Canaan for five years. Before that, he was President and CEO of The New Canaan Bank and Trust Company and President and CEO of Summit Bank of Connecticut, following an early career in manufacturing.

Jan 11 Gary Crittenden, the Chief Financial Officer of , will speak about the current market environment, including the subprime market dislocation, leveraged financed and Structured Investment Vehicles (SIVs). He will offer insight into the products themselves, how the environment turned and what is happening with it today. Mr. Crittenden previously served as CFO at , , and Sears. He is currently a member of the at UPS and Staples.

Jan 18 Our speaker will be Geoffrey F. Cole of Wilton, President and CEO of Norwalk Hospital. Mr. Cole was appointed President and Chief Executive Officer of Norwalk Hospital in August 2004. Prior to that, he was President and CEO of Emerson Hospital in Concord, MA. He will discuss how hospital billing is calculated, what the ten year outlook is for hospitals due to the ever aging population, and the Federal government’s medical plans.

Jan 25 Diane Wittry, Music Director of the Norwalk Symphony Orchestra, will address the club. A native of California, Ms. Wittry is respected as an innovative conductor who maintains a dual career as an esteemed music director and acclaimed guest conductor. In the past few years, she has conducted concerts in Japan, Russia, the Slovak Republic, New York, Washington, D.C. and New Jersey, as well as her regularly scheduled concerts with the Norwalk Symphony.

DUES FOR 2008 Your Senior Men’s Club dues of $35 for 2008 are now payable. The deadline for payment is February, 2008. Please pay as soon as possible to avoid a loss of membership. You may pay Jim Davis, club treasurer, or Joe Elmlinger any Friday, by check to SMCNC, or mail your payment to SMC, c/o YMCA, 564 South Avenue, New Canaan, CT 06840.

COUTH

Jan 30 (Wed) Travel to for a New York Philharmonic rehearsal featuring Berio's Sinfonia and Brahms' Fourth Symphony. After the concert we will go to Tavern on the Green for a luncheon, with a of beef tenderloin or salmon. Check in at St. Marks at 8:00 a.m. The cost will be $95 per person. Our hosts for the trip are Tracey Mackle (966-1149) and Lee Hindenach (544-7125).

February No trip is planned.

Mar 14 (Fri) We will drive or car pool to Stamford for a leisurely dinner and then walk to the Palace Theater to see Michael Flatley’s Lord of the Dance . This international Irish dancing phenomenon has performed to sold-out audiences in more than 45 countries. You’ll have an opportunity to experience this extravaganza which has helped catapult Irish dancing into the global spotlight and created a new wave of Celtic dance mania. Arrive at a Stamford restaurant (to be announced later) for a 6:00 p.m. dinner. Price and further details will be provided at Friday meetings and in the February Newsletter.

Please note: As a reminder, the Couth policy is as follows: The sign-up sheet is to be used as an indication of interest and intent to participate, but not to establish a reservation. The date of the check receipt by the Couth Committee will be the control of a confirmed reservation.

ACTIVITIES

Amateur Chefs The chefs are will meet at Lapham Community Center on Thursday, January 17. There’s a limit of 14 chefs. Check with Bert or Marvin for more details. Bert Liebelt (966-3696), Marvin Newman (972-8165)

Bridge Bridge follows weekly meetings. Games last until about 2:00 p.m. Sign up before the meeting or at start of the break at the Couth Desk. A post-meeting drawing establishes who’ll go to Lapham Center for play. Eric Musa (966-3125)

Paddle Tennis Play on Monday, Tuesday, and Thursday from 9 to 11 a.m. A Rec Department permit is required. $10 ball fee. George Perkins (972-6852)

Photography The photography group will meet on a January date to be determined. Announcements will be made at the Friday meetings. Jack Messert (966-8754)

Racquetball Players wanted. Mon, Wed, Fri 8:00 a.m. at the YMCA. Bill Patton (966-4849)

Skyblazers The planes will be flying on Monday, January 14, at 1:00 p.m. at Lapham. Jack Murray (966-1416)

4F Luncheon Our informal, relaxing Dutch treat lunch is the Fourth Friday, January 25, at convenient DiNardo’s Restaurant in Scotts Corner on Westchester Avenue, right in the middle of town. The food is perhaps the most delicious Italian in this area, prices are reasonable and we shall have a private room. All are invited to join in, especially newer members who will find the group always hospitable. Sign up at the Couth desk on January 25th, either before 10AM or during the coffee break. Paul Stein (966-1252)

Dave Hunt, Editor

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