September 7, 2011
The opening meeting of our new season was packed with members who began our first session, as we do every year, with a reading of the names of all those Harding Club alumni who have passed away. After a respectful silence Sergeant-at-Arms Martin Hochhauser called on the evening's speaker; Rabbi Daniel Polish of Congregation Shir Hadash, to deliver the season's first address. The topic of the Rabbi's talk was related to the upcoming High Holy Days as well as current events. We thanked Rabbi Polish and after we wished him a healthy new year. The club turned its attention to club business. Gene
Glanzberg reminded everyone to reserve their place at the upcoming Fall Affair- Installation Dinner which will take place on Oct. 29th at the Poughkeepsie Grand Hotel. Gary Mayer introduced his guest for the evening, Michael Rothman, who has been living in the Mid-Hudson Valley but has never been to Harding Club meeting. Our returning club president, Dan Ashley, performed perhaps his most anticipated function of the evening; the reading of the winning raffle numbers. The winning red ticket was held by Arnold Most. The winning blue ticket was held by Gene Glanzberg. However, Steve Kirshon and Lew Sims wished to file a protest because they each held a bookend ticket to the "first" blue ticket that was called out but which nobody had. A committee is being formed to look into the matter.
Respectfully Submitted: Peter Albenda
September 21, 2011
At 8:05pm Sergeant-at-Arms Martin Hochhauser introduced President Dan Ashley who then introduced our guests for the
evening: Korean War vets Don Dingee and Robert Hooker who recounted their experience serving in the U.S. 15th Infantry regiment, 3rd Division, in the Korean Conflict and the debt they owed to their friend Charles, "Charlie," R. Johnson. A 1951
graduate of Arlington High school, Charlie Johnson saved their lives on the night of June 12, 1953 when their position was overrun by Chinese soldier. Dingee and Hooker were both injured in the attack and it was Charlie who dragged them 150 feet through enemy fire to the relative safety of a bunker. He then went out ahead to hold off the enemy. That was the last time they saw time either of them saw their friend alive. They never forgot the heroism of Charlie Johnson and nearly 60 years later, with the help of Arlington High School teacher Andy Arenson (who was also present that evening), they successfully lobbied for official recognition of Charlie Johnson's bravery. In 2010 Charlie Johnson was awarded the Silver Star, the nation's third highest medal for bravery in battle. Dingee and Hooker are well aware that friend's sacrifice is the only
reason they are here today.
Club Business: Dan Ashley had Martin Hochhauser introduce our guest for the evening; Alan Zucker who helped produce the DCJCC's recent "Shalom on Grand" fair. The first reading for the membership of Michael Rothman was presented by Gary Mayer. Michael is a former president of Congregation Shir Hadash. Gene Glanzberg urged everyone to send in their check for the Oct. 29th Fall Gala at the Poughkeepsie Grand. Red Ticket: Marty Finkelstein, Blue Ticket: Peter
Albenda.
Respectfully Submitted: Peter Albenda