West Hartford’s Old Guard has resumed meeting after the summer break.

By Don Kauke

It’s a West Hartford tradition … the day after Labor Day is the first Tuesday meeting for a new season of Old Guard meetings. This year’s President, John Keleher, called the meeting to order. It has been 59 years since the first September meeting of retired men’s club.

Along with greeting members in his remarks, Keleher highlighted that “Vice President-Program Chairman Clem Sayers has organized a full slate of interesting guest speakers for the year, representatives from journalism, education, beer brewing, government, and many more. While we begin a new season with membership over two hundred, new members are welcome to join throughout the year.”

The premier guest speaker was Bill Malitsky, lobbyist, speaking about Connecticut government affairs that he had experienced during his over 30-year career. Upcoming speakers include the new Executive Director of Noah Webster House, the Director of Elections for Connecticut and the Department of Aging at UConn Health and many more.

Bill Malitsky, lobbyist, told the Old Guard many of his experiences with the Connecticut legislature over his 30-year career. Courtesy photo

Keleher reflected that “while almost everything around us has changed in 59 years, the rationale for membership has not. As stated in its charter, Old Guard still exists for fellowship, education, and community service.”

Mike Cabrey and Frank Virnelli recently joined the club, and they shared their experiences.

Cabrey cited his experience moving here to be near his children and their families who are settled in the area. “I joined the Old Guard initially thinking there was a connection to the U.S. Army’s Old Guard in Arlington, VA. As a 30-year career officer who recently moved to Hartford, I was searching for an organization that could replicate the camaraderie and dedication to service I had experienced in the Army. Although some members have served, I found a group of gentlemen from diverse backgrounds and professional careers who continue to serve their community through numerous charitable organizations. Most importantly these gentlemen have fun while accomplishing so much good for others.”

Virnelli retired from business in Hartford and has stayed in West Hartford. A little over a year ago he was encouraged to come to a meeting by two members of a church group. “I came to a meeting and my two friends were there and saw many other members of our church group” Virnelli said. “I enjoyed the meetings, took one of the trips to a local museum, met some more guys at lunch and it’s just grown. And now I’ve got involved in the A/V team and really enjoy those guys.”

For information about the Old Guard go to ctoldguard.org.

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