New Britain herald., 1922-01-19
ROTARIANS HEAR
 FORMER JAN|T0R
Inspiring Talk Delivered by Steve
 Groner Of Syracuse


 Steve Groner, at one time janitor of the Y. M, c, A, building in New Brit ain but at the present time one Of the officials of the Syracuse, New York Y. M. c, A., and campaign leader for one million and aahalf fund being raised for Syracuse university, deliy- cred an inspiring talk before the members of the New Britain Rotary club this noon.
 Here in iS0G-09.
 MT, Groner was on his way from Boston to Syracuse and through the efforts of A A, Mills of this city he was pursuaded to stop off at Spring field and come to New Britain today. Mr. Groner told the members of the Rotary club that he was proud to come to this city where from 1896 until 1899 he was janitor of the Y, M. c. A. building.
 Spirit of Service.
 "The Spirit of Service" was the sub ject of the short but interesting talk delivered by Mir. Groner. His talk in part, follows:
 The spirit of service puts a man where he is in this world. No one should be ashamed of the job they undertake no matter what 1t is. Look at my case for instance. Twenty-Five years ago l was a ianitor in this city and at the present time am conduct ing a campaign in New York state for over one and a half million dollars. But I am proud to raise this money as it is going for the education of boys and girls.
 Education is a great thing and am sorry that I did not have the op- portunity to go through college but I shall do my best to aid all that can in these days to go through some university if they desire. The trend of times is changing so that instead of Americans sending their children to Europe to study, the Europeans will be sending their children to this country to earn'
 In a few added words Mir. Groner told the members not to be ashamed or to shun the man who today IS washing windows but tomorrow may be doing great deeds. His talk was greeted with loud, applause.
 Rev. John l.. Davis Talks.
 Rev. John l.. Davis was called up- on by the president for short talk. Mir. Davis continued the thought or the address given by MT. Groner, and stated that the road of the highest is open to the lowest. He urged every man in the audience to aid the work ing man of today. He also stated that in the sums of New York there are people who do believe that if they care to reform American society will help them and not down them.
 Club One Year Old.
 In honor of the first birthday of the New Brinin Rotary club there was huge birthday cake in front of the president at his table. On this cake was one little candle to show that the club had passed through one year of existence.
 Leon Sprague, president. was called upon for a few words. MT. Sprague said that the spirit of the men has been wonderful during the past year, and the work has been greatly ap- preciated. He praised those who had served on the various entertainment committees during the past year, but said it was all done in the spirit of Rotary.
 The New Britain club has 52 mem bers, but during it's first year was linn ited for taking applications by the Rotary club. The bans will be lifted soon, however and it is hoped that the membership will increase greatly during the. next and second year of the club.
 P. LeRoy Harwood Speaks.
 P. LeRoy Harwood, president of the Mariners Savings bank in New London, gave an interesting talk, hav- ing as his subject Relationship of Thrift to Financial Conditions" Tn a few words, MT. Harwood stated that | thrift begins with the saving of | money. He did not urge people to save however if they are suffering fo" "hn want of the money they have placed in banks or other saving institutlune.
 MT. Harwood explained in his own words how he thought that thrift | should be subject taught in the pub lie schools, and hoped that it would be compulsory in the years to come. The banks of today, MT. Harwood ex- plained. offer the public better chance to save than in former years inasmuch as there is more competi- tion in the larger cities and they are making better offers to the public.
 Meeting for Next Week.
 Allen Hazen, an engineer of New York, will address the members of | the Rotary club at their meeting to be held at the Elks' club on Thursday | noon of next week at the usual time. He will talk on the New Britain water project. The business men of the city are extended an invitation to attend