Rotary Club of Norwich
November 25th, 2020
Location-Courtyard by Marriott
THE RONE
Presiding: President Mary Richardson
Invocation: Gary Young
For most of us the month of November
Is a time to give thanks and a time to remember
That being a Rotarian-though special and nice
Requires time-talent-and sacrifice
We give thanks that you have helped us keep living
Lives that are full of helping and giving
We give thanks for our families and good home cookin’
And that at least in our mom’s eyes we are all good lookin’
We give thanks for the privilege to bow and pray
That you are willing to listen to the words we say
We give thanks for our homes and food on the table
And thanks for helping us be as good as we’re able
We give thanks that you care for us so much
Always ready to reach down with a healing touch
We give thanks for blessing the fruits of our labor
And thanks for helping us love our neighbor
Thanks for helping us be humble
And for picking us up whenever we stumble
We’re thankful you don’t leave us lost or forsaken
For you know every tear cried-every breath that is taken
So amidst the turkey, potatoes and stuffing
Lord we want you to know that we are not bluffing
For you’ve called us worldwide to do our part
And we gladly give back straight from the heart
Now let’s give thanks for the usual stuff
For the food and the fellowship always more than enough
And until we get together again
Let’s praise the Lord and say Amen
Fellowship: Barry Shead
Birthdays: Larry Fowler – November 30th
Anniversaries: Joel Etra 26 years on December 1st and Lottie Scott 29 years on December 1st!
Visiting Rotarians: None
Guests: Mary Richardson introduced April Griffin from the Norwich Housing Authority
Barry’s fellowship gave a brief history of the origins of Thanksgiving Day. The 1st Thanksgiving was celebrated in November of 1621 in Plymouth, MA. It was said to have lasted 3 days. Of the 120 Pilgrims who set out for the new world, only 51 were alive for the Thanksgiving celebration. The Wampanoag Indians helped the uninvited settlers through their first year in their new home. Had they had not helped the Pilgrims they most likely would have starved to death. The Wampanoag Tribe was lead be woman. 90 Wampanoag’s attended the first Thanksgiving feast. During the first year of the Pilgrims arrival they signed a document called the Mayflower Compact that later became the model for the Massachusetts Constitution.
Announcements:
*The school supply drive will continue to January. Please bring Crayola Crayons, Crayola Markers and Ticonderoga Pencils to the weekly meetings for collection.
*If you know of anyone who would be a good speaker at one of our Rotary Meetings contact Bob Farwell or Kevin Wickless. Speakers can be done virtual as well if needed.
*The Norwich Rotary Club will hold the Annual Meeting on December 31st to approve nominations for club officers and directors.
*Mary Richardson said the board approved $500.00 to support for the RCC request for money to aid in the Greenville Playground improvements
*Sign up to ring the bells for the Salvation Army on Friday and Saturday’s during December up until Christmas.
*President Mary Richardson made a presentation of 48-$40.00 gift cards from Shop Rite Supermarkets to April Griffin from the Norwich Housing Authority.
Happy Dollars: Andy Grant:
Andy Grant gave Happy Dollars as he was happy to have signed a lease for a new store in Waterford! Also Andy was happy for his 8 month old granddaughter!
Gary Young Gave for Joel Etra and was happy his wife Roz got out golfing. Gary also said his visit to the Department of Motor Vehicles was a pleasure for a change and with the new appointment system he was out in 20 minutes with his new license!
Mary Richardson gave to welcome April Griffin to the meeting and was looking forward to Thanksgiving! She also had Happy Dollars on behalf of Susy Hurlbert who was unable to make the meeting but wanted to wish everyone a happy Thanksgiving.
Mike Matera has been working 7 days a week as of late to clear out his building for a new tenant moving in. Job finished he said he didn’t know what to do on Monday morning! He also stated he has been involved to the Tommy Toy Fund since 2003 and they are looking for help wrapping toys and distributing on December 16th and 17th. Contact he or Jim Konrad if you can set aside some to help.
Nancy Gentes had bucks to wish everyone a Happy Thanksgiving!
Jennifer Granger announced that this year will be her first time making Thanksgiving Dinner!
Barry Shead gave $10.00 in honor of Mike Matera, Andy Grant on the opening of his new store and for Mary Richardson for running a very successful Liberty Bank Thanksgiving Challenge. Barry was also happy his daughter will be home for the Thanksgiving holiday. Barry also had good luck renewing his license, but not at the DMV, he went to the AAA!
Auction: Barry Shead donated $20.00!
Lottery: Bill Champagne
Gary Young, & April Griffin, and Gary Young (again!) drew cards! The Ace of Spades is still safe for another week!
Program: No Program today.
President Mary adjourned the meeting at 12:35pm.
Respectfully submitted,
Bob Reed – RONE Reporter