Club President Mary called the meeting to order promptly at 12:15.
- Barry Shead provided an eloquent invocation, followed by a moment of silence in memory making note of the death of past president and passionate Rotarian Bonnie Hong. Barry referred to her correctly, as a “club pillar.” President Mary noted the recent obituary in the New London Day.
- Mary introduced a special guest, her sister Frances Brunault (sic?) live in London.
- Fellowship: Ray noted an astonishing anniversary, Stan Lucas, 44 years! Ray proceeded to regale the club with jokes from his personal vault of humor.
- President Mary offered several announcements, including progress on a $1,000 district grant which may be for a community garden at St.Mark’s church but could be a different program. She attended a district membership meeting but no epiphanies were forthcoming. She invited Day reporter Claire Bissett to speak to the club and noted as forthcoming programs Jodie Savage and the recrudescence of Service Person of the Month!
- Happy Dollars with Jen Granger! Many dollars were contributed in memory of Bonnie and were accompanied by recollections of memorable events during her club membership:
- Jen recalled Bonnie’s purple finger during a campaign against polio. Jen allowed that she was also glad to fully vaccinated and wearing something other than pajamas.
- Presidente Supreme Mary recalled a memorable car trip to New York and Bonnie’s driving. She allowed that she seriously considered taking the train home.
- Bob Reed described Bonnie as a gracious person and great host. He greeted Frances and reminisced about attending Rotary meetings in London which were particularly convivial.
- Ray remembered Bonnie as personifying “service above self.”
- Past President Mike Cooney said he will miss Bonnie and described her as a “force of nature.” Mike recalled in particular her work on the budget and generous contributions to Happy Dollars. He was saddened by the fire at the Hole in the Wall Camp.
- Nancy Gentes recalled a memorable Christmas celebration at Bonnie’s home and recommended the New England sailing Foundation as a future club program.
- Gary remarked on Bonnie’s significance to the club. In addition, he applauded Stan’s anniversary and thanked Barry for sharing lunch.
- Andy Nollman recounted Bonnie’s Patriots ticket experience, especially her being geographically challenged and unaware that Foxboro was not adjacent to Boston! Andy is ecstatic that his parents are scheduled for their second vaccine.
- Jim Daly allowed that he had not had a great week but Barry’s ARC cookies fixed that! He described Bonnie as a wonderful person but acknowledged the perils of bidding against her.
- Joel and Roz recalled Bonnie with affection and reflected on sharing a Passover celebration with her.
- Barry remarked on Bonnie as an active and passionate person and club member but one whose driving habits were notorious.
- Bill Champagne was pleased to see Frances, will miss Bonnie, and reminded everyone of the next Norwich Race Equity Committee’s next program on February 23 at 7:00 p.m.
- The meeting concluded with a careful recitation of the Four-Way Test.